Lysdexia

[quote name='CameronJ' timestamp='1505753783' post='3374044'] Is this the one I saw for sale on eBay a little while ago? [/quote] the very one.

[quote name='Wilco' timestamp='1505753097' post='3374036'] Cool bass. What pre-amp did it come with? [/quote] The standard, factory fitted passive - it's very useful, but I've long preferred active circuitry for the endless faffing it facilitates.

My first Maruszczyk - Elwood 4p 30" scale in black-burst satin. It's a joy to play. And what a slap tone it delivers! The photo is from their website, but it's also the bass I now have. Delighted! The pre-amp will be swapped out for an East J-tone 01, and I'm going to exchange the bridge pickup for a stacked J-type, but I'm not sure which one will bring me closer to a Musicman style humbucker in sound. Any suggestions for that would be very welcome indeed.

[attachment=249723:Fender Starcaster MP Bass in Ebony-9.jpg] My current Fender Starcaster with some fetching Sandberg control knobs.

[attachment=249721:dubhacan selection 10-07-10-70.jpg] Fender American Deluxe I had a while back.

A final thought - bass is better than sex. And, if it's not, you're doing it wrong.

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1490995282' post='3269792'] ... but not all the time. I have 5 basses and fall in and out of love with each of them at times. Sometimes I can play them all in an evening and find there's not one that I like much at all. Am I alone in this? Am I peculiar? [/quote] I suffered this for decades. Until I found Sandberg. Now I can't fall out of love with at least one of my basses.

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1491392720' post='3272638'] Its like a big guitar... generally played by the least cool person out of a group of mates that decide to form a band. [/quote] I ended up being a bass player because the first time we ever went to a recording studio someone had to play bass. The other guitarist had a Fender Strat (I didn't) so that was it - demoted undemocratically because I had a sh*tey guitar. I'm still not over it.

Well. I thank you all for the replies, but the SubWoofer riposte from Lowhand is a very (very) obvious winner of sorts. Even though there was no competition. And to clarify the outcome from my original question - I ended up getting a Starcaster.

Hi - any help much appreciated.

I loved it - not least the subliminal political rallying call to the hoi polloi for the final showdown with the army of robot angry badgers the guy is building in his bunker. Brave!

I just bought a multi FX unit from Andy and not only is the unit exactly as described, I'd like to add that Andy is a very sound guy to deal with indeed. Package arrived in perfect nick and absolutely bang on time - ideal in all respects. Cheers, Andy, and thanks again!

Programmable drum machines. Never late, always in time, no jazz moments (unless told), never complain - will even humanise themselves a wee bit if you want to play fast and loose with groove danger. They don't drink, don't do drugs and never have to explain away any dodgy UKIP leanings. And they don't have clatty habits or stink like, well, a sweaty drummer. Logic X is host to some seriously loveable drummers.

Hi guys - my partner has finally decided it's time to learn* to play bass (she's 61) and her perception that I can be impatient, means she would prefer to learn via an iPad app. Of course I'll be there to encourage her, but I haven't a clue which app might be best for the task at hand. Any suggestions most welcome - thanks. *Articles in the press recently - about how playing and instrument is the best thing you can do to aid brain health - are the source of her motivation.

My playing style - optimistic.

My new Sandberg California II TM4 Gold Top. [attachment=228090:Gold TM4 angle body.jpg] [attachment=228091:Gold TM4 face on.jpg] It's a joy to play and sounds even better than I'd hoped for - sensational basses. Premium quality, perfectly set up via their PLEK system and all that at a decent price. I absolutely love it.

[quote name='walbassist' timestamp='1473931035' post='3134192'] I'd contact Sandberg direct. They are very good on customer service. Delano pickups have been standard in the Sandberg range for a long time, so no reason to assume they are a retro-fit. [/quote] The standard pickups are now Sandberg's own - no longer Delano's. I haven't heard them so I have no idea if they are as good/better/worse than the mighty Delano offerings.

Would anyone know what gauge of strings Gibson use on these and who makes them? I now have a four and a fiver - so gauges for both would be ideal. Apart from planning for string changes, I'm also trying to work out why the four string is harder to play than the five. There seems to be more tension in the strings, so wobble and bend are more difficult to deliver, and the percussive nature of slap is also reduced.

[quote name='rmcki' timestamp='1461983982' post='3039362'] Great thread! Happy to help anyone with setups, soldering, repairs and a cup of tea in Argyll. [/quote] I've sent you a message as I'm in Argyll, too.

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1461305259' post='3033418'] EmmettC is in Edinburgh. What problem are you having? [/quote] Sorry for the delay in responding - I have a Yamaha Attitude that buzzes/dead notes from about the 15th fret upwards. It also has an action that gymnasts could do their party pieces on. I also have a Fender Jazz std that I just don't use because it's so difficult to play due to poor setup.

I searched google for *Derek Forbes bass gear* and found this wee gem with the pickup answers I was hunting for. Thanks!

I got a new 5 stringer EB Fireburst yesterday. Wow - about covers it. Those DeCola pickups are something truly special - awesome tone. Coupled with the Babicz and super-low (and buzz free) easy to play action results in a fabulous instrument. It's substantially lighter than my MM Stingray into the bargain - cumulating in a bass of seductive delights so intense that I don't want to put it down. And I love the satin fireburst finish - it looks elegant and feels beautiful to the touch. I am hugely impressed. Although listeners would probably be much less impressed with my ability on a 5r.

Anyone offering help in and around Glasgow? I need it

The guys on the Faceache page informed that the tool for the job is an 8mm hex/allen key. I'm sure it'll be the very thing.