Cosmo Valdemar

Colin Grigson played one of these.

My one does 😊

I think they came with rounds back in the day, which is why John Entwistle got through so many of them - he'd snap the strings but couldn't buy replacements so had to buy a whole new bass. My Longhorn came with rounds when I got it new in 2005. Very distinctive tone, a hollow twang far growlier than you'd expect. I was never able to play it live as it refused to stay in tune. Useless tuners. I also have a Hofner Ignition Violin bass. Contrary to earlier posts I find it to be rather limited in what it can do - luckily, that big dull thump is just perfect. Massive bottom. Mine's wearing Hofner flats. No issues with tuning that I've noticed. There is some neck dive but it's really not a concern as the whole bass weighs about as much as a tissue.

We seem to have derailed this thread somewhat.

It's... not great. Definitely the Rick though.

Geezer played that Rick on the Never Say Die album as well, or a least a Rick of some description. Despite what he's said about only ever playing the Rick live.

It was a Rick on Burn I think... I'm sure I read an interview with Glenn where he mentioned using the Rick to deliberately retain Roger Glover's sound. Ironic really as his tone was completely different.

Whilst looking through the rather marvellous new Stormwatch reissue, I came across this picture - Barriemore Barlow playing this very bass! According to the text, he played the bass on Peggy's Pub while Dave had a turn on the mandolin.

The master.

I can't really answer your questions Ray, but that first picture of you playing is an absolute joy.

I once had a dream in which I went into a guitar shop and asked to have a go on the Aria Black and Gold they had on the ceiling (?). The shop kindly obliged but when it was handed to me it turned out to be a Hohner Steinberger copy. Not wanting to appear rude I played it, only to realise it was the GREATEST TONE EVER. So great that a crowd soon formed in awe at the sound. The dream was years ago, before I'd ever played an Aria SB, but I still want to try one of those Hohners.

Correct! Not rockabilly! It's my wife's 40th - I've hired the hall and put together a little band especially for the evening to play some of her favourite songs. I had forgotten all about this thread and stumbled upon it when I was Googling parking at the venue.

And... I'm playing there on Saturday 🤣

Try the front pickup. Worth remembering that MT splits his signal into two amps to separate the clean lows and dirty highs.

MT's used a few different basses over the years. The first album was recorded with a borrowed Fender Jazz that he disliked. Pilgrimage is a Rickenbacker. Argus and Wishbone 4 are the Thunderbird, front pickup only - despite MT's insistence that he recorded Argus with a Rick! Completely different tones. I believe There's The Rub and New England are a Fender Precision, although There's the Rub is very distorted and could be anything.

This. Having owned several Ricks before, I bought this one with full knowledge of their quirks and foibles, and was determined to make this one work. I've since replaced the bridge with a Hipshot, removed the pickup cover and restrung with DR Fat Beams, and now she's an absolute dream to play. But still utterly eccentric, borderline manic sometimes. Through my Tech 21 dug pedal, it's THE sound.

Let me live in your country...

The body shape reminds me of a Washburn guitar from a few years back... with a Rickenbacker scratchplate.

I like how they announce 'the original Badass is back!' even though it's versions II and III...

But, no adverse feedback, even when cranked right up! This of course is a common issue with lesser instruments.

They were good, but far better when they were supporting someone else. Their work with the great Tony Sheridan is sublime.

You're welcome! 😆

Different shape headstock, improved pickup on the Epiphone - JC has said the pickup was weak on the Gibson.

Erm... Fender Geddy Lee Jazz - one of the early CIJ ones. I liked the tone but it didn't work as well for the band as my Precision, so I sold it. Also, the neck was so thin my left hand would cramp. Waterstone Tom Petersson - purchased from @NancyJohnson, loved the sound but found it a bit cumbersome. Unfortunately it lead me to unfairly dismiss 12 strings as a bit difficult to play until I had a ride on @Wolverinebass's Hamer. Gibson Les Paul Bass - looked amazing, sounded like the grandest of grand pianos, weighed about 15lb. Sent back to the shop. I've always been a massive fan of Rush so that definitely influenced by decision. My admiration for Tom Petersson has grown since owning the Waterstone, but I don't regret sellng it.

Serious question - is this a genuine problem with extensive tattoos?