NJE

We had an astounding gig in Chepstow a couple of weeks ago, a real confidence booster as it was the first gig with this band lineup. In contrast, Saturdays gig was a function, black tie and ball gown type evening. It ran late so we were on at 10:30 instead of 9, and we had set up and sound checked at 5:30. They were all hammered by 9:30 and the disco was playing songs that I swear were pulled from a school disco in the late 90s which the audience seemed to love. We soon put a stop to that with a selection of soul/funk/soft rock, and we kept getting asked for ABBA and Oasis. I had one lady get very frustrated that I couldn’t talk to her about song requests while I was singing lead and playing bass. She got up on stage and was talking in my ear while I was playing. She was not offensive, she said we sounded good, but they wanted more modern music which we could t help them with. Anyway we had them dancing for a few blues brothers/commitments numbers but then got out and let the disco delight them with a Grease medley, some Whigfield, and Jive Bunny.

I think they are great, big unapologetic sing along pop with some darker lyrics and themes to discover when you listen properly. They have been touring with a big band recently, and they have a polished big sound which is something you don’t really see much of now. It kind of reminds me of some big acts of the 80s and 90s in terms of production.

For ages I heard a line in Pearl Jams rearviewmirror wrong. Original line: saw things, so much clearer I heard: Sophie, so much cleaner. There is a guy on Instagram who does amazing misheard lyric videos. One of his common ones is swapping out ‘the rain’ for Lorraine in songs. It ruins so many songs and is hard to unhear 😄

Another vouch for EBS flat patch cables. I think they have three levels of them, I went for the middle ones with the gold jacks. They allow for a very compact pedal board.

I used to use online brokers like P4D and Parcel2go. With P4D I used to get written confirmation they would ship and insure instruments to the full value I was asking so there was no room to argue if anything went wrong. I then wrapped up the basses inside the case, but never locked the case itself in case someone wants to look at it at in customs (never happened). I then wrapped the case up thoroughly and put my address and delivery address in multiple locations just to be safe. I took photos at every stage of wrapping and packing so that they couldn’t argue it was insufficiently wrapped if anything happened. This saved me with a cab sale once and they had no room to argue with me that the courier was to blame.

Sorry if this is not appropriate for the thread, but could anyone give me any info on what the neck profile is like on a SB-2? I seem to remember playing a tribute one a while ago and it was very narrow but a bit more of a U shape. what are the US built ones like, as there are a few around secondhand at the moment.

I have sung in bands both backing and lead, as long as I have played bass, so I guess I learned to do both at the same time fairly organically. That being said, there are songs that I just cannot sing and play at the same time because of the melody and syncopation just make my brain hurt. Move on up by Curtis Mayfield is one example. It’s not hard to play but I just can’t do it. If you can lock down a bass-line and know it so well it’s muscle memory that helps a lot. Also knowing the lyrics well helps, so you don’t have to think about what your singing. Sometimes fairly simple songs are really tricky and sometimes the tricky ones can come easily because the rhythm and bassline slots nicely with the phrasing and melody.

I had one of these for a few years. I was going through a phase of not feeling I deserved expensive gear so sold my Stingray 5 or Roscoe Beck V, I can’t remember. This performed so well in the soul band I was in at the time and the low B helped with all the key changes we did. Great bass that got so many good comments on its sound and look. It looked so good in band pics.

😄 I know it sounds a bit ridiculous, but I quite liked not having the option of multiple bases. I just got on with that bass and focussed on playing. I also didn’t have to worry about maintaining multiple basses, buying strings for them, finding space to store them etc. I am tempted to add another into rotation though.

It’s quite liberating going down to one bass. I have just played my stingray for about 6 years now, but am tempted to get a P or J or PJ for my 40th for a change.

All of my recent encounters with fenders have been poor or average at best. They just can’t seem to maintain any real consistency in a lot of the ranges. I played one of the Vintera Jazz basses at a big guitar store recently and it was just dreadful, shocking set-up, build was poor and it was just lifeless. I put back after a couple of minutes. In contrast I played a Lakland PJ which was a similar price and it was an outstanding instrument, resonant, well made, well set up and sounded amazing. I would have loved to have taken it home but I really didn’t like the colour. I have heard good things about the American Original/Vintage basses though, and the American reissue I played a while ago was a really lovely instrument.

I was thinking clear at one point. When I was taking the pickup cover off I thought it looked pretty good.

Never thought about black on it, off to google to find an example. I have a Pearl white which I always pair with a black pickup cover when I fancy a change.

I’m not sure if I have posted mine on here. This is my 2000 Stingray, I have had this about 6 years now. I have mixed feelings about this bass, it plays so well and just feels so comfortable, but I have never been thrilled by the colour. I just can’t seem to bring myself to sell or trade it for fear of not getting another quite so good.

That looks amazing! Where do you source your necks and bodies from? (That’s a weird question in any other context). Do you buy them finished or do you do them yourself? I really fancy building my own bass.

Yeah I agree, their prices seem to have rocketed recently, and seem a bit ridiculous for what is still essentially a basic mass produced instrument. I love my Stingray, I got it 6 years ago for a very good price, but I could barely afford a secondhand one these days.

The new BFR bass has been announced and it’s a full blown replica of a 76 Stingray. Too rich for me at £4200 but looks nice.

I watched this interview last night. I like Rick a lot and Robert DeLeo was a huge influence when I was younger. He comes across as such a nice guy and a very capable guitarist and songwriter as well. I loved hearing some of those Stone Temple Pilots songs again.

Thanks for the feedback, if I decided to order something, it would likely only be a 1x12 or 2x10 if they were happy to make it. I am not overly bothered by weight as I don’t gig much and it would be more to have a nice cab at home. My main betters was sound quality as they really don’t seem overly popular with us bass players.

A very good friend of mine has just ordered a custom cab from Zilla and is blown away with the customer service and quality. I know they make cabs but I have seen very few of them and even less mention of them on here. Does anyone own one or have any experience? I really fancy having them make me something custom and a bit nicer than the usual carpet covering.

Yep YOB bass for me too, absolutely stunning! I have been keeping my eyes out for an early Stingray for a gift to myself for my 40th. Can’t believe there are two white 83 Stingrays on basschat, and I have never come across one for sale. Must look harder! 😄

I have had 3 Stingrays over the years and my current one for 6 years. I think I adjusted it once after it had been in the case for over a year but that’s it. In relation to the figured wood discussion, I seem to remember an interview with Roger Sadowsky where he said he wouldn’t use it in his basses because of its instability and inconsistency. I think he only started using figured necks when the whole roasted revolution started.

I don’t have any direct experience as all the maple fretboards I have had, have been finished. I have heard people use wet wipes, Ernie Ball wonder wipes, Murphy’s Oil Soap (I think Ernie Ball recommend that as well). I have seen steel wool work well or even super fine sandpaper to get the worst out as well.

Sherwood Green Metallic would be my vote

There’s the Flea signature with the MM pickup in the right spot?