4 Strings

[quote name='paul h' post='841747' date='May 19 2010, 09:43 AM']Here is another sound sample. Fingerstyle this time and with other instruments. I realise I am totally rubbish at soundclips. [attachment=50080:scott_free.mp3][/quote] Thanks for putting your reputation on the line! I think you should be proud of your playing (although I go along with OutToPlayJazz's comment about going easy on a low action. I love the action to be as low as possible and to barely touch the strings. I even lost my callouses along the way!). Recording and playing live are like two different disciplines to me, I actually raise the action for recording to avoid any buzzing as I'm able to concentrate harder on my fingering and its all scrutinised so much. So easy with flats - if you can use the tone. Bass sounds great, really like the J slap tone. Must say I'm tempted by a Stingray (Sabre, really with those 2 pups) that looks like a Rick, but then it isn't active, which is, kind of, the heart of the Stingray sound. Would be more tempted if it was. I think they look great with those big pups.

[quote name='Mog' post='841638' date='May 19 2010, 04:00 AM']Hows the neck/body join? I'm always wary of set neck basses. [/quote] Why are you wary of set necks? Bolt-ons are the cheap option, setting the neck requires some actual workmanship.

"... but i dunno... i don't want to get bored with the songs before we've even gigged them!!" I know I've been on this board before recommending people to go and watch Normal Watt-Roy in the Wilko Johnson Band, but I first saw these around 25 years ago (and countless times since) and they are still playing largely the same numbers. How many times can you play 'Roxette' without going mad? But Norman still puts more into his performance than any other bass player I know, he's developed things, changed things about and constantly seeks perfection. He doesn't get tired of the songs, he just gets better, as a result I still want to hear Roxette again! Greg

[quote name='Musicman20' post='839330' date='May 16 2010, 10:14 PM']I agree, at first, it needs doing to get the players upto speed. But this has been going on since February and its mid-May now hahah. Im ready, and I cant afford to keep spending on something that isnt paying out.[/quote] Sounds like you need to have a chat, the others should be up to speed by now too. I have had both extremes, one band that never rehearsed once, I learned the songs from cassette tapes (ok a long time ago!) and then started gigging. Bluesy, expressive rock, easy to busk, dynamics on the night, worked well, played with them for years. However, another, much more recent, has required 2-3 days solid on 5 sessions for live playing, and that's after learning the demos and going through the detail of recording the disc. This is because there in NO busking with this one, much more polished and 'professional'. I suppose the point being, if its to be note-for-note perfection in the band from scratch there's going to be some intense rehearsal until the standard is reached. Yours doesn't sound like that.

[quote name='Ruck' post='837850' date='May 15 2010, 02:20 AM']Hey thanks for the link! exactly what I'm after. Now to see if this guy does custom leather scratch plates which I'm sure he is capable of judging by the work shown on ebay. So hopefully matching strap and leather scratch plate [/quote] A leather scratchplate, great idea! Here's the pics I promised (very poor pics I'm afraid, couldn't get the camera to work so had to use a video on still mode), I doubt the words will be to all tastes but, that's the point of bespoke isn't it? Must admit wasn't keen on too much fancy stuff and under the straplocks there are special 11mm holes, not the usual slits. All for £21.

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='835784' date='May 12 2010, 11:24 PM']LOL. Yeah whatever. In my case im employed to entertain people. I cant see many wedding bands turning around to a bride and groom and telling them you wont play their first dance or requests because the bass player (or whoever) doesn't like the song(s). You're bloody lucky to be in a band where you 100% enjoy every song you play.[/quote] I suppose I choose which bands I want to play in. 'Course I've done all sorts of stuff I wouldn't choose at weddings etc and had great fun doing them, just because others have enjoyed us playing them. But, we have turned down requests before and dropped songs from lists because we just didn't like them, paid or otherwise.

"As far as sound goes, I get the same bass sound out of anything that I plug into generally. It wouldn't matter if it was 200 quid or two grand I would still dial in the the same sound. It's impossible to say which would sound better because only you know the sound your looking for. To say "my rig is 2 grand and sounds better than yours" is obviously ridiculous" I quite agree, however, I remember upgrading from my trusty Carlsboro combo - when I needed something more powerful - to a Trace rig and the sound blew me away, I never imagined I could sound like that. It was way beyond my mind could go to. Bought the big bin too, just coz of the depth it gave. Similarly, Hartke gives a punch like I've never heard before. My sound improved each time. I'll gladly try anything different to see if unimagined improvements can still be made. I'm sure they can.

