4 Strings

[quote name='Aqntbghd' timestamp='1383340649' post='2263496'] About 150£ were collected in these two Cambourne gig (and the previous one too). Everything donated on the just-giving page and.... WE'VE REACHED 50% of the objective !!!! Keep it going guys ! I know that 4Strings has a gig beginning of december but i'm sure we can do more in november. So... who's next ? [/quote] Yep, I'd like it on 14th Dec, mid of the month, keep it moving in the meantime! (Actually, have one on the 13th Dec too celebrating a year of Food Bank in Newham, apparently Stephen Timms MP will be there - photo opportunity!)

[quote name='Mornats' timestamp='1383681160' post='2267677'] You've pretty much described all electric basses... [/quote] Thank you! Actually, not really, the Yamaha in question has a bolt on neck, P type pickup, J type pickup, maple neck etc and so is going to sound pretty much like a Fender. Not a straight 'copy' as we know it, but pretty heavily based on a Fender. There are plenty of other basses with different construction, different pickups etc which while would be described as 'bass guitars' in the same way as Fenders, but have started anew with their designs (Hofners, R********rs, Jaydees, Statii etc). We all know Mr F wasn't the first with the bass guitar, even if he made the design acceptable musically and for mass production, so if we wanted to be pure we could say his were copies to start with (of the solid bodied, fretted Audiovox Bass from the 30s). We won't. May have been though.

[quote name='neepheid' timestamp='1383222985' post='2261710'] Yamaha TRBs = "Fender copies", really? [/quote] Well, I suppose they sound like a Fender and are based on Fender design. They aren't an original design, even if the body is slightly different.

London Bass Guitar Smash?

[quote name='Myke' timestamp='1383479078' post='2264795'] I find this weird. How can she be so tight at it on YT but live she sucks? Nerves or just not practicing I wonder? [/quote] We don't know that she's poor live, just someone's friend apparently saw her and thought so. Anyway, she's way better in 3 years than me in 30 that's for sure. Couldn't resist adding this: [media]http://youtu.be/tgffDVO2UyA[/media]

I'll get on with it, Andy! Unfortunately it's back to work today, but rehearsed with it last night and tomorrow night and a gig on Saturday - anyone in Bolton free on Saturday? - and I have lots of new songs to learn. Next week is equally busy playing-wise so I should have a get a good impression. Couple of things in the mean time. There's some setting up still to do, after all this time Heath had one day to mount the pickups, sort out all the wiring etc, lacquer the pups (once I'd finally made up my mind), wait for them to dry and finally set up the fully assembled bass. He will be popping down next Saturday morning to give the frets a final dress and sort anything else out that crops up. I've played around with the pups to sort the balance to my taste and they seem fine. One niggle is the 5-way selector. These are Strat type switches and, it turns out, cannot work as I wanted for the coil selection (they are made to select coil: adjacent pair: coil: adjacent pair: coil meaning I can't have all pups at once nor my first and last coil scoop. There are other types available and I'm also going to look at MM type switches (and maybe bite my lip regarding their spare parts prices!) to see if it can be solved, but in the meantime I'll be playing about with sounds to see if it needs solving. Orchestral type rehearsal last night (intense concentration - I'm a poor reader!) but couldn't help notice that this bass sings! The sustain is incredible, I cannot find a dead spot anywhere (normally 5th fret on the G with one piece maple necks) and where I may have been used to a quieter G with the Stingray (if it was it certainly wasn't a problem) this one sings. It's a bit like driving a car that is clearly more powerful than your last, just a touch and it's off! Also the low notes are really defined, no woolliness but very clear and solid with plenty of woomph. No doubt I'll be playing with pups and action all week, it will take me a good couple of weeks to get it all settled.

[quote name='bubinga5' timestamp='1383354623' post='2263645'] imo, this is one of the best Chic productions they ever did. Bernard on bass, his bass playing is fantastic on this record. really great groove playing. Nile on guitar. its a cracker with Fonzi Thornton on vocals. not very well known, but a really cool record. this sort of stuff gets me up in the morning [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rF8zvIzo_-U[/media] [/quote] Not heard that one, thanks. While a devoted'Nard fan I have to say Niles' guitar playing is outstanding on this. So crisp!

The Eagle has landed! Bit late to plug it in etc last night, will be playing lots today, will give some first impressions (even if has zingy new strings!).

Ok, I've found a reason on which to hang a decision. This: [url="http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/NewPups_zps3ab7bb7b.jpg.html"][URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Bluepickups_zps99fd0d78.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Bluepickups_zps99fd0d78.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/url] The blue pickups look ok but they are from different wood to the body and so the colour etc doesn't quite match and, for me, doesn't really work. The earlier example (the shiny green one) the pup was made from the cutout from the top wood and so matched perfectly. On this bass the covers are from the neck maple and not the body sycamore and so will take the stain slightly differently and not quite match the colour and look of the body. The pups will be lacquered in clear, that's going on this morning, hopefully be ready after our trip to Peterborough!

Thanks all, (very helpful RK!) Heath said that when he sees the picture he thinks 'green' but in the flesh he thinks natural. With just over a mm of wood on the top there's not much room to change minds. And, tbh, it's not important enough for me to give it back to him with the instruction to change them so this is it. Fancy wood pickups wasn't really the image I was after, but then they are there for the purely practical reason that Heath could make them quicker than the plastic people could make theirs. And it would be a shame to mask that amazing ripple. This is why I'm an engineer and not an artist.

