Hamer Cruisebass Mod

[NancyJohnson]

I've been dipping into this thread on an off over the last ten months and have watched with horror how you've [i]butchered [/i]this once beautiful Cruise bass and then have to front to compare the end product with a Westone...in hindsight all it probably needed a nice cuddle, a nice cup of tea and a small makeover.

Sorry, does nothing for me. Shame.
P

[Count Bassie]

[quote name='NancyJohnson' post='1350803' date='Aug 24 2011, 04:53 PM']I've been dipping into this thread on an off over the last ten months and have [b][i]watched with horror[/i][/b] how you've [i]butchered [/i]this once beautiful Cruise bass and then have to front to compare the end product with a Westone...in hindsight all it probably needed a nice cuddle, a nice cup of tea and a small makeover.

Sorry, does nothing for me. Shame.
P[/quote]

Running for office?

Watch with horror how our rainforests are being shaved off the face of the earth for someone's fattening pocket. Watch Syria's twisted leadership slaughter their own citizens, simply because they want to be treated like people. [u]That's[/u] horrible. This is just an old bass guitar that belongs to 'someone else'.

Shame it does nothing for you though- my bad!

[BottomE]

[quote name='Count Bassie' timestamp='1314225637' post='1350892']
Running for office?

Watch with horror how our rainforests are being shaved off the face of the earth for someone's fattening pocket. Watch Syria's twisted leadership slaughter their own citizens, simply because they want to be treated like people. [u]That's[/u] horrible. This is just an old bass guitar that belongs to 'someone else'.

Shame it does nothing for you though- my bad!
[/quote]

Wow someone needs a chill pill .

Count I finally checked out the vids. Looking good especially the spirally white lead! Nice touch. Like you say its difficult to hear the bass properly - if i were smart enough to eq it on You Tube i'd probably have a better job than i do

Main thing is though is that you are happy with it? Does it float your boat? What about the comfort issue? Do tell.

Remember i said that you inspired me to do a build? Well i did one. I have some vids and things and if i ever get it together to publish a coherent diary of the build you'll be the first to know. Heres a couple of pics. Its a Squier body, US Pups and pots, US Neck and Tuners. I gathered the bits from different places, Basschat, Ebay, Online shops etc crossed my fingers and then put it all together in an evening. Total cost is about £400.

Verdict - its ok. Took a while for the neck to settle and i can only get a half-decent action. Probably need to put a bit more bow on the neck as it is very straight. Sounds good - like a Precision but i think that the body is letting it down. So i bought a really old Korean Squier Precision for £75 off of Ebay and its amazing! Sounds so buttery. It weighs a ton and i think i am going to put all my custom parts onto this beat up old Squier body cos ugly as it is there is a certain resonance that i think will work.

Sorry for rambling.

B

[Count Bassie]

Nice pick-guard! It's got a very clean, pop-industrial look which is sharp.

The Hamer... well I'm playing it happily, I get lots of good word on it at gigs for tone, etc. And I also get a few compliments on the look of it, it's true. Still, I do get annoyed at having to change the battery on occasion- it's like having a toy! It's also very not-"Green" because of that... I have always felt that way about active basses, so I'm on the lookout for another option for p'ups, like maybe an old Rickenbacker humbucker or similar. But it needs something- the Mahogany tends to have a honky, brash tone that the preamp cuts out, so until I get a better solution it remains...

It's light as a feather, and really very comfortable to play- partly due to the strap-button placement thing. It stays wherever I put it and I can wear it for hours with no discomfort. And the horn gone-missing is a plus, for me. Yes, I could have gotten an old EB-3, or even an ESP Viper-type bass and worked with it instead, but this bass has a beautiful neck and is very light. I don't have a lifetime to go searching through the great pile of stuff in the world, I've got other people, etc to pay attention to, so I got on with it. I am aware that the new shape does have a kind of strange visual balance to it, I'm also keenly aware that the 'vintage vibe' is long-gone! I'm still not done though- when it's finished I think it'll look more complete, more itself. I'm here now, I'm going to make it the best of what I've done with it.

