Burns-bass

Everyone can see how miserable I am, but even I can't fail to be impressed by this. https://reverb.com/uk/item/86596651-fender-jazz-bass-1960-1961-sunburst

I agree, the virtuoso stuff is cool m, up to a point, but it starts to grate in the end. Possibly because once he’d nailed his tone and tricks he never really moved on musically. If never stick on a Jaco record in a million years, but I’d listen to a Joni Mitchell one (and do!).

Agreed. Sanding it won’t break it and it’s a stopgap. If you paid for it to be refinished it wouldn’t be all original so anyone holding out for that would be put off anyway. With all respect, 1992 Stingrays aren’t commanding a huge premium, so I say crack on. I had a funny conversation when I got the jack socket changed on a 1966 fender. The tech joked that the swap probably knocked £500 off the value as it was no longer 100% original.

It’s very hard to get a good sound and I’m working hard to improve my technique. My tendency is to do too much and so I’m doing 2 x 20 minute practices a day which is helping me to reduce (but not remove) potential frustration.

I see this as a response to your post in the FS section and I agree. One would assume someone would have undergone some form of structured training or apprenticeship, but people can call themselves whatever they want. In my sector (copywriting, content and journalism) people can call themselves whatever they want - and they very often do.

This seems like a wonderful idea. Love it.

And most of them seem like thoroughly nice people. That’s the one I’d fail at as I’m horrid.

At this level it’s not technical ability as that’s a given. I guess it’s tone, sophistication and note choice. I admit I used to be envious and disparaging of people who could play better than me. Now, I just sit back and appreciate it.

Im talking about music that grabs you emotionally and viscerally, not that which you need a text book to intuit. It was directly in response to your point that suggested that the reason the person didn’t like funk or jazz was because they couldn’t understand it. While I’m sure it wasn’t meant this way, it smacks of intellectual superiority which is (for me) the antithesis of what the arts should be about.

Then you get into the intellectual appreciation of music being somehow more valid that an emotional connection to it. I understand how jazz and funk work and neither of them is hugely exciting to me anymore, in the main because I understand it. Once you’ve cracked the code (so to speak) a lot of what’s done isn’t as impressive as it once seemed.

I love the 16 year gap and I completely agree with your analysis. Stuff like Vulfpeck typifies this. It’s as bland and derivative as can be.

This is where I’ll be at 10am tomorrow morning.

Just popped you through a message.

This is great. I was inspired by my kids who enter ever new situation enthusiastically and with no negative feelings or preconceptions. That's how I'm trying to be with this and it was a lot of fun. I volunteer with a charity and some of the evidence they produced is that you should always be open to learning new things and challenging your body and brain – just like you are, and hopefully I am, too. Be great to hear more of your experiences as I hopefully progress.

I'm being a little dramatic. The teacher was really positive and friendly and didn't tell me I was doing things wrong, just that there were improvements we could make.

Lot to take in over an hour. Apparently I’m doing everything wrong but we can now make it all right. I’ve started 2025 in the mood for some self improvement and this is a good start.

I will buy the book Chris. It’s £25. I remember when I used to pay someone to service my bikes and motorbikes. Pointless.

I’m not sure where you live but I’d look for a local firm that works with and fabricates fibreglass. Small engineering firms can do incredible work. As a case in point, I needed a spike made for a Burns EUB. I spoke with music shops who told me it was impossible and quoted me hundreds for a replacement. A local engineering firm measured the thread and constructed one for £20 all within a few hours. While it’s unlikely they’d build bespoke they may be able to adapt an existing design. It’s not as if David Gage is building these things himself…

It was in my studio while we were decorating. Think it may be done for but I’ll do my best!

Part of the reason for sale was that it’s a big thing and it gets in the way. But I’ve managed to hide it so we’ll you’d barely spot it.

I think this is the correct advice for me. I really like the bass and it sounds ace and is super sturdy, which matters when you play the kind of places I do. I don’t have the time, patience or temperament to do it myself and I don’t mind paying someone - especially if they are local and a great person as I know from my own bitter experience that money is tight. Appreciate the feedback and advice.

I don’t know if such things exist, but is there a Cello forum you could go on and ask for any used items? Or maybe a local music shop you could ask? This stiff (used bridges and tailpieces) would end up in the bin. It might save you a few quid if they could send them to you. The instrument doesn’t look like it’s in great shape so I’d spend the least amount of money possible.