SpondonBassed

[quote name='SpikeBass' timestamp='1495027270' post='3300599'] The BIG update is here. I have the bass back, it is 200% better than it was but due to a rise at the heel end of the neck it could not be done to Terry's satisfaction and as a result he did not charge me for the re-fret or the time spent.. It will need to have the rosewood taken off the neck, planed down and then reset again. I do not have the money for that right now but I WILL be getting it done by Terry. The P-Ups are dead so they will go away for a rewind in good time, until then, I have used the ones from my HCT and they are identical and sound GREAT. The action is well playable especially for traditional SKA it makes for a very 'upright' sound, I love it. Here are some photos, I bought Terry a very nice bottle of wine as a 'thank you', I have a lot of work done with Terry, he is always bang on the money & honest. [/quote] It's looking lovely. It's also great to hear that it is playable despite the remaining problems. Well done to Terry and yourself.

[quote name='bassmonk' timestamp='1494972560' post='3300175'] That is the funniest YouTube video I've seen this year. Literally laughed out loud. There's definitely a marketing opportunity there.. "New addition to our spring range - The Buttery Biscuit Bass" - but which manufacturer would be most likely to make it? [/quote] Greg Wallace and John Torode's TV shows were sampled by Shaun Keaveny of 6music's breakfast show. The presenter uses the sound bites to punctuate his routine and sometimes it's laugh out loud funny. Favourite quotes are "Stop! Stop touching it." and "That piece of meat had everyone confused". http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/player/bbc_6music

[quote name='bassmonk' timestamp='1494971969' post='3300165'] Hopefully not! But I see they are doing a 30th anniversary model at the moment - so maybe in 10 years' time..? [/quote] But then you'll be fifty and I'll be sixty four. Will you still need me, will you still feed me?

Does anyone else think that the Modfather's voice is going a bit Axl Rose? I actually thought it was Axl singing on the radio when they played one of Paul's new releases the other day. Might be chronic constipation. I'll have to watch the repeat of LWJ on Friday to see what's going on.

[quote name='T-Bay' timestamp='1495001814' post='3300248'] You have obviously met our guitarist then? It's learn to fly by Foo Fighters, stupid really as it's such a simple song. I think it's partly because it's one of my favourite songs, I just get lost in the chorus. I played again last night after posting this and not sure if it's the guitar or the vocals that are throwing me. It just all goes a bit sex pistols live free for all style. I can play it 100% without thinking on its own. I will give the ideas on here a try and keep at it. [/quote] I get the impression that you've really got the bit between your teeth on this one. If that's so it's understandable. If you haven't taken a break from the song since picking it up then consider doing so, completely. If time allows you to take a whole day away from it I'd recommend that. Play something as different from the tricky song as you can, go and have a coffee, come back and play something different again. As you let go you might just get that eureka moment where something "clicks" subconsciously and you're there. I have every confidence in you. You'll be fine.

[quote name='Chris Sharman' timestamp='1494970812' post='3300153'] sit down with your guitarist for a while and ask him about his gear. Focus especially on his effects pedals and why he uses "this setup for this track" etc. After two hours of listening to him drone on about that you will find it easier to ignore any other noise he makes! (it's a service I provide this - NEXT!) [/quote] Excellent.

[quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1494970357' post='3300146'] I can get an old door and shelf if you want to do a swap... [/quote] I tried something similar at the bash. When Jabba won the raffle I stole my chance and suggested that he could make room in his car for his new acoustic guitar by letting me have that remarkable piezo. I wasn't bothered that it isn't actually finished. My cunning plan failed. Dang.

[quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1494958503' post='3300004'] The threaded end goes into the back of the bass. The 2nd one is for the lady bassist who might want more stability (I'm sure there's a male version with a hoop instead of a ball). [/quote][attachment=245452:BoggleEyed.png]

[quote name='ahpook' timestamp='1494926796' post='3299574'] Thanks for the suggestions folks (although I'd rather use switch cleaner to clean switches rather than WD40). I emailed the folks at Servisol and they're going to send me some spare tubes as they don't supply the spray tubes any more. Silly, really - I use the tubes almost every time I use the stuff...which is why they get lost I suppose [/quote] In fairness, they are not retained very well. The idea that you can just pop them back into the elastic band around the can is fine when new but the rubber perishes very quickly if you get fluid on it. Maybe someone will remedy that one day...

[quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1494936361' post='3299711'] You mean one of these? Just need to build up my core strength. [/quote] Yup. But I am not sure about where the second one should go... I suppose folk might pay extra to see. I'm not [i]that[/i] broke yet. PS; Are you saying those are what I was joking about only they're real?

[quote name='PaulWarning' timestamp='1494923913' post='3299544'] I practice sitting down but sort of sit on the edge of the chair so the strap is at full length with bass on my thighs, if I practice the normal way sitting down my wrist starts to ache very quickly, I guess I've adjusted my style to allow for a low slung bass (I play pick only) [/quote] Both of my "paddle" guitars have a flip out leg to help with playing when sat down. Still, I have to do what you do and for that reason I seldom sit while playing. I don't adjust strap length between the two though. So far I'm managing the small amount of pick practice that I do fine. It's worth bearing this topic in mind however if I start to do serious playing time.