It helps to have an unconventional attitude about certain things, I guess.

As far as the chill-pill, I agree that I should be more [i]liquid[/i] about receiving detracting commentary (especially when it comes off as a little 'puffy'... Nancy... )! But I'll just quip that for the record, back in the 80s a Westone was considered a [i]second-string [/i]instrument in my neighborhood... funny how absence and time make the heart grow fond.

Edited November 17, 2011 by Count Bassie

[BottomE]

Actually i re-read the comment and its confusing. I meant for the other guy to take a chill pill! Sorry if you misunderstood. Strange but i got really offended and defensive when he posted

[Count Bassie]

[quote name='BottomE' timestamp='1321539556' post='1440363']
Actually i re-read the comment and its confusing. I meant for the other guy to take a chill pill! Sorry if you misunderstood. Strange but i got really offended and defensive when he posted
[/quote]

Ha! I thought it might have been that way, but I took it from the other direction just because there was a point to be taken there, too. But old "Nancy" had to vent from his soap-box- and he sucked up a good bit of 'air' doing it! "Pompous" might be a good descriptive word for him there, as well as "arrogant" and "self-important"... but there's enough said. Nonetheless it can be annoying, and I understand how that could affect you in such a way. It did me, too! He's apparently finished now...

Edited November 17, 2011 by Count Bassie

[NancyJohnson]

so I'm pompous, arrogant and self-important. Lovely.

This is precisely why I gave up posting to this forum a couple of years ago. I quit. Again.

Go f*** yourself.
P

[Count Bassie]

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1321549912' post='1440574']
so I'm pompous, arrogant and self-important. Lovely.

This is precisely why I gave up posting to this forum a couple of years ago. I quit. Again.

Go f*** yourself.
P
[/quote]

Maybe you're just not aware that you come off this way.

Your summary declaration of dismissal concerning my sub-Westone-grade mod came off as arrogant. Don't blame me for your tone: If it's not the first time you've left off the forum, it might be I'm not the only one who "hears" that tone.

Sentiment right back to you. And while you're fielding that, why don't you go find a sense of humor?

Not meaning to drag it out here, but... maybe you just need a cuddle?... Ouch!! Alllright...

Edited November 17, 2011 by Count Bassie

[BottomE]

(runs for cover) but really mate - chill out
[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1321549912' post='1440574']
so I'm pompous, arrogant and self-important. Lovely.

This is precisely why I gave up posting to this forum a couple of years ago. I quit. Again.

Go f*** yourself.
P
[/quote]
i told my dad to stop posting frankly its embarrasing.

PM'd about the radio thing

[Count Bassie]

[quote name='BottomE' timestamp='1321649554' post='1441725']

i told my dad to stop posting frankly its embarrasing.

PM'd about the radio thing
[/quote]



Got it, replied...

[NancyJohnson]

Mr Vaughan, or can I call you Roger, now that we're all cosy?

Let's bring some clarity to proceedings here for a moment. You posted to a semi-public forum and I responded. I am a bit of a Hamer fan and have owned several, to be honest, the original photos looked like the body needed some work, but clearly it wasn't something that would buff out, but - and I repeat - I hated what you did to the Cruise and stated so.

Obviously somewhat narked about my comment, I get a response asking whether I'm running for office (no I have a car, my place of work is too far away fro me to run to), juxtapositioned with some quite flippant remarks about the rainforest and Syria, because yes, the rainforest and Syria [b]really [/b]validate your argument concerning my comment about your mod. Have you ever been to Syria, my friend, or does the carpentry work keep you too busy? I have visited Syria, earlier this year. I know, you probably now think I'm muslim-loving commie, but let's not let that affect [s]the war on terror[/s] our friendship. And we were getting along so well. Anyhow, it's a really beautiful, place, the Syrians are nice people - well, the ones not doing the killings are - but I don't have much time for the two groups of armed militia that stopped us while we were driving from Damascus to Palmyra right after the killings really got started at Easter. It's really not that pleasant having a gun pointed at you and your family, so NEVER make a flippant remark like again, because it is neither clever or smart, it's ignorant.