[quote name='Protium' post='834098' date='May 11 2010, 12:04 PM']The fact that you played through a Hartke that actually works astounds me.[/quote] I was thinking the opposite, if I turned up to play and it was a Hartke rig supplied that would be great. I'm not surprised the OP was so happy with his sound. I know they don't cost as much as a lot of the exotic stuff but, to my ears, they sound great, can take a pounding and (in my experience at least) has always worked. Greg

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='829349' date='May 6 2010, 09:38 AM']Probably not but if it goes down well then why would you? Arent we there to play songs the crowd want to hear?[/quote] No, not if I don't want to play it. I thought we were artists.

Am I the only one who would ask for this song to be removed from the set list?

[quote name='Grand Wazoo' date='Apr 30 2010, 02:29 AM' post='823643'] You won't believe this, geezer, but I have used some double sided tape and spent the last hour trying lots of different positions [b][font="Century Gothic"][size=1][i](oohh matron!! )[/i][/size][/font][/b] and when I have found the one that is most comfortable for me, I came back here to show the pictures and noticed your post showing that the position you have fitted yours is exactly the same I have found to be the most comfortable!! What a coincidence It doesn't get in the way of slapping and it allows you to pluck the E string without knocking your fingers against the thumb rest. look!! Glad to see someone who doesn't mind drilling a couple of holes into their guitar to make it better for them. I winder we can get too precious about them, thinking more about the next owner than actually using them ourselves.

[quote name='Pkomor' post='822894' date='Apr 29 2010, 11:53 AM']Have you got any pics of yours? it sounds exactly what im after![/quote] I'll do my best tonight from my phone

[quote name='lscolman' post='823099' date='Apr 29 2010, 03:41 PM']Hi, Yep another day gone, another couple of options discussed with John. This time, it's for an active/passive switch. Sounds like a plan. No idea where to place this! I wonder if it could be placed on the rear of the bass, slighting recessed in the control cavity. I don't like the standard silver toggle switches. Definately decided against the XLR now. Current plan for the LED switch is a smaller version of the standard pickup knob (which John has managed to source) This would be placed where the jack socket would normally be, and the jack socket located to the side of the body. I've used Paint to play about with what it looks like. Appreciate any comments. Cheers, Lee[/quote] Presumably from L to R: Pickup switch, vol, tone, active toggle, trable, middle, bass, led switch For me (simple chap) I'd rather the led switch was round the back, especially if you succeed in getting the active switch there. (I would also lose the tone knob). Could the led switch be snuggled between the tuning machines?

[quote name='GeeCee' post='819992' date='Apr 26 2010, 09:46 PM']Why not go the whole hog and have a Roadie made in the GA shape with a 24-fret neck? That's what I have. I would also recommend relocating the jack socket to the edge of the body, to stop those ugly stress cracks that seem to plague most Jaydees that have been well used. Also, in case you didn't know, the xlr is not a balanced line out like on a Wal, it's just an alternative method of plugging the bass in so if you don't already use that kind of jack with your cables, I would ask if you really need it. The body looks cleaner without it.[/quote] Here-here on the GA body and 24 fret neck, great idea! Also agree on the XLR, unnecessary to my mind. Not seen the stress cracks though, mine seems fine and has had a busy life. Its going to be great, and I'm sure John won't mind you changing things (even the colour) until he's actually started on it (you might wait until you know them all and tell him once though). Another days wait gone!

[quote name='thedonutman' post='820074' date='Apr 26 2010, 10:36 PM']Sounds like a good deal. Do they all have metal buckles, though?[/quote] the buckles offered are metal (different colour finishes) but I didn't want any buckles knocking about in my guitar case so he offered other adjustment types (the slots etc) which didn't require metalware and/or a selection of button hole positions. I ended up having no adjustment at all as I knew the length I use and its not likely to change. Its wide enough for me not to require any padding, but I suppose that's personal preference. (I also had little in the way of edge decoration - just a single line, simple sort me)

I just posted a recommendation for this guy from the 'bay [url="http://shop.ebay.co.uk/crooky2/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p4340"]http://shop.ebay.co.uk/crooky2/m.html?_nkw...p;_trksid=p4340[/url] His name is Ted and he'll make you a bespoke strap exactly how you want it. Really nice leather.

