ricksterphil

[quote name='mrtcat' timestamp='1478102347' post='3166785'] Just spent the last hour and a bit in bass direct. Was at an exhibition in Birmingham so stopped in with my colleague on the way home. He's a relative newby player but a very successful businessman. The shop was dead when we arrived but Marcus was friendly and was happy to let us try some basses and answer any questions about the basses and gear in general. My colleague was thinking about a possible new bass and explained that he wanted something light and around the £1200 mark. Marcus let him try Dingwalls and sandbergs that he wanted to look at and then offered a suggestion of a new maruzchychk which was more expensive but might suit better. Instant hit. Job done. £1750 spent with a really nice strap thrown in. It was simply very good service. Mark came out and shook his hand at the end too which was a nice touch. [/quote] Which is what I expected and didn't get when I went. Surely if his lads see what he does (ie just be nice to folk spending their hard-earned) they can simply copy it - it's not rocket science. I don't want slimey car salesmen (although many of those guys have cleaned up their acts lately). There is a balance between being left undisturbed and having some attention paid. anyhow I hope they continue to thrive....and I suspect Mark has got round the high rents/rates issue by working from a small industrial park where such things are much lower. My advice for what its worth to the basschatter wanting to set his own shop up is....see if you can find a small shop with a bit of room to rent you a space first before you commit to all the hassle.

Lindy Fralins?

I bought a bass of them recently - a good deal on a nice guitar but their sales skills are zero (this wasn't Mark but his assistant) I was shelling out nearly £900.....I wanted to be 'stroked' (not physically but you get my meaning) and made to feel welcomed and a valued customer and instead felt like I'd just been to Aldi to buy a bag of peanuts. Mark...if you're reading this, looks like you need to send your lads down to Wunjo for the day to see how it should be done. No need to be Arthur Daly / Delboy, just be nice to people and ask if customers want anything else (strings, straps, bags...whatever), which will generate extra sales for you! Rant over

Purchased an excellent Squier Pro Tone from Richard. Excellent communication and personal delivery too! Thanks

Nice one Chris.......I really must get along to your next gig!

Skeg is great if you like tat....and there's plenty of that F*ckin cold in the winter when the wind blows in straight off the North Sea Hunstanton is much nicer but it's a bit of a trek from Skeg unless you're in a boat

I've heard good things about Entwhistle and usually anything by Seymour Duncan is pretty good but I'm not sure they do one ine the right size I've got Delanos in my Sandberg which are excellent and available from those nice chaps at Bass Direct for £200 + postage [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Delano_Soapbars_pickups.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Delano_Soapbars_pickups.html[/url] Or try various pedals....only drawback is you'll end up with a drawer full of unused pedals....still you can always buy 'em try 'em and flog 'em

I have 3 brand new D'Addario Pro Steel strings DOUBLE BALL END 100 GAUGE (not 130's as in picture but the same string other than the gauge) Free to a good home for postage costs UK only (call it £3.00)

Some interesting stories, I've enjoyed reading this thread....and big shout out to all those carrying on in the face of pain and illness. I started gigging at 14 - I played bass because it seemed easier than guitar, but I also did the vocals. I stopped at about 25 as kids came along and humping gear into the back of a van at 2.00 am on New Year's Day took the shine off the playing side. I love playing gigs....the buzz you get back from the audience is like being on drugs (I imagine) if it goes well. Started again in my mid 40's playing guitar, then bought a bass and now I have a bedroom full of gear, play in a blues band and do acoustic stuff with the local guitar club (which involves some local gigs). If that all fell apart tomorrow I'd get myself round the many acoustic nights in the local pubs and show them what the older guys can do (I'm 58). Playing music with others is a special thing, but if that's not your bag, then being a bedroom warrior is just as valid and special. To quote the Cream song....driving in my car, smoking my cigar, only really happy when I play my guitar* *I'm pretty happy when I cuddle my new grandson tbh

Reverb.com all sold out now and to cure the non-reading ting on the E string, just tune to the 12th fret harmonic

Behringer 2x12 (guitar amp), closely followed by a HH Head &4x12......absolute sh*te Trouble is remembering those cr*p amps reminds me of the wonderfull 100w all valve Matamp head I once head - crammed full of Mullards.....WHY OH WHY DID I SELL IT!!!!

No love here for Sandbergs? They are beautifully made and will be lighter than a precision with a fast 40mm width neck.

I aim for somewhere between dog rough and just about acceptable