guyl

+1 for the "straight to a real upright bass" approach. Getting a decent setup will give you a good start on any new bass - I'd say this is almost as important as the quality of your 1st instrument. Spending on a decent pickup is money well spent too. Good luck!

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='581515' date='Aug 26 2009, 03:47 PM']Peavey did a pair of digital/switching 1U amps (DPC750/1000) but they are discontinued now. They come up used now and again, I'd certainly look out for those; though be aware that they are as deep as a deep thing as regards to fitting into a rack. [/quote] I have a DPC750 I keep thinking about selling. Works well for bass. Interested?

I'd love to try a Big One! (Stockport, South Manchester) Thanks

Me neither!

When they fail, the lifetime guarantee isn't that helpful mid-gig. Non of my OBBM cables have ever failed (on a gig or otherwise) which is even more use than a free replacement! Lots of clever ideas from PW though!

Guy Pratt left sunny Stockport bound for Acidbass about two and a half weeks ago. (Royal Mail 1st Class) He never made it (Until this week, I thought Royal Mail got an unfair bad press - now I know it's justified!) Ahpook, who offered his copy a while ago has now send his to Acidbass - so I guess that is now the communal book! I figured this was more in the spirit than buying a brand new copy and putting money into Guy Pratt's pocket. I feel terrible - sorry - although out of my control.

I owned Finbar's sidewinder from new - more than 10 years. In terms of tone, it is totally amazing. It was big and not light, but still very playable. Looks-wise it was a head-turner - stunning! If I hadn't blown all he gave me for it, I'd probably have it back today. If I ever found a conklin that was identical in sound and playability, but maybe a bit lighter with one or two less strings, I suspect I'd be looking at a "perfect bass" (for me). Has anyone here ever commissioned a new Conklin?

For a few years, I was overjoyed with my B-Band Statement (which sounded awesome). Sadly - it started to die. First the tone started to go off a bit. Then it started to buzz and feedback. Couldn't get any response from B-Band or advice on how to repair, so I changed it for something else. When researching recently, I came across a lot of comments like: "The Realist is excellent but it doesn't last very long". I kinda hoped spending £hundreds on a pickup meant you are set for life! Does anyone know if these kind of pickups have a limited life?

Guy Pratt on his way to Acidbass. A huge thank you to Elom for starting this off.

[quote name='Linus27' post='535598' date='Jul 8 2009, 12:27 PM']Judging by last night, very active [/quote] Sounds like she wants you to have a new bass!

Please add me to the list in Manchester, where it woudl be tested with both electric and upright bass.

I'm in Stockport and very curious! I use a GK 1001 RB II. Your rig is actually on my gas list, although I've never tried either.

+1 for Dave Lunt.

Got back from hols today and Guy Pratt was waiting on the doorstep!!!

Useful advice here. It surprises me how variable MM basses can be. Some guys on here have a few. I'd say don't restrict your list of possibilities - try lots of basses. If you buy at a sensible price you can easily move it on if you change your mind.

Looking forward to receiving it!

Randomly met a man from D'addario today. I took the opportunity of telling him that although I'm a big fan of his company's electric bass strings, my experience of the upright Hybrid Helicores had been poor, being that they died so quickly. He told me that he knew of historic "problems" and had heard many similar tales. D'addario have been working hard to fix the issues and promise that the radically different design appearing in the next "version/upgrade" will be a massive improvement. He understood that experimenting with £100+ strings is an expensive hobby but urged me to wait 12-18 months and give them another try! Might just be marketing talk, but wanted to pass on the info ....

Never tried a Shuttle but love the 1001II for electric bass. Beware that they can be a bit fragile and a simple pot replacement is awkward.

Sell tickets for your rehearsal - proceeds for local charity. Surely no-one would complain about your fundraising efforts?

On the Adam Hall topic .... Had a Adam Hall experience a few years ago and got utterly ripped off. This included helping themselves to my credit card. I would handle these thieves with extreme caution!

Someone on here was/is selling a Bridge Cetus which might be what you're after. It plays and sounds like an upright due to the "proper" DB fingerboard, neck, tuners, bridge and strings but has a massively reduced body and built-in pickups. (and it looks very cool!) If your lad is arco-ing, whether he uses a broomstick or a regular 3/4 bass, he will still need the same amount of space to "wave" his bow.