Trueno

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1502269142' post='3350296'] Very surprised at the suggestions that a shortscale sounds just like a longscale. Quite clearly YMMV, but every shortscale I've owned (= lots) sounds markedly different to a longscale, with a greater degree of "thuddiness" which works very well for some things (blues, reggae, quite a bit of light jazz) but not so for other things. [/quote] I agree. I'm terrible at describing tone, but it does seem a bit different to me. Doesn't put me off, though, just a bit different.

Nicked this idea off someone else, but one band I was in we did the following... We all ambled on to the stage, mooched around, scratched our arses. Then, instead of 1-2-3-4, the singer would suddenly pick up the mic and shout "GO!"... then we'd all pile in to the first song. Needs some practice to make sure you all come in together, doesn't work unless you're as tight as a gnat's chuff.

I always regret selling my Fender Mustang. It was easy to play, great for long rehearsals and quite cool to gig with (IMO). Bit of a different presentation to a 34, but well worth trying. When the subject comes up I always end up pointing out that I'm 6'2" and quite comfortable playing a short scale. I'm currently casting a covetous eye over Hofner Club basses... the contemporary version with the centre block.

Scrunchies... for ponytails. Buy them from a cheapo ladies' accessory style shop for tuppence a ton... or otherwise pay a lot more money for a fretwrap.

I like stories like that... enjoy!

When I have been in bands I always turned up when told, even when I was getting over flu... that was really hard work. Ironically, since I quit work I go on more holidays... so rather than block out whole weeks or fortnights I just don't gig anymore. I'd rather do that than become the dreaded thing I despise most... a flake.

I would have a look a anyone selling on ebay. There may be a genuine trader/specialist shop with an ebay account. I found a really good flute trader that way... I mean serious high end stuff.

I think these issues are relatively unimportant, depending upon the audition. I used to be in a band with a keyboard player like that... and he was a complete ****head, regardless of the dot-reading. If you all get on well and the audition shows some potential... great... but you'll never know until you try.

Maybe it's different if you're mainly a buyer or a seller. I only ever sell stuff, I tend to buy brand new. Recently sold my Warwick Thumb on BC and had no problems at all... it went in a week at a price that (I hope) bother buyer and seller were happy with. If I was looking for a second hand item I'd post a wanted ad and see what happened. I only joined to sell my bass... but got a bit caught up in it since then and resisting the resulting GAS... so far.

[quote name='clunkie66' timestamp='1500907299' post='3340981'] Or should I forget about it, crack on and play the way I feel most comfortable? [/quote] This. You can spend the extra practice time doing something more useful.

I played in WMCs for a number of years pre-smoking ban. I played sax and the sax still smells of stale smoke. The sax (obviously) is brass, so I presume it hasn't absorbed the smoke... maybe it's stuck on like a micro-layer of goo. Funnily enough, the plush lined case is not so bad, probably because it was always kept closed.

You might want a quick look on the Flightcase Warehouse website. Apart from the usuals they also do Spyder cases which are good value. I bought rather nice tweed cases for Les Paul style guitar and an ES335 for £50 each. Not tried a bass case though.

I'm strictly set and forget. Plug in, make sure all the knobs are close to my usual settings, hand a pre eq cable to the sound guy. Does the amp sound like a bass? Yes. Someone trusted at the back of the room... does it sound like a bass and can you hear it in the mix? Yes. Sorted.

So... two new possible threads... 1 Tipping 2 Show us your Nikes (Nikes on the sofa?) I don't mind tipping if it's in the culture. We always tip in cash, none of this adding to the credit card payment nonsense.

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1500102593' post='3335586'] Ah yes. Rhythm stick isn't a personal goal, it's a requirement for the dep gig! Help! [/quote] Best of luck with that... we all love Rhythm Stick... heh! heh!

[quote name='Earbrass' timestamp='1500106529' post='3335614'] For what it's worth my advice would be to hold off spending any money for now. Have a go at recording a few tracks with what you already have. Limited options can be a great spur to creativity, and having wrung all you can out of your current gear you will have a much better idea of where your money is likely to yield the most improvement. [/quote] Absolutely this. I think that working around limited gear aids creativity... then you can work out where your money is best spent. Get too much stuff at once at you may baffle yourself. For myself, I have a Akai mini keyboard (like you) which I play single finger style. I did a passable version of Stevie Wonder's Superstition like this, programming it stepwise. Huge fun. However, as I'm a woodwind player, I am toying with the idea of getting an Akai wind controller (oo-er). Good luck.

There is something pleasing about sweating on a stage for a few hours and being instantly rewarded with a bunch of notes. Being paid after the cheque has cleared just doesn't do it.

[quote name='radiophonic' timestamp='1499855707' post='3334047'] 45 - 100 ideally. I have 45 - 105 at the moment but I find the 105 a bit heavy. 40 is too light on the top for me. [/quote] Me too. Just gravitated over the years to the point where 45-100 is my go to.

I suspect that James only joined the forum to buy my bass, but if he returns to buy or sell anything I can confirm that he is a top bloke. He had no posts or feedback but was patient when I asked him to prove he was a real person (he is) and the whole deal proceeded without pain. Hope he enjoys twanging his new fretless Thumb as well...

I'm not even a 5 stringer myself, but that looks the business.

[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1499617944' post='3332526'] Never heard of Pro Guard, another ACS user here! Si [/quote] Yeh! It came up on bing search engine. At first I assumed it was the customised ones everyone uses on here. They are more expensive though... don't know if you get anything extra for your money.

[quote name='eddiehoffmann' timestamp='1499454117' post='3331723'] I know what you mean. I'm a big guy though I always feel I look a bit ridiculous with a small bass, like a Mustang. Somehow the Jarman feels really comfortable to me. I can have it hanging lower than my P Bass and I still get good access to the whole neck. I ordered in the dark and I wasn't sure I was gonna like it but I really do. The neck on mine is great! [/quote] I'm 6'2" and been quite happy to gig with a Mustang. Personally, I don't mind looking like a knob... which is probably a good thing really.

I suspect that however good your teacher is, if he's not teaching you what you want it's a recipe for losing your motivation. Lots of people on this forum can have extensive time-outs, including me. The bass isn't going anywhere, don't worry and good luck with finding the right teacher. Can you find any you tube lessons to keep your interest up?