[quote name='Twigman' timestamp='1494920374' post='3299508'] Simon Gallup goes lower -I'm sure [/quote] Maybe maybe not. I am not about to announce a contest to see who has the lowest hangers however. Heeheehee

[quote name='Geek99' timestamp='1494917720' post='3299481'] Totally disagree from a legal point of view, once you've told them they will be handling stolen goods if they sell [/quote] Fair enough. Point well made.

Have you considered just using WD40? Its moisture displacement properties may stop you needing switch cleaner in the first place. Observe basic precautions of course.

[quote name='Bassmonkey' timestamp='1494883272' post='3299346'] Last year, I had my amp and gig bag stolen. My Orange Terror Bass along with micm wireless pack, bag and leads has now turned up at a local cash converters. I've rung the police and reported the find and await their response. I have the receipt and will contact PMT (where I bought it from) to get the serial number in the AM. I am concerned that it may be sold so plan to go in first thing. Anyone suggest best next steps? Cant believe its turned up since last October. Andy [/quote] Don't let the shop know if you can still avoid doing so. As said already see if you can secure the gear with a deposit. Even if you never get that back it's worth it for a beloved guitar. The Police may take some time.

[quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1494913008' post='3299438'] Many straps have 2 holes on the tail end about 4" apart, could you not make use of these if you really need to be adjusting your bass height? Reading chris b's post, I think he's suggesting the same, but with strap locks. I don't adjust my bass height regardless of playing fingers (which is the majority these days), slapping or with pick. The bass is the same height whether sitting or standing. Bellybutton at the middle of the bass. [/quote] You are lucky to be proportioned that way. The crowning achievement would be for you to arrange a belly button bearing attachment to your guitar that allows subtle guitar rotation in the style of ZZ Top.

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1494889776' post='3299414'] I reread that and it sounded like I was saying put 2 straplocks on the bass. . . what I meant was keep the button on the bass (in the usual place) and put 2 locks on the strap. [/quote] Even better!

[quote name='PaulGibsonBass' timestamp='1494879278' post='3299297'] ...I dont slap but if i did I'd probably have to wear the bass higher though. [/quote] Unless you have one of those thumbs that naturally bends back on itself nearly at right angles. I've noticed how that seems to be an asset for slappers lucky enough to have those sort of knuckle joints.

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1494878512' post='3299284'] Low end, low strung strap. Simples, innit. [/quote] Hooky. Mind you he said in interview that he might have reconsidered his strap length now that he suffers with his shoulder and neck. He was THE lowest of the low slung bassists of my era. It is an impressive look for the stage but I often wondered if he ever sat and practised at "normal" height when no one was looking.

[quote name='Burrito' timestamp='1494876411' post='3299266'] I think you just experiment and find a balance. I use both and try not to get too drawn into any of the countless rows across all the forums in the "pick vs fingers" debate. A bit of practice and you get used to flipping between the two at any length. [/quote] I admire those players who can do finger style with a pick tucked away in their plucking hand ready to seamlessly transition to pick mode and back. Try saying that out loud quickly! One day I hope to be capable of that. Not great if you have CTS though I suppose so plus one for the alternating strap button idea.

[quote name='Bottle' timestamp='1494871695' post='3299222'] Sorry to have completely missed this one snot-monster arrived on Friday and I've been reduced to laying on the sofa over the weekend blowing copious amounts of green gunge out of my nose still, managed to shift through the whole "Line of Duty" DVD boxset...... Next year, well we shall see! [/quote] I hope, at least, that it was Trace Elliot green in keeping with the theme of the day... Get well soon. Catch you next time 'round.

[quote name='AdamWoodBass' timestamp='1494862312' post='3299105'] All good points guys thank you. Just to clarify I tend to play for a couple of hours every day and have a pretty structured practice routine, and like ambient said I too used to play for 12 hours a day at uni and probably 15+ afterwards when I was doing it for a living. Nowadays I try to get a "shed session" in maybe once a month where I'll spend a whole weekend working on tunes but I probably have overdone it a little recently. I think I will take a look at my strap height though, as I'm probably not doing myself any favors there. [/quote] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/305744-pick-vs-fingers-strap-length/page__view__findpost__p__3299160"]http://basschat.co.u...ost__p__3299160[/url]

[quote name='T-Bay' timestamp='1494862601' post='3299111'] Agree with ^^^^ unless you are in a 60s cover band in which case I think they are supposed to be placed just under the chin aren't they? [/quote] Anywhere between the chin and the waistband will do just fine. [attachment=245347:HighWaistband.png]

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1494855219' post='3299020'] Local education authority. [/quote] Thank you.

[quote name='Twigman' timestamp='1494832427' post='3298733'] ...A 20 second google found a backline rental place in Barcelona I linked him to exactly something suitable. He rented something else. [/quote] Sorted then? Good one.