EssentialTension

[quote name='bobbass4k' timestamp='1335477841' post='1632086'] Maybe I just have lazy technique but I hate not been able to use open strings, if you can't use open strings you're physically limited I find. Take the F# example, just half a step down and all the open strings are available to you. [/quote] I'm all for using open strings if only as passing notes and anyway F# blues scale uses two open strings.

[quote name='bobbass4k' timestamp='1335476215' post='1632026'] Don't you find only playing in one tuning limits they keys you play in? Standard doesn't really lend itself to every key, something like F# negates all the open strings in standard. I also find my fretting hand is drawn to the same places, dropping tunings can help capture a completely different mood. Maybe it's a style thing, I just don't use standard anymore, D standard, Drop C and Drop B for me. [/quote] Standard tuning works for any key, I'd say, including F#.

[quote name='leftyhook' timestamp='1330301332' post='1555542'] who was the tennis player who beat someone using a frying pan in a fun match? If you can PLAY, people will be even more impressed with a Squier logo on your headstock. [/quote]

Oh, I forgot to mention that the price is $6499.99

[quote] An exact reproduction of the classic Strat made to look as if it had survived being set on fire. The Fender Custom Shop 1961 Stratocaster Burnt Heavy Relic Electric Guitar is made by the best luthiers in the business, reproducing the unique features of a 1961 Strat and made to look like it had been set afire in sacrifice to the guitar gods at some point. This 61 Strat has been given Fender's "New Old Stock" (NOS) treatment—built (from original tooling) as if bought new in the '60s and had survived till today. The body is alder with a thin sunburst lacquer finish. The custom maple neck has a 61 Strat big deep V back shape and 9.5" radius for authentic vintage feel and vibe. True Strat tone is produced via 3 Custom Shop single-coil pickups, which can be adjusted with Fender's familiar 5-position switch, master volume, and 2 tone controls. The Fender Custom 1961 Stratocaster Burnt Heavy Relic Electric Guitar is equipped with so many vintage style features and has been so carefully burnt and worn, that new sparks are bound to fly in the hands of its owner. Since 1987, the Fender Custom Shop has been a "dream factory," producing guitars that are to playing what Ferraris are to driving. The skilled craftsmen in Fender's Corona, Calif., Custom Shop are known worldwide for their artistry in making guitars that range from the fine to the fantastic. Whether it's building a new custom instrument from the ground up or modifying an existing one, their best is the best. Fender's finest is the world's finest.[/quote]

[center][b][size="6"]Fender Neck Codes 1962-1972[/size][/b][/center] [left] [b][size="6"] [/size][size="4"]Fender began using a part code on necks rubber stamped on the end starting in April 1962. The Codes appear as such:[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]Example- 1 MAY 62 B[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]1 is a part code (not day of the month)[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]MAY is the month[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]62 = 1962[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]B= the nut width[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]The part codes are:[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]1- Jaguar 1962-1965[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]2-Stratocaster 1962-1965[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]3-Telecaster[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]4-Jazzmaster 1962-1965[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]5-Precision Bass[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]6-Bass 6[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]7-Jazz Bass[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]8-Musicmaster II, Mustang, Duo-Sonic II 1964-1965 22 fret 24" scale model[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]9-Musicmaster II, Mustang, Duo-Sonic II 1964-1966 21 fret 22 3/4" scale Model also found on '69 Swinger "Arrow/Musiclander"[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]10*- Coronado 1 and 2 and some 1966 Jazzmaster and Stratocaster necks[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]11-Bass 5[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]12-Electric 12 and Maverick/Custom model[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]13- Stratocaster 1966-1968, many 1966 Jazzmaster's too[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]14-Coronado 12[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]15-Jaguar 1966-1972[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]16-Musicmaster II, Mustang, Duo sonic II, and Bronco[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]17-Mustang Bass and MusicMaster Bass[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]18-Coronado Bass[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]19-Jazzmaster and Coronado 2[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]22- Stratocaster 1968-1972[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]23-Telecaster Bass[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]27-Villiager 12 [/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]28- Shenandoah 12[/size][/b][/left] [left][b][size="4"]3/4- Musicmaster and Duo Sonic 21 fret small headstock first version 1962-early 1964 [/size][/b][/left]

[quote name='stinson' timestamp='1335471271' post='1631844'] I always thought that 60's/early 70's neck dates looked like this? [attachment=106187:images.jpeg] [/quote] I think 16 is the code for Mustangs and Musicmasters.

