lanark

Can anyone recommend flats that have that dull mellow sound from the moment they're put on? I've had to switch a set of brand new Chromes that were put (by the shop) onto my new CV Jazz, for a year old set from my old P-bass because the new ones were far too clanky - especially when pressing down (I don't want a ting when pressing against the fret). Funnily enough, I don't remember my first set of Chromes being this bad - but the memory is a funny old thing. So --- when I get another set of flats, what would you recommend that don't need several weeks worth of wearing in? EDIT: I was thinking of starting a new thread, but figured there were enough about flats already.

Can anyone recommend flats that have that duyll mellow sound from the mooment they're put on? I've to switch a set of brand new Chromes that were put (by the shop) onto my new CV Jazz because they were too clanky - especially when pressing down (I don't want a ting when pressing against the fret). Funnily enough, I don't remember my first set of Chromes being this bad - but the memory is a funny old thing. So --- when I get another set of flats, what would you recommend that don't need several weeks worth of wearing in? EDIT: I was thinking of starting a new thread, but figured there were enough about flats already.

Well, I swopped them over and now the Jazz sounds just how I wanted it (although the P sounds REALLY clangy). I tried adjusting the bridge saddles but ended up getting into issues, but I think I have them sorted now. I have to depth of the P, witgh the dullness of a mute and worn-in flatwounds, but without the muddy lack of tone at the low end that I was getting at times with the Precision. All in all, the right decision (now I have to hope that I don't have an emergency and use the P - because then the band will find out that I went against their advice). EDIT: as a side question, roughly how long does it take for Chromes to lose that clanginess - I don't remember the first pair being anything like this bright when they went on (it's especially noticable when hitting the frets), but I suppose they must have been when new. EDIT EDIT: Oh ... and now I understand what people mean by that Jazz "growl" - there's a definite rawness there that isn't on the P bass tone. What I do find odd though is the slight hum that's there if you don't have both pups turned up full. Is this a feature of all double pick-up guitars or just the Jazz layout?

[quote name='ogrimark' post='964168' date='Sep 22 2010, 10:01 AM']Need more amps then cheers. i will have a look at the back of the amp just to make sure but i thought it said something about min 8ohms on the back of the amp. it has 2 outputs. was just an idea to get taller than the guitarist and annoy him.[/quote] Or a different extension cab that pushes more air - maybe a 4x10 or bigger. Loudness, as I'm sure will be pointed out isn't just about watts, it's about efficiency and air movement - a 4x10 extension cab will likely feel much louder than a 1x15 extension cab, for example. So unless you're playing enormous venues without a PA, think about this (it also gives you flexibility as to which setup to take with you).

[quote name='Conan' post='965266' date='Sep 23 2010, 08:53 AM']As long as they are the same or similar gauge as the ones that are one there... if not, you might need to tweak the action/truss rod etc... They're your basses - do what you like with them![/quote] Cool - they're both D'Addario Chromes. As I say, the ones on my P are just how I like them, but the ones on the new CV Jazz are still a bit clanky. (I know because they sound different even when plucked unplugged). The P and J are both Squiers and are both the same length from bridge to head. I'm going to swop them over but not tell the rest of the band, because I really want to play the new Jazz on Friday without the band getting antsy. Of course, if it doesnt' make the difference in sound I was expecting, I'll just swop them back.

[quote name='lanark' post='964532' date='Sep 22 2010, 02:49 PM']The flatwound chromes on my new Squier CV Jazz are still a bit clanky, so I'm thinking of switching them over with the Chromes on my older P-bass, which have been on and playing for about a year. They're the same length from bridge to head so I was hoping to get the mellower sound from the worn-in strings straight away on the new Jazz (which I want to use at a gig on Friday). Can anyone see any obvious problem with this, before I go and ruin something?[/quote] Now the other band mates are obsessed that if I swop the strings over, neither guitar will sound right - even if I swop the old strings back to the old guitar. Can anyone put my mind at rest here? They're flatwounds, so it's not like I want that new string zing.

The flatwound chromes on my new Squier CV Jazz are still a bit clanky, so I'm thinking of switching them over with the Chromes on my older P-bass, which have been on and playing for about a year. They're the same length from bridge to head so I was hoping to get the mellower sound from the worn-in strings straight away on the new Jazz (which I want to use at a gig on Friday). Can anyone see any obvious problem with this, before I go and ruin something?

Well, it's rather nice. Out all night tonight too - when am I going to get chance to give it good test? Darnit! Okay - the Classic Vibe Jazz is a lovely guitar to play. The shop has put on Chromes - really nice of them and they're what I have on my P at the moment, but I have a gig on Friday and I don't have time to wear them in. As they're still going to be too clanky by then, I'm going to swop them with the strings on the P which have now got that really dull flat sound I'm looking for. I've taken the protective plastic off everything (remembering to unscrew the scratchguard screws - hate those little scraps of plastic that get left behind. How do people live with those? Eugh. Will take photos when I'm changing the strings on Thursday night.

[quote name='Fat Rich' post='960580' date='Sep 18 2010, 05:26 PM']Bought this book based on the comments here and it's really good. No tricks, no shortcuts but a thorough progressive approach to learning to read music. Many thanks for the recommendation![/quote] Is this book by William Perry? As you say, it's only available secondhand and there are lots with similar titles.

Geez, why doesn't he just play a bloody guitar?

M&S's women's clothes are actually quite interesting, but their men's clothes are the most boring on the planet.

