Happy Jack

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1443798875' post='2877842'] Did you find something you like at Macaris? [/quote] The only one left over ... since 2006! Seriously, this is the 8-string bass they have had on display for at least five years and almost certainly nine. I'm pretty sure these are the original strings too. As you can imagine, a certain amount of haggling was involved. I'm very happy with this as a toe in the water. Thanks for the tip.

[quote name='Jazzneck' timestamp='1443808749' post='2877942'] Having identified the band from the ad, looked and listened to their website ... [/quote] Well, to do all that research you must be committed, right?

[quote name='Fitzy73' timestamp='1443537038' post='2875624'] update , I was promised a neck by lakland last week by email . [/quote] No, absolutely not. Reject any offer of parts and demand a brand new bass or a full refund. You're in Ireland but even if that's the south I'm pretty sure you have virtually the same Sale Of Goods law as in the UK. The shop aren't "being helpful" or "doing you a favour", they're legally obliged to do this. You did keep the receipt, didn't you?

In truth, there is so much wrong with so many of these adverts that it is actually a bit pointless fixating on just one phrase. I just spent three (count them, three) minutes on Gumtree and came up with any number of downright foolish adverts. Try this one: https://www.gumtree.com/p/other-musicians-wanted/bass-player-urgently-wanted-for-live-show-the-garage/1135985303 Now these people are probably absolutely straight, nice people, good musicians. I wouldn't know. How can you tell? Apart from the venue and the date, there is literally NO information. I don't know what the line up is, what sort of music they play, whether they're any good, is money involved at all, where and when they want to rehearse, etc. etc. etc. And all that for a one-off dep role for their "main bassist" (they operate a roster system?). Who in their right mind would waste their time replying to that advert, and how could any reply NOT be a time waster?

You have a problem with ZZ Top?

Subject on hold ... watch this space ...

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1443791797' post='2877748'] ... and that's why I prefer a piano. [/quote] Sorted: http://www.gak.co.uk/en/korg-rk-100s-keytar-red/93243?gclid=CjwKEAjw1riwBRD61db6xtWTvTESJACoQ04QBPtYTd2QAzVZQeFZ5oOySvz0RJ0QcC3I7lUw665HUBoC_-bw_wcB

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1443791473' post='2877746'] In answer to the OP..as haven't been able to read the other replies as yet... [/quote] You are a time waster and I claim my £5.

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1443781343' post='2877608'] These are the time wasters and they should all f*** off and die! [/quote] Sooner or later you are going to have to get off the fence on this subject, y'know.

"No time wasters."? Pah ... that's nothing compared to "Must be committed.".

That Ishibashi website is not for the faint-hearted or the impatient. Hard work.

Why are there fretmarks in the upper register along the FAR side of the neck on that bass?

[quote name='alyctes' timestamp='1443645497' post='2876640'] I don't know about 8-strings, but Thomann were selling Dean Rhapsody 12-string basses earlier this year. [/quote] Here's the 8-string: http://www.thomann.de/gb/dean_guitars_rhapsody_8_bubinga.htm If you ask them to fit an extra four strings, they knock £35 off the price: http://www.thomann.de/gb/dean_guitars_rhapsody_12_trans_black.htm Bass Guitar Magazine rates them: http://www.deanguitars.com/content/articles/pages/rhap.htm The reviewer wasn't so concerned about separate saddles, though I'm not sure I follow his logic. 8lbs 8oz seems remarkably light ...

I've had SO much helpful advice on that subject in the last week, Basschat at its finest. Love the idea of that Kramer I spotted on eBay, but splashing £1000 on a bass I've never played, to be played in a style I've never used, in a band that has no suspicion as to what's on the horizon ... maybe not. Watching eBay (UK) to see what surfaces, and I'll stroll down to Macaris a bit later and see what they have by way of Dean Rhapsody basses.

You mad impetuous fool! Like it though.

Outstanding presentation. I came away determined to try some techniques I've never previously been interested by. First time I've seen this guy in action, he's a natural entertainer and a really nice guy.

Because red is too heavy, man.

Some excellent ideas here, thanks. I've thought quite seriously about the conversion idea, but I suspect there'd be worms everywhere. In particular I'd be worried about the tension on the neck, and about the pickup choice. Trouble is, it wouldn't really be possible to do a cheap "recce". By the time you've sourced & fitted extra tuners, replaced the nut, found a suitable bridge, and anchored the extra strings in the body, there's a pretty substantial investment gone into a mere experiment. On balance, buying a cheap bass that was designed and built as an 8 and then trying to improve it must make more sense.

OK, look what I've found now: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131615738395?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT So yes, that really is all original. And 10.5lbs. Ulp. And it's a lot cheaper than the Japanese one I posted earlier, but will still come up to about £1000 by the time you factor in shipping, duty and VAT. How heavy was that Shine?

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1443616661' post='2876256'] 1. Don't buy anything that doesn't have individual adjustable saddles for each string in the pair. [/quote] Speaking of which, this surely cannot be the bridge as Kramer intended it? Look at the way the upper course strings run ... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Used-Vintage-KRAMER-1980-XL-8-Aluminum-Neck-8-Strings-Bass-from-Japan-/291573896404?hash=item43e32894d4

I'm perfectly relaxed about short-scale (my first basses were vintage Hofners) and I can see how that might work in favour of the high-tuned courses. Kramer & BC Rich appeal, but I'll certainly take a closer look at Ishibashi ..

[quote name='Jecklin' timestamp='1443607855' post='2876107'] I guess I need to see a composer/performer playing their own genre specific material where the ERB instrument no longer matters. [/quote] http://youtu.be/FE9o0kT11Xw

[quote name='Low End Bee' timestamp='1443615313' post='2876225'] Hagstrom? This is a re-issue. Don't know if they're any good. Saw Nick Lowe use one of the originals a couple of times and it sounded great. [/quote] If I might refer you to the OP: [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Tried out one of the current Hagstrom 8-strings yesterday but it was thoroughly [/font][/color][i]meh [/i][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]and really rather badly made too.[/font][/color]

Well it's a bit rich to claim that album for the 80s. In that case, can I have Abbey Road?

[quote name='bobmartin' timestamp='1443611600' post='2876156'] ... and now keep busy on the trombone ... [/quote] Euphemism?