Monz

Played Bb Bass (Tuba) for approx 25 years cant imagine sousaphone being that far removed You will need a good set of lungs and lots of practice, get a shallow cup mouthpeice to start with (the plastic Kelly ones are good). Best bit of advice if you have never played brass before is get lessons or start with the absolute basics like "tune a day" books. Good luck

I have a PJB24B and guess what I use to power it... Preamp stage of a MkVI XP into a Peavey 1200 Poweramp bridged so I get 1200W... better sound for me than a Demeter pre through a QSC 1804 go figure

Top tip number 2... Set the gap betweeen bridge pickup and bottom of B string to 4.5mm and G string to 3.5mm Set the gap between neck pickup and bottom of B string to 6.5mm and G string to to 5.5mm These are the factory settings (apart from the slight angle to boost the top strings) and make the EQ and Pickup Pan work as it should and also you don't end up driving the crap out of the front end of whatever amp you use once you turn the volume above 50% on the bass

For me it's Victor Wooten and MarloweDK Both are my bass heroes and cool as feck

Got there at ten to one thinking we could go in and have a drink... nope didn't open the doors till 2 and you guys weren't due on till 3 so we went on for a drive in the lovely weather instead, will try to catch you some other time

[quote name='geoffbassist' post='1314073' date='Jul 23 2011, 06:41 PM']Hi monz. The details Ive been given are: Coco Ice Bar Market Place Bawtry Doncaster DN10 6JL[/quote] Yeah just been to the website... will see you there, we are going for lunch first (crosses fingers it's not just jazz, a bit of funk would be nice too)

Is this in the crown hotel at Bawtry?

I'm guessing number 1 is an SR5 with the pick up switch in the middle

I would say you are looking at about 800 to 900 for a newish 5HH in good condintion Also having a quick read through some of the comments I would add that pickup height plays a massive part in the sound of these basses and the effeciency of the blend control... Both of the bongos I've had have had the pickups wound right up under the strings when the factory settings should be 4.5mm and 6.5mm gaps betweeen pole pieces and strings this makes the bass a lot easier to control and small movements on the blend makes a massive difference to the tone like 30 degrees of turn takes mine from dub to funk also fresh batteries are a must, if you practice a lot like I do (buffs halo) lol

[quote name='Musicman20' post='1296870' date='Jul 8 2011, 10:06 AM']Well, Im normally a tradtional guy when it comes to designs and colours. I like white/sunburst/tobacco burst...in fact everything I own is like that apart from my natural Tele (hushhhh guitar!). In fact, everything apart from the Big Al looks traditional eg Ray/Jazz/P/Sterling. I am one of those that loves the Stingray 5 pickguard shape....maybe im odd! Anyway, the Bongo has always been one of those that I thought 'hmm, I dont think its for me'. But, the shape and youtube demos have grown on me considerably. I agree Fran, the Big Al is a beast of an instrument. It looks a little odd, but its traditional at heart (especially the tone and the fact you can get normal colours). Ive been VERY impressed with mine. The thing is, from day one, I knew I wanted a Big Al. It didnt need to grow on me, it just seemed awesome straight away. Im probably best sticking with what I have for now. Id like to try one ideally before buying.[/quote] I see you are in NE Lincs so I'm guessing Scunthorpe / Grimsby area. Why not pop over to mine and have a play (Selby) then you can make your mind up. I love mine to bits and they are fantastic in a live situation for getting the sound right, PM me and I'll give you my number