Moving along (as I do have a life away from Basschat, it's the weekend and I need to go stand outside the US embassy to protest about something), I return periodically to find out you and Mr BottomE are having a nice little forum-chat, peppered with smileys, winky-winky...[i]rubbing each others rhubarb[/i], so to speak. You have to realise that when you post here, your posts get read, wooo, and get this, sometimes they get read before you have a chance to edit/withdraw what you've posted. So yes, my ignorant friend, I have read some of the stuff you've posted pertaining to my original post before you changed it. Ho-hum.

The final straw really for me was being described as pompous, arrogant and self-important. I apparently also dig 'venting off on [my] soapbox' and I have no [i]humour [/i]in me. Amazing how you can determine all this from a two sentence post. But then you Yanks love to draw your conclusions based on a small amount of hard facts (WMDs anyone?), so it doesn't surprise me. I can take sticks and stones so long as they're grounded in fact. You don't know me. You know nothing about me. You also know nothing about my spat with another member here whilst defending the honour of a company I have an artist-endorsement with (which was the reason I upped and left originally, despite being asked not to by the mods here).

I will stand by my original comments. I didn't like how the Hamer turned out. If you can't take some criticism, seriously, don't bother posting. Boo hoo! It looked so much nice before, even if you did, for some reason have the strap on the lower horn.

Much love, from your new musilm-loving commie friend.
P

[Count Bassie]

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1321710678' post='1442264']
Mr Vaughan, or can I call you Roger, now that we're all cosy?[/quote]

A little presuming of you, posting my name when I use a screen-name. I don't even remember if my full name is in my profile... but I suppose it is, unless you're a SPY!!.

But what's your point? Is this a way of calling me out? Cute.

I 'edited' my posts because I thought, "maybe that's unnecessary". Can't hardly remember now, but no need to make something of it, it was nothing. In light of where we're at now, what's the difference?

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1321710678' post='1442264']Let's bring some clarity to proceedings here for a moment. You posted to a semi-public forum and I responded. I am a bit of a Hamer fan and have owned several, to be honest, the original photos looked like the body needed some work, but clearly it wasn't something that would buff out, but - and I repeat - I hated what you did to the Cruise and stated so.[/quote]

That's fine! I know I'm not going to get an award for it, and took my chances, as it were, in posting. I should have shined on your remark, but I was tempted by your 'down-your-nose' tone towards it, the fact that I perceived a haughtiness in your delivery. You just were pretty undiplomatic. I commented on your attitude.

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1321710678' post='1442264']...And we were getting along so well. Anyhow, it's a really beautiful, place, the Syrians are nice people - well, the ones not doing the killings are - but I don't have much time for the two groups of armed militia that stopped us while we were driving from Damascus to Palmyra right after the killings really got started at Easter. It's really not that pleasant having a gun pointed at you and your family, so NEVER make a flippant remark like again, because it is neither clever or smart, it's ignorant.[/quote]

Nice people are everywhere. So is trouble. My comment wasn't to be flip about someone's trouble or your personal experience. I know it's bad in other parts of the world and that in America I have it good. I also understand there is urgency and distress when your family is threatened. I'm a dad and husband, and have my own realm of experience. The remark was made because I thought your choice of words was a tad dramatic over a bass guitar project. "Just horrible!!" Oh my... but I meant not to make someone's (yours or anyone's) dire situation into a trite retort. My ready apology goes out to the offended, that will include you.

End this bit: It's just a bass guitar. That was my point, and you know it. How am I to know anything about your situation?

