Chris2112

Obviously, communicating with the engineer is a must because he is supposed to be an expert in getting your stuff sounding fantastic. If you've got a complex or distinctive set up, discussing that with him first is surely a good idea. However, if he is set on doing it his way and disregarding your request or at least failing to accomodate you in the way you expect he's not doing what he's being paid to do. Even if you sound dreadful on record, so be it. I can understand him not wanting to put his name on a pile of sh*te, but customer satisfaction in the first instance is a must!

I think this picture of my first Kubicki Ex Factor really captures just how lightweight and chuckable they are... I like how if you look in the mirror you can see the back of the neck, and how wonderfully comfortable it is. To think I was without an Ex Factor for a couple of years, absolute madness. Never again...

Hope you get it sorted as the K5's are really good basses.

[quote name='matski' post='1054145' date='Dec 10 2010, 03:24 PM']OMG, I'm in shock!!! For once you had the perfect opportunity to big up the Kubicki ExFactor - which as we both know although a bit marmite, is very light, very ergonomically-shaped, and has a great range of sounds - and you opted instead for a Steinberger! For the OP: you should also consider a Status, if you have a reasonable budget and don't mind their looks.[/quote] Well, the Kubicki would be the ideal choice I'd say, as it is so light and so ergonomic. Sounds better than a Steinberger too; but in the event that you have to compromise and go for low weight over everything else a Steinberger is a fine choice. They do sound great after all! Easier to get hold of too!

My old Thumb bolt on was very light too and balanced well, not a chore to play whatsoever.

I don't have a tab for this one but I do remember playing it (I'm a huge Big Country fan though, and I do regularly play a lot of their earlier songs). If memory serves, the main riff follows the pattern of: G------------------ D------------------ A------3----5----3 E---3-------------- From that progression you can work out the little flourishes and fills...it's very simple for Big Country really! Just remember your palm mutes!

[quote name='thebrig' post='1053765' date='Dec 10 2010, 09:53 AM']What do they sound like, are they up there with standard Precisions?[/quote] No, they don't sound anywhere near that bad. For a start, they have a humbucker at the bridge so they're useable in a band situation where you actually want to be heard! As for the Steinbergers, they feel solid and well made but not heavy. Certainly not like, a Bubinga Corvette say!

I remember having a look at one in Guitar Guitar and thinking it looked a bit naff. Ibanez have always made the best guitars going, but their basses often leave something to be desired. It's a neat idea but certainly not for me, and not for most people I would think, though I do applaud their bravery.

Get an old 80's Steinberger!

I have to say, I did play a Sadowsky Metro the other day that struck me as being really good for a jazz bass.

[quote name='BottomEndian' post='1052654' date='Dec 9 2010, 12:44 PM']This one? That's now mine, so it should be there... assuming this bloody snow's shifted by February. [/quote] That bass is awesome! And there's my ACG in the background!

I do remember when I first turned up to buy the bass and Peter opened the case, I went - you just couldn't capture the orange hue in photographs, or the rich gold colour of the back. That said, the majority of Fenders I find extremely sub par in terms of looks, sound and feel, so I suppose it's all just a question of what you want and what you're willing to settle for.

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='1052454' date='Dec 9 2010, 09:46 AM']Im sure your right, they definitely radiate quality, even from the pics but still, paying that sort of money and compromising on looks means i probably still wouldnt want one.[/quote] Probably best you stick to Fenders then! As for the colour issue, just look at what Alan can get for you if you ask, woods as colourful as you like! My bass has an incredible orange hue to it...

Ah, I was playing my Thumb through a Trace Elliot 4x10" with no tweeter, I suspect things may be a bit "harsher" though my Ashdown MK500!

[quote name='mcgraham' post='1051463' date='Dec 8 2010, 10:58 AM']I don't agree with this - just 'trusting' you'll find the right technique for you and that you'll do it correctly is nonsense.[/quote] It worked for me...I realised one day I could do both styles and I'd never gave it any concious though. However, judging by the amount of mugs who play their basses round their ankles, perhaps it takes someone with common sense to benefit from this "natural development" approach.

Anyone interested in reading about ACG basses, please see the link in my signature, I've done a fairly in depth review of the Harlot singlecut I bought this year. If I had to sum up ACG I'd say they are quite simply the best basses being made in the UK today. And with Wal and Status Graphite here that's a good effort! I recall reading recently that the bloke from Luthier's Access Group in the US had ordered an ACG to see what they were all about and he thought it was excellent. That's a good effort too, saying as the LAG has had some amazing basses there.

[quote name='lojo' post='1037367' date='Nov 26 2010, 08:39 AM']Where is the line between a buying guitar whilst on holiday visiting a musical tourist spot in the states as a souvenir, much like you might buy a bongo drum in africa, and importing[/quote] As soon as they smell some money to be made from it they'll sink their teeth in, even if it is just some piece of sh*t SX bass you're smuggling in!

I remember the walls of the stairway leading into Howards in Newcastle were thick with adverts back when the shop was open! Those were the days...

"Bliss Factor Part II" by Guitar Prasanna with Victor Wooten playing the bass...the end has one of his most incredible grooves of all time. Savage.