spongebob

I love the GHS Precision Flats - really nice sounding strings.

Top advice guys - looks like a Hercules Mini will be winging it's way to Spongebob towers shorty!

Thanks chaps - interesting opinions!

Maybe getting some new cables in the coming months. Like the look of the Fender Custom Shop range, with the tweed-style covering. Notice they make Speakon cables too. Anyone use the Fender stuff? Opinions?

I've just bought a bag for all my cables and bits, previously having always forced them into my hardcase! Looking at sticking a mini stand in there too. Been dragging my Hercules long one around for years now, but wouldn't mind one to put in the bag - less to think about! Our guitarist always uses them - don't know if they're solid enough for bass? Considering something like this - http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/accessories-c2/hercules-hercules-gs200b-ez-pack-guitar-stand-p8272 Thoughts?

I used GG last week, and they were excellent. DPD are brilliant around here - the previously mentioned 1 hour delivery slot, and the name of the driver!

Amazon have got a good selection of nice tool bags. Just ordered a Draper one for a tenner - sorted!

I've got nothing against sig basses - had a couple of Geddy's - so as long as it's a nice bass, that's fine. However, I think that any sig bass should be an iconic instrument that one identifies with the player - Ged's played that black Jazz for over 30 years, so no problems there. Don't see how AC playing a Jazz on a U2 album some years ago puts him in that club! Just think that Fender should cut their sig range by about 3/4!

We had a good one - no dressing up for us, but all the staff were decked out in their Halloween finery!

I can't find a decent priced item either to carry my stuff in! You'd think a brand like Fender would have jumped on something like this. Please keep the ideas coming, I've looked everywhere!

Very sad news. Amazing bassist who has left an enduring legacy, a huge influence on many of us here no doubt.

My pleasure, Mr. Friday!

Think the bassist in Rival Sons was playing a Honey Blonde one on Fridays' 'Later'?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/American-Fender-precision-bass-Dad-sed-made-in-60s-70s-4-strings-right-handed-/221578697300?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item33971e9a54

Simon Rogers, who played with The Fall for a while, played with a white glove to protect his digits!

+1 on the above. Too much variety in the ranges. Saying that, when I buy another Fender, it would be a MIA for sure. Have tried the cheaper stuff, but it just doesn't do it for me. Maybe it's subliminal! I'm sure they'll carry on. But they do need a re-jig - can't see them dumping half of the range, though. More importantly, I'll never understand why they don't make a decent MIA '51-style Precision in the MIA range. I'd buy one today!

I've had one of these - really nice basses. I found the neck to be really comfy!

Just had the pleasure of selling Nick the excellent Steve Hanley autobiography. Excellent and seamless transaction - deal with 100% confidence. Nick's a bass player and Fall fan - how much cooler can you get? Thanks Nick!

Love that album. I always imagine how it would have changed had Donny not sadly departed. BTA is a total classic. I've heard some stories about his latter years, and it's very sad indeed.

Great artist - love his work. College room-mate with Donny Hathaway as well!

+1! I finished it in 4 days - all 400 pages. It's an awesome read, but quite depressing at it approaches the end. Don't wait until Christmas - it's brilliant! I was lucky enough to catch the band in November 1997 (with SH and KB), not long before the US bust up. Rates as one of the best, if oddest, gigs I've ever seen. The tension on that stage was, to quote MES, a powder-keg! It was like the whole band was going to explode right in front of me - what happened a few months later was no surprise. They played the riff to 'Masquerade' for about 5+ minutes before MES appeared - it looked like he wasn't coming on...and from their worried glances, they didn't think he was either! Seen them twice since then - but nowhere near as good. The difference made by SH - and without a doubt KB - is immense. No coincidence that for me, the albums made since '97 aren't a patch on those days. If I pick up a Fall LP, it's got to have our man Steve on the bottom end.

Great stuff. +1 on up to (and including) 'Drama'. Although Squire's bass does seem to get a bit tamer in the mixes after 'Close To The Edge'. Maybe I just need to get out more....

http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/oct/01/the-big-midweek-life-inside-the-fall-review-mark-e-smith-steve-hanley Out now, just ordered my copy from Amazon. Looks like a great read - big influence on my style. Very underrated player IMHO.....For me, The Fall have never recovered from his departure. Steve and Karl Burns (amazing drummer) were a formidable team. An autobiography from a bass player....what's not to like!

[quote name='fatback' timestamp='1412334315' post='2567902'] +1000 What a hero, although don't let anyone tell you hewas from Cork. They stole him from Donegal. [/quote] ....and he spent a few years growing up in Derry as well, although the street has apparently been demolished now. I was there talking to a guy a few weeks back, and was saying how the city likes to claim it's little bit of Rory as well. I was actually wearing my RG t-shirt! Never got to see him - age-wise, kind of just missed out - by I'm a huge fan, and any new product is always welcome. I wish he was still here to share the love he justifiably receives.

A few years back, I had a couple of questions about Steve Hanley, ex-bass player of many years from The Fall. I contacted his band at the time - Tom Hingley And The Lovers - through Myspace (it was a few years ago), and was surprised to get a response from Tom himself. He was very nice, and gave me Steve's direct email, suggesting I drop him a line. I did, and a couple of months passed with no response. Then one day, a reply! He was very honest, told me all about his basses and amps, and said that when his current rig gives out, he'll pack it in. He was very happy to be asked the questions, as he said that as a bass player, 'most people don't understand'! Same sort of time, I messaged Steve Garvey, ex-Buzzcocks, to ask what bass he used on 'Strange Thing'. Again, received a nice reply. This time, it was 'I can't remember'! He followed it by suggesting it was some fancy new Ibanez active thingy, but he had no idea what. Just gave me the idea that if you want to know something, ask! Please share your similar experiences!