Cat Burrito

[quote name='chris_b' post='1005151' date='Oct 29 2010, 01:33 PM']+1 Is it still a good price? Do you still want it? Start bargaining. If he's that skint he'll probably haggle.[/quote] My view too. Probably very genuine, first sniff someone isn't & I walk. He may have incured additional expenses.

Every time I come up with a nice idea or melody, my songwriter has a much better example so I tend to sit back and concentrate on making [b]my[/b] parts as best I can as my contribution. I find bass a virtually impossible instrument to write on too*. I wish I was better in this area but I constantly work with good Rhythm guitarists who seem to come up with stuff naturally. I don't know why but I wrote my best stuff when I was 18 / 19. I'm nearly 38 now. *Nothing against bass, Lead guitarists tend to be weaker with song ideas as do singers who can't play an instrument.

I just had a basic Stagg type one from my local shop and it offered plenty of protection. if I still had the bass I wouldn't hesitate to ship in one of those

Welcome

It will always depend on the individual bass. Sometimes a new bridge works wonders, sometimes new pickups. Could be a new nut, it might just be that a fresh set of quality strings transforms the bass. Work out what you think needs improving and go from there. Occasionally stock basses sound just great as they are

As far as the OP is concerned, no. I've played since the 80s & always managed to walk into bands I've wanted to join. I've never failed an audition & I've done a fair few sessions, hundreds of gigs and had a blast doing it all. However, all that said I wish I'd learnt to read when I was younger. You have an extra string to your bow if you can & it will increase your options in terms of going for some sessions / gigs. It doesn't have to be a major barrier but it can only be of benefit if you have an extra skill.

I don't mind Fender strings & have bought them quite a few times. Go for it.

Welcome Gary. Sounds like you have some great gear

Welcome

Very cool

I bought a computer laptop wrist rest on EBay & use that. I pulled the red cloth off the top & just cut to size

I like Rotosound & I'm a bit concerned reading Legion's post as he comes across like he might know his stuff. I think the Fender flats are ok for a starting point when getting into flats.

Just to add to the above, the MIM Classic / Deluxe series are really good. I was really impressed with the last MIM standard Jazz I tried, & when I say impressed I also mean surprised. I think the QC can be a little variable but not a massive problem. Often a good set up sorts issues. And the MIJ / CIJ stuff usually is stunningly good. All that said a decent USA Fender tends to nip any future GAS in the bud

That design definitely works for me

Cheers 99ster. I love the story about how Dylan only picked up the bass to frustrate the ad guys who wanted him to pose with a guitar. Interesting to see how many posters across the different forums have the picture at home (mine is framed & above my record player incidentally!). And I'm not the only one who assumed it was Rick Danko's Jazz bass, not Harvey Brooks.

The Fender promo idea makes sense as the amp pictures are obviously posed (it's not plugged in!) Great clip too

I've always loved this picture of Dylan which I believe is a studio shot from 1965 Does anyone know anything about the Jazz bass? It looks like Danko's & I wondered if it was.

Lemon Oil is good but to be fair any cheap cleaner on EBay will set you back less than a fiver. [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DUNLOP-65-GUITAR-POLISH-AND-CLEANER-1FL-OZ-/350353320086?pt=UK_Guitar_Accessories&hash=item5192af6896"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DUNLOP-65-GUITAR-POL...=item5192af6896[/url] seems pretty common and I am sure you will get a big improvement for just £3.50

Using a powerball doesn't hurt either, although it will increase your strength across your whole hand and forearm

It does smack a bit of being a gimmick. I do worry about kit getting pinched but a feeble lock is probably not better than just not getting shedded at the gigs and failing to keep an eye on your kit.

[quote name='Doddy' post='1000974' date='Oct 26 2010, 12:00 PM']Ronnie Lane[/quote] Can't top that! I actually live here and took this pic at the end of a couple of shows away (it's the racehorse the road is named after and not a prompt to enter a debate on the hunting ban!)

Great intro, welcome

Hi Fred, looks like you've been a member a little while? Welcome

I was a pick player for 10yrs and now pretty much only play with fingers. The trick is (& you'll hate this) is just to start slowly and work up slowly. It will come. It felt weird for ages when I first switched. I suspect you are probably trying to run before you can walk which is the common mistake I kept making.

Handles placed on the top of amps!