EssentialTension

[quote name='BeLow' post='341549' date='Nov 30 2008, 11:43 PM']The clip of Mark King needs to be understood in context. I am taking an educated guess that the critique on the clip was done by someone who is not a Level 42 fan, but I think you need to think it through a bit more. That clip is probably the bit of the show where King demonstrates some amazing technique, I don't think that it is very musical, but in context it is great showmanship. If you went to see Eric Clapton and he played rhythm guitar in the background all night you would be upset, Mark King is pretty much duty bound to do some showing off in a Level 42 gig because that's what people go to see, and they would be pretty hacked off if he played root and fifth with a plectrum all night.[/quote] Well, there might be some truth in what you say but that doesn't mean I have to like it. Which is why you wouldn't catch me at a Level 42 concert - it is wholly of no interest to me. YMMV.

[quote name='BigRedX' post='340786' date='Nov 29 2008, 09:24 PM']It's just a matter of priorities... I couldn't imagine spending a "couple of grand" on a car that's going to then cost me even more to run and no doubt give me no end of grief when I could spend it on a perfect custom-built instrument that meets my requirements in pretty much every way.[/quote] Spend £2000 on a car and a few years later it's probably worthless. Spend £2000 on a bass and a few years later it's may still be worth £1500 or even more if you wait long enough.

[quote name='Toadonroll' post='341332' date='Nov 30 2008, 07:24 PM']Ouch! [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yioVmqlt2Fk"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yioVmqlt2Fk[/url] This sounds like a bag of crisps, makes my teeth feel like I've just chewed tinfoil.[/quote] The longer that lasted, the more eager I became to listen to something musical.

I'd say at £436 that was very possibly a very good buy. Guy I know has an early 80s Squier Precision that is much better than his 70s Fender Precision. But you might think that's not saying much.

[quote name='ARGH' post='341051' date='Nov 30 2008, 12:33 PM']If people think or say that being a Bassplayer is being a failed musician,play them Cream's 'Crossroads' live at the Fillmore,The entire "Ace of Spades" Lp by Motorhead,'Le Freak' or 'Good times by Chic or pretty much anything slaptastic by Larry Graham or Louis Johnson..or and this is the swinger..some classic Motown. And if they still have not changed their mind THEN KILL THEM.[/quote] If that doesn't change their mind then they are as good as dead anyway.

[quote name='skankdelvar' post='341094' date='Nov 30 2008, 01:17 PM']Sorry - that was about the crappiest pun [i]ever[/i] . I'll get me coat... (But it's still a brilliant tattoo. Totally different from the usual stuff. And it is very nice to have you among us once more)[/quote] I thought it was both clever and funny ... but I've been wrong before.

[quote name='Sean' post='341040' date='Nov 30 2008, 12:26 PM']Chi humbuckers on it? Active or passive?[/quote] Yes, Chisonics. Originally it was going to be active but due to the state of the £ versus the $ I moved to the passive. Maybe I'll regret that but money's tighter than it was. If it was still $2 to the £ I would have stuck with the active. Problem is when the exchange rate gets worse not only does it cost more but the customs duty goes up too. I believe from what John at Lakland told me - excepting the prototypes - it was the first production Skyline Decade to be assembled. So that's cool.

[quote name='BassMunkee' post='340812' date='Nov 29 2008, 09:51 PM']LOL - "'Ere, 'e's a bit of a communard 'e is..."[/quote] Who are you calling a communard?

And it's leaving Chicago tomorrow.

[quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='340324' date='Nov 29 2008, 10:15 AM']I played a new Lakland JO 4-stringer the other week. Lovely bass with through body stringing, etc., but it had very narrow string spacing. Definitely not 19mm. Is this normal on Lakland jazz models?[/quote] This is particularly strange as all the Lakland 4 string models (according to the website) are 0.78 inch spacing at the bridge except for the DJ and the Hollowbody which are given as 0.75 inch. But even 0.75 inch is 19.05 mm.

[quote name='Rusty Shackleford' post='341007' date='Nov 30 2008, 11:45 AM']as above does anybody have an opinion on them. Just thought they looked quite nice in certain colours. i seem to be in to that shape or there abouts with my basses now.[/quote] My Skyline Decade is leaving Chicago tomorrow. I'll let you know.

[quote name='Sarah5string' post='341014' date='Nov 30 2008, 11:56 AM']I don't buy cds. I nick copies of other peoples. [/quote] I do buy CDs but +1 on the second bit. It's usually a case of 'Don't buy that I've already got it'.

[quote name='Adam.M' post='340790' date='Nov 29 2008, 09:27 PM'][b]It's simple, Gibson keep all the great Gibson's in America, they send the lumps of muck over to Europe.[/b] So if you want a good Gibson, you go to America for it. A friend of mine came back with a Gibson from the USA and it kicks the ass off every other one I've played, ever. Same with Japanese manufacturers, though what they send out is brilliant anyway - the absolutely exceptional stuff is sold in Japan. You have to remember, we're not really worth much for their income. Gibson make 85% of their cash from there American sales, we're pocket money.[/quote] There's definitely a lot of truth in the idea that Gibson send the 'B grade' instruments to Europe. But I think Gibson's quality control is so poor they can't even get this right and occasionally an 'A grade' escapes to our shores.

[quote name='lowdown' post='340719' date='Nov 29 2008, 07:16 PM']What Your Ex Hubby was a singer? Do you like the The Communards ? Garry[/quote] Ha Ha - very good. As it happens, I did quite like the Communards but I have to say I am not of their persuasion. I hope I am not protesting too much.

+1 on Steve - it was only a small exchange of cash and goods but we had a great time chatting.

I sold Sim something as well, - can't rememebr what now, but he comes recommended.

Welcome back. [quote name='Sarah5string' post='340524' date='Nov 29 2008, 03:33 PM']Ex hubby is still the drummer.. so was a bit weird at first but it's getting easier...[/quote] I've been in that position but it was with the singer. With the drummer sounds more difficult if you're the bassist.

[quote name='Ray' post='340312' date='Nov 29 2008, 10:01 AM'][url="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=NvZlTKIEW6Q"]Godfathers Of Groove[/url][/quote] I bought their CD only this morning! Absolutely knockout. And on sitting in ... I'd wait to be asked ... but then I'm probably not good enough to play with those guys anyway.

Great guy, very easy to deal with. Recommended. Dave

[quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='340324' date='Nov 29 2008, 10:15 AM']I played a new Lakland JO 4-stringer the other week. Lovely bass with through body stringing, etc., but it had very narrow string spacing. Definitely not 19mm. Is this normal on Lakland jazz models?[/quote] 0.78 inch on a 4 string says the website which is, I believe, in excess of 19mm. So, strange ...

[quote name='Dr.Dave' post='340366' date='Nov 29 2008, 11:10 AM']Careful - I did that once and the little sh*t played it better than me [/quote] Oh. Boll*x.