derrenleepoole

The general rule of thumb is this, buying second-hand can get you more bass for your money - in theory at least. This however, doesn't mean you should. If the bass you've tried feels right and is well within your budget, then buy it. It is after all you that will be playing it and no one else. I can't advise on this particular model of instrument, others can and I'm sure will, but any bass with a decent setup and steely determination for a good student will always be a good way to start

The Zoom H2 is by far the best bit of kit I've ever purchased. Absolutely invaluable and I would replace it in a heart beat. The Zoom H1 is exactly the same as the H2 in essence, but doesn't do 4 channel surround. It's worth noting that the Zoom H1 is armed as soon as it's switched on, and all features are accessed by buttons on the unit and not with menus. Other than that, the H1 and H2 share the same recording quality etc. The H1 is stupidly cheap at £85 too, so it's worth a punt into this market and is nothing to replace if the worse should happen. If you like the whole field recorder thing, then go for something big and better.

You sir, are a bastard and I hate you! But in the nicest possible way

Funk is technically the way you play, and can be achieved by any competent player on any instrument. Some instruments certainly have more of a 'sound' associated with funk however and I'm guessing that is what you mean. A jazz bass is probably the way to go as these will have the type of sound you're after, but will still be versatile in other avenues of playing. With your budget you could look at possibly a Lakland, possibly even a used Sadowsky (if you're lucky). However, if you really want that 'funk' sound maybe the new Sterling range of Musicman Stingrays might fit the bill? Bass Direct have a good range of second hand basses that might fit your budget and bill: [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Second_hand_Ex_demo_Bass_Guitars.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_sp...ss_Guitars.html[/url]

Avoid the Ashdown! While it's good on paper, there is a reason why it's such a low price. Poor build quality, reliability issues and a piss poor input gain to boot! Best avoided to be honest. Bassists have so much choice now for small and powerful yet portable amps, it's simply mind boggling. It's certainly try before you buy. If you've mentioned the Ashdown I'm guessing that something cost effective is the order of the day. Have a search for a used Phil Jones Briefcase. It may not have the volume you need, but the quality is excellent and will also be a good investment. The Mark Bass CMD121P combos are indeed exceptional amps, but getting one at a good price might prove tricky. Genz Benz may prove to be a good choice, but again they don't come cheap. I might I suggest the Ibanez Promethean? I own one, and they seem to be gaining much love on here, and with good reason. A very well built 10" combo with loads of power on tap. The head is detachable (like a Walkabout Scout) so you can pair with any cab if needed. The head will go to 500 watts. There's also a great gig bag option for it, so it's easy to move about etc. They're coming in new at £425 approx, which is incredible value for money for an amp that is equally capable as any Mark bass, PJB, GB amp etc - and at the fraction of the cost. There have been several threads on here discussing the amp, so go do a search and get reading

I made the move to short scale and have never regretted it. Not really for any other reason than it's far more comfortable, and my back thanks me for it But like others have said, shop around and try out basses first. You may actually dislike short scale as someone people can't get their heads around the feel etc.

[quote name='philfz6' post='993638' date='Oct 19 2010, 03:09 PM']would ya believe it..came on to ask about pick ups,and all my answers are here..thanks people. while im here, i might as well ask...is it a no no to drill a hole, maybe just near the f hole, and mount a proper jack socket.. always looks a bit iffy having a jack socket dangling from a bit of cable, even if it's cable tied etc etc..[/quote] Sharp intake of breath Use something like this:

Yeah, it's similar to Under The Bridge, but UTB is similar to countless other songs to be honest. And let's face it, she probably didn't write it. Swings and roundabouts PS... The Axis Of Awesome was brilliant

Alva Noto is always good choice

[quote name='TheGreek' post='987401' date='Oct 13 2010, 08:52 PM'][b]anybody want to take it off me??[/b][/quote] Mmm... depends on what you're asking for it?

[quote name='redstriper' post='987042' date='Oct 13 2010, 03:30 PM']Here's a clip from one of my more important gigs:[/quote] That was brilliant! The little Ashbory really cuts through and works perfectly. Nice one

[quote name='Bilbo' post='987006' date='Oct 13 2010, 02:58 PM']And, ironically, I have that soundtrack album......[/quote] LMAO Hang your head in shame young sir!

[quote name='Bilbo' post='986965' date='Oct 13 2010, 02:13 PM']Can anyone provide a discography of the important recordings that involve Ashbory basses?[/quote] To quote Large Sounds website: "Lovetown" by Peter Gabriel from the movie soundtrack Philadelphia: Music From The Motion Picture, with Tony Levin playing the Ashbory. *Oh! you said important

Bloody hell, completely forgot about Bassday this year! It's going so fast that I can't keep up with days at the moment!

I don't like the Ursa headstock either. Ironically though, I think it works okay-ish on the five string models though. Not perfect, but seems to 'fit' better....

So, if I've read this thread right, are Jim Deacon basses the same as the SX basses then? Just the UK equivalent?

I didn't know SX did Stingray models. How very cool!