paul h Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 4 string acoustic fretless update! Took the saddle back and discovered it hasn't got a flat bottom! A couple of minutes with some sandpaper on a flat surface has much improved things. The E, A and G are pretty close but the D is much too loud. I will have another go but I don't want to take too much off the saddle. So a little bit more sanding and possibly some strategically applied masking should get me closer still. Unfortunately it still sounds terribly out of tune Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annoying Twit Posted September 10, 2015 Author Share Posted September 10, 2015 I'm at a logistics and supply conference. I've just discussed 'dekos' with an academic specialising in the 'Reverse Supply Chain', which is where end of life / faulty products make their way back to the original manufacturer or some other organisation for remanufacturing, recovery of parts/materials/etc. She thinks it entirely plausible that given the prices of the full price instruments and how large organisations work that: 1] Thomann may be pretty much getting their investment back given the deko and full price. So, they aren't losing money on the dekos, just not making a profit. Margins will be small enough that even checking them properly may not be worth it. and 2] The previously mentioned theory that whole batches may be assigned as dekos based on some samples being faulty could be true. Again, checking things carefully may be unprofitable. Plausible does not mean likely of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 Useful insights. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorks5stringer Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 [quote name='Annoying Twit' timestamp='1441896434' post='2862760'] I'm at a logistics and supply conference. I've just discussed 'dekos' with an academic specialising in the 'Reverse Supply Chain', which is where end of life / faulty products make their way back to the original manufacturer or some other organisation for remanufacturing, recovery of parts/materials/etc. She thinks it entirely plausible that given the prices of the full price instruments and how large organisations work that: 1] Thomann may be pretty much getting their investment back given the deko and full price. So, they aren't losing money on the dekos, just not making a profit. Margins will be small enough that even checking them properly may not be worth it. and 2] The previously mentioned theory that whole batches may be assigned as dekos based on some samples being faulty could be true. Again, checking things carefully may be unprofitable. Plausible does not mean likely of course. [/quote] Is there a Plenary Session at the end which no-one attends as they are back off home? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roman_sub Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 [quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1441897749' post='2862772'] Useful insights. [/quote] +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annoying Twit Posted September 10, 2015 Author Share Posted September 10, 2015 (edited) [quote name='yorks5stringer' timestamp='1441908628' post='2862901'] Is there a Plenary Session at the end which no-one attends as they are back off home? [/quote] No, it ends with lunch. Free food, or off home early? EDIT: The plenary sessions we've had have been more like invited talks than what I think of as plenary sessions. They've been very good so far. Back to Dekos: When I was on the train I used my phone for internet access. Up popped a deko. http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_d_120ce_lh_bk_deko.htm Edited September 10, 2015 by Annoying Twit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musashimonkey Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 [quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1441891533' post='2862664'] And on it goes. Spotted a Harley Benton Kahuna fretless U-bass listed as "deko" for €49 instead of the usual €129 list. I really like my fretted Kahuna but I can hardly justify buying the fretless at full price. [/quote] If you want to sell one...! 😉 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tauzero Posted September 11, 2015 Share Posted September 11, 2015 There's a black classical guitar up for £8-61. It's getting silly when the postage is more expensive than the instrument. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alyctes Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 JB-75s and Beatbasses now up... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodiakblair Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 Spotted them at 10pm,added them to basket then proceeded to add items to save on postage. Reminded myself I'd just spent a fortune replacing this weeks stolen tools,no dekos for me this week Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annoying Twit Posted September 13, 2015 Author Share Posted September 13, 2015 (edited) DEKOS! Beatles bass. [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_beatbass_vs_vintage_se_deko.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...age_se_deko.htm[/url] Jazz bass. [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_jb_75_na_vintage_serie_deko.htm"]http://www.thomann.d..._serie_deko.htm[/url] Resonator thing already sold out. [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_custom_line_resoking_b_deko.