leroydiamond

+1 For the Puma 900. Oodles of juice on tap. Plug and play right out of the box type of amp. A modern sounding amp but the taste control is really good at warming up the tone. [quote name='Guinness21' timestamp='1410266516' post='2547623'] I thought you could get a variety of tones from the gk - from hifi to tubey? Didn't know that about the pf500, tbf I'm not sure whether to get a 500w amp head or 800w head, might be better long term to have the extra power. [/quote]

Some years ago I switched from using Lemon oil to orange oil for cleaning rosewood fingerboards ( as recommended by a builder at Lakland basses). Prefer orange oil

Was listening to their album 'Cosmos Factory' the other day and every track is a classic. Outstanding recording from a terrific band.

[quote name='Johngh' timestamp='1409069745' post='2536007'] I'll have a look at mindfulness tonight now I'm back from work. thanks for the link [/quote] Certainly worth checking out IMO. I have just learned that Mindfulness studies, from this year is a subject on the secondary school curriculum over here in Ireland. There after all lurks in the dark corridors of the civil service a person with some forward thinking and imagination.

With the small reasonably priced micros out there, a backup is a must have, particularly if there is no P.A. support. I take 2 amps to every gig. They are both micros and fit neatly into a laptop padded bag. Easy

I have the Puma 900 and if your looking for a clean tone, this would be top of my list in micros. Agree with what others say regarding eq and the very useful taste control. Importantly for me it is a simple set up plug and play amp.

I got tinnitus several years ago after 30 years of gigging. When the doc told me there was nothing he could do to treat it, it was a real low point for me. I had to take a break from gigging to let things settle and have a think. I then went down the ACS custom earplug route and this helped me get back in the game and I continue to gig. I have my hearing checked every year and the audiologist tells me that the custom plugs are protecting whatever hearing levels I have left. I had been using the cheap generic plugs for years thinking I was protecting my hearing, but I paid the price. Custom plugs are the only way to go. However there is an approach to dealing with tinnitus that might be helpful for you that is known as mindfulness. Here is a link for more info http://www.tinnitus.org.uk/mindfulness-for-tinnitus I completed a mindfulness based stress reduction programme some years ago, and found this approach effective in dealing with tinnitus and other issues. Nowadays I tend to react to my tinnitus with a kind curiosity, rather than treat it as the enemy within and have found this to be very effective. Yes, I still have tinnitus, but the mindfulness approach means the level of associated suffering is greatly reduced. However like you, I used to be into my Hi Fi, but find I do not enjoy listening to music as much as I used to. My linn sondek turntable needs a serious service, but I cannot justify the cost, given how little use it has been getting in recent times. I urge BC members to consider getting proper professional earplugs before hearing problems arise, as the risks attached to performing at loud volumes are really serious when it comes to your hearing. You will only miss the water when the well runs dry and I would not wish tinnitus on my worst enemy You have my total sympathy right now, but maybe the mindfulness approach might be worthy of consideration.

I have had a few 4 string stingrays in my hands and found them to be a bit chunky and heavy for my liking. However the Sterling 4 is much more my cup of tea. Smaller, lighter, 3 way switch and lovely slim neck which suited my relatively small hands.

[quote name='EliasMooseblaster' timestamp='1408458493' post='2530377'] Yep, just compare and contrast how well, say, Pino is standing the test of time when compared with Gene Simmons... [/quote] Pino is King. Simmons has got his head so far up his arse it is unreal

[quote name='ChunkyMunky' timestamp='1408392238' post='2529790'] Aged 67. Just some food for thought! [/quote] yea but he looks like he is aged 97

The age thing is not an issue. I completed my honours degree at the age of 51. A very good mate of mine is about to study a Diploma in musicianship. He has been a closet drummer for years and a very good one at that. Oh yea forgot to mention he has just turned 70 this week.

Top player, vocalist and songwriter. 'Lizzy' were as good as anyone else when they were at their best. Saw Scott Gorham a couple of years ago and his playing was masterful-one of the sweetest guitar players in rock. Also. Lynott just looked like a rock God without even trying ( Note to self- avoid looking in the mirror) 'Live and Dangerous' will be played at my house and turned up to 11 on Wednesday. The rest of the Lizzy catalogue is well worth checking out. Many of their lesser known tracks are absolute crackers. Of course when I was sixteen I was the Bassist/Vocalist with a school rock band in the rural west of Ireland and the morning after one of our gigs I popped into our local coffee shop. I was completely shocked to see Lynott sitting their on his own, long black leather coat, cowboy boots etc. He had a big grin and turned to me and said "howaya doin' young fella". i was stuck to the spot. I felt that I was seeing a ghost. We spoke briefly and he came across as a top bloke. still love you Philo

[quote name='sellisnba' timestamp='1408289707' post='2528648'] If my recent dealings with Thomann are anything to go by, I can understand why so few basses get sent back. Don't get me wrong. The HB jazz basses are fantastic instruments with the ash body and branded pickups (not taking anything away from the J&D bass). Mine wa s damaged in transit so I wanted to return it, The most hassle I have ever had returning anything in my life. Back on topic though, The surf green ones look lovely. [/quote] Not wanting to derail the thread but can you give us more details regarding your difficulty with returning your bass to Thomann. They get pretty universal praise on here, so i would be curious.

i have never used Behringer kit but if its good enough for one Billy Sheehan...........................check this vid at 2min30 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4Vm0K4IVw4

I use Orange oil 2-3 times per year on my rosewood board and it's the business. it was recommended to me some years ago by a builder at Lakland basses

That's horrible. These mobile phones are just becoming a pain in the ass. I have seen vocalists do this in the past and it looks really unprofessional. Some people seem to be addicted to their mobile, can never be without it and are a slave to it. Anyway don't leave your gear to one side for too long. Get out their and run with something else when the time feel right.

Can any fender experts determine from the photos if the finish is original or a refin?

[quote name='Number6' timestamp='1406456278' post='2511534'] The first thing i learned on the bass was Money by Pink Floyd and it has never left me.....nice and slow too :-) [/quote] Iconic bass line. Nothing to write home about technically, but it is just perfect

I have tried zillions of straps, including mono and comfort but I have settled on the gruvgear duostrap. It distributes the weight across both shoulders. It is relatively expensive and takes some getting used of, but I would not be without it now.

Well done with 4 hours. Our Saturday night residency is 3 hours, back to back tunes, no breaks and balls to the wall. At the end of the night I am well and truly knackered.

This is a Fender CS Custom Classic Jazz bass. Now only available by special order. I used to own a Maple neck version. The nicest neck I have ever played. Sounded really good to my ears. I moved it on even at 9 pounds weight, it was too heavy for my screwed up shoulder.

Yep got 40 euros worth of vouchers a couple of weeks ago.

Ask him how does Adam Clayton get away with it