Paul S

Sold an aria pro II to Gary in the most straightforward of deals. Used dropping off the bass as an excuse for a day out - perfect. And he took in some stuff for Stewblack to collect as it was 90mins nearer than my place for hm to collect. A pleasure doing business and nice when a potentially complicated plan works out

Good job we're in the driest part of the country. Just sayin.

I have had a USA Fender precision, couple of MIJ Fender precisions, currently own a JV Squier Precision and also a Maruszczyk Jake 5 and I would say go for a Maruszczyk. You can specify pretty much exactly what you want. Build quality on mine is remarkable, especially when I think it cost me under £1500 including an SKB hard case and delivery (and a free strap!).

Well, I own two Gibsons and I like them lots. So there.

I have setts in my garden and could see them every night if I chose to. I get somewhat complacent about it tbh. Bloody things dig my plants up if they are of a mind to. The latest game is to make their communal latrines in the middle of my borders. But to see baby badgers frolicking about is something rather special and I have adjusted my mindset re damage accordingly. I now consider it to be a small price to pay

Not even remotely as it happens - it is a really well balanced thing. The bridge is well back on the body, the tuners are Hipshot ultralite. Another great thing is because of the pickup position the tone isn't quite a muddy as the 'mudbucker' and has more bite to it. I play in a blues/rock trio and it sounds perfect for that.

The Gibson Les Paul Junior double cutaway reissue bass ticks all your boxes and, for a genwine Gibson, are pretty cheap, too. AND they smell nice.

Still not played it with my band but had a bit of a jam session with a guitarist I know and wore it for 2.5 hrs straight. Immediately apparent is: a/ the playability. A wider string spacing than I would ordinarily go for but it feels great. b/ the tone - absolutely fantastic, it just sounds so amazing. Playing around 5th and 7th fret and it just sings. The day I wore it I had no issues with my back but the next couple of days it was aching quite badly. I'm going to have to gradually cut back how long I wear it for to work out a useable time as I *really* don't want to sell it.

The negativity is also about how the guy who made it pretending to have nothing to do with it and posting gushing praise then compounding the issue with a bullsh!t apology about his motives.

Following some love displayed on here I fitted La Bella white nylon tapewound flats to mine and they sound bloomin' luvverly. Got more bite than the black ones. Not everyone's cup of tea, granted, as they do feel slightly odd at first. Not to mention the price.

'Adrian Maruszczyk regarded his prototype with a critical eye and decided to return to the drawing board'

Not music but I've just been cancelled from giving a presentation at a seminar in the Algarve next week

I was in a heavy rock covers band for a while. The guitarist was very good but because of his family and business commitments and an inability to ever say no he left us adrift at rehearsals multiple times. Eventually we replaced him and all was good. That then imploded after just a year or so for various reasons. Drummer and I decided to pick up the pieces and start another - original guitarist got in touch and said his free time management was far better as his kids were older plus he had a deputy manager at work to whom he could delegate. First rehearsal he didn't turn up. Apparently he had to take his rabbit to the vet. True.

I saw them back in the 80s, possibly early 90s. He made the P bass look like a toy!

I've lost all restraint and self-control this year and find I now have 11. Although, tbf, one is for sale. Maroos-chick Jake 5, Peavey Fury 5 Squier JV Precision, Gibson Thunderbird, Gibson LP Jnr DC, Aria Pro II CSB 'Black n Gold', Hondo Alien, Danelectro '56, Hofner Ignition Club*, 'Sprackenbacker' Faker, 'Honcore' Frankenstein - which I have to admit is as eclectic mix of basses as has ever graced chez Sprackers and remarkably Fender light. Plus an electro-acoustic and a Stagg EUB, but they don't count, do they. And an electric and an acoustic guitar. *for sale at a knock down, bargain price

Mrs S has just brought this to my attention.

Is it def. the driver? I had a rattle from the handle on one of mine.

I, too, have loads of gear I never use and it has all lasted ages! 😉 I had a G4M one and the stitching went around the zip after only a couple of years - does seem to buck the trned, though.

That Dukes of September version is wonderful! Used to do Lido Shuffle in my old covers band, great to play.

Saw Joanne Shaw Taylor at Chinnerys in Southend last night. Better than I was expecting, decent range of catchy well-written tunes. Slick guitar work and superb vocals. Bass tone was horrible, though - unusual for Chinnerys where the sound is usually so good. And just 20 mins to get home, always a bonus.