Sibob

I've used Newtones for years and found them to be consistent, great sounding and excellent value for money. I've fallen away from them in the last 3-4 years as I've started using Flat and Tapewounds a lot more, unfortunately Newtone only make Rounds. I wouldn't hesitate in using their Rounds again, however. Without wanting to derail from Newtone, it's worth noting that La Bella publishes a string guide that might be helpful with regards to wound length of their strings: http://www.labella.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/La-Bella-Strings-Bass-Scale-Guide.pdf Cheers Si

Just a shame there’s no options for the TMB30. The design really lends itself to a shortscale, yet it’s just treated as some entry level bass, something that leads onto the increasing features of the 34” versions. Si

It's taken me 4 days, but thought I'd offer my feelings on the 2018 show. As ever, was particularly excited, and so when I thought I might not make it because of the snow, I spent a good day talking about roads and their condition to Mrs Sibob......needless to say she was bored by it lol. I beat the snowy roads (in no way to the same extent as some peoples treacherous journeys) and got to the show on Saturday about 11:45.......... .......just as Bobby Vega was finishing his masterclass I had my bass with me, for no other reason than I had a gig after the show, but was fun excuse to show a few people my US Lakland 44-94 (passive P/J, think it's the only one they've made in that config) with La Bella Gold Flats. But essentially meant that I stuck to my historical behaviour of not picking up a bass at LBGS. It's not really through choice, but more because I'm very happy with what I have currently, and I always find myself chatting and catching up with everyone, not leaving any time to add to the noise. That said, if Jake's Serek basses had arrived on the Saturday as planned, I would have had another go on those (after my NAMM testing), so was gutted the weather scuppered that. Glad they arrived on the Sunday for him though, they're really very cool....I can see one of those in my future!! (ie I've priced it up with him lol). I enjoyed the layout this year from a functional perspective, I do like open plan, you can see around the place a little easier, however I did feel that the two extra internal rooms dissipated the overall noise better than open plan. Fewer booths than last year, which was sad to see, but hopefully the fact that this year seems to have garnered an overall positive reaction, they'll be back. I fully appreciate that a show like this is probably a PITA to attend, but I'd also like to think that engaging and supporting the UK bass community is high on a number of brands agendas, whether they 'need' the orders or not. Of course, the onus is also on Future to try and facilitate that as well. Booths that would be great to see back next year who were absent this year, including but not limited to: Barefaced, Status, COG, GB, Shuker, Strings & Things. Yes it would be great to have 'bigger brands' there and not just UK boutique, but I think these are largely catered for by retailer & distributor booths, was a shame to see no Strings & Things this year! Had a really interesting chat with Rob Elrick about neck wood preparing and construction, very friendly and knowledgable man, always good to see him at NAMM, so it's a pleasure we can host him at LBGS! Beautiful basses! If I ever went down the route of purchasing a Fodera again.......I'd likely ditch it and buy an Elrick lol. Had some good chats with Alan @ ACG, I have a bass on order, so was enquiring how it was coming and fawning over the Salace SC 6 he had on show. Great seeing the Markbass UK guys, I've been using Markbass heads for probably 6 or 7 years now, and I think a LM Nano will be added soon too! Managed to catch Mr Vega in the SBL room after missing his masterclass, just an incredible player, lovely person and deserved bass royalty as a result! Other than that, LBGS was primarily, as it always has been for me, a wonderful opportunity to catch up with some lovely lovely people that I don't get to see as often as I'd like. It's a fantastic place to meet, catch up whilst also being inspired and humbled in equal measure. Long may it live! See you next year! Si

Hehe Si

Totally forgot to post my newly acquired Bass Collection Jive fretless, very impressed for the money!! It went straight on one of the tunes for JoCee's new album, will make sure I post that about in July (2018) when it's out. If you're reading this after that date, it'll be on Spotify, PM me if you can't find it. Si

They used too, quite difficult to find now though, discontinued and apparently no-one is selling theirs. Si

I'm not sure I'd refer to some guitars at a trade show (in a different territory), but not on the official websites, as a launch. At best that's an 'official leak/preview', at worst, a fairly substantial marketing failure on Ibanez' behalf. It's also worth separating the appointed U.K. Distributor from Ibanez, referring to Headstock Distro as 'Ibanez UK' is a little misleading, they will be at the mercy of any information that Ibanez feeds them. Whilst it's arguable that they should chase info for a new product, if there's no info on Ibanez' website yet, what is there to 'officially' chase?! (You see the cyclical problem here). Have you contacted Ibanez directly? Probably more pertinent a question to ask them when the UK will receive shipment. Si

Looks like it was a successful show for Jake!! The Gallery is going to be taking some stock, and I think I’m right in saying that Bass Direct will have a couple too! Si

If it's not on the Ibanez websites, then the info you have is probably leaked before Ibanez has officially released, meaning that the distributor can't say anything until they get the go ahead. Give them a break Si

You'd perhaps like to think that supporting and engaging with the community had some value?! Fingers crossed Si

I MIGHT be coming for a second day today.....bringing mini Sibob....we’ll see Si

Bobby played again (well Q&A type thing) in the SBL room at 2:30pm. Was very cool. Show seemed busier than last time, and yes, the rooms separated in the main room definitly helped the noise! Ienjoyed myself Si

I believe Alan is making it Si

From that list, the MTD. But if you can find a decent Lakland 55-01, you won’t be sorry! Si

Still puts a Super Midget at around £100 cheaper than an Aguilar SL112 in the UK. Si

See this is what bassists do, crack-the-F-on !! Well done all Si

Will certainly be along to say hi to you, Mr Lowther and Mr Steele (if he’s there this year) Si

That's the spirit, hoping to do the same thing lol Si

Just to clarify, the 2i2 (as all Scarletts do) comes bundled with Pro Tools First as well as Ableton Live Lite, as well as a number of other very helpful free plugins (I can elaborate if needed) Cheers Si // Focusrite

Almost certainly off the back of her playing with him in Hans Zimmers band. Should be great!! Si

You're probably blowing that up out of all proportion Si

Had my Lakland 55-01 new from you and couldn’t be happier with the deal! Cheers guys Si