Stub Mandrel

At the moment I am just using the fiver for the 'classic rock' band. I have some control over the order of the setlist so can group together songs benefiting from the extra range..

If you really need to clean the fingerboard and the strings don't need replacing you can just loosen the strings off a bit. Will admit, I used to take strings off and boil them up with a bit of Persil back in the 1980s when I was a bit skint.

Five strings really are mainstream now! Flicking through the 'latest' activity I counted eight fivers, a four string and a double bass in the first ten istruments up for sale. I was going to mention I have two, but realused I have three. Personally I prefer four strings, but five seems to be the magic number where you can still play with a substantially normal tecnique and benefit from the extra range, especially when combined with 24 frets. Six and seven just start to impose impossible stretches if you want to keep your thumb behind the neck. Of course, my snapshot statistic could mean that everyone is trying to get rid of their fivers...

I have two shorties with no issues and can't remember having any problems with a mustang either. I have a small bodied long scale five string that ought to be a diver, I just fitted a neoprene strap and have never had a problem. That said, I have 17 very varied basses and can't think of any neck dive issues, so maybe my technique avoids it or I am instictively tolerant of neck dive.

1 - 30 seconds. 2 - I find short scales tend not to neck dive.

Not really a gig, but went to an acoustic open mic tonight. Got up and added acoustic bass for the last half hour or so, utterly random and great fun.

The Bluesfire gig at the Doll's House was last night. Long dark, wet drive up into the valleys. Good load in but virtually no parking, but the residents completely ignore the double yellows and we were told "you'll be ok as long as you leave room for a bus". We were a bit worried at first but it filled up a bit (although not rammed), perhaps as it was a miserable dreich night. But the audience made up for numbers with enthusiasm. The juke box made it clear our music was bang on target for the pub and it was great to get cheering not just applause! Got some positive comments all round too, which was nice 😁 Got away well after 12, for a long, dark wet drive. I found an open macdonalds when nearly back so didn't get home until after half one.

Seems the TC k212 is no longer available despite being on their website.

If cash is an issue try TCelectronic Their 2x10 an 2x12 seem to perform well wherever I've seen them used.

I use GRBass AT212 slim. Very detailed sound, works well with a five string. Very efficient so very loud, even with a modest amp. Insanely loud with a big amp.

Went to a local gig last night, was expecting it to be very quiet. A friend's new venture Nearly Steely (nine piece + new guitarist, guess what they play), their fourth gig, and it was packed at half eight. Usually the club has only half a dozen or so before 9. By the end of the night it was totally rammed.

Spot on, I'd say.

Bit like depping... except with a dep they have to take what they get (especially if the first time is a gig...)

Hah! Didn't notice your comment, just clicked John Martyn without thinking and thought 'Danny Thompson!" so distinctive. Can't believe I've never heard this album. CD ordered!

Yep, any opportunity to play with someone new is an opportunity to stretch yourself a bit.

One instinctively knows when something is right 🙂

Every bass with its strap, and to every strap, a bass.* Unless it's a guitar, uke, banjo or mandolin.

Late to this, but electronic components are almost univerally waterproof if they are not powered up. Dry it out and it should recover.

When they came out I very nearly bought one, found them nice to play and distinctive.

I've got a rack case that's 1/3 full with a 1200W pa amp and an 8 channel mic mixer. I was going to put a graphic and a compressor/processor in it, but that would make it immovable 😞

Dave Pegg's tone on Broadsword and the Beast.

Their clip tuners (Fender colour and Daddario Eclipse) are identical aside from packaging. I have one of each. I believe they make Fender strings.

Flea Jazz. Unlike most signature basses it offers an excellent value way to get a vintage style and sounding bass. Good enough that I won't be buying an AVII Jazz anytime soon, despite having an AVII Precision.

They look like rather run-of the mill quality 3D prints to me. Easy to knock my own up with a couple of scavenged sucker cups if I wanted such a thing, but I am a tug-bar fan (decorative purposes only).