Spoombung

I still enjoy it here but I spend more time on the [b]Basenotes[/b] forum - no, not another forum about basses, but a forum about [i]fragrance[/i] (another passion of mine). As for basschat, I was a bit alarmed to see a 'reputation' thing appear on my profile. I have no idea what that is about. Nor do I care.

You can see the state of my Wal fingerboard here. Last time I had the neck re-sanded was back in '94 when Pete was there. Whenever I took it back for a service the first thing he would do was take off the strings and set about it with a sanding pad in front of me while I drank tea in the workshop. It's had 17 years of pounding with roundwound strings since (I'm still using the very same 17-year old strings and haven't got around to changing them). The ebony on this bass strikes me as quite a soft soft bit of wood. I have other basses with ebony fingerboards and they're much harder examples than the Wal and don't scratch up as much.

They sounded the same! I was starting to nod off after 20 minutes, though.

[quote name='derrenleepoole' timestamp='1321533860' post='1440229'] The second set done in complete darkness interestingly has been well received by critics and fans alike, but I guess not everyone like's such things. Playing in the dark would be a challenge on most instruments, but must be terrifying and incredibly challenging on an upright bass! Maybe that's the point though. The challenge of doing things we take for granted with our sight, reduced to pure listening? [/quote] Well I thought they might as well have put one of their CD's on and played it over the PA really. I'm sure it wasn't intended to show off how good they are as musicians (playing in the darkness doesn't impress me even if it is clever). No, I thought they were trying their hand at a 'concept' (musicians are well known for this and [i]young[/i] musicians are particularly well known for their [i]naivete[/i] when it comes to concepts) I'm surprised the critics liked it as it was a truly terrible idea. Maybe the family connection - the tribute impressed them? Maybe the critics are getting younger? The whole point of going to a gig for me is [i]seeing[/i] the interaction between the band - the glances and signals that you don't get from the CD. Instead the effect was claustrophobic, soporific and dull.

Saw double-bassist Jasper Høiby's much-talked about [b]Phronesis[/b] last night at the Purcell room. Interesting to examine the bass style in detail: almost perfect intonation (practically unheard of for stand-up bass) lots of octaves in the riffing (which strikes me as unusual for a jazz bassist) and an almost total absence of walking bass (very refreshing in this genre). There were lots of unison bass with the pianist. As a band I liked the rhythm section a lot (the drummer was incredible) but was more critical of the pianist's mushy, slightly classical arpeggio style and he had trouble leaving space in the music. The second set was played in darkness as some sort of tribute to Høiby's sister who had recently lost her sight. It was an unmitigated, naive, conceptual disaster and totally pointless. Overall, it was okay but I doubt whether I'll want to see them again. PS. I just [i]love[/i] the way the shutters come down at the bar just as the audience stream out the hall looking for a last drink... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbnnWIntf3g&feature=related

I've often wondered about this and I'm also curious. My fretless fingerboard is a bit chewed up, to be honest.

I would also take it to the Bass Gallery as suggested above. Wal are too busy/expensive.

Here's my friend, Oren Marshall, playing tuba in his band. You need a lot of poof and pant to play brass in a bass-playing role. It makes me feel exhausted just watching him. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suzDFr0zNHw

The PJ set seems quite lively here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOuV7-lV2XE

[quote name='bassmerchant' timestamp='1320661319' post='1429429'] Hi Guys Thank you for all the comments and commiserations, it is much appreciated !!!! I am just finalising the stock list now and will mail it to all those who have expressed an interest today Once again , many thanks Darren The Bass Merchant [/quote] It might be easier to post the stocklist on this thread.

[quote name='steve' timestamp='1320927100' post='1433213'] Really like the sound of that Kev [/quote] Thanks, Steve.

Hi Folks I have a new album out soon which might be of interest to bass players. I made a little 'trailer' video for it here: [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrFKu3pMM0w&feature=feedu[/media] I mostly used this tatty old thing on the tracks: But also used this: This: And this: Kev

Interesting and useful information. I haven't tried this method but will in the future. Thanks!

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1320669060' post='1429609'] Try Chandlers, Charlie Chandler, Bass Gallery, Bass Direct or order them direct from Bartolini in the US. [/quote] No sign of them in the sources you mention. I'm trying to avoid ordering from the states...

I'm sure there was a guy importing them on Basschat few months ago...?

[quote name='crez5150' timestamp='1320667992' post='1429579'] Speak to Mike at Iceni.... got My last lot from him... good price too [/quote] I'd rather know where he gets his...

Hmm. Not a good selection, however - no soapbar pickups...

Thanks!

....Anybody know?

Davo's Bordwell bass:

I've been looking for one too....

I liked that shop...

I've play this a lot more than the others