Cato

Two words. Russian Hackers.

[quote name='SpondonBassed' timestamp='1488312713' post='3247855'] Aw. I can't do FB. Any chance you can get it on YT please Blue? [/quote] +1 I need to see the legendary 'invisible bear' dance.

Axe Bass (the 90s budget model, not the Gene Simmons variety) into a no name 30 watt combo at mates house party. We only knew about 7 songs, you can imagine how terrible we were.

[quote name='Dazed' timestamp='1488222702' post='3246979'] Here's the U.S. prices. Not sure how up to date this is but I guess there'll be shipping and export/import duties built into the prices. Probably cheaper direct from Germany. http://www.basslabusa.com/products/basslab/price.html [/quote] Cheers for that. It 's not completely out of reach then. Something to ponder and dream about... Sorry for the thread hijack Spondon.

[quote name='Dazed' timestamp='1488129554' post='3246110'] I've been looking at Basslab instruments for a while now. http://basslab.de They build using their own recipe "tuneable composite" materials layered over a form which is later removed, leaving a hollow body (and neck!). They use automotive paint and lacquers even on fretless basses, where the fretboard is also often painted. [/quote] Now I've got gas for something I didn't even know existed 2 minutes ago. Edit: I can't find any info on pricing but I'm guessing we're talking Ritter money?

[quote name='Rikki_Sixx' timestamp='1488209486' post='3246804'] First time I've ever seen twin strap buttons. Is that to prevent forward "lean"? (can't think of a better word for it!) [/quote] I think the idea originated with headless basses to keep the tuners off the ground,I've got them on a Washburn Status, but it makes any bass that much more stable when left leaning against something.

As far as I'm concerned anything that can be used to create music is a 'real' instrument, be it turntables, sequencers or even a program on a laptop.

I've got a VM70s Jazz that I'm very happy with. I have changed the pickups the bridge and the electrics but that was more because I wanted to experiment with modding a bass than because there was anythinh wrong with stock items. My feeling is that the Affinity range are pretty much bog standard starter instruments, no better or worse than anything else in that price bracket. The VMs are excellent intrstruments for their price range. It gets a bit trickier with CVs. They do have an excellent reputation but they're priced so closed to the equivalent Mexican models that I'd certainly want to do a side by side comparison before deciding whether to go Squier or Mexican.

I've been very impressed with the Denon systems I've heard. A mate of mine has this http://m.richersounds.com/#!/product/deno-heos-hc-blk Which is excellent, although probably not suitable for semi detached or terraced housing as I can imagine the bass transmitting straight through any party walls.

The Anthrax version of Got the Time, back in my metal days. http://youtu.be/be7iNHw8QoQ It's not a difficult song, but the bassline is relentless. I just didn't have the speed or endurance to play it finger style. I eventually gave up and played it with a pick, which was still a bit of a work out. 25 odd years on I just tried it again finger style and it's still a tough call. I can just about do it, but I'd definitely need a couple of ballads to recover straight afterwards. Frank Bello is a machine.

IBTL

[quote name='Naetharu' timestamp='1487939569' post='3244351'] I assume this is the new Amazon version of an Ipad rather than the E-reader Kindle? Do you happen to know what software it runs on; is it an Android or does it use bespoke software? [/quote] The software is a bespoke version of Android, which seriously limits the amount of apps available for the device. It is apparently possible to get it to run standard android apps, but it's a bit of a faff. I've got one of the earlier Fire models, which I only use as a portable TV these days, after getting frustrated with the lack of apps and buying a full blooded android tablet for everything else.

The Yamaha BB424 puches well above it's price bracket and it should be pretty easy to try out in a shop as a lot of places stock them. I wouldn't worry to much about the action at this point in your journey. I takes a while to build up strength in the fretting hand, everything becomes a lot easier over time, plus string easily adjusheight is easily adjustable on most basses.

[quote name='leschirons' timestamp='1487799058' post='3243114'] I've just watched a performance on the Brits where the song is seemingly entitled Shutdown. Now, I'm in no way criticising the artist or performance. I fully understand that this guy's target audience does not include me but I could only get the one word (or maybe it's two) Shutdown. It's all over for me isn't it. Especially as it crossed my mind that maybe he's singing about his local B&Q or Phones4U. I feel like a dinosaur and it's getting near extinction time.😶 [/quote] I think it's probably a generational thing. I'm 42, when I was growing up rap, hip hop and dance music were part of the mainstream & have always been on my playlist. I remember Cliff Richard moaning about rap on Wogan in the 80s, complaining that it was just people talking over a beat.

Dee Dee Ramone taught me rhythm and where the notes are on the fretboard. I learnt by playing along to Ramones tracks. He may not be technically the best but he taught me how to play. For that reason,as far as I'm concerned, he's No. 1.

Newcomer: Do you do Tapas? Landlord: Get out of my pub,you're barred. (Regulars mysteriously produce various farm implements and flaming torches and chase newcomer out of the pub)

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1487533175' post='3240575'] Nope never heard that rule, and you CAN shoot the white backwards too before you start! Are we nominating which pocket for the black? [/quote] No but you only get one shot on the black,no free shots carried over and if you foul on the black you forfeit the game.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1487532207' post='3240551'] Oh ffs, I've put 50p on the edge of it, which as we know means it is now legally binding that I'm on next, loser racks up...... [/quote] I can't see your name on the blackboard. We've been waiting an hour to get on....

[quote name='Cato' timestamp='1487464134' post='3240056'] And then there's this. One of my all time favourite songs. http://youtu.be/LyMGEq82uL4 [/quote] Also this, another heart breaker. http://youtu.be/Vgwp-iQenn4

And then there's this. One of my all time favourite songs. http://youtu.be/LyMGEq82uL4

Welcome to the club. My 2016 Deluxe Special is my new favourite bass.

I liked the intro but it sort of lost me when it went all 90s metal. No doubting the skill though.

Ultimate guilty pleasure, also made me a small fortune busking it in the early 90s. http://youtu.be/Oztkl0GKTng

Fender Custom shop relicing just seems like an excuse to slap another couple of grand on the price tag. I mean are the Dusty Hill signature or the Jaco Custom relics really £4k+ basses? As far as I can tell there's no fancy woods or electronics in either bass and the relicing must be done via some sort of template to get them all looking identical, so unless both models are being hand whittled from a single tree trunk I just can't see how they justify their price tags.

[quote name='bubinga5' timestamp='1487005246' post='3236200'] Awsome!! [/quote] Yep. I had no idea he could play guitar. I was never that interested in Bruno Mars but since his last few singles and now this I'm beginning to be seriously impressed with him.