Skybone

[quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1499017498' post='3328620'] They're all 4 string basses, what difference does a few mm in neck width really matter? [/quote] True, but those few millimetres make a big difference. I've owned a few Jazz basses before, I've owned a few J bass inspired basses with the J bass necks, I've owned P basses & basses inspired by P basses, I was always quite happy to swap between them (thought I'd never owned any more than 1 at any one time until recently). When I had the 4003, I bought a Jazz to replace it, but I couldn't "gel" with it. I thought about it a fair bit, and it boiled down to the neck, it was just too narrow for me and really didn't feel comfy.

So what's the verdict?

I had a PODxt Live for a while before the HD, so I know what you mean, obviously put the Compressor before the Auto Wah and leave it on. No harm in trying it out. I managed to get one up & running the other week, but it didn't quite sound right at rehearsal. I'm just going to have to try a few different things out (including using the expression pedal wah).

T'bird GAS going on quite badly at the moment, thankfully, I can't afford one. The through neck Epiphones & the Gibson models all have the Jazz like 38mm wide nut, which is too small for my hands, so that means looking at the bolt neck Epiphones or a set neck Tokai which both seem to have 42mm wide nuts. Unfortunately, the Tokai's seem pretty thin on the ground just now (possibly a very good thing though! ).

Still a good looking bass though. 12string, I'm still jealous of your collection!

Great tips hamfist, that was basically the plan, though I was considering dusting the jigsaw off to cut out the basic shape. No bevelling for me thankfully.

Sweet. Knew the Faker bug would get you again!

I forgot about using the Dremel, good job I've got one too. Great tip, thanks! I don't have a router, just saws, files & a drill (and the forgotten about Dremel). The plan was to use the old scratchplate as the template & cut from the back of the sheet. use the drill to do the corners of the pickup cut out & use a hacksaw to cut the rough hole out, then finish with files. Using the cutting disc on the Dremel will make doing that, and the TRC that bit easier.

Has anyone ever had a go at making their own scratchplates? I had a couple of mirror scratchplates made for my 2 Faker's last year, but then I managed to break one when adjusting the neck pickup. Swapped the broken one with the good one, then put the original 'plate back on No.2. I did some searching for replacement 'plates, but no one seems to do a proper pearl 'plate for a Faker. While trawling eBay, I found some sheets of pearl plastic for a reasonable price, so I thought I'd take the plunge and order some. Has one ever tried making their own 'plates from scratch? What tools did you use? (saws / files / etc.)

Congratulations!

Do they still sound reasonably bright? Flats or Rounds? Is it a one off gig, or the start of a run? If they're Roundwounds, and you have a few gigs coming up, it can't hurt to change them now & play them in a bit (especially if you have a rehearsal before the gig). Especially if you're a bit anxious about it being the first gig. You have the piece of mind that you've checked your gear, and done any necessary maintenance required and everything's in top condition. Though saying that, if you're happy with your sound, carry spares and only play lightly, then leave the old ones on.

The Renegade's do get a good write up, and there's plenty of people who are happy with theirs on the FB Faker's page. Does anyone know of anywhere that sells guitar rewiring kits? I'm considering creating a new "loom" for one of my Fakers, using Retrovibe pickups, and keeping the "loom" it came with so it can be retrofitted if ever they came to be moved on... Just an idea...

Tony Pettit of Fields of the Nephilim (though he uses Warwick's these days I believe) Rocky from Voivod used one for a while, but is usually seen using a Ripper/Grabber. Geezer only used the 4001 for the Never Say Die Tour video. Apparently, he hated it, but somehow had forgotten his bass that night, and had to borrow one off Glenn Hughes. Leo Smee from Cathedral switched between a Ric and a Thunderbird. Scott Reeder used one while he was in The Obsessed & Kyuss, but then switched to Ibanez ATK's.

[url="http://www.rightonstraps.com/en/mojo-collection-paisley-blue-strap.html"][u][color="#0066cc"]http://www.rightonstraps.com/en/guitar-bass-straps-mojo[/url][/color][/u] I found these a while back, look interesting, and made in Europe.

Yup, Original Scratchplates are recommended.

Bizarrely enough, my guitar strings are nickel (the wound strings at least), where my bass strings are stainless. I did notice when I was playing guitar more, that my finger tips were shedding like yours, especially when they were fresh. The nickels sounded great, where stainless didn't sound so good to my ears. When I came back to bass, I started using nickels as well, but then I noticed that my fretting fingertips had more white/dead/shedding skin. I read something about it on here, and tried out a set of stainless. No more white/dead/shedding skin on my left and right fingers. I think it is more to do with all the strings being wound, and obviously a fair bit thicker than guitar strings. Definitely worth trying a set of stainless next string change, if only to rule them out.

Certain popular, international internet forums (though prominently US based) have certainly perpetuated the apparent "need" for people to take spare instruments to gigs. I've never seen a drummer taking a spare kit to a gig, but I admit to taking additional guitars. Have never taken a spare bass to a gig though. Maybe I should start.

I bought a P bass neck for my old MP Jazz brand new off eBay for about £50-60. It was a very nice & smooth, well made neck. Shame I made an arse of fitting it. No matter what I tried, I couldn't rectify my mistakes. Definitely far easier to buy a new neck.

[quote name='Geek99' timestamp='1497447776' post='3318233'] Are you reacting to the metal of the strings ? [/quote] Exactly what I was thinking. Nicko, are you using Nickel Wound strings or Stainless Strings? Some people have a reaction to Nickel Wound strings that makes the fingers start to peel. I had a similar reaction when I used Nickel's, but since I switched to Stainless Strings, haven't had a problem Must admit that I did think it was a load of old rowlocks, until I actually tried it out. Also the amount of time you play will affect your fingers too. Take more breaks. Stick with it.

Lozz, you don't see any for sale on BassChat because of JH's heavy handed approach to protecting his company's copyrights. Basically, the sale of Rickenbacker's and RickenFaker's is banned on the board. There are other outlets available if you want to sell a Rickenbacker, eBay, Gumtree, Other Forums, Facebook groups etc.

Awesome story. Enjoy your new bass!

[quote name='yorks5stringer' timestamp='1496506148' post='3311975'] There's a gap in the market someone could fill: bespoke truss rod covers! [/quote] There is one that I can think of, and it's owned by a member of this very forum.

Tell you why you should avoid getting a Rickenbacker? Erm... The only thing I can say is you should avoid NOT getting one. They're great IMO. The ergonomics aren't for everyone and they're expensive, but if you can afford one, get one. The great thing about them is that if you don't get on with it, you can turn it around without losing too much (especially if you get a good deal on it in the first place). I want another 4003, but I really fancy getting a 4004 at some point as well (in either Laredo or Cheyenne II guise).