[quote name='icastle' timestamp='1335471869' post='1631870'] I just don't entertain the idea. [/quote] Ditto.

[quote name='Nibody' timestamp='1328597419' post='1529600'] Been asked to join a "Nu Metal" type band by a mate. They play in "C" tuning. Rubber band strings anyone ? Whats the most awkward/daft/unusual tuning you've had to play in? [/quote] The only times I've ever played in any tuning other than EADG is when I briefly had a five string (BEADG) and on very rare occasions for odd songs I've dropped it to DADG. I've never once been asked by others to play in any tuning.

[quote name='stinson' timestamp='1335468335' post='1631788'] Agreed, but that type of date stamp was used later in the 70's [/quote] 5 was the Precision code through most of the 1960s. In early 70s the code changed to 01. There wasn't a day date, only month and year dates.

[quote name='nash' timestamp='1335468273' post='1631787'] I was pondering in a Cardiff music shop today and I came away with the opinion that the line between Fender and Squier is becoming evermore blurred. [/quote] Which Fender and which Squier? I recently had Squier CV that was every good, especially after I upgraded the electronics, but it wasn't as good as any of the Fenders I've had recent years.

[quote name='stinson' timestamp='1335464720' post='1631699'] I would have thought the neck stamp should be more day, month, year and then B [/quote] The first number is the model code - 5 is Precision Bass.

[quote name='KiOgon' timestamp='1335458467' post='1631578'] I personally wouldn't dream of paying that much 'starting bid even!' for a bass from ebay without some decent provenance. The stated "green ink proves nothing except 5 is a Precision neck & B is 1.5" nut. Photo's of date code on pots may help + if there's any info on the body in the neck pocket or cavities. Neck plates 'like that' are easily available on ebay, BTW that checks out as 1970 on guitardaterproject.org I'm not an expert & not saying it's fake or genuine, just my opinion, it's a lot for a chance buy. [/quote] B is 1.625" (not 1.5") isn't it? Otherwise I agree.

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' timestamp='1335277692' post='1628475'] Lots of pedals isn't the problem, the problem is having no clue what he is up to. [/quote] Correct. I used to play with a guitarist who had I don't know how many pedals but there were two boards and one of them was split level. He also had five guitars (all white Strats) in different tunings, each labelled with the key to which it was tuned so that there could be no mistake. However, he was a fast setup and never any confusion or problems with his sound.

[quote name='Gordon 'Thudmaster' May' timestamp='1335290899' post='1628793'] How many Violin's, Cello's, D/basses etc, have you seen with maple boards? R/w boards are the only way to go!! [/quote] How many violins, cellos, double basses etc have you seen with rosewood fingerboards? Aren't they are commonly ebony - except when they are cheap and are black stained maple?

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1335282847' post='1628600'] If you're not using a tube amp then get a VT Bass pedal or some other mild overdrive. Job done. [/quote] I said no effects but a VT Bass I would use.

I think the influence on tone is extremely minimal - much less than strings, pickups, pick or fingers, playing near bridge or neck, amp settings etc., they all beat fingerboard wood. But I still think rosewood looks and feels better.

Rosewood.

No effects, Precision bass, probably flatwounds, valve amp, maybe a tuner. That's it.

Have you seen this page Chris? [url="http://www.scottymoore.net/ampeg.html"]http://www.scottymoore.net/ampeg.html[/url]

[quote name='kjb' timestamp='1335211382' post='1627433'] I played a stingray once that had adjustable foam mutes, they were raised up and down by fiddly threaded things. Someone ought to design something similar that works by lever, can work above or below the strings, and maybe just attaches to the sides of the bridge. [/quote] [url="http://www.bassmute.com/bassmute/bm_mainframe.html"]http://www.bassmute.com/bassmute/bm_mainframe.html[/url]