Conan

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1394030078' post='2387102'] Well, my experience is the different bridges do make a certain difference in the sound of a Fender-style bass, and not just to sustain , but more so to overall clarity.[/quote] Interesting! I'm not saying that there is no difference at all, just that under normal circumstances (i.e. while playing with a band at fairly high volume) it is highly unlikely (IME) that anyone would be able to notice any "improvement" to tone or sustain. I have recently owned both a Fender Geddy Lee and a Marcus Miller. Both are fitted with BadAss II bridges. In both cases, they felt and sounded different to other fender J basses - but the differences were much more (IMO) down to the necks, pickups and onboard preamp (in the case of the MM) than any contribution that the bridge may have made. I also think that fretless basses (when compared like-for-like with their fretted versions) have less sustain anyway. YMMV of course. Although that will, to an extent, depend on fretting-hand techniques. If the OP wishes to install a high-mass bridge, then he should go for it. But as part of a quest for improved tone and sustain, I think it will follow the law of diminishing returns.

[quote name='BassTractor' timestamp='1394023739' post='2386995']for me it's about the music.[/quote] I want that on my gravestone!

[quote name='White Cloud' timestamp='1394022750' post='2386980'] I think the fact that we play 2 x 90 minute sets (approx 32 songs) doesn't help. [/quote] This can also be an advantage! Especially if you have a few songs by the same artists. You can separate them farther (unless you choose to do a medley of some description)... I don't do that as I hate medleys with a passion! Try to split the songs to create two good sets, using the various criteria listed above. Allow for the "alcohol effect" though! Punters are often somewhat less discerning in the second set, and may not even notice if you play a track (that went down well in the first set) a second time! I always find it useful to plan a set that [i][b]I[/b][/i] would like to listen to... But sometimes, when you play the sets, some changes may be necessary. you can never tell how they will go!

[quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1394015061' post='2386848'] 4:1 minimum ratio fast:slow numbers No more than 2 consecutive numbers in same key Try to spread out covers by any one artist Avoid 2 consecutive songs with same rhythmic feel unless going for a deliberate medley or segue[/quote] Agreed - apart from the ratio one. It totally depends on the band, genre and individual gig slot. Some audiences prefer the slower songs! [quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1394016947' post='2386877'] don't start the night with a slow number. Don't finish the set with an instrumental. If you have a hoard screaming for an encore, make sure you finish with enough time to do 2 numbers, a 3 number encore is even better. The numbers should flow. Keys aren't as important but never have 2 numbers together with the same feel. If you only have 2 slow numbers, don't put them together in the same set. Start the night with your best number. End the night with 4 or 5 numbers leading up to a great last number.[/quote] Great advice! I always find it extremely gratifying when I come off stage and go for a piss (probably more info than you were seeking! ) and hear several punters in the toilets singing/humming/whistling the last song - especially if it is an original tune! [quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1394018376' post='2386895']Yup. Start and finish each set with a bang, bury the weaker tracks in the middle.[/quote] Yes - but I would argue that there shouldn't be any "weak" tracks in a set. Substitute the word "different" and I'd be happy! Another thing to consider - are there any changes of tuning or instrument? This affects not just guitar and bass, but also if the singer plays any harp/harmonica... Singers tend to forget about this kind of thing when they call songs "on the hoof" - but it will result in a train wreck if they don't realise that the guitarist needs to switch from Les Paul to Strat for some numbers, or if (as I have done) the bass player needs to tune the E string down to D or swap for a fretless!! There is a lot to consider in composing a good setlist, but sadly it is a thankless task

[quote name='BetaFunk' timestamp='1393969901' post='2386528'] If i had £350,000 to spend i'd buy an old Dansette and a pile of 45s and still have £349,950 left to spend on far better things than some fancy hi-fi. [/quote] Me too! Bizarrely though, if I were to suggest something similar on a Gus or Fodera thread* (i.e. "I'd buy a Mex P bass and spend the rest on drugs") I would be pilloried as an inverse-snob or told that I was just jealous. [size=1][font=comic sans ms, cursive]*Edit: I do actually realise that Gus and Fodera basses don't [i][b]quite[/b][/i] cost this much...[/font][/size]

[quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1393945368' post='2386099'] I was very impressed with the Gotoh unit that I fitted to a P bass build. Not convinced it actually improves sustain, well not that I could hear but it's well engineered, efficient and easy to adjust.[/quote] Yes. They look great. If looks are a major factor, then go for an after-market upgrade instead of the old BBOT. But for increased sustain..... maybe not!

