Martin E

Reminds me of a Glen Baxter cartoon 'Having inadvertently strapped on his guitar upside down, to avoid any further embarrassment Casper started playing as normal. The notes were all in the wrong place but fortunately nobody seemed to notice.'

We have two Bugera valve combos supplied in our rehearsal studio and our guitarist will choose which one happens to be playing games on the night. One will refuse to give a clean sound or the other will not do distortion or both will be more interested in relaying the local taxi firms radio messages.

You can analyse forum etiquette and psychology but just remember you have probably, just like the person you are engaging with deliberately chosen to adopt a pseudonym so that you remain completely anonymous. You just can't apply or expect normal social etiquette when both parties have deliberately chosen not to be identified.

Save money and get your mum to knit one.

Just curious what instrument was being used by Aloe Blacc's bassist on Jools Holland last night, a twin pickup telecaster style bass of some type. Anyone know?

Yes, I'd call it R&B as I used to understand it, but as an old fart myself I don't know what R&B means these days.

Appreciate the recommendations. A couple of chums suggested Armstrong Pickups in Ashford, I had to get this sorted so have sent it there, a reasonably quick turnaround as well. I will report if I have any problems. Thanks

I have a P bass pickup with one coil open circuit. Hopefully not a complete rewind. Who are the recommended repairers these days please? Anyone in my neck of the woods in West Sussex especially? Grateful of any advice. Thanks

The biggest factor which changes the sound for me is the venue you play in. The sound varies so much from gig to gig that choice of instrument, amp and cab is sometimes almost irrelevant. Mainly decided by which corner or nook you and your gear happen to be jammed in whilst playing.

Yes exactly, hence my query. I was searching for a Gotoh 203 which threw up their website, a good price too...

http://thebassshop.co.uk/

Just found this company on the web selling parts and accessories. Has anyone any experience of dealing with them please?

Cameltoe, you've been really unlucky there, these things are highly stressed at the best of times but you tackled it in the best way you could by adjusting in small increments. Interested to hear what a luthier recommends though as suggested a second hand neck on here may be a more cost effective alternative. Regarding shims, as Luke FRC says they are no big deal. Remember Fender's own micro tilt system was effectively just a variable shim. However no micro tilt adjustment or shim will improve a bowed neck unfortunately. A bad start to the new year for you, let us know how you get on.

Removing or moving the shim will not solve your problem. Are you sure your truss rod is adjusted correctly? Buzzing at the high frets and your description of string heights would indicate too much neck relief. Having adjusted that correctly the overall action will change and the reason for the shim may become apparent as your bridge adjustment may move out of it's normal range of operation.

Bought a set of machine heads off Dave. Easy to deal with and good communication, even offered me my money back if not satisfied. Arrived promptly and securely packed. Top man.

More a case of practicality perhaps? Having neatly packed your amp in bubble wrap and found a nice box to fit you then realise you have this odd shaped lumpy thing to include as well. Just a note in your ad saying power lead excluded for ease of packing explains all.

As a function band we inevitably have to play Sex On Fire and I am ashamed to admit that we are quite capable of cocking up the timing between guitar. bass and drums at the start. It sorts itself out after the first chorus but it has a certain feel to it which we either get just right or at the end of a long set sometimes not...

Indeed a shame to hear that John, I've read nothing but positive reviews so far. They do those models in cream with a tort pick guard and they really look the part. Definitely on my short list, they have them in Guitar Guitar down south as well and I'm going to try one out shortly. Hopefully they send all the duff ones to Glasgow...

Without seeing one in the flesh, what is the black decoration at the bottom of the headstock? Just black paint under the varnish or an additional piece of wood? Hard to tell in the photos.

Hamfist Thanks for such a speedy and comprehensive reply and your time I helped my son do a Strat body a few years ago and used Halfords paint if I recall. It covered a sanded and prepped gloss varnished body quite well but was not very durable and started to wear off after a while. I have a P bass body I am hoping to tackle next so your reply is very helpful. Cheers Martin

That looks fantastic, what a nice colour. Interested in your comments regarding Plastikote as I'm about to embark on a similar project. If you have a moment grateful if you could briefly give a bit more info on preparation, priming, drying time etc and how many coats/cans of paint it took. Thanks a lot

That'll be the miniature lead acid battery...