ezbass

My knees keep telling me I’m older than I am, but then my daft kid brain makes them go out and do things so they ache all over again. It’s all very Joseph Heller.

Sail Away - Clannad

A mere lad! We need you younger folk to balance out those of us of an older persuasion (at least in years on the planet, not necessarily in the way we act or think ).

I did some interesting sport routes in the Dolomites. However, I probably did more VFs. Such a great part of the world for mountain activities.

Last Train To Clarksville - The Monkees

All About That Bass - Meghan Trainor

Baritown - Steely Dan

It was quite the bass but, ultimately, I started to worry about it (which is a nonsense as it was road worn within an inch of its life) and not take it out any more, which was dumb. It was really lightweight but, because of that, had a tendency to neck dive.

Femur From An Imaginary Western - Jack Bruce

I know which bit you mean and I used to play as per the recording, but these days, I find myself repeating the tougher fill and forgetting the easier pentatonic run down. Not showing off, after all it's just for me, but I think it sounds better, although I am trying to ease the other riff in occasionally just so it's there if I need it.

Used to play Pump It Up in a band I was in, so much fun. I even got to play it on one of Bruce Thomas' basses that I bought (he didn't like it as much as his salmon pink one), which was weird and wonderful at the same time.

Living In The Past - Tull

Bass is where it's at, don't bother with the skinny stringed thing. Buy Apple and Amazon shares! Don't start smoking. Be more self confident, you're better than you think, at everything. Don't buy that first Skoda 101, it's crap! Become an educator sooner.

Lucky for me that I've moved out of the area, otherwise my wallet might be in big trouble. Have a great bash.

King of the Road -Roger Miller

It's now been eight months since this wee beastie arrived on my doorstep and I thought it was time for an update. After playing with all the pickup settings, I have settled on the single coil selection as my favourite. Because it's the neck coil, the sound is somewhere between a 'Ray and a P Bass, which makes sense given its placement. It's a really rich, plummy tone that bridges the gap between the 'Ray and P. For songs that need a shade more honk, I just select the parallel setting and it's all good. I've recently lowered the nut slots a bit more and I think it's probably bang on now. I've lowered the action below my usual 2mm and it still doesn't buzz and is super fast for me, there isn't much or any adjustment left in the truss rod, however, not that it needs any more straightening. The action could go lower, but that would require a shim (the E saddle is bottomed out now) and it's really fine where it is. I still find the body a touch small and would benefit from a little more depth for total right forearm comfort, but it's OK really. That's it, nothing more to report, just need to get out and play it with other folk.

Lido Shuttle - Boz Skaggs

I Can't See My Feelings - Budgie

As we’ve gone a bit international - DiMarzio. Every time I’ve needed advice from them they’ve been quick to respond and always helpful. I once received a reply from Steve Blucher, he’s the guy who makes the pickups for Vai, Satriani, etc. He doesn’t need to help the likes of me, but he did. This in stark contrast to another pickup manufacturer on the opposite, US seaboard (sorry for the addition of a negative note there).

You Fool No One - Deep Purple

Bad Monkey - Richard Thompson

Congrats, albeit tempered with large swathes of envy. I see you went for a fiver. I definitely want an upright and preferably a full on DB, but it’s very slim pickings in my neck of the woods. I’ve looked at affordable EUBs but I’m wary of them sounding more like a fretless bass than a DB.

I Don’t Remember - Peter Gabriel

Back in my guitar playing days (yeah, yeah, I know) I was trying out various vibrato systems, to find out which one I preferred (Kahler, if you're interested). Whilst giving it the biggun on the whammy, I looked up to see a somewhat diminutive man, wearing large, aviator shaped, horn rimmed spectacles. I put the guitar down and left. The one and only Hank Marvin was in the shop. In contrast, I was in a shop and was annoyed at some long haired, herbert taking up the shop assistant's time, whilst I was waiting, somewhat impatiently, to be served. "He won't buy that," I thought to myself. He didn't, but that long haired herbert was none other than Rory Gallagher, I felt ashamed for not recognising him and being so dismissive. Another time, I was staring into a guitar shop window, with another couple of chaps, when we joined by another. Looking sideways at the newcomer, I recognised Laurie Wisefield of Home and Wishbone Ash, who was playing in the pit just up the road in We Will Rock You. It was heartening to see that even one of those who have played at some of the highest levels, still window shop just like every one else.