discreet

[quote name='Lo-E' timestamp='1445088351' post='2888721'] As for the flats & P combination... It's a great sound (especially if you just happen to have a B15 lying around!). [/quote] Or if you have a VT Bass lying around. It's better-known for its full-on 8X10 rock tones, but can also be persuaded to produce some very convincing warm, fat, round tubey Motown/Stax vibes too.

[quote name='cybertect' timestamp='1445081792' post='2888659'] ...I think the guys at Wunjo bass on Denmark Street must be reading it - as I was on my way home last night I noticed that one of these basses has appeared in their shop window yesterday [/quote] If that's the case, I sincerely hope nothing else appears in their shop window. I remember when the original Kaoss Pad was released just before the turn of the century. I didn't really understand it then, and I don't understand it now to be honest...

[quote name='Billy Apple' timestamp='1445072112' post='2888546'] Complete Spector convert here. Outstanding company. [/quote] +1 here too, though I don't currently have one. On the list, though. Incredible quality and customer service.

[quote name='FelixGubbins' timestamp='1445032118' post='2888402'] ...wondered whether the wider done palate of a jazz might be a better bet. [/quote] I used flats on an active Jazz at a gig and they worked very well. But if you like the Jazz 'growl', flats will be less effective.

You can't go wrong with flats on a P.

[quote name='Beer of the Bass' timestamp='1445015093' post='2888228'] There were little stashes of them dotted around the patch of trees we used to play in, and no-one knew who put them there... [/quote] Your Dad!

Just a quick comment to say that though La Bella flats are expensive they last for a [i]very [/i]long time... I love 'em, me. A lot more versatile than you'd suppose. The days of flats only being used on a old P bass for Motown covers is long gone.

[quote name='The Admiral' timestamp='1445012715' post='2888192'] We had to make do with torn up mags, caught in hedges when we were kids... [/quote] What was that about..? They were sometimes in black bin liners, too. Quite often accompanied by a knotted old dobbie full of spongle. Why did the nation dispose of their unwanted bongo mags under hedges in the 70s? Obviously not as concerned about recycling back then, I suppose. How things change.

[quote name='KevB' timestamp='1444995652' post='2887964'] ...give the less accessible places a wipe down while I'm at it. [/quote] Pics, please.

[quote name='ras52' timestamp='1444999612' post='2888038'] Yes, the underwear and swimsuit sections were always very popular [/quote] As a turgid young teen, I'd favour the shower section. Usually a bit of bare leg and a tantalising glimpse of side-boob on offer. Kids today have it so easy, don't they? Reverse cowboy, teabagging, Arabian goggles, dirty Sanchez, pearl necklaces and Boston pancakes, all at the click of a mouse!

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1444994177' post='2887939'] But undeniably a splendid way of getting right up the nose of any guitarist, and therefore to be praised. [/quote] Then it's a [i]good [/i]gimmick.

Gimmick.

Don't change 'em very often. Especially flats. I like rounds when they're a bit worn in, too. I don't really break strings, so I'll change them as a set. Don't see the point in doing otherwise. I read somewhere you're supposed to change one string at a time to keep tension on the neck, but I've also taken a set off completely before putting the new strings on and it didn't seem to make a great deal of difference. When I get a new bass, or another bass, I'll immediately change the strings to one of my brands before playing it - you can't really tell what a bass sounds like with unidentified strings on it, regardless of their age.

[quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1444985433' post='2887811'] Musicians are full of s***. [/quote] /thread

[quote name='Number6' timestamp='1444921933' post='2887384'] ...instruments which don't look like grandfather clocks on straps. [/quote] [quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1444980283' post='2887742'] This is actually a fairly accurate description of my bass... [/quote] I don't see the clockweights. Can we have a close-up of your clockweights, please?

They're not always the most affordable, but their service is second to none. So I don't mind paying a little extra. They sell a lot more than strings, too. http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/

[quote name='DavidMcKay' timestamp='1444946167' post='2887668'] No. I am hopeless at accessorising. [/quote] Ah, go on. You'd be the first on the forum. Actually, I don't know that for sure.

[quote name='SingleMalt' timestamp='1444676285' post='2885038'] What do we think about Rickenbacker? [/quote] IBTL.

[quote name='DavidMcKay' timestamp='1444909118' post='2887185'] ...you'd think I had told them I was planning a sex change... [/quote] ARE you planning a sex change, just out of interest?

I believe Hooky's famous Shergold bass was a six-string.

Not yet. I'm currently in the throes of amp gas. But I'm still going to need a back-up up bass at some point, so it's on the list.

[quote name='stevebasshead' timestamp='1444916897' post='2887311'] Phew. Didn't know that! My eyes were twisting looking at that pic [/quote]

[quote name='stevebasshead' timestamp='1444916728' post='2887307'] Eh? What's holding the A string in place? [/quote] There's a string groove under some trees. Actually two, one each side.

Thanks, that's going to give me nightmares.