spongebob

Machine heads - tick! QC - tick! ....but can sound like a classic growling P-bass? Especially as I was looking at the USA H1's before?

Thanks all, keep the opinions coming! As the machine heads have been mentioned, how bad are they? Years and years ago, I had a terrible Jim Deacon Stingray copy. One day when tuning, the head disintegrated in my hand as it was plastic with a platicky chrome cover! Must be better than that, surely? And tone wise - big difference between the CV and VM? I'm still probably still more into the looks of the CV, but does it provide a JJ growl? [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kt2FvbdcAVM"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kt2FvbdcAVM[/url] Unique, but if I could come slightly close.....!

After looking for a P-bass, the H1's, I've only really just starting looking at the new Squires. Budget isn't huge, so the glowing reviews and prices got my attention! It's not for a main bass (never will give up the Rics!), but I do fancy a P for the tone, and also for a bass I can throw around a bit in dodgy dives! I've read some good stuff online, and I do like the look of the Fiesta Red 60's CV. Seems that Squier have all the best colour schemes! The P tone I love is the growly, thick JJ Burnel sound - what I think of as a P. Fully appreciate there's only one of him, but that's the kind of vibe I wouldn't mid hear coming out of one! I like the glossy neck of the 60's CV - my Rics are glossy, so I suppose it's what I've come to like. Not fussed about maple or rosewood. The CV is about 30-40 quid more than the VM....and reason for this? Has the VM got the glossy neck? I suppose the main question is which bass is best suited for the sound I really like? Or is it just a case of getting a good one??

I really like the look of the finish, the addition of the Badass, and the 70's styling! I always feel the MIA looks a bit undistinguished....maybe it's just my poor taste!!

I'm looking at a P bass to possibly satisfy my inner JJ Burnel! Been checking out a few, MIA, and then stumbled across the H1. Thing is, they seem in fairly short supply, even on E- bay. Looked in here too, and not many come up. Shops don't really seem to have them either. Are they just simply not a big seller? I've read quite a few strong arguments to simply plump for a used MIA, and get a case thrown in!

Didn't ever use a tuner before, but use one in the studio the other week, and life was so much easier! Always done it by ear before. Looking at the Boss TU-80....but really open to ideas. Is there one which sorts normal tuning and intonation? On the same tip, I've been looking at some YT clips of bassist using effects. Never ever done this before, but thinking it may add some colour to my sound. Just wondering what people generally use, or can suggest for a starter in this area. If it combines a tuner, the better!

My covers band is trying to fill the diary for 2011. We've got some re-books from this year, but trying to get new venues....phew! I appreciate pubs get overrun with demos, but for the most part, their attitude stinks. I can't believe how rude and off-hand so many are! There just must be an easier way to get a gig....once you're in, that's fine, but it's the getting in at first! I'd love to try a different approach.....but what? Maybe an agent or something, but I wouldn't have a clue where or how to go about it. We were thinking of doing some originals in the new year, but some places I spoke to actually asked if we were an originals band - and if we were, forget it! Really looking for some advice for others on this and how you get on securing bookings in this climate.....help!

I had both my 4003's set-up....and the action is very, very low, about as low as is posible on any bass. They're both standard, no mods or additions. Pickup covers on - I love these! In the right hands, a Ric is perfectly adjustable as any other, and low action makes them play and sound even sweeter!

Hi Nick [url="http://www.simscustom.com"]http://www.simscustom.com[/url] I'm down in Kent, and this man is near me - he's worked on both my 4003's, and really knows his way around a Ric. He works with loads of top names, so you'll be in safe hands. Given the delicate nature of the trussroads and fiddly bridge, you want someone who knows what they're doing with a Ric - Martin is your man if you fancy a short trip to the countryside! Mention that Iain with the two Rics suggested him....might get you a discount....or me next time I visit!! Hope this helps!

Thanks! Got a few more options now. Ordered a set of Chromes from Stringstar on Friday.....before the 2pm cut-off. Didn't get the yesterday, or any e-mail saying they've been sent.....hoping to get them tomorrow!

Done a search, but can't find anything....hope I'm not breaking any rules here (apologies of so). I always buy my strings online - normally Stringbusters or Stringsdirect. I've always found them the cheapest and most reliable to buy from. How about everybody else? Is there somewhere cheaper?? Flatwounds are now about £30 a shot for D'addario Chromes?? Any ideas?

I know they look like the '75 Jazz (£1300??), but has anyone actually played one alongside? Just wonder how it compares? I'm a bit of a gear snob....sorry....had a Squier some years ago, and TBH, it was crap. Been playing Rics ever since, but wouldn't mind a back-up, and for a bit of a change for practice. I keep reading about how good they are now compared to a MIM - I've got TBH, they look fantastic, and to me, a lot better than anything in the MIM or MIA range below about £1000!!

[quote name='Circle_of_Fifths' post='971895' date='Sep 29 2010, 05:20 PM']You mean this one? ::: [/quote] Yes! Yes! That's the one.....looks great. How's it with you?

Has anyone seen the (new, I think) Squier VM Jazz? I've read loads of great stuff on here about the new Squiers - and this looks great - like a '75 Jazz! I'm normally a Ric man, and don't have much experience of the Squier stuff - haven't played one in years - but I've always fancied a '75 Jazz..... Obviously, it's not the same planet as the £1300+, but would these basses be a real let-down? Anyone else on here got a Squier amongst the top-end stuff? I just think these look great, for under £250!!