I've seen a couple of recent threads relating to straps and I'd like to recommend 'Hidebashers' in Wales for bespoke leather straps. (no website but sells off the peg on the dreaded ebay here: [url="http://shop.ebay.co.uk/crooky2/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p4340"]http://shop.ebay.co.uk/crooky2/m.html?_nkw...p;_trksid=p4340[/url] ) Just made leather straps to my design, dimensions etc for my lad an myself for £21 each. Nice and wide, thick leather, lots of embossed lettering, holes punched for straplocks (rather than the normal hole+slit for buttons) etc all to how I specified it. Really pleased with the results, need to buy another bass so I can order another strap! (no relation or interest apart from being a satisfied customer)

For me, a Roadie is the simple model and so I would rather a simple bass. Mine is a Roadie 1A, one pickup and active and beautifully made, been my staple bass for >25 years. I wouldn't even bother with the xlr if you're not going to use it, just adds clutter. I'd ask for no tone control (you get bass/middle/treble with the active, mine has never moved off '10' and adds an unnecessary knob), binding is personal preference, I like without but looks cool with. Can the roller nut rattle at all - how about a simple brass one? I would spend the led money on a bookmatched front if you like the exotic look. For me, a def 'no' to gold fittings! More importantly, decide on one or two pickups, or whether to just go for a Mark King with the straight through neck etc - although Roadies have that 'I'm not a Mark King' something about them! Also an ebony fingerboard is wonderful - especially if you're going to slap - not sure if they're standard. You'll be pleased I'm sure with the bass, I'm envious. Be sure to let us see it. I have no need for any more basses but if I ha some money to burn I'd take the pleasure in ordering one from John. They are wonderful. >Quick edit - Don't be tempted not to have a passive mode, when the batteries go they go quick, easier to flick the switch than change the battery during the gig. Passive is a nice Jacko sort of middly sound, useful in itself. (I'm getting excited myself about this!)

Change the pickups and you'll hear the difference straight away, change the bridge and I doubt you will notice at all. Jazz type bridges work fine, the screws under the saddles transmit the vibrations through the metal bridge plate to the body unless its warped. Only the bent bit at the end which hangs onto the string ball ends matters here, and if you're satisfied it doesn't flex under vibration (I'm sure it doesn't) you won't benefit from changing it. If its string through body you will get no benefit from any new bridge. I have just let a nice 'J&D Brothers' P-bass go, it was lovely, nice neck, one piece solid alder body but the sound was a little thin. Its in the good hands of a youngster learning jazz now, but new pickups would have made it a killer bass. Cost me nothing from the dreaded ebay and is as new. I think its definitely worthwhile getting the best from any bass you use, as long as you can afford it and know that little or no financial value will be added by 'polishing a turd'. We seem to be so pent up about spoiling valuable instruments and feeling foolish investing in unvaluable instruments. Its your bass, enjoy it and get the best from it - if you can't, sell it and buy another. Having said that, I don't let anyone near my older basses!

Any music shop selling guitars in Manchester will sell you strap locks. If they must be Schaller, call them first. Use Google. I can recommend the Schaller type having just researched straplocks. The reasons are they are well made (and so are most of the others) but mainly because they don't cause the point where strap hangs to be so far from the body as some of the others, EB type in particular which causes a good 15mm gap between the body and the strap. This means more strain on the screw. Also you don't need to drill out the screw holes with Schaller. I have just fitted these and a Hipshot to my Stingray, its pre-EB and I don't consider modifications to it lightly! Dead easy, uses the same screw holes and took hardly any time, just make sure you keep the original tuner etc safe. You'll need a screw driver for the straplocks too. Youtube has a Hipshot fitting video and they come with clear instructions. (I know arty types are normally rather impractical but its a darn site harder to put strings on and tune a bass than to fit these items, just get on with it.)

Try a Hiwatt first, Orange is great, but Hiwatt tick it for me.

Sure that's the right one for your bass? I have the MB1 for my Stingray and its perfect. Looks like the original and the post is the same size and fit. Works too.