misrule

Landstrom Sharkfins -- the white ones, with a serrated edge. I feel a bit embarrassed about admitting this, for some reason, but I've used them on gu*tars since I was a teenager (long, long ago). The ridged edge gives a nice, full sound. Cheers Mark

[quote name='Sugden' post='21539' date='Jun 21 2007, 07:26 PM']Thats a real stunner completely love the blue. Looks great congrats[/quote] Cheers, mate. Mark

[quote name='bass_ferret' post='21530' date='Jun 21 2007, 07:14 PM']Looking good. Shame I cant make the bash - will it be ready by then?[/quote] I hope so. I've not really asked Bud for a definite date, since he's very busy and I'm in no hurry, but I'd be surprised if I don't have it by then. Sorry you won't be there but I'm thinking of holding a mini meet-the-new-toy session in a village hall at some stage, because a couple of people have asked to try it. I'll post details on here if it goes ahead. That would be Ellen's Green, Surrey. Cheers Mark

[quote name='jwbassman' post='21494' date='Jun 21 2007, 05:56 PM']looking awesome - you must be chuffed [/quote] Oh, yes. I was p*ssed off yesterday after battling with PayPal to send Bud the balance of his cash. These pics put me back in a cheerful mood. Cheers Mark

Thanks, guys. You wait for a bus for ages -- and nine come along at once Again, Bud says the colours are darker in the flesh. Cheers Mark

[quote name='Toasted' post='21295' date='Jun 21 2007, 11:45 AM']Looks fantastic, congrats.[/quote] Cheers Mark

The dye's on: Pictures like these reduce a man to animal-like grunts and moans The camera lightens things up -- it's darker in the flesh, I'm told. Cheers Mark

Both dates work for me, too -- subject to my missus giving me a pass-out Cheers Mark

[quote name='BigRedX' post='18047' date='Jun 15 2007, 09:48 AM']What's with the skinny bits on all those straps? It makes even the Straposaurus look so Bert Weedon![/quote] They're the length adjustment system. If you didn't have the skinny bit on a Straposaurus, the antlers would shred the back of your bass. And the top of your leg Cheers Mark

Check these guys out -- when you're feeling flush or somebody else is paying [url="http://www.eyelandenterprises.com/index.html"]Eyeland straps[/url] Here's the usual 'I'm not linked to them' disclaimer, though I do have a Straposaurus they made. Cheers Mark

[quote name='bass_ferret' post='13541' date='Jun 7 2007, 12:35 PM']And in the black corner we can have my GB's.[/quote] Sounds good -- but I don't think Mike can make it Cheers Mark

Here are some neck pix, now it's carved. Things are a little slow right now because Bud is snowed under with orders -- but the dye and clear-coat are going on next week, he says. Cheers Mark

[quote name='MoJoKe' post='9393' date='May 30 2007, 06:44 PM']Yes, and I particularly liked those little cakes he made with swirls of chocolate in, with white icing.... Can you still get them (says he, showing his age somewhat!!!!)!! Lol[/quote] Exceedingly good ... Cheers Mark

[quote name='Hamster' post='9243' date='May 30 2007, 02:53 PM']Go placidly amid the noise and haste, And remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly & clearly; and listen to others, even the dull & ignorant; they too have their story.[/quote] +100 for Mr Kipling. Thank you, Hamster. Cheers Mark

I don't know if this helps your decision, but I've got an HLF -- and a three-wheels-on-each-side trolley from Machine Mart like [url="http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/csl2-industrial-stair-climber"]this[/url] It makes the rather bulky cab a one-man job on stairs. That's just as well because we rehearse in a cellar . I tried the HLF side-by-side with a 2x10 and 1x15. I liked the two-cab route slightly better for sound, but not enough to pay more for them new. Cheers Mark

Thanks for an intelligent and informative thread, folks But now I'm getting all-valve GAS Cheers Mark

[quote name='acidbass' post='1977' date='May 19 2007, 01:19 AM']Jon 'The Flame' Shuker VS Bud 'Frenchie' LeCompte![/quote] lol I'll ask Mike if he's coming to the South East bash -- then people can try the two side-by-side. Cheers Mark

Another thought -- it would be interesting to compare this bass with Mike's Shuker (see Build Diary nearby) when they both arrive. They're both transparent blue with matching headstock, flame maple top, birdseye board and Nordstrands. Maybe we can stage some sort of Anglo American heavyweight custom title bout. And in the blue corner ... and in the other blue corner ... I'll get my people to have a word with Mike's people. Cheers Mark

[quote name='acidbass' post='1738' date='May 18 2007, 07:47 PM']Just out of interest - is there anything that made you choose LeCompte over say, a British luthier?[/quote] To be honest, I didn't even think about going British before I ordered it. It's not that I don't like the work I've seen here, it's just that I never considered having a custom bass made. Then I saw a couple of Bud's STSS 5s on TalkBass -- the second and third [url="http://www.lecomptebass.com/stss5/"]here on his website[/url]. I wanted something slightly more conventional (!) yet with the same rock look. I got GAS, the dollar/pound situation was good so I just went for it. Looking back, I have wondered why I never looked around British makers first. But I just fell in love with that style. And, even with tax and duty, I suspect I'm paying a good price. Cheers Mark

Cheers, guys. Mark

Buy one of those super-calorie-loaded nut bars. They're called Absolutely Nuts, from Jordans, if I remember -- and they're 40 per cent fat. Eat it before you go on and you'll be bouncing off the walls. * [size=1]* Must be used as part of a balanced, calorie-controlled diet. May produce weight gain, sleep deprivation and dependency. If side-effects occur, discontinue use. [/size] Cheers Mark

Have you noticed that your 'Views' count isn't working? It's still on zero despite four posts. Bizarre ... Cheers Mark

[quote name='Mike' post='1491' date='May 18 2007, 03:38 PM']First update: Body is cut. No pics yet though![/quote] Good to see it's rolling along -- and has made the jump to the new site. Cheers Mark

[quote name='ped' post='1305' date='May 18 2007, 11:53 AM']Looks great - a very individual design, congrats on being bold and different![/quote] I picked one of his more tame designs -- you should see some of the others Cheers Mark

[quote name='presoulnation' post='1220' date='May 18 2007, 09:47 AM']Lovin the fretboard!![/quote] Cheers -- he's doing a good job. The whole design's got a Seventies BC Rich feel to it that I wasn't expecting. Mark