Peejay

Hi folks I may already have what I need amp-wise, but I'd be grateful for recommendations for a combo. Currently have an Ampeg BA-110 and a Blackstar Unity 60, both of which are OK, but the former really tends to sound the same to me regardless of EQ setting and the latter, whilst it has some nice features (onboard compressor and chorus), just seems to lack something somehow. I only play at home now, so don't need a massive power output and 100w or so is probably plenty and mostly play rock, blues, funk-type music, so open to suggestions. Budget is circa £600. Cheers

Just bought some Hipshot HB1 tuners from them and spoke with Mark on the phone. Great guy who always seems to have the time to discuss things. Bought a Nordy MM pickup from them recently as well and very impressed with their service.

Sting

Quick update. Took the basses to the luthier guy who sorted my RD and really pleased with the results. The Nordy in the Sterling really does sound like an authentic pre-EB Stingray and the Delano in the SUB brings it alive. Both different but like them both and add a wide range of tonal variation to the collection. Cost me £100 including a new nut on the SUB so well pleased. Just need to update the tuners on the Sterling now! Like Gotohs best but not sure they do a version which fits, so may go Schaller rather than Hipshot.

Thanks for all the help and guidance. Decided to err on the side of caution given all the advice about possible pitfalls and took the bass to the guy who did a part refret on my Gibson RD Artist recently. For £25 plus a couple of gallons of fuel it's not worth risking making a hash of things. He's also fitting a Delano and a new nut to my SUB 4 so I have two MM types to choose from.

👍 Thank you.

Thanks guys. I was planning on joining old and new wires rather than solder terminals on the delicate circuit board/pre-amp, but the heat shrink is a good idea. Where would you get that from? Battery will be out. There's nobody local that I'm aware of who I can pass the job onto, so I'll need to have a go myself I guess.

Wise words and thank you. I was going to take a few photos on my phone to use as reference, but one at a time and patience seem to be the way to go along with pre-tinning. I have the finesse of a buffalo so hopefully it will work out OK. 😁

Brilliant advice. Thanks guys.

Hi all I've just bought a Nordstrand pickup for my SBMM Stingray and the connecting wires are tiny! Does anyone have any hints and tips on how to go about unsoldering the existing wires and then soldering the new ones on? Any help gratefully received. I suppose a decent soldering iron would be a good start. Cheers Paul

I always wanted a Ric having played an old 4001 years ago, but could never really afford one. When I left my previous job I decided to buy one as a leaving present to myself, so bought a used black 2002 4003 (without the trick tone control) which had just had a pro set up. Waiting list is well over 12 months for a new one and £2k+ so the £1300 I paid felt like a bargain, especially as the bass is largely unmarked - it was bought by a Bruce Foxton fan who didn't actually play much and it's never been gigged. Hated the neck pickup cover so bought the bezel with thumb rest from Rickysounds and after a while I just got used to it. As others have said, the neck doesn't taper much so it's a bit of a baseball bat, but action is nice and low with no buzzes, so it plays pretty well. Thought about a Hipshot bridge to replace the weird Ric version but not got round to that yet. That new Babicz looks the business though. The pickups definitely have their own individual character, but I manage to get some decent tone variation by experimenting with balance and tone controls. You pays your money and takes your choice. If you don't like 'em buy something else. If I fall out with it I could probably recoup my investment.

Not necessarily the 'greatest' but faves are: Joe Walsh, Nils Lofgren, Kirby Gregory (formerly of Curved Air and Stretch - check out 'You can't beat your brain for entertainment', Chris Rea - amazing slide player, Clapton, Gary Rossington (Lynyrd Skynyrd), etc. Prince was a great player and had his own distinctive sound. Lots of brilliant players who aren't household names. Guess it all depends what you like and what you don't.

Thanks. I've owned it since new and despite its weight I love it. Neck has only ever needed one quarter turn of the truss rod in all that time. It's not that complicated really and I rarely use the onboard effects to be honest, but it's so versatile without them. Hopeful that I'll get it sorted without too much fuss.

'78 RD Artist. Had it from new. Bit of an issue with the output but should get it fixed shortly. Sounds awesome and really versatile. Great for upper body muscle tone too as it weighs a ton.

I think it's oxidation that's the issue. 43 years old and bound to have a few issues. Amp tech says he'll check that out. It's really the only problem I've ever had. Neck is that good that it's only ever required one tweak of the truss rod. Apart from a partial re-fret and replacing the 3 point bridge with a Hipshot it's all original.

Thanks for your reply. It's possibly a poor solder joint or pot because all the onboard stuff works fine. Found an amp guy in Leeds who will take a look in a couple of weeks so fingers crossed. I'll change the battery connector anyway based on your suggestion.

Hi all I wondered if anyone could help with the above. I've owned my '78 Gibson RD Artist Bass from new and it hasn't been gigged for years, so it spends too much time in its case. I love the versatility of the bass (despite its weight) but recently noticed that the output volume had dropped massively. Changed the battery and no difference. Everything seems to work OK apart from the output is lower than all my passive basses, so suspect that it may be a pre-amp issue? Anyone resolved a similar problem, or perhaps know someone in Yorkshire who could fix it? Thanks in advance. Paul

Thanks again. That's really helpful. I had Wilkinsons on an old bass and they did sound good. Quite versatile and decent output. Had a '76 P Bass ages ago and liked that sound, but traded it for my RD Artist. I've got seven basses so should be able to get a decent sound from that lot!

Thanks for that. I thought they were too cheap to be any good. Considered EMG Geezer or Vintage 62 but as I only play at home these days I'll give the Entwistle a try. Cheers

Ended up getting some Gotoh FB30s and after carefully drilling new mounting screw holes they work perfectly. Look great too Just need to upgrade the pickup now. Any recommendations? Saw some Entwistle P Bass pickups that look interesting (and cheap) but open to suggestions. Mainly play blues/rock stuff. Cheers Paul

Hi all I've just bought a mint '95 MIM Sunburst/RW P Bass from a friend who no longer plays. After a good clean, restring, new tort guard, Fender Hi-Mass bridge and general set up it plays and sounds great, but I hate the tuners. They don't turn smoothly and I'd rather replace them. Not a fan of the tapered post, so I'd prefer an alternative to direct replacement or Hipshot HB-7, which I know won't require new holes drilling. Have any of you guys replaced your standard Mexican tuners? If so, what with? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Cheers Paul

I'm just down the road from you. Near Selby!

Hi folks Just joined and what a great site! Play at home bassist now and just got the bug to really play again. Been in three or four bands in the past, with first band being with Def Leppard's drummer. Still have my 1978 Gibson RD Artist, which despite its weight is a phenomenal instrument. Also have 2002 Rickenbacker 4003, Yamaha 1004J which is awesome, Epiphone Explorer bass and a battered Squire Jazz. Trace Elliot and Blackstar amps. Boss Bass Chorus too. Just trying to get my fingers to do what my brain tells them! Hope you guys and yours are all well. Cheers Paul