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1321710678' post='1442264']The final straw really for me was being described as pompous, arrogant and self-important. I apparently also dig 'venting off on [my] soapbox' and I have no [i]humour [/i]in me. Amazing how you can determine all this from a two sentence post. But then [b][i]you Yanks love to draw your conclusions based on a small amount of hard facts (WMDs anyone?)[/i][/b], so it doesn't surprise me. [/quote]

Ironic post... listen to you! Yeah, George and I, we in-bred Yanks go way back. You are in fact at least as presumptuous and dismissive as you think I am. [b]And I haven't even called you a[/b] [b]Limey[/b]- sorry, I didn't mean to leave something out... at least you have the decency to capitalize your proper nouns. Well done!

Your tone was speaking to me, and I responded to it. I'm happy to assume a less 'pointy' disposition toward you, and to step off my rhetoric. But so far you've done nothing to change my mind. I've even tried to be funny, hoping it might present a door for diplomacy. My less-than-casual, off-hand attempt has failed... probably because at this point I see no reason to bend myself into a shape to please you. [i]And[/i] you told me to go f*** myself. So screw then.

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1321710678' post='1442264']I will stand by my original comments. I didn't like how the Hamer turned out. If you can't take some criticism, seriously, don't bother posting. Boo hoo! It looked so much nice before, [i]even if you did, for some reason have the strap on the lower horn.[/i][/quote]

"[i]For some reason[/i]." The strap-button is there for a reason, yes. but it's all about you, isn't it, "Nancy"? I have a nerve/tendon issue in my left arm, which I've stated pretty clearly in a previous post or two- the position is helpful. I try not to get too tedious in going on about it.

You didn't offer criticism, nor was there any thing agreeable at all in your tone- it was all about [i]pronouncing what you didn't like[/i]. Again, fine. But you sounded uppity and I said so. I'll go with the complaint that it was too harsh of me- it could have been a less colorful delivery. On for you.

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1321710678' post='1442264']Much love, from your new musilm-loving commie friend.
P
[/quote]

Dude this has gotten stupid. Stop it... I know you aren't stupid. I'll stop there.

[Count Bassie]

And by the way, my remarks about arrogance, etc., were my having a poke at you after another comment came around. I wasn't so affronted that I needed to express all that, really- I realize it was a bit over-the-top.

...but I still think you're an ass.

Forgot to stop, sorry.

[BottomE]

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1321710678' post='1442264']
Mr Vaughan, or can I call you Roger, now that we're all cosy?
[/quote]

As an aside can i call you Nancy? Did you see the pics of the PBass that i (butchered) assembled? That was a relatively simple project compared to the one that Count Bassie undertook. You have to give him credit for seeing through the project and getting a result that met the criteria. When i saw your post i did think it was a bit offensive - i think his reaction was quite mild but hey its all in the past. I come on the forum to talk about bass stuff generally and the stuff about Syria and the rest went way over my head and TBH i don't want to get involved. You said you like Hamer stuff. Do you have one?

[NancyJohnson]

[quote name='BottomE' timestamp='1321743371' post='1442740']
As an aside can i call you Nancy? Did you see the pics of the PBass that i (butchered) assembled? That was a relatively simple project compared to the one that Count Bassie undertook. You have to give him credit for seeing through the project and getting a result that met the criteria. When i saw your post i did think it was a bit offensive - i think his reaction was quite mild but hey its all in the past. I come on the forum to talk about bass stuff generally and the stuff about Syria and the rest went way over my head and TBH i don't want to get involved. You said you like Hamer stuff. Do you have one?
[/quote]

You can call me Nancy if you want, doesn't bother me.

I've had three Hamers in total, a white/ivory Scarab (lovely, but of its time), a Chapparal (nice but not a keeper) and an FBIV or FB4, which I still have.
P

[BottomE]

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1321787588' post='1442940']
You can call me Nancy if you want, doesn't bother me.