[quote name='Ou7shined' post='963173' date='Sep 21 2010, 12:05 PM']Them telling you that they've given it a "full setup" means didely-squit. So equip yourself with Allen keys and a Philips and set it up the way you like it... then tell the wife you've got a bad back and play bass all night. [/quote] Yeah, I know that about the setup, but they're a proper guitar shop, with a full time guitar tech there, not a general purpose pile it up and get it out "we sell everything from kazoos to grand pianos" place like Banks in York. So at the very least I know that the neck will be attached properly and any obvious deficiencies in the electrics and tension should have been noticed and sorted. Time now to also get a decent case / bag I think. I have the world's worst gig bag ... one that only opens at the bottom, so every time I get it out it's detuned and I'm having to stand it on its head - not good at all.

So who takes a spare bass to every gig?

Yes, I know it costs less than £300, but it's the first brand new bass guitar I've bought, so I'ma little excited. I'm picking it up from Mor Music in York this afternoon. They've fitted it with flats for no extra charge (and given me the original rounds as well) and given it a full set up. Any advice on what I should do with it when I get it home (even obvious stuff please) apart from play it? Unfortunately, today's my wedding anniversary as well, so I don't think I'll get away with playing it all night .... maybe tomorrow.

[quote name='thisnameistaken' post='963149' date='Sep 21 2010, 11:35 AM']Mine sort-of "rest" on their stands rather than balancing, maybe you're doing it wrong? So far I've found guitar stands to be completely safe but in fairness I have only been using them for 20 years or so.[/quote] Ha! what is this "Nitro" finish? And why on earth is it so delicate?

I had images of a fretless "flying V" bass for a moment.

[quote name='luckman67' post='955442' date='Sep 13 2010, 09:43 PM']You read threads about bassists being really happy with their Squier Affinity P, & I'm envious that I can't be that happy unless it's the real thing ( It's just me I guess).[/quote] You know you can get some really sh*tty MIA and MIM "real" Fenders. You pay a hell of a large premium for that decal on the headstock. Some play like a dream, but ask yourself if it's worth an additional £600 to the Squier CV series? If you're happy with that, go for it, but personally I'd be investigating the CVs before I headed down the vintage or Road Worn route.

I'm finding it really hard to play without music. I'd love to be able to get off the page, so I'm not having to worry about gales or music stands falling over and so that I can generally move around and look up with I'm playing. So .... hints and tips for memorizing tunes, please. A lots of this involves definite notes in the right place too, not just riffing off a chord sequence. I know ... practice, practice, practice ... and more practice. (I'm just about to start a regime of practising along with recordings of the tunes, because by practicing what's on the page without accompaniment I'm kind of ensuring that I never leave the sheet music behind - I need to instil in myself where the changes are and how the bass part interacts with what everyone else is doing). So how do you all learn your parts?

[quote name='project_c' post='954295' date='Sep 13 2010, 06:41 AM']Let's say I do this - if they do happen to pick me out, wouldn't that mean I'd be in the sh!t? I can pretend to be stupid / forgetful / ignorant about laws ("I thought I wouldn't need to declare it as it's old and knackered" etc) but I doubt that would wash with customs tbh. Best case scenario, I walk and nobody notices, worst case, confiscated bass and a criminal record, no?[/quote] But how on earth will they prove that this old bass didn't go with you when you left the country? I could understand your worries if the bass was in a box, bag and had the price tag attached. However, I honestly can't see any chance of them stopping you unless you're looking particularly shifty - and if that were the case, I doubt they'll be imagining they'll be finding contraband used guitars when they perform the cavity search.

I get frustrated because I can sight read pretty well for piano - so I know the notes and can "read" the music, but I get annoyed with myself for not knowing quickly enough where the note is on the fretboard - I usually have to manually think it through, sometimes I even forget which notes the open strings are. I know ... practice practice practice .... and then more practice.

[quote name='thisnameistaken' post='950860' date='Sep 9 2010, 05:41 PM']Stick flatwounds on your jazz, mute the strings with your palm and pick with your thumb. It sounds dope. I'll have your tug bar if you're not using it. [/quote] You mean I've got to learn ANOTHER technique? I've barely got used to the first one!

[quote name='RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE' post='951162' date='Sep 9 2010, 09:50 PM']Well,some hate headless. Some hate pointy basses. Some hate Fenders. Me? Two of the basses that irritate me are : Warwick NobbyMeidel Headless bass.(Just plain ugly,and the worst headless bass I've seen) Hofner 'Beatles' bass. (just looks boring ,and apart from 6o's tribute bands,who else uses them?) Let's see what you all love to hate [/quote] Headless basses, they just look SO wrong. Something's just ..... missing.

[quote name='thisnameistaken' post='950404' date='Sep 9 2010, 11:20 AM']It's also interesting to note that the shape of Fodera, Alembic and Ken Smith basses are all fairly unpleasant to look at. However much money they make they are apparently not interested in giving any of it to designers.[/quote] Ha! It's certainly true that expensive basses are often excrutiatingly ugly.

[quote name='synthetic' post='950796' date='Sep 9 2010, 04:36 PM']Thisnameistaken, I have been alternating fingers as it felt more fluid and sort of made sense.[/quote] It's amazing that it took so long for people to start playing like that, isn't it? I don't understand why thumb rests are still put underneath the strings rather than above them (well, it is on the CV Jazz).