discreet

[quote name='Beedster' timestamp='1459258080' post='3014821'] ...Then one night had two pints before quite a big gig that was going out live on radio, started using the F word, and then made some rather inopportune comments, especially given the demographic of the audience in question. And all on live radio! [/quote] Oh God, I just live for those moments. As long as I'm not personally involved, obviously.

[quote name='Beedster' timestamp='1459257591' post='3014817'] To me it's the above, not the drinking, that's the bigger problem. He has evident ego/control/narcissism issues, of which thinking he can both criticise others for lack of professionalism whilst lacking that very professionalism himself is only one of no doubt many symptoms. [/quote] Booze does make it easier for one to be a total dick though, I can tell you that from experience.

[quote name='cameltoe' timestamp='1459257482' post='3014814'] An update though, the drummer has just sent him an email asking why we haven't had an apology from him yet. There was a swear word in there too. Let's see how this unfolds! [/quote] A swear word?? ...Please keep us updated, Holby City is really boring at the moment. Seriously though, good luck.

[quote name='RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE' timestamp='1459256572' post='3014804'] Haven't read the replies yet, but I think you should walk. [/quote] It's the fiddle player who should be walking. I wouldn't ask him to leave, I'd grind him into a smooth paste and flush him down the toilet. Is that a bit harsh? Probably. Anyway, he's [i]got [/i]to go - being in a band should be fun and it doesn't matter how good a player someone is on a good day, it's how good they are on a bad day that counts, and he very obviously is failing that test. So he should go. Easy for me to say as I don't have to find another fiddle player, but you won't be a happy band until he's gone. It's not just the drunken playing, there's all the other stuff as well. He'll keep on doing what he does, he's a deluded alcoholic. Get rid.

[quote name='Shambo' timestamp='1459256513' post='3014803'] I've owned a Fender in a case like this and I would never buy one again. The case that is. [/quote] Maybe it's bothering you because it's a rip-off. But I don't think anyone will buy it at that price. If they do then they've got more money than sense and can safely be ignored...

[quote name='Muppet' timestamp='1459256206' post='3014799'] Should you? Some say yes, some say no. I've basses with and without and can't notice any difference apart from looks and even there it depends on whether you think the big lumps detract from the overall aesthetic. [/quote] That's another point... I put a Babicz on my 76 Precision and it was great, but in the end my OCD wouldn't allow a non-period, non-Fender component on my vintage bass... so it had to go.

[quote name='Shambo' timestamp='1459255708' post='3014786'] Why does this bother me as much as it does? [/quote] I don't know... you could try not buying it..?

In my view 'high mass' or 'full contact' or any of the other gimmicks used to sell bridges are, er... gimmicks. I've found absolutely no difference in tone or sustain or ever heard any of the supposed benefits from 'upgrading' a bridge. The only two good reasons for changing a bridge are: 1) The bridge design is hampering your playing, or 2) You like the visual appearance of another bridge. I really like the Babicz bridge, it's a fantastic bit of engineering, looks great, adjusts really well, it's very comfortable for palm muting, you can lock the action and intonation after adjustment and it's a direct replacement for a Fender bridge. But it doesn't 'sound' any better than the Bent Bit Of Tin, which is tried and tested. I would recommend blue Loctite on the saddle screws to stop the bridge adjusting itself, but that's all you need to do. There is no tone benefit in something heavier. It will merely add weight to your bass and subtract weight from your wallet.

Welcome, how about some pics of your Magnum??

I well remember your unfathomable profile pic! Welcome back...

Another vote for Dingwall fivers. When I was dabbling with 5-string basses I found that by far the best B-String was to be found on Dingwall basses. The five strings were cohesive and well-balanced and obviously part of a set - and the B String was taut and responsive. Of the majority of the other fivers I played the B String seemed to be a floppy afterthought (fnarr) and felt and sounded different from the other four strings. As said above, nothing's going to put you off fivers quicker than an ill-considered B string and in my experience a lot of them are just that. However I'm well aware that a Dingwall isn't a budget bass by any means... of the budget fives I played, I preferred the Squier VM Jazz V, which I got used for £200. Not perfect by any means, but I installed an Audere Pre and it really sang. I only moved it on after I came to the conclusion that five strings just weren't for me and I went back to four-bangers.

[quote name='pfretrock' timestamp='1459197022' post='3014403'] ...completely unnecessary (like furniture polish, vaginal deodorent, toilet cleaner, snake oil...) [/quote] At least one of those things is very necessary.

[quote name='Norris' timestamp='1459182649' post='3014200'] Sounds like your guitarists are too loud. [/quote] No guitarist needs 100W in my humble opinion. Or even 50W. Or even 30W. Just completed three very different gigs in three days, my Rumble 500 didn't miss a beat.

[quote name='Turk' timestamp='1459110792' post='3013651'] ...brake cleaner is non-corrosive, and does not affect rubber seals, hoses etc. [/quote] Yes I know, I just wanted to be sure you were safe.

I've experienced an out-of-control trumpet player before, luckily he left his trumpet on the bus one day.

[quote name='chrisanthony1211' timestamp='1459094098' post='3013488'] I think a spitfire guard could be on the wanted list for later this year... [/quote] I bought one for a Jazz I had and it was really amazing. I'll PM you a pic later.

At risk of perpetuating an old thread... I'm still gigging with mine, no issues so far. *Touches wood*

A great idea for those of us with time on our hands who like to cling to the past. Well done! Seriously though, they're a great idea. I might have a go at that. It's not like anyone's playing my vinyl.

I'm a big fan of tort, but a fantastic pre-CBS bass like that should only wear appropriate vintage tort or a good facsimile such as a Spitfire guard... modern tort is rubbish, to coin a phrase. Makes the bass look like a reissue. And that period mint guard is a lovely, lovely, thing... if you're not going to use it and want to move it on, PM me!!

[quote name='SpondonBassed' timestamp='1459068922' post='3013203'] I've been thinking about what to say regarding the music I play. Keeping in mind that there is perhaps a difference in what I like to play and what I [i]should [/i]be playing... [/quote] What you like to play IS what you [i]should [/i]be playing.

Just buy a new set, what's the matter with you? Strings are easily the most affordable consumable when investing in bass-playing (apart from a pick, I suppose), so get your hand in your pocket you cheapskate!

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1459063652' post='3013163'] I have a set of la bellas I took off my fretless Jazz in favour of rounds kicking around somewhere, so I'm going to put those on today for even more thump [/quote] La Bellas on a decent P is one of life's greatest pleasures. Ooh, yeah.