I've had three Hamers in total, a white/ivory Scarab (lovely, but of its time), a Chapparal (nice but not a keeper) and an FBIV or FB4, which I still have.
P
[/quote]
I always fancied a go on the Chapparal. I am googling the FB4 as i have never heard of it! Pics would be nice. Interested to know where you get them from as i rarely see a hamer for sale over here.

[NancyJohnson]

[quote name='BottomE' timestamp='1321790913' post='1442995']
I always fancied a go on the Chapparal. I am googling the FB4 as i have never heard of it! Pics would be nice. Interested to know where you get them from as i rarely see a hamer for sale over here.
[/quote]

I don't like the whole hijacking of other threads, but below is my Thunderbird and FBIV...it's the only pic I have on the PC. If you want to discuss further, then I'd be happier if you opened a new topic.

The Scarab came from the Bass Centre in London about twenty years ago (for my sins I actually liked Def Leppard, it had a great neck, but was a bit too pointy for me). The Chapparal was bought through I guy I know in Swindon, the FBIV came off eBay about a year ago.
P

[Grassie]

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1321793141' post='1443030']

for my sins I actually liked Def Leppard,



[/quote]

So did I. "Hysteria" is a groundbreaking album. There - I said it.

[Count Bassie]

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1321710678' post='1442264']
Mr Vaughan, or can I call you Roger, now that we're all cosy?
[/quote]

Hey Nancy, I want to bag the bad vibes. We don't have to like each other... I do find you a certain way and you've done little to alter my perception...although I also realize I took a shot at you- after you shot down, [i]with feeling[/i], my apparently [i]*failed[/i]* attempt at 'copping' a cheaper bass from my fine old Hamer Cruise (I do know I should have just stepped past it, but I still insert a smiley here).

But it probably goes my way as well, although I remain at odds at your lumping me in with [b]The [/b](in-bred)[b] People [/b]("Yanks"... fine...)[b] Who Brought You The Iraq War[/b]; that and your other presuming sarcasm about being a "commie Muslim", that was pretty silly stuff right there... but you knew that, right?

And- was I supposed to know your personal story in Syria? I don't even know your actual name (more on that). But there was nothing, I don't think, to infer the recklessness from my post that you did. I thought my point was obvious, although in retrospect it was too dramatic a rendering. But I think that was your own internal issue you responded to, irrelevant to my comment. Apparently though, I'd hit a nerve, [u]so let me declare this right now[/u]: I'm as sure as I can be that I'd never bring up an old wound or a bad, maybe irreconcilable experience to anyone at all- certainly not in retort, certainly not on purpose. I may come off as having a coarse, dark-ish sense of humor and a good dose of rasping sarcasm, but I'm not one to go swiping at someone else' wounds (I do have some friends in the world). I think I need to state here that I have no desire to treat you with disrespect. Alright?

But I have to mention something I find odd: Funny that I guess you were prompted, somehow, to do some homework on me so you could [u]mention my actual name[/u] here on this forum ("Oh, Snap! You got me!!" ). Yes, we're cozy as two foxes in a burlap bag... but I'm not getting this (what appears a) silly gesture. Maybe I'm just a socially sub-standard and ignorant Yankee, but is this a 'slap in my face' with a virtual gloved hand, or something? I can't imagine you see this as something meaningful.

I'd have said something sooner but hey, life gets busy. I just think it's a strange, and kind of funny, thing to do. I'll be interested in hearing what you've got to say about it. Take your time.

[Count Bassie]

Funny guy, that Nancy blows my 'cover' and screws! Well here's one for your nightmares, Nancy... my Hamer bass, post-mod, 2 weeks ago at a gig in Cambridge, MA:



I really like this bass... still.

[throwoff]

I like Count Bassie.
and his Bass.

It seems certain people on this forum are getting a bit nasty.

[BottomE]

Great chap - lovely bass.

[Count Bassie]

Cut it out you guys! ...you're making me blush...

This place is nothing compared to "Talkbass" for nasty, though. You guys are civilized- even when flame-throwing. And most of you know how to spell!