BassApprentice

So I sometimes keep an eye on the "Deko" section of Thomann to see what passes through, usually stuff sells out before you can blink but I got lucky and managed to snag a 5 string 'Ray-a-like So started the wait to see if it was as much of a bargain as the price makes it. It arrived yesterday and it took me a few minutes to work out what made it "Deko" worthy! There's one small dent on the back and some odd marks but since it's on the back doesn't really bother me! Out of the box it was still in tune (granted it was a half step down) which bodes well for the quality of the tuners. I've only noodled around on it for an hour or so but first impressions are very good. I had a SUB Ray 5 earlier this year and I would say the fit and finishing isn't far off that and I think it does the Stingray sound quite well, nice and clanky. It is a bit heavier than the SUB was I reckon, haven't got the means to weigh it but the whole package was apparently 4.7kg so I don't think the bass will be too heavy itself. Not sure how useful the coil-splitting is yet but wiring can be changed in the future. The neck is not for the fainthearted, very club like but unfinished so feels gorgeous to me, no noticeably sharp edges. String spacing is quite tight but I liked that about the SUB and happy this is similar, YMMV. These are just my initial ramblings, I'll probably update this with more pros and cons in the future. Overall I'm really impressed by my first Harley Benton and for £11 per string I couldn't ask for a better way to scratch the 5 string itch! (For those wondering, the Deko section seems to get updated daily at any time between 9am and 11am-ish if you are looking for a bargain)

Very, very nice. I imagine your title will attract the attention of some of the resident luthiers so they might be able to give you a better answer.

Just reading the advert again. [color=#3C3241][font=Castledown, Arial, sans-serif][size=4]"blend pot is broken so it will need replaced. currently it only allows the usage of the bridge pickup but it is only a few quid to replace. I haven't done it yet as I [b]use this bass so much I don't have the time to put it into a shop[/b] and not have it for a few days." How are they going to cope when they sell it then [/size][/font][/color]

Shall we just say the finish is.....interesting https://www.gumtree.com/p/guitar-instrument/epiphone-thunderbird-pro-iv-neckthrough-bass-guitar-relic-/1270931061

Just wondering if anyone has/had one of these and could give me an opinion on them? I like the unusual pickup layout and I like the sounds bass players seem to get from MTDs. Also, if anyone has seen any MTD 5ers in stores in Scotland that would be great. Being able a 35" scale 5er would be good! Thanks all

In short. No. http://www.etonline.com/initial-tom-petty-death-reports-inaccurate-singer-remains-hospitalized-following-cardiac-arrest?amp

For me: it would depend on the price/style of a bass. An expensive Jazz style bass would take a knock better than an expensive custom bass with no finish, if you see what I mean. I currently have no basses in my collection that are pristine so I am worry free

Question, has anyone ordered a Shell Pink bass from Maruszczyk? Currently dreaming up designs and the Shell Pink looks very pink, I would want it closer to the Flea sig. level of pink. Also, I assume you can have almost any wiring options you want on your bass. Not just the standard V, V, T etc.?

If you can't find an official one. Pretty sure these guys can make you one: http://www.originalscratchplates.com/ Best of luck!

I believe JapanAxe got that very model yesterday. He should be able to help.

Sorry, I just re-read my post and realised I didn't make it clear. I plan to sell the bass but would I be better off removing the preamp and sell the bass and preamp separately or is the bass worth more with the preamp in?

Morning all, I've got a Yamaha SBV that simply isn't getting played enough. I bought it earlier this year as I used to have one which I adored but this one just isn't the same. It has been modified to have an [font="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif"][color="#1d2129"]EMG-BQC preamp in it, my question is, since this is a relatively rare bass would I be better off restoring it to it's original set up (minus the battery compartment) for selling and then sell the preamp separately?[/color][/font] [font="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif"][color="#1d2129"]Ta![/color][/font]

For those lucky enough to see it and want to relive the experience, here's a really good quality recording from Brussels the other week. Still blows my mind how good they are http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDL5k9LpZ9w

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1506073491' post='3376235'] I didn't know they were playing London tomorrow, assume it's sold out? [/quote] If you're on Facebook look for the Event for the Vulfpeck gig, seems to be a few people selling last minute on the Glasgow one so you might be able to pick up a ticket.

I'm being slightly vague here. For the majority, what comes to mind when you think of Retrovibe? The reason I ask is because the well loved Chowny have give YouTuber Davie504 his own signature model called the EVO "Retrovibe" http://www.notreble.com/buzz/2017/09/02/chowny-bass-announces-the-evo-davie504-signature-bass/ All well and good. BUT There is the already established Retrovibe brand that makes a bass that is exactly the same (albeit with a different headstock and pickguard) also called the EVO http://www.retrovibe.co.uk/ Now I could have missed something here and Chowny could have bought Retrovibe but it just seems a weird coincidence that two small UK brands have a model with the same name.

Are we sure Irvine Welsh didn't write this.....

More bad news for Gibson. Moody's have downgraded them to "negative"

[quote name='Treb' timestamp='1500984086' post='3341458'] There's no substitute for the real thing... SB14 has been discontinued, lack of sales. No 5 string version of that one was ever made AFAIK. [/quote] There's one of these for sale on Facebook Bass Players Market UK: £400 can't see it sticking around for too long

Another shout could be a Phil Jones Suitcase. 300w 4x5" combo that has 2 inputs with separate volume and EQ settings PJB gear is used by upright and electric players so should do the job perfectly for electro acoustic too. I saw Bass Direct have a used Suitcase right now for £500, of course this might not be quite what you're looking for

Keep an eye on the marketplace here and eBay/Gumtree for Squier necks that might occasionally pop up. Be worth putting an ad up in the Items Wanted section too! Another place to look is the "decorative" section of Thomann, might be able to get a whole bass for the price of a neck! Best of luck

Tough paper round for this bass but I'm sure it sounds great https://www.gumtree.com/p/guitar-instrument/musicman-sub-sterling-usa-06-bass-with-emg-jazz-p-u-fitted-/1255866366

Or these? https://www.facebook.com/vbcustomexerciseguitars/

I'm not sure if you actually have an interest in Greek culture or it's just a username but I came across this word: Psilos which means bare/smooth/uncovered in ancient Greek. Thought it would be quite fitting for the nature of the design and finish.

As mentioned, others have been in but as very background characters with very few lines if any. The Sheeran spot felt forced, almost like a SNL sketch or something. I know in the books Arya does come across a singing soldier so it fits but he didn't need to go "yeah, it's a new one". One shot of his face singing would have been enough to show he was there like the other "guest spots" Anyway, it's done now

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1500362575' post='3337139'] For me the problem with Yamaha is that the model numbers don't tell you much, you say a BB series, well a BBNE2 is around £3500! [/quote] This. The BB series has been through so many iterations a more specific model is needed to give you a value.