Paul S

My post was not clear - I was talking about Kent Armstrong, not Mustang. You can get Kent Armstrong pups [url="http://www.wdmusic.co.uk/product/Hot_P_Bass_Pickup_Ceramic_Magnets_PBO-1"]from here[/url] in England.

I put some of these in my Washburn Scavenger bass and the difference to the stock pups was marked. Much brighter and 'growlier' when pushed. I haven't ever fitted any other types to anything but these do the job for not a lot of money.

Thanks for that. Unfortunately that doesn't work for me as there was no formatted SD card with mine when I got it and I downloaded the Handyshare software to my pc. In effect I have nothing to add the file to.

These are known for poor performance in low light situations but my last recording was particularly bad - un-useable as is. Does anyone know of any editing software that can adjust the picture to improve this? I tried using the 'brighten' bit of Windows Movie Maker but is just bleached the whole thing.

Just to be awkward and offer an alternative opinion here I actually sought out and bought an 18" cabinet a few months ago (Trace Elliot) as nothing came close to the sound I heard (and felt) when I hired one at a rehearsal studio. I love it. Weighs a ton, do I care? No? Is it 'fashionable?' No. Will people point and stare? I doubt it. Well, not unless they are Basschatters. But it makes the walls rumble and for my good old fashioned heavy rock covers band it is just the ticket. And I am 53 with a bad back - not because of this new cab, I hasten to add.

Gotcha - thanks for that, makes it much clearer. I haven't gigged it as is yet - first time will be on 19th so it will be interesting to see how it sounds then but I can see an upgrade waiting to happen.

Thanks Pete. If (when?) I do it I'll get my usual tech guy to do all that routy/ wiry stuff. I am a numpty and he doesn't charge much so it gives me peace of mind. More questions - are the stacked knobs great big things or are they reasonable size? Any advantage of the 3 band over the 2 band, do you know (other than the obvious extra control over the mids)? Sorry to be a nuisance but this has caught my interest

[quote name='Lozz196' post='1144131' date='Feb 28 2011, 07:31 AM']20.5cm/8" And a liking for Precision necks.[/quote] Same size, prefer jazz necks. How about span - tip of thumb to tip of little finger when fretting hand is splayed open? 25cm, while I had the ruler out (I was going to say pinky but feared the replies)

And another Essex hello. Where do you rehearse and gig?

Daft question time - is it a straight fit? Presumably it is the model with the stacked knobs?

[quote name='pete.young' post='1143174' date='Feb 27 2011, 11:56 AM']I put an Artec 3-band pre-amp into my SB465, mostly because the blend pot on the old setup wasn't working properly. It's a big improvement on the standard electronics, probably the best budget fix you can do without upgrading the pickups and probably worth doing even if you did a pickup change.[/quote] Thanks Pete. As you say - it doesn't look expensive. At the moment everything seems to work just fine but if I can improve on it for a small outlay then it is tempting.

Hi Paulo Madeira is my idea of paradise - I keep visiting for holidays, staying in Funchal, and am trying to work out ways to retire there! Whereabouts on the island do you live?

[quote name='LawrenceH' post='1142905' date='Feb 26 2011, 11:35 PM']I didn't, I bought a 330 which has the soapbars and an active/passive switch and just run it passive! But if I was going to upgrade the 310 I'd go for EMGs and make it growl![/quote] Ta.

If it were my £300 I'd be keeping an eye out for a high end model SGC Nanyo Bass Collection like a SB-320. I may still have my rose tinted specs on but I very recently bought an SB-310 for £180 and, for the money, it is an unbelievably sophisticated and well built bass guitar. The best value for money I have had on bass gear - for some reason they just don't hold their value. If an SB-320 comes along in the right colour/condition etc I'd seriously consider changing my Fender Jaguar for it. And I'd probably get change from my £300, too.

I haven't tried the whole range of pups but upgraded the stock split coil p-style pickup in my Washburn Scavenger with a Kent Armstrong one and am really pleased with the improved tone. Plus I have fitted a P-retro, which does even more incredible things to it, but the improvement on passive is noticeable. The bonus is that they are £30, too.

Thanks for that Lawrence - it doesn't surprise me that the P-Lyte isn't much of an improvement - if at all. I am certainly enjoying the Bass Collection a lot. Just out of curiosity what did you do to upgrade the electrics? Mine is (I think) the B-310, so not the high end of the spectrum.

I recently bought an SGC Nanyo Bass Collection and have found it exceptionally comfortable to wear and play. More so than any of my other basses. Strangely, given that the rest of the band rarely notice anything, they all commented on how cool it looks (black with green DR Neons - just proves they have eyes, I suppose... ) but also how good it sounds. I have had slight GAS for a Fender P-Lyte bass for a while now but, on paper at least, they seem to tick many of the same boxes in that they are lightweight, skinny neck, P/J pup configuration, MIJ and decent quality. But the SGC Nanyo cost me probably half what P-Lyte would have. Has anyone owned or played both to give a comparison?

I imagine you'll be inundated by endorsees of the P-Retro. It ticks all your boxes. I fitted one to a Washburn Scavenger and it has brought it alive - I never thought it would be possible to get such a huge range of useable tones from such a simple single split coil pickup. Plus you can get back to passive and everything you had before at the pull of a switch. I don't suppose it is the cheapest option but, from my limited experience, it is worth every penny.

Yes. I pay to rehearse, and rehearse in order to play live in front of people. So if I get to play live in front of people it cuts out the middle bit where I have to pay. If you see what I mean. Unpaid rehearsal, except better, if you like. Money, when it comes, just goes into a rehearsal/other band costs fund.

On top of the amp.

Without wishing to hijack this thread (ok, consider it hijacked) - how does the P Lyte compare to other lightweight/skinny necked/P&J basses like, say, SGC Nanyo Bass Collection or even Yamaha?

[quote name='Dusty' post='1126053' date='Feb 13 2011, 03:50 PM']What a shame Stretch, was hopeing to catch up with you chat about the good old days [/quote] Methinks you have confused me with someone else, good sir. I don't believe we have old times to chat about, good or otherwise Always happy to talk about the new times, though - but not on 10th April.

From the 'seeing in the dark' side of it, rather than the 'looking cool' aspect - does a dab of glow in the dark paint over the dot markers work ok? Seems like an easy (and cheap) solution.

Just realised this clashes with a gig - Rock for Haven's Sake is on the same day. Although my lot aren't playing until later in the afternoon I am planning on going all day with some family. Bugger.

Yup, demand a refund. Or, better still, I'll give you £10 for it and save you the hassle.