Lots of confirmation there. However, a year isn't very long, you could keep one tucked away and go back to it every now and then. There are many huge bass playing names who haven't gone the 5 route. I find a detuner gives me all I need for almost everything.

I received a text today; "Houston - we have pickups!". A parcel had arrived in Corby. Here they are, resting in place, but to be fitted properly tomorrow; [url="http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/NewPups_zps3ab7bb7b.jpg.html"][/url] This picture was sent to release one of the last decisions, to go with allighatt0r and green on the pickups or not? They are here merely sanded wood, the finished pickups will look like the neck. If they go green they will look like the body. I'm sleeping on it. Tomorrow I will go to see Leyton Orient (hopefully) beat Peterborough and then to Heath to try out the neck and maybe have the last shavings made to suit and pick the bass up. I have to advise the pickup finish in the morning to allow the two pack lacquer time to dry if we go natural. Sleeping on it. Won't be getting too much sleep.

Yes, interesting way of looking at it, and, I'm sure, a good one. However, comparing to the voice, the wood of a guitar is rather like the flesh that holds the vocal chords. Not recognisable on its own, but then neither are the strings (or vocal chords) recognisable on their own. The whole voice, the sum of these and other parts, is though, as you say. Rather like recognising a Telecaster, or a Precision down the telephone or in a stadium. Perhaps not just the wood.

[quote name='icastle' timestamp='1382906830' post='2257942'] I'd do musical mates a favour, but I certainly wouldn't pay to do that favour. I'm surprised that they had the cheek to ask quite honestly! [/quote] +1 We pay 'expenses and a bit on top' to any dep and are fabulously grateful as it involves a lot of work.

Well done, Aqntbghd, looks like you did a great job! So long as the bass in the vicinity of London/Essex early Dec so I can have me mitts on it for the 14th December, is anyone taking up Le Baton?

Try listening to this: http://youtu.be/E06cNv55jTs

[quote name='AndyCleaver' timestamp='1382909703' post='2257999'] Looking great mate, can't wait to see the finished article! Andy [/quote] Thanks, Andy, me neither, especially as its now next week and I hadn't noticed! Trouble is, I'm away for most of it, but hopefully the promised pups will arrive before Friday and Heath will be able to bring it down on Saturday. Next gig, 9th Nov in Manchester, will give me a week to 'bed it in' or 'shake it down' or even 'try it out'.

Buy it. Then, set a max number to own (say 3), sell back down to it and put the money aside for any other bargains you see. That way you keep the best ones, and can have a constant eye out for others and can even buy them without worry. Even if you sell the one you just bought, doesn't matter, there'll be no rush. I don't really want a collection of basses and , without really intending to, I have been able to trade up by buying nice basses I happen to see at good prices, and then selling on (because I realised I preferred a different one). Kept the ones I liked best.

No. In fact, almost the reverse. Been using a Stingray for some time now, when I hear the likes of 'Nard on his, I realise how poor is my own tone and playing.

[quote name='AntLockyer' timestamp='1382812153' post='2256918'] First attempt at a video, should have chosen something I didn't just start learning [media]http://youtu.be/tBDR9G91I_E[/media] [/quote] Dangerous song to choose! Such a great groove to it, easy to ruin. You have done a good job here to keep the right feel, well done. I would imagine Duck Dunn wasn't quite so strict with his fingering as you - I'm certainly way more lazy, but your way is better!

[quote name='bonzodog' timestamp='1382859301' post='2257178'] This is my Nephews band (Hes the singer). Not bad at all for 17 year olds Wasnt sure about the Gorilla theme but now quite like it and in fairness even if you don't like it you will remember it. Song is really good and was recorded at Rich Bitch In Birmingham [media]http://youtu.be/8u5wljMpz6U[/media] [/quote] I think this is great, regardless of them being 17. I love to see/hear youngsters being creative and to a good standard. I know there's loads more technology for them than when I was a kid, but this is good playing and a mature arrangement.

Thanks! Rolling chassis, waiting for the engine and wheels.

How about now? No? Oh well, while I wait I've been subdued by a couple of photos. Neck joint - one of the little decisions was whether to go for a hard line or a blend with the green. Think I made the right choice: [url="http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/GreenNeckJoint_zps9a7ffa3c.jpg.html"][/url] Green Utility Bass awaiting pups: [url="http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/AwaitingPups_zps37351ab1.jpg.html"][/url] I am now really happy with the green!

Found a fascinating page here: http://www.polarityrecords.com/samms-photo-image-and-historical-galleries.html and go to the Vintage Drum Kits page. See how hi-hats cam from low-boys and snow shoes, toms came from chinese tack drums, bass drum pedals of 1909 (1909!) with a tang sticking out to hit a cymbal at the same time. Found it very interesting, thought others might too.

[quote name='allighatt0r' timestamp='1382695950' post='2255485'] I was just being nosey rather than saying the pick ups should be green as well! Reading my post back, it does look like I'm urging you for an all green bass, sorry about that. "I want a green bass" should really be "I want a green bass of my own!" [/quote] Haha, don't worry, that's how I read it! I thought the green pups was a good suggestion. It's in the pot, one of the few remaining decisions (unless I keep adding things like that to the pot!) Is it next week now?