mattbass6

[quote name='BassTractor' timestamp='1446877331' post='2903080'] Then again, many sellers have some sort of CDO (sic) as well, me included, and we use hours and hours painstakingly putting soft velvet between those basses and the gravel and concrete - - even cutting mum's finest pillows in two when needed, just to avoid that any velvet be visible in the picture, and... What? Yes, mum. Sorry, mum. [/quote] Fair point, well presented 😉

This is totally to do with my OCD by the way but, am I the only one that winces when you see a bass / guitar someone is selling and, they feel the best way to capture it's natural beauty is to photograph it it standing, lying, leaning on concrete, resting on pebbles or balanced across garden chairs. It just puts me off wanting to buy it. I hate dinging my basses, it drives me nuts and even though it's inevitable when you play a lot (I know basses are meant to be played not just admired - I do both by the way) but, seeing a bass for sale in the situation described, makes me wonder how well it was looked after. I just want to see an instrument I was interested in buying, on a stand against a plain background along with a clear description knowing it wasn't unnecessarily damaged, for the sake of a "pose". Sorry in advance but, I just had to ask as I've been potentially interested in a purchase and then seen the said described situation and backtracked to the previous page.

[quote name='bassman7755' timestamp='1446818793' post='2902625'] I can sing notes accurately, trouble is I have a pitch range of about 10 semitones. [/quote] Love this. Laughed out really loudly and not in a mean way, I promise. Thank you PS Tried singing in my old band once. It was recorded for a live release and upon hearing my BVs, I was horrified / mortified. Pitching would have been useful so, suffice to say, Melodyne became my very best, overworked friend I'll stick to writing the songs and playing bass.......

All my knobs fell off too and TC were just brilliant. Replaced them within 48 hours. A top company just a shame they are now owned by Behringer.......

Wow! That is stunning. What an amazing transformation / job 😎

Thanks for the introduction to Mathias Eick. The music is stunning and yes, great tone on that lovely P-bass, too.

Very clever but, left me feeling cold too. Give me songs and melody with some clever, technical flourishes thrown in, when appropriate, any day. Just my opinion of course

Has it stopped yet? If not, please make it stop....... #selfindulgent #why PS Loved that chrome Yamaha BB.

May I bring in to this discussion, Vigier? My Excess 5 is unbelievable in every way. The 90/10 approach really, really works. I've had the bass for over a year now and I can't ever imagine being without it. I used to really worry about temperature changes and how it affected the necks on my past basses. I once saw my Lull neck move in a particularly cold gig and decided that I needed something far more stable as I hated having to adjust the necks myself. The Vigier has that "classic" wood feel (the smoothest neck I have ever played) plus, it has that graphite rigidity. The best of both worlds, in my opinion, of course. For the record, if Vigier didn't exist, I would be a complete graphite neck user too - Status, Zon or Modulus

I had 2 Dingwall basses, an AB16 and ABZ6. They were stunning. Even though the wonky fret thing was easy to get used to, up the dusty end when playing any sort of chordal stuff became really quite difficult for me. That says more about my playing probably! I did gig with them too but they just weren't cutting it for me live. They were too polite. I really did miss the "normal" frets though and in the end, they had to go. Great basses, wonderful construction, amazing feel. If anyone is thinking of getting one, do it! You'll probably have more luck than me but glad I tried them out. A great experience.

What was he thinking FFS!?! I loved Guthrie's face while that farce was happening. Dear oh dear. Awful....... Buy that man 1) a metronome and 2) a lesson in taste / self restraint.

I have a very silly tip for extracting hard to hear bass lines but it works, I promise. Turn the music up to a sensible level and then turn on a hairdryer to it's highest speed. Make sure the speakers are behind you and seriously, you start to hear the bass lines more clearly. Try it and let me know

I've been buying basses from Mark and Bass Direct for years. I actually think he owes me shares in the company, now. I have to say that Mark has become a good friend and I enjoy catching up and chatting with him. I have had nothing but amazing, friendly and speedy service. He's always been fair, open and honest. I don't always agree with his opinions but I feel he's just trying to get people to see something that might not have been on their radar when going to buy new gear. I know that if I have an eye on something, I'll get a very honest opinion as to whether it would suit me and the type of music I play because, he knows what I like / dislike. That doesn't mean I'll always listen but, I will take it on board. Anyway, he'll always have my business and I would highly recommend Mark and Bass Direct to anyone. I also agree with a lot of comments here, phone ahead and if you can, deal with Mark specifically plus, take a credit card with a big spend limit PS I think The Bass Gallery is a wonderful place too. The only reason I don't go there much is simply because of its location and lack of convenient parking. Martin and Alex were always amazing to deal with. We are lucky, as players, to have so many amazing places to indulge in our passion

I've got serious GAS for a Bongo V, I think I might push the button on that in the next, 48 hours.......

I had a Squier Deluxe Dimension V. It was / is a really beautiful bass. The wood and finish were excellent. The sound was really punchy and even though it had the one pickup, the EQ options were fantastic. It felt great to play and had a really comfortable neck. Even the hardware was pretty good and especially the bridge which, was an actual Fender (Badass replacement) bridge. The only thing I will say is, I had to have the bridge realigned as it came at a weird angle so the "G" wouldn't stay on the board. I also had the neck shimmied because the bridge saddles were so low, there was no movement for the action. Once those were rectified, it was a killer bass for the money. Punched well above it's weight. I wasn't too keen on the varnished neck either but, that is easily rectified (varnished necks are not my thing - the US Dimensions have an oiled neck which is much nicer and more comfortable). I hope that helps? Go try one, you won't regret it. PS I only sold the Dimension because I'm waiting for a specific bass to come up for sale somewhere so I'm accumulating funds. My Vigier is my go to bass, anyway. I will get a US version one day as I do like them, a lot.

Answer found.......

I'm down to 2 after much horse trading and selling. My '86 Precision has been with me since it was bought for me in '86 and that, will never go. My Vigier Excess 5 is my "go to" bass and that will remain so from now on, I'm quite confident about that. I am looking for a back up to No.1 and have my eye on a cheeky little, Precison Deluxe V bass. Once the back up is in place, I know I will be sorted for the foreseeable

Gold hardware, sunburst finishes, pointy body shapes, "exotic" / bling tops on basses, weird headstocks, Rickenbackers, and single cuts. Apart from that, not fussy at all

I have a 1986 MIJ Precision in Candy Apple Red, like Steve's back up bass. I installed some SD SP-3's and added a Badass II bridge on it. I did go for the mirror scratch plate as well but changed it back to a white one once I stopped playing 4 string. I recently took it out of its case to have a little play and man, it sounds HUGE!! I was toying with the idea of putting some of his signature Rotosound strings on it and might yet. If I do, I shall let you know how it sounds. Have fun and post pics if you do it ) PS I prefer the blue sparkle bass as well.