jontywisp

living with Rics is easy provided you can put up with some of the design peccadilloes for the great look and distinctive sound meanwhile my main change in taste has been that I started with treble-y JJ-Burnel-like clanking roundwounds for everything, but now prefer flats on all basses for all purposes

how about keeping the EBS 650 (you won't do any better for clarity and power), then putting something between bass and amp when you need to warm and thicken up the sound ? (even the basic Sansamp should do that nicely, and there are fancier options) so I suggest experimenting a bit more with the EBS plus suitable pedals I say this because your description of what you're after is pretty much what I think I get from EBS 650, as long as I add Sansamp or similar when I need something thicker and more old-school sounding enjoy

Ric with flatwounds through mesaboogie just sounds ace

Van Morrison (if I could put up with the occasional very grumpy stare) Al Green (for spine-tingling unpredictable vocals, plus rock-solid drummer) Teenage Fanclub (for the craic)

Denmark St is a total dump whereas the Bass Gallery is the best bass shop in the world ; fantastic stock, incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff; and can usually be knocked down from asking price, especially on the used stuff

I love Sadowskys, they are real quality I was lucky enough to get a Metro back when the pound was high so a new Metro only cost £1100 but I can't agree that with Metros you're paying only for the name; the quality (and especially the consistency) is considerably higher than typical US Fender, even taking into account that the latter have improved

very cool painting !

1974 Fender P bought for £150 in 1977 has now become 'vintage' because I have was mint when I first got it, now looks very relic-ed...

thanks for the case-tip your original Verithin looks lovely

was on the verge of buying one of the new CS verythin basses on Burrito's advice, when I came across a vintage Hofner 500/6 bass on ebay Italy (don't ask), and went for that instead looks quite like the Verythin, except body is unbound, and very unusually for Hofner, actually has a bolt-on neck sounds absolutely lovely (if you like the Macca hofner sound or double-basses), and is by far the most characterful and idiosyncratic bass in my stable despite the very old-school features (floating bridge etc), tuning and intonation are fine particularly nice with Pyramid strings thanks to a very kind bass-chatter I've also now managed to get hold of a spare bolt-on Hofner neck

the Standing in the Shadows of Motown *book*, which focuses on Jamerson, has loads of photos and can still be bought from Amazon but I guess if you need to scan photos in from a printed book you will probably end up with poor resolution perhaps contact the wonderful guy who put the book together? good luck

would be nice if the US Guild Starfire reissue would come back they couldn't sell them in the 90s but now they're pursued like gold-dust

real country music is a close relative not only of folk but also of southern soul proper roots music, with some great rhythm sections any rockers who doubt this can usually be convinced by Gram Parsons or Neil Young moreover Gram's duets with Emmylou have the most devastating harmony singing I'm less keen on cheesy commercial stuff though

markbass minimark or one of the phil jones bass amps or for a cheaper option, Roland bass cube I have to admit I have Mesa Walkabout parked next to the sofa, plays just as good quiet as it does loud

stick a Sansamp between your bass and the Markbass, set the Sansamp to the SVT settings, and you will instantly be in P-sound heaven, whether for flats or rounds

Bob Babbitt (motown / soul great) often says the secret to his characteristic deep sweet tone is to pluck the strings gently (and evenly) rather than trying to bash it out as you manage only for lower E and all-time-great James Jamerson was apparently even gentler with his fingerstyle (and only ever used one finger, despite laying down some of the most syncopated and nimble bass lines of all time!) just take the time to find what sounds good with your own finger(s). If it sounds good, it IS good

I've come across a pack of genuine pre-CBS wood screws these can transform your bass tone, by letting the plastic pickguard breathe naturally

markbass amps aren't universally loved, but 'boomy' and 'undefined' are very unusual criticisms for them the usual concern, if there is one, is that Markbass sounds just like a very clear version of your bass with lots of definition (hence need a good bass to start with). People who like boomy old-school sounds often end up having to run a Sansamp or similar to make the Markbass sound LESS defined and MORE boomy ! so suspect either the room has peculiarities, or this particular amp and/or bass might have been somewhat defective or ill-matched Personally I like Markbass amps. While their competitors are certainly catching up with lightweight amps, Markbass usually hit nail on head for a clear yet warm version of your bass that can go loud

PM sent to Gareth

look very nice, Starfires are the prettiest semis around I think the Darkstars are pricey ($400 a set, no), so why not see how you get on with stock first? not sure what other pups fit ; mebbe Dimarzio Model One enjoy

- good Fender P - Sadowsky Jazz (they're all good) - Stingray 4 (they vary but I've not played a bad one) - Rick 4003 (better than the 4001 in my view) I'm lucky enough to own one example each of the above four. - My fifth would be a nice vintage-sounding semi-hollow or fully hollow. I've still not worked out if Gibson/Epiphone EB2/Rivoli ; or Guild Starfire ; or Hofner is the best way to go for this (advice welcome). Finally if cost was no issue I might check out a Warwick Star Bass under this category. I think these 5 types cover all the most critical bases / basses (aside from noodling on things with too many strings, which is not for me)