Bridgehouse

Spec’ing out a bass for a custom build was a lot easier than I thought. I have always essentially been a P bass fan, and I really like Alan’s take on it with the 5 string RetroB I have just got - so spec’ing a RetroB was choice one, with the P pickup in the usual place. Decided to go a bit different so also opted for the RFB pickup in the bridge position with cool switching for both. I’m a John East convert - but I also like the ability to run passive as well, so Uni Pre 4 was an obvious choice as well. Ebony board - and decided on lines - not for playability, but just because I like the look of a lined fretless. To me, they look a bit more “stealth” and more like a traditional bass. So that just left the aesthetics..

I’m actually quite tempted as well. I reckon it would be a good backup paired with my barefaced Compact. Then again, you know I’m jonesing for a decent combo as well tho

Having just acquired a fretted 5 from Alan, I decided that I just had to get a fretless 5. The Shuker has been a revelation - and although it’s in hospital at the moment (Urk!) I’ve realised two things. I love playing fretless, and 5 strings really do make a difference (for me anyway). The fretted 5 will get a thorough outing next weekend at a big jam session - and will probably become the main bass I use with my originals band. I’ve already adapted the bass lines for a 5 with some low B action sprinkled throughout. But it just seemed that the obvious thing would be to get a fretless 5. I’ve never had a custom made done before, so contacted Alan and started looking at the options for a fretless 5... we have agreed a spec.. and the quote is coming over tonight for deposit payment... Super excited! I’ll share the build pics I get from Alan here and obviously my thoughts on my first custom build..

I’d be out of there faster than a toupee in a hurricane...

That’s a good price. I paid more for my k10.2

I’d agree wholeheartedly with that

As well as band work, I play bass at a regular set of guitar-oriented jams. Drums, keys, bass and then up to 20 guitarists swapping in and out on different songs. They pick the songs beforehand so we can learn them. I get to learn a massive range of stuff - and some of the choices make me groan at first. However, once learned, it gives you a totally different appreciation for the song. This weekend coming they have picked “chasing cars” as one track. Lol, I thought - that will be a piece of p1ss.. but no. Yeah so it’s not technically complex at all, but the timing on the bass is so crucial it’s given me a whole new understanding of “in time” 🤣 I would say that learning as much stuff as possible really gives you a better understanding of how to learn - both efficiently and accurately

I’ve been playing music in many forms for many years - many different instruments, many different styles and contexts. I will never be a virtuoso, but I like to think from time to time I can do the right job in the right context in the right band. However, I firmly believe that the minute we stop learning and developing - whether through choice, laziness or arrogance - is when we stop being a musician. Hence, it’s always a journey.

I think upright would be a step too far for me at the moment.. I’m certainly not now going to say never.. whereas before I may have done. Fretless and the extra string will keep my learning curve nice and steep for a while !

Heavy snow storm that day..

Robbie does regularly though

Hang on.. so Peak Power is double (approx) RMS. so that means that Bugera are effectively stating 1000w RMS. Furthermore they are stating 880w consumption - so the amp is, on average more than 110% efficient on average?? Where is this magic box creating the extra power from?!

Lol. My bad

Amen. No pedals (apart from Preamp/DI with maybe a touch of compression) - and amp eq set flat. Slight tweak of the eq on the bass or the tone depending on the song and I’m off. No tweaking mid song or any of that faffing.

Which is kinda what RMS is supposed to do...

Much as the knob twiddling is interesting - I tend to use a bit of tone and a bit of eq on the bass to balance for the room/song, but keep the amp flat. In fact, with a DI pedal I set and forget.

Yep. Always been a sceptic. Mad, I know - but now I’ve tried, I can’t un-try.. just like fretless...

Thought I’d share a few thoughts about my bass journey - mainly because there’s a lot of things I wish I’d have realised earlier on in my playing. The new ACG 5 string has been a bit of a revelation. Combined with the recent fretless acquisition it’s made me realise that I’ve been far too conservative (small ‘c’ !) in my outlook and approach to playing. I’ve attacked the playing side of things and the technique stuff with aplomb - but I’ve cautiously held off on fretless and 5’s for fear that they would be a step too far and knock my confidence or intimidate me too much. Since acquiring one of each I’ve realised I was way off the mark. If anything they’ve boosted my confidence and opened up a whole new world of playing, technique, style and enthusiasm. I don’t see either as being mutually exclusive either - I’ll continue to play fretted, fours, whatever.. but the whole experience has really opened up the possibilities. If you’ve stuck to fours, or been too worried about trying a fretless, then I say do it - I’m so glad I did! And on that note - I’ve been discussing a fretless 5 build with Alan.. lol

“Ideal gift” For the mother in law

There are downsides - you should see some of the stuff I have to buy her! Though it does look like a Stomp is on the cards for the festive season tho

True - I’ll give you that But there’s some serious talent in the foos that isn’t DG as well!

That looks like Safari reader view to me...

Much as he’s most of it, I don’t think the Foos are completely a DG solo act

Mrs B pipes up tonight ”So what bass related tat do you want for commericalmas this year then? I suppose you want one of those little Helix Stamp things?” ”If you say so, dear..”