Steve Browning

My folks didn't listen to a lot of music at home. When they did, it was Sergio Mendes and Brazil 66, Frank Sinatra and (my Dad was a saxophonist) Stan Getz, Coleman Hawkins and (my favourite) Ben Webster.

I remember playing one of these many years ago (in a shop near Kingston). It was pretty heavy I recall, but the build quality was something else. One of those basses that just felt 'right'.

My partner sings in a good band of 'mature' musicians. They predominantly play social clubs etc and are popular on the local circuit. They have a need for a keyboard player (BVs would be an asset, but not critical) to take over from the current guy (who is departing). They play a range of material, from R'n'R to disco. I've depped with them a couple of times and they're good folk to be around. Happy to provide additional information or answer any questions.

I have supported Wilko a couple of times in times of yore. Guitar heroes? Does playing with David Gilmour count? 😎

Let it slide.

I would expect the same laws to apply in Latvia as in other countries in the EU. To that end, I would expect you could return for a full refund, as has stated by others. As has also been said, no-one has any practical experience of the situation there, so we can only surmise.

That's your answer. I would love to have my Japanese Precisions back.

My Precision is a year younger, and I am equally happy with mine. Age means it is not in 100% condition but I am 100% satisfied with it.

I will use my Walkabout for rehearsals and small gigs but the bigger rig for larger gigs. To me it's the requirements of the gig that determine which I take, not the frequency of them.

Just checked. I have a 2m ClearTone cable you can have. Van Damme Blue Series 2x1.5mm twin axial (so it says!) cable and Neutrik NL2FC speakon plugs. If you want it, pm your address and I'll send it to you.

Yes, the insert is standard in the new cases.

I bought EA Siren cables a while back and have some spare ClearTone cables kicking around. If I have a 1 metre one it's yours. I'll check later today. Why EA? When a guy who can afford anything replaces all his cabling with it, even the wiring in his cabs, then I figure it's worth it. The Reveal cables are brilliant.

Can you not start the session with the old strings and change if you need to? It's only a 5 or 10 minute job to change them. I am assuming you give them a good stretch when you fit a new set.

Perfectly true. For me it's a way of making the sound a little less sanitised, if you get my drift. I do understand the level of compromise there. For all I know, foh might have the mic off! 🙂

As with recording, I always want DI and mic. I don't carry my own and most stages I find the cab already mic'd. A mic'd speaker is more forgiving than a DI on its own (don't anyone waste their time with any stupid 'technique' answers).

Mine came from Thomann, who state there is stock.

Well. Back from Skegness and have to report the case was wonderful. My two SVL basses were very snug and, while the whole thing is a bit of a size, it is very mobile. Whether you think it's better than individual cases is a matter of choice. It won't go in the car, but then neither does my main rig. That's what the van's for. All in all, very pleased with it, despite the hefty outlay.

And did you shine?

While riding on the coat tails of the Pretty Things earlier success, I was asked to sign a female left breast. Yes it was attached before any clever richard asks!

SVT according to the stage sheet I was sent.

If it's any consolation. I concluded, pretty quickly, that it's not a great 'onstage' option because a degree of care is needed to lift the bass out of the case. For travel I suspect it'll be near unbeatable, but I won't be using it as any kind of stand.

That's a real pity. Mine gets its first proper outing this weekend. I'll be sure to post about about what a complete waste of money it was. 🙂

I have bought from Ishibashi a couple of times. They charge you for the bass and the shipping cost. The carrier will contact you to collect the VAT and other charges - roughly 25% of the amount you paid the shop. It's all pretty straightforward.

Unhappily we have to get into 'all that' to provide the answer. Hopefully the direction of travel is to make it easier but the basic rules will remain.

All very well while you're getting away with it. Knock yourself out but bear in mind that it is not just the smuggled goods that are seized if you are caught. The odds are with you but that's no guarantee.