Trueno

I have a fretless 4 string Thumb BO. Although it is wonderful in every way, I'm wondering if it will be even more spiffing if I replaced the plastic nut with a brass one. I did have one of the pesky plastic ones break on another Warwick some years ago, so I know they're easy to replace.

... and don't start looking at all the basses for sale!

Once a bass player, always a bass player. I joined this forum to sell one of my two remaining basses... now I've decided to keep both and planning out my practice time again.

Hi. Nothing wrong with a ridiculously over the the top rig in a spare bedroom... go for it!

I haven't fallen off a stage, but a did once smack my head against a scanner at the side of the stage. I bled like a pig for the whole of the gig. Doesn't the guy from Flaming Lips do that... or maybe John Otway after "givin' it 'eadbuts".

[quote name='thebrig' timestamp='1468079080' post='3088488'] You know what, I was thinking of starting a thread on the very subject of singers/vocalists crying off with sore throats, I've played in about ten bands, and I think I can honestly say that every single frontman in those bands has cried off at least once with a sore throat, obviously we have to take their word for it, but I do sometimes think that it's their version of a bad back that some people use when they want a day off work. [/quote] Should you start such a thread, I shall be there!

[quote name='Maude' timestamp='1468070931' post='3088421'] I can't afford a music stand as my band gigs for free because we have no talent. Being talentless means we can't remember how any songs go so we don't play anything. It's an unbreakable cycle but we're all happy because we're in a rock band and the punters are happy because they can hear themselves speak. Sometimes it seems silly but I learnt it all on Basschat so it must be the way to go. [/quote] I nominate this post as the winner!

It would make sense to do both to suit whatever song you're playing at the time. But I never use a pick because I can't hold on to the nasty wee things!

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1467985283' post='3087828'] We don't use 'em because we're amateur bands with a pro attitude. [/quote] That's game, set and match for me... you can't tell I'm watching Wimbledon? I'd like to be in your band...

[quote name='leschirons' timestamp='1467972233' post='3087642'] On the odd occasion where I do need notes, it's on a sheet on the floor in BIG writing next to the set list. [/quote] That works... for depping or new songs. Depends where you stand, but I've gaffa'd a few notes on the back of a PA speaker... in thick pen and large letters. Sometimes it's just the fact that you know it's there.

Classical musicians, for example, use stands because a) the music tends to be more complex, and b) they can be playing a high turnover of long pieces... eg. a new one each week. Guitar bands tend to play without stands because they have an established set list which they could be playing each week for years (ideally, you will learn new songs and end up with a decent sized set list to call upon). Classical soloists don't use stands because a) they engage with the audience more (like guitar bands) and b) they tend to be guest artists... so they may travel widely playing the same few pieces with different orchestras... so they have more chance of memorising fewer pieces. When I started playing sax with a various bands I started out with a music stand, but it got to the point where it became a bit serious (giving up the day job territory) and the music stand was a bit naff and unprofessional, so I put in the extra effort to learn the stuff. I've been in a few bands where the vocalist has had the written lyrics in front of him... I think this is pretty poor and always end up quitting. I suppose it's all a question of projecting the right image for the type of music you're playing... guitar bands have their own conventions just as much as classical ensembles... and it's all good fun.

I spent years as a sax player in a seven piece soul band. We had in our rider: "We will not play Mustang Sally!"

I assumed from the OP that you were intending to have it done by a pro. If you're already used to the waxing I'd definitely consider the full strip job.

PS... Have you tried the Warwick forum? I assume it's still going?

Funny old world... I have a natural finish Thumb that has to be waxed. Once waxed it does look absolutely stunning, but it is a pain to do. I would quite happily have a high-gloss finish whacked on it... possibly at some cost to the tone. Assuming you're not as idle as I am when it comes to waxing, I'd go for a natural or oiled finish rather than a satin finish. My reasoning... if you're going for something different (and expensive) you may as well go the whole hog... you may regret a half-assed solution in six months time. As I hinted at... you may also get a change in tone... which will probably be to your liking if you're already a Warwick fan... the sound of wood and all that! It's not as drastic as it sounds, as a sax player I know of players who used to have the lacquer stripped off their horns for improved tone (but nowadays plenty are sold lacquer free)

Just have two basses now, and I feel they are sufficiently diverse to cover all bases (so to speak). 1 - Warwick Thumb BO, fretless and active 2 - Am Std Jazz, fretted and passive Never played (or wanted to play) anything other than 4 strings, so that saves another complication. Don't gig anymore, so it comes down to fun factor really. Culling basses is mostly a space issue for me, but it always seems a shame if they're in their cases and no-one is playing them. When I was gigging I had a rule, no more than three, and one-in one-out.

You're really rubbing it in with the extra photos. Lovely bass.

Rather lusting after the Nate Mendell bass at the moment, and it is the road worn thing that's putting me off (that... and the fact that I don't really need one and it' just outrageous GAS). Think I may have to see one in the flesh... could be expensive.

[quote name='Kevin Dean' timestamp='1467550125' post='3084451'] Jon shuker is putting some glow dots on the edge of my bass for this reason . I actually moved some lights during a song on the last gig rather that than go blind . [/quote] Do they work like luminous watches? And does the glow last a whole set? Could be a really good idea that one.

[quote name='rogerstodge' timestamp='1467548987' post='3084441'] I use large stick on dots, I don't care if they're nobby , had a sweaty gig the other week and most of them came off, there was a few semitone fluffs I can tell ya [/quote] Good to have some feedback on that point... he! he! Now I think about it... I used to play with my 12" yellow Markbass speaker stuck between two Marshall half-stacks... I think that may have redefined nobbiness!

Seeing that bass players are the cool guys standing at the back, I think sunglasses don't look too nobby. Tried them (I use prescription sunglasses too) but they can slide down yer face when you start sweating. I did most of my gigging with unlined ebony fretless boards... the Warwicks I played had tiny side dots that disappeared in the lights... I did most of my practising at home in the dark... it worked. You could put large stick on dots on the side... but that really would look nobby. LEDs too espensive. For me, loads of lights, scanners, strobes, smoke and... erm... pyrothechnics are all part of the fun. PS... I get the migraine point... That really wouldn't be fun.

I'm not a huge fan of relicing/road worn... but this bass could change my mind. Just love Fiesta Red.