I was in Clonakilty, West Cork last week, and popped in to the club where NR regularly played. There's a lovely little wall dedicated to him, with photos and memorabilia, and a NR signature bass (behind glass) which he donated to the club - with a handwritten note. There's also a little plaque on the floor as you walk in. I went into the back to stand on the stage - I know I'm a sad gig, but I had to!! I'm a big NR/Hendrix fan, and whilst back in Ireland, specifically went there to see this - nearby you can also pop to the village where he lived for 30 years - the village clubbed together for a plaque there, too. I actually memtioned this bass the other day on a 'rival' forum....was told they only made 1000 of his sig bass, but was mentioned above, the MIM classic 60's bass is apparantly pretty much the same! I'm not a Fender man, but his Jazz looked lovely..... I always feel NR is remains quite underrated - maybe because he was a guitarist first, I don't know....I'm a massive JH fan, but the Experience records NR played on, it's hard to imagine anyone else playing on them....hard also to imagine NR playing in the Billy Cox era.

First off, thankyou to Danny for taking the time to respond. Seems to be a lot of crosswires going on..... When I rang Proel, I was told, without a word of a lie, that my warranty was only for 1 year. Only when I pushed the point did the assistant check and eventually admitted it was 2! When I explained the noise, I was also accused of thrashing it - totally untrue. I was never told that a dealer could look at it - I was was informed that it had to be Proel doing any checks, otherwise the warranty would be invalidated. I was informed to get the dealer to get a returns number, to then give to me, I ship it to Proel, and wait however long. The amp was bought online from a dealer in Yorkshire - I am in Kent - so taking it back would be impossible....I obviously asked if I could go to a local dealer in the first instance, but was told no. With the potential hassle and wait involved, took the amp to these guys - [url="http://www.esemusic.com"]http://www.esemusic.com[/url] Just to get it fixed, pay up and finish with! If anyone has been here - Eric knows his stuff, and is certainly a character.....and no fan of online shopping!! First off, a broken speaker was diagnosed, but his excellent assistant (forgotton his name, sorry - really nice guy) had a deeper look inside. What had happened was that one of the componants has come loose on the electrical board (really bad on this stuff.....themister on the crossover or something?). In the meantime, they rang Proel for a quote for a speaker - were given a price, but also told that in the case of a cab, speakers are not covered under warranty!! Basically, cab fixed and job done and ready to gig tomorrow. I have no axe to grind, and am simply repeating my experiece. I am sure that Proel are doing a good job, but I would simply suggest that they try to get some continuity in what they tell their customers - these products aren't cheap, and I really think that customer service needs to be improved.

Thanks all. I contacted MB, who gave me Proels details. They did seem pretty inept - they didn't actually know it has a 2 year warranty.....so it is still under gurantee! However, I have to contact the shop where I bought it, who have to contact Proel, who then give the shop a returns number which they give to me.....and then I have to somehow ship the cab to Proel for repair! Worse thing is, they (Proel, the UK importer) have a chap who comes in twice a week - and apprantly, there's a large backlog so they don't know how long it will take! I couldn't believe waht I was hearing. TBH, I've found a place locally, in Maidstone, and I may take it there. I need it fixed ASAP, and the hasssle involved with the warranty just seems like a major pain......and a major wait!

I use a Markbass New York 121 Cab, which I use with my MB 121 amp. However, the NY cab has started to crackle and fizz loudly whenever I play. I've changed leads, etc, but it's still there. It's been well looked after, always cased and never really pushed too hard either. The amp is fine - tried that on it's own and all's well. Has anyone got any ideas what's happening here? It's out of warranty so I am a little concerned. I also wouldn't have a clue who to take it to.....I am in Tenterden, Kent. Has anyone had a similar experience with these, or with another brand? Please help!!

I have a 2010 4003. Got a problem with one of the bridge saddles - noticed the other day a clicking noise, and under investigation it's really loose and vibrating! Any idea how I tighten this up? I know Ric bridges are famously a pain in the you-know-what (explains the many Rics with Badass'?) There's a few screws down there, and I don't want to dive in and tamper with the wrong one! Any idea which screw, and do I need a specialist tool?

My 2009 neck pickup was actually broken when the bass was new!

2009 necks became slimmer in April of that year. Early 2009 are supposed to be some of the thickest to date! The 2008's were slim - as are the 2009's after April. I've owned a 2003 (thick), a 2008 (slim), and now have a late 2009 (very slim) and a 2010 (bigger, maybe more like the 2003). Rickresource.com is a great source of info....neck size changes quite frequently, so you take your chance! Then again, one player's 'chunky' is anothers slim or medium, so it's quite a minefield which I knew nothing about until I became a Ric-only player! Only advice is before you buy (the best bass bass in the world, obviously!), do your checks first. BTW, if you got for a 4004, they're all chunky!!

Common problem with Rics I'm afraid. Normally a good set-up is all that's required, but I once had one that wouldn't alter, no matter what! A good source for info is if you do a search over a Rickresource - [url="http://www.rickresource.com"]http://www.rickresource.com[/url] Good luck!

Bassist available! I am located in West Kent/East Sussex border. Pro-gear, loads of experience, etc. Most styles considered. Available due to currently exploding band!! Please drop me a PM if interested, or e-mail direct to [email protected]