To be perfectly honest, I've never found that replacing the stock Fender bridge makes much difference to the tone or sustain. There are other more important factors to consider first IMO. That said, some of the Fender high-mass bridges look better than the BadAss, Gotoh, etc equivalents. I'd keep the money or buy a couple of decent sets of strings!

Interesting thread resurrection! Some awesome 80s bands and musicians mentioned in here, really takes me back

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1393887162' post='2385584'] Why did you buy it if you didn't like the headband?? Return it, or get used to it as is. However, if you really want dayglo and don't care about resale value, it's milliner time. [/quote]

[quote name='Skinner' timestamp='1393807083' post='2384626'] My advice is when you first gig with it just go fretless! you will overcome. [/quote] This thread is nearly a year old! I'm guessing that the first gig stage has been and gone...

[quote name='JazzBassfreak' timestamp='1393851834' post='2384962'] I think it's for me to decide whether I've spent my money wisely.[/quote] Of course it is! So what is this thread all about then?

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1393852493' post='2384981'] Sounds like you aren't happy with it. For that money, you NEED to be 100% on it. [/quote] Exactly. And if the OP[b][i] is [/i][/b]100% on it, what is the point of this thread? Some of the points in here just add weight to the opinion that many bassists have, which is that the [b][i]really[/i][/b] top-end instruments are really not quite worth their price tag. That said, they are intruments - (i.e. tools) that are built with a use in mind. Whether they are fit for that use is again a matter of opinion. To me though, spending as much money on a bass as most people spend on a car, and then not liking the pickups, is rather flawed logic! Do Fodera do any models with a JJ pickup arrangement? If they do, return yours and get one of them!

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1393592953' post='2382318'] As I was the person who complain about potentially receiving a bass with the neck unbolted, let me throw this into the mix: The two times I've had to remove the neck from a bass I've discovered all sorts of extra crap in the neck pocket masquerading as shims. The first time I wasn't expecting it and consequently it all fell out with no indication where in the neck pocket it had come from. Now a good shipper would mark exactly where the shims went in order for you the re-assemble the bass properly, but unfortunately we all know that these aren't always the rule. Also a less than scrupulous seller could disguise a problem bass by removing the neck and then claiming that the buyer must have put it back together wrong. Send the bass fully assembled. Then there's no possibility of argument. [/quote] Ah, OK. I understand your view a little better now. Another classic case of making sure you communicate clearly and openly with the seller I suppose. All my deals on BC have been excellent in that regard, but I can see how it might not always be the case. Fair comment then!

I always thought this track would be pretty straightforward to play... until I played it with a previous covers band! Harder than it sounds - and definitely good for the stamina! It's not [i][b]too[/b][/i] hard to play, but it is hard to play [b]well[/b] (IMO).

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1393585354' post='2382192'] If it's a bolt on necked bass, and you don't have a case, just a gig bag, then ship it in 2 pieces, just make sure both are wrapped well with bubble wrap and lots of cardboard. [/quote] That would be my choice too - but some people on here have stated that they would not deem this to be suitable! The reason being that they couldn't take the bass out and play it straight away! I'd rather have it arrive in one piece (well, OK - two actually!) and then spend ten minutes re-assembling it!

I do if I can be arsed, and there is a pair of wirecutters handy... if not, I just wind them round until i can't do so any more! Making sure, of course, that the last wind is down at the bottom of the "capstan" thing, thus maximising string break angle. But does it really make [b][i]that[/i][/b] much difference? On my Status all of this is irrelevant of course, and it takes about three minutes to change an entire set!

Good advice here so far! I've shipped quite a few basses packaged in this way, and so far (touch wood!) I've had no problems. Interparcel Standard is pretty cheap and reliable IME.

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1393374788' post='2379621'] Maybe post an advert or thread on here, see if anyone living in Scotland has one that you could perhaps try ? [/quote] Got to be worth a try

Just to echo what has already been said... Just completed a very successful and hassle-free trade with Gareth (smaz) - his EBMM Sterling (and some cash) for my Fender Marcus Miller J bass. Excellent, friendly and detailed communications throughout. Payment and delivery very fast indeed, and bass well packaged for shipping. Couldn't ask for more! Enjoy the bass mate! A top-quality Basschatter and highly recommended!

I think it works on Spectors and some Yamahas... but they are quite bling instruments to start with

I had the green and black (chocolate?) version of the head. I actually thought it was OK, and particularly liked the push-button preset tone controls.... But I was only about 17 at the time!