oldslapper

I think you've got your answer Stuee by the sound of the tumbleweed. The ProBasses look very nice, but the fret-less market is smaller, so interest is diminished straight away. Also the Squire Vintage Modified fretless falls into a similar price band, and the VM range seem to have established a good reputation. It's frustrating when you don't get an answer I know, but it's nothing personal. .....just blame Fender.

Thanks for that, cool!

I've just bought an interesting Jap ESP strat body with a Modulus graphite neck. But it had no string tree and not the original tuners. I can't seem to find any info on their guitar necks anywhere as I'd like to tidy the whole guitar up and fit a tree. Anybody have experience of Modulus guitar stuff? Thanks, John

[quote name='TPJ' post='1104799' date='Jan 27 2011, 09:53 AM']I think I have a spare pair John. What size/thread do you need? There are two sizes but I believe mine are 1/4 20.[/quote] Thanks TPJ, but I've sourced a pair now. John

[quote name='fender73' post='1104485' date='Jan 26 2011, 10:24 PM']Ok, new to the upright thing - who should i be listening to to get a feel for the instrument? (awaiting an EUB any day now). I'm looking at incorporating it in my covers band set on some tunes (bluesy/rocky set with the usual wedding tunes in it :-) ) Thanks guys and gals Graeme[/quote] Welcome to the world of upright playing Graeme. Once you've started, you won't go back! My only suggestion is try, at this early stage, to get a lesson or two in. It will save a whole lot of pain later on. John

Anyone know where I can buy a pair of wheels to fit to a bridge please? I can find them in the US, but not here. Thanks, John

[quote name='carlitos71' post='1089198' date='Jan 14 2011, 12:19 PM']anybody got any suggestions then? cheers Carlos[/quote] Sorry Carlos, Mark is based in Dorset. Have a look in bass tutors in the "for sale" section, I would think there's a fair few good ones in London. All the best, John

[quote name='Gareth Hughes' post='1088990' date='Jan 14 2011, 09:50 AM']Fair play with the lessons. I just took my first upright lesson a few days ago (getting almost stranded in the snow on the way there too!!). I've been playing upright professionally for about 12 years - basically got one and got gigs just because I had one so very much learnt on the job - so after all that time I have a LOT of bad habits to correct. After one lesson I'm already feeling, and more importantly - HEARING - the changes in my playing, especially with my bowing. Yes, I am a wee chuffed ferret. How I wish I could go back to my younger self and give me a slap for not taking lessons then.[/quote] That's a great post Gareth! In the 12 years you've been paid to play the Upright I wonder how many MD's have asked you whether you'd had lessons, before booking you?? You must have already had a great deal of musicality and ability and hard work...(or you're VERY cheap ), in order to maintain that length of work. I think it's a great example of a pro wishing to improve, and not too proud to go and get lessons!....that's a true Pro. There's a bit of me that gets exasperated with the misguided belief that you have to be perfect before venturing out. Always seek to improve, through playing with others and through the guidance of those who have trodden a similar path, and who can spot the dangers, and shout encouragement. Most of all "get out and play people!!" Stop worrying about the imaginary talent police turning up and carting you off because you're using an illegal extended fingering. Ooh I'm feeling all evangelical."...gotta get a witness...."

[quote name='baboom' post='1085558' date='Jan 11 2011, 02:45 PM']Me too -I've got my first lesson (introduction really) on Thursday with Endorka/Jennifer. Unlike you though, I've never even touched one, let alone gigged with it! Very excited though. Thankfully I've got band practice the night before which should shake off the christmas cobwebs on the EB after a few weeks away in the other half of the world with nary a thick string in sight (just took the mandolin on the plane this time, but it had to go in the hold). Let us know how the session goes.... I leave the splits to you - I suspect it is a bit further on in the book "progressive gynmastics for musicians" than I have got to! T[/quote] Great lesson with Mark. His Pilates background was enormously helpful in sorting out posture/positioning. Already feel more physically efficient and relaxed. Lots of homework too. How was yours with Jennifer? John

[quote name='Damo200' post='1085570' date='Jan 11 2011, 03:02 PM']Mark Thistlewood I presume? Demon player and premium piss-taker! If its him, you're in good hands![/quote] The very same. He'll have plenty to take the piss out of with me! Any messages?

Ok, so having gigged the Upright now for 12 months, I am painfully aware of how bad my technique is, the evidence of which is in aching wrist/forearm. So have booked lessons with a teacher who plays in a symphony orchestra near me, who is also a Pilates teacher. First lesson tomorrow. I shall come away all cultured like, and be able to play the beasty whilst doing the splits, ..........might video that. Seriously looking forward to it. John

Yes please!