spongebob

I've just ordered my Fender one!

Cool, thanks John!

Saw the Haynes Fender bass manual on Amazon. Quite pricey at £16, but looks quite informative for set up and repair. Might work for a learning novice like me? Anyone read or use the book?

I'm always reading about a P with flats being 'the' sound....and, now doing it myself, can agree that there is something about it. I never read the same level of praise for a Jazz with flats. Looked on YouTube and it sounds pretty good to my ears! Don't know why the J and flats isn't a more widely used combo, after all when it was designed that's all there was! Can't think of many recorded examples of the sound either, unlike it's P counterpart. When I grab my next Jazz, I'll be sticking some flats on for sure. Maybe it's just me!

[quote name='RockfordStone' timestamp='1418127152' post='2627055'] i've loved this series, really interesting [/quote] +1!

I run our bands RN site, and although free, it is a massive PITA. To use a much disliked term, it's not very 'user-friendly' at all. I got ours up there with trial and error. Worst thing is adding gigs - many pubs and clubs are not listed, so you have to 'create' them in the system. But when you get another gig there, you have to add them again as they simply vanish! It involved adding all contact details, photo, etc. I'll check your page out - just persevere, and keep at it - but be aware, it's not great - but it is free!

I remember as a teen metal fan in the 80's, 'selling out' as a really big thing. You'd have the bands that looked, well, normal, with a raw sound - then they'd re-appear on a major label with big hair, big outfits and usually super-produced sofer songs which usually sucked! From memory, Raven were big offenders....Saxon did the same....many of the bands simply never came back!

Never carry a spare bass, only spare strings/cables, etc. In fact, I've only got one bass at the mo, so am on the hunt for backup!

[quote name='KevB' timestamp='1417476707' post='2620916'] There's a great Boz Scaggs 2-CD anthology that came out in 1997 with a load of good stuff on it including the track in the OP, had it for several years. [/quote] Well worth picking up. I love the 'Slow Dancer' album, really surprisingly soulful, and full of cracking tracks.

I had a Marshall practice amp for about 15 years that survived me being sick both over, and in. Switches were a bit crackly afterwards, mind.....

Without a doubt. As a (recovering) drummer, it's the thing I notice most. A few years ago, I had to issue a diva-esque 'if he stays, I go' ultimatum as the drummer was a really nice guy, but the worst drummer I've ever heard in public. As 50% of the rhythm section, we have to be a unit and lock in. If that doesn't happen, game over. Like a house with no foundations.

It's (coughs) only £3500, Lozz!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/THE-JAM-BRUCE-FOXTONS-1977-FENDER-PRECISION-BASS-GUITAR-FROM-ALL-MOD-CONS-/351241835718?pt=UK_Music_Music_Memorabilia_LE&hash=item51c7a514c6

I really like the blue one - very cool!

I've got a poster, signed by Jim when I met him at a Marshall evening in 1992. Came across as a really nice guy, very regular considering what he achieved. Got the record already set for this one!

Cool price! My 2nd ever bass was a (passive) Jim Deacon Stingray copy, funnily enough, bought in Scotland when I was at Uni in Aberdeen. Sold it for about £40 some years back.....I did okay then!

Rearing it's ugly head again - my 21st century gripe - lack of bass definition! For a long while, I thought it was just me. Reassuring to know that others feel the same way - I can't fathom as to why bass has been reduced to a dull thump in so many cases. Musical mush!

Some interesting - if expensive - items up for grabs here....... [url="http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/jacothefilm"]http://www.pledgemus...cts/jacothefilm[/url]

I bought a hardcase - £120 in the UK, after shipping about £70-odd from Thomann. Have used them a fair bit, and always brilliant service.

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1416668652' post='2612508'] So much for progress in recording and better technology/gear, bassists certainly seemed to be getting a better deal back then than now. [/quote] +1,00000+++ on this. One of my (numerous) sore points is how 'bass' has been reduced on record in the most part for the last 25-ish years to a dull thump. Or in the case of 'Later' on the tele, off the map completely! On the radio this morning was Diana Ross' (admittedly quite poor) version of 'Why Do Fools...' - and first thing I noticed was the high-level bass in the mix. Bit too much slappy poppy for my tastes, but amazing how a 'pop' track packs so much bottom. Current case is the new Foos album. I actually like it (first 'rock' album I have for a while) - but besides the bass riff track (think it's 'Outside'), the bass tone on the album is, IMHO, rubbish. Just a load of floor-shaking mush in a wall of sound. All those lovely Precisions he's got as well! Bring back bass definition!

[quote name='DorsetBlue' timestamp='1416563725' post='2611425'] Might be worth checking out California Breed then. Seeing them next Saturday (supporting Slash). [/quote] He's left them now - they've currently got Joey Castillo, ex-Queens Of The Stone Age.