Grassie

Where did you get the Sonic Blue paint?

I would imagine that B string will be quite floppy too...

[quote name='Longmayyourun' timestamp='1348081184' post='1809086'] Do you think there's a bass player on the production team at the one show? Last week Pino, this week Mark King - great stuff. And didn't they both come across as nice blokes? [/quote] Pino was on? Bugger. I missed that. My money's on Nick Beggs next...

Nice one. I've just PM'd him... Thanks!

Hi all, I'd like to replace the pickguard on my SX P-bass, but I can't find one that will fit. I've bought a single ply one to try, but the problem is that the area cut for the neck pocket isn't deep enough. This means that it won't fit over the pickup. None of the screwholes line up either. I've also tried the one from my VM Squier and this doesn't fit for the same reasons. The SX one is supposedly based on the Fender 62 P but I don't know if this applies as far as the pickguard. I'd would preferably like a 3 ply brown tort, as the tort one that came with the bass is just plain nasty - it has a horrible orange colour in it and just looks wrong. I have attached a diagram of my current one with measurements for the neck pocket and pickup aperture, I've left the control and screwholes as I can drill these myself. If anyone can help for a reasonable price, then let me know. Cheers [attachment=118672:pickguard 1 copy.jpg]

I have two cheap P basses (an SX and a Squier VM) and they are great basses for the money. Spend the [i]proper[/i] money on a decent amp. You can always swap parts on your bass - a bit harder to do with an amp (unless you're an electronics whizz...)

I have a book called "Isle of Wight Rock" and it's a compendium of quotes from local bands (and some of the major players that visited here) from the skiffle explosion of the 50's up until 1994 (just before it was published). Halcyon Order are mentioned in the section on the three early festivals (68, 69 and 1970). A great read if you can find a copy (apparently only 1000 were printed). Very cool that your uncle played that first festival - did you know it was organised to raise funds for a swimming pool?

More Followill love here.

Bernhoft - "Solidarity Breaks". Utterly wonderful - groove, soul, passion, everythang. And the dude is from Norway...

It's quite amazing really that there has been no British bass "hero" of any note since Zender (IMHO). If you need one song to sum up his abilities, then it's got to be "Just Another Story" from Return Of The Space Cowboy. Brilliant stuff.

[quote name='risingson' timestamp='1347391767' post='1800245'] Que the pendants and Fender critics giving you their alternative answers to this one [/quote] Actually, some of [i]my[/i] favourite basslines were played on Wals, Jaydees, Schecters and Warwicks, but the [i]true[/i] classics were played on Precisions. We all know that don't we...?

If you're into percussion, steer clear of the Musicman Bongo....

I too started off with a Sunn Mustang (the horrible 90's one with the plastic knobs), then bought an older P-style one (yes, I've had two of them! ). Bought my first 5er (an Epiphone thingy with reverse headstock and active electronics), then a USA DLX Fender Jazz 5, back to a Mex Jazz 4, bought an SX Vintage Series P back in May and that is a revelation, even for a cheap P copy. So much so that I've sold my Mex Jazz and am now in the market for another reasonably priced Precision. Just think about some of your favourite basslines. Chances are it was played on a Precision bass...

Mint green all the way.

I have to say, I've only ever seen the stuff on youtube, but he really is an individual, and proof (were it needed) that playing the bass guitar with a pick is not only acceptable, it can be downright FONKY. I think he's fantastic.

I used to sing backing vocals in my last band, and quite enjoyed it. I can't recall having received any complaints... It's more of an attention thing, I think. I was always quite happy standing on the end, plonking away, with everyone in the audience watching the singer, and I've always been content with my contribution to any band I've been in. I've never had a problem with not getting attention - I'd rather not have it. But I want to and enjoy playing in a band, so it's a bit of a catch-22.

Love all your replies chaps, you really are a nice bunch aren't you? We might have a replacement already, but it's far to early to tell if it's going to work. I will certainly consider giving it a go myself, but I've tried it before and I couldn't bear to hear myself, seriously, I have a real problem with hearing my own voice... It's weird. Thanks again!

[quote name='Dr.Dave' timestamp='1344873315' post='1770455'] Respect to your thread as an individual thing but it's a common story round here - someone already mentioned to get ready for a flood of similar storie. Yes , you have to be a certain type of individual. The type that gets sick of being at the bottom end of a power struggle that hampers their opportunities to make music and decides to get to the top of that food chain because the end result justifies the means. I assure you - all that takes is practise - but for some reason many of us think practising bass for 2 hrs a day for years is worth the trouble - but practising singing isn;t. We expect to be able to sing or not straight off the bat and the journey ends if we can't. Confidence?? Front man skills?? All can be learned and all can be bluffed during the learning process. If we don't want to sing - fine. But let's not tell ourselves we can't. This weekend I'll be out playing while many musicians wish they were but were let down by a singer. I'll be playing and singing not because I'm gifted but because I believe in myself and I practised. [/quote] That's quite inspirational actually... seriously. Perhaps not such a pointless thread? Thanks man... like i said, something to think about.

[quote name='thumperbob 2002' timestamp='1344873140' post='1770450'] Anyone can front a band- all it takes ( at the start ) is a person who is comfortable being out of their comfort zone. Very easy to get into. I used to front a band or two, whilst playing bass simply because the singer we had wouldnt do anything interesting, and also kept losing their voices on the day of a gig. Its just practice, like anything. Would never class myself as a real singer though. They are a different breed. [/quote] Mmmm.... something to think about I suppose, although the reason we wanted a singer in the first place was because I had a go at it when we started, and it wasn't pretty....In my head I thought I sounded awesome, reality bit me on the arse!

[quote name='Dr.Dave' timestamp='1344872230' post='1770427'] My answer has always been to learn to sing. Become the singer yourself. All it takes is the same degree of practise that other musicians put in. [/quote] We've been there. But it takes more than you've mentioned. You have to be a certain type of individual to have the confidence to front a band. If it was just about technique and being able to hold a tune then I'm sure a lot more musicians would be doing it. I get your point though. Although i disagree with your idea that this is "another pointless thread". It's neither "pointless" or "another". It's mine.

[quote name='pietruszka' timestamp='1344871994' post='1770418'] Going through it now mate. The singer in one of my bands seems to get the impression her ideas and thoughts aren't welcome all the time. She can be very difficult, I won't go into details on a public forum, but trust me it's a headache not worth having. I feel for you I really do. Dan [/quote] Been there with the female singer... too much red wine during gigs, that was her problem.