Paul S

For me it helps to have a bit more flex for faster picking, so I have Jim Dunlop 1mm black nylon for general use, switching to .73mm grey nylon for faster playing when I need to. Which is only a couple of tracks (Lights Out, UFO and Ace of Spades).

I was in the Sue Ryder shop in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, today and they have a pale blue one in stock - just thought it might be worth mentioning?

Nice one. My experience of the Portuguese is that they are an extremely friendly nation. A tip - when filling your hire car at a petrol station where you've just encountered the one person in the whole country who doesn't speak English, 'Gasoleo' in Portuguese means 'diesel', not 'Gasoline'. Seems perfectly logical now - gas oil, gas-oleo...

[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Yamaki-Performer-Pro-Bass-Guitar-rare-early-70s-/250787357885?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item3a641764bd"]Yamaki Performer Pro Bass[/url] on aBay. Looks like an interesting p-bass copy - by Yamaki, so one of the better makers?

I'm 53 and was going to say something poignant but now can't remember.

Would you need to be flush to afford one?

Indeed - no frills but hugely enjoyable fun to play - I guess the majority of Basschatters are doing something similar. That is the first time I have ever recorded anything like that using proper kit and I was impressed at how it came out. The guy who did it has actually remixed it as he wasn't pleased with the first version, so I think I will upload the newer version once I get hold f a copy. Edit - re-mixed version now on the [url="http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_7787733"] site here.[/url]

The heavier classic rock band I play in, Xerocks, finally got around to getting 5 tracks recorded. Submitted here to satiate curiosity and I'd also welcome comments. Here is [url="http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_7707531"]Rockin' in the Free World[/url] - the others are linked over to the right of the page. We did this 'as live' with any BVs done afterwards and re-starts as necessary for cockups - not too many, as it happens. I think it turned out pretty well if a little heavy on the bass, maybe the vocal is out front a bit too much. Still, as it is only intended to dish out to pub landlords who will, at most, listen to the first 20 seconds of each track, I don't suppose it matters too greatly. Disclaimer - I don't play anything flashy, just what is required. Or slightly less, if I can get away with it... Please be gentle...

[quote name='Happy Jack' post='1159218' date='Mar 12 2011, 12:45 PM']Just so's y'all know, I'll be bidding on this one.[/quote] So - who won?

There you go - that'll teach me to make assumptions. I always thought Ibanez and Yamaha were MIJ. So SGC Nanyo Bass Collection seem to be ahead on points?

I recently got hold of an SGC Nanyo Bass Collection SB-310 and I have to say I am getting quite fond if it. I notice that the Ibanez SR500 has a lot of fans here - superficially it seems to do much the same kind of thing. Also the Yamaha RBX374 seems similar. All are MIJ, lightweight, skinny neck, double pick up and active. Pretty well the same shape, too. Are they all much the same? Or does one stand out in terms of build quality or in any particular department. Or are there similar but better models to be had? (I know of the SGC Nanyo Bass Collection SB-320, for example) Do any hold their value better than the others? I know the Bass Collection stuff doesn't seem to and hence are bargains!

I'm watching this one, too. Looks like an absolute beauty - top end of the range, or nearly. Since getting mine a month back I am almost evangelical about these!

+1 for OBBM. I wouldn't go anywhere else now - top value for money and superb service.

I had one for a while as a part of my steep learning curve/total immersion into bass playing. Probably the most useful thing I did, once I got used to the initial fretting bit, was take it along to band rehearsal and use it for everything. Not just play along at home to famous fretless tracks. Treat it like a normal bass, in other words. After a few tracks I almost forgot I was using a fretless and it seemed to come more naturally. I decided, in haste, that I would never actually use one in the context of my two rock bands so sold it on - and regretted it enough to consider getting another one.

What can I say? I put out a plea for a low B string and Gary came to my rescue - unsolicited, he sent me 2(!) strings and declined anything in return. A true gent and the kind of person that makes Basschat the special community that it is.

[quote name='Bilbo' post='1152283' date='Mar 7 2011, 10:28 AM']I struggle to get past the idea that playing other people's stuff the way they played it is just pretending - one step up from a tennis racquet in front of the mirror. Tribute bands are just like taking the tennis racquet out in public - [/quote] Am I mistaken here Bilbo - I thought you played some kind of Latin American music covers?

Pics are obligatory at this point

[quote name='Norm' post='1151390' date='Mar 6 2011, 12:40 PM']James Gang with a pre-eagles Joe Walsh on guitar, ace![/quote] Turn to Stone with that hyperdirty bass? Great treack.

Yes, what a great way of filling time. I do the same on Spotify - listen to a track, click on the band name that then brings up the top 5 tracks and a (fairly) comprehensive discography. It also suggests similar bands in the top corner - I click on those if I am unfamiliar with them.

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.