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...king_b_deko.htm[/url] Four string fretless acoustic bass back after being sold out before. [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_b_30_nt_fl_acoustic_ba_deko.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...tic_ba_deko.htm[/url] EDIT: Whoops! Just noticed that these have already been posted. Also, I just noticed this advice that I somehow missed the first time. [quote name='yorks5stringer' timestamp='1441796629' post='2861805'] Have you tried a piece of veneer in the slot, just cut a piece off to use as you will have loads left. I found I had to actually thin my veneer down by sanding each piece on a flat surface and on both sides. Would be surprised if the slot is as wide as you think once the veneer is in [/quote] [quote name='blablas' timestamp='1441797542' post='2861818'] Standard fret tangs are 0.6 mm thick so the the fret slots won't be that much bigger. One layer should be enough, you probably won't be able to get two layers in the fret slot anyway. [/quote][quote name='blablas' timestamp='1441797542' post='2861818'] Standard fret tangs are 0.6 mm thick so the the fret slots won't be that much bigger. One layer should be enough, you probably won't be able to get two layers in the fret slot anyway. [/quote] The veneer fits very loosely into the fret slots. It's the middle of the night now (unfortunately woke up needing to pee) but today I'll cut off some veneering and see if i can fit two layers in a slot. The veneer feels very thin and I'm not sure that it's the 0.6mm that the eBay listing said it was. EDIT: The veneer is wider than I thought. When I actually put strips in, I could only fit one strip per slot. I've glued them in with EvoStick Wood Glue, as that's what I found when I looked in the 'big box of adhesives' that we have. Zebrawood appears to be a poor choice of veneer, as it splits along the grain. The first few frets are filled with veneer cut against the grain, the rest cut along the grain. There may be some visual inconsistency between the frets but C'est la vie. I'll leave them for at least a day, but the veneer strips for the first few frets done seem to be glued in firmly. I've now got strips sticking up. I was planning to trim them down closer to the fretboard with a Stanley knife, and then sand them down flush. I hope this will also remove excess glue. I've got enough veneer left over that I could veneer the headstock, Andyjr1515 style. I'm very tempted to do so, but will sand down the headstock first in the belief (incorrect?) that this will make the veneer stick better. Further apologies to Andytre for once again massacring the neck he gave me. Edited September 13, 2015 by Annoying Twit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorks5stringer Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 [quote name='Annoying Twit' timestamp='1442113864' post='2864479'] DEKOS! Beatles bass. [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_beatbass_vs_vintage_se_deko.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...age_se_deko.htm[/url] Jazz bass. [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_jb_75_na_vintage_serie_deko.htm"]http://www.thomann.d..._serie_deko.htm[/url] Resonator thing already sold out. [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_custom_line_resoking_b_deko.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...king_b_deko.htm[/url] Four string fretless acoustic bass back after being sold out before. [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_b_30_nt_fl_acoustic_ba_deko.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...tic_ba_deko.htm[/url] EDIT: Whoops! Just noticed that these have already been posted. Also, I just noticed this advice that I somehow missed the first time. The veneer fits very loosely into the fret slots. It's the middle of the night now (unfortunately woke up needing to pee) but today I'll cut off some veneering and see if i can fit two layers in a slot. The veneer feels very thin and I'm not sure that it's the 0.6mm that the eBay listing said it was. EDIT: The veneer is wider than I thought. When I actually put strips in, I could only fit one strip per slot. I've glued them in with EvoStick Wood Glue, as that's what I found when I looked in the 'big box of adhesives' that we have. Zebrawood appears to be a poor choice of veneer, as it splits along the grain. The first few frets are filled with veneer cut against the grain, the rest cut along the grain. There may be some visual inconsistency between the frets but C'est la vie. I'll leave them for at least a day, but the veneer strips for the first few frets done seem to be glued in firmly. I've now got strips sticking up. I was planning to trim them down closer to the fretboard with a Stanley knife, and then sand them down flush. I hope this will also remove excess glue. I've got enough veneer left over that I could veneer the headstock, Andyjr1515 style. I'm very tempted to do so, but will sand down the headstock first in the belief (incorrect?) that this will make the veneer stick better. Further apologies to Andytre for once again massacring the neck he gave me. [/quote] Keying surface/removing all clear coat is necessary depending on computability of glue with clear coat. You can clamp the veneer with wood on either side of headstock ( assuming you have clamps). Care with tuner peg holes and break-out... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annoying Twit Posted September 13, 2015 Author Share Posted September 13, 2015 (edited) [quote name='yorks5stringer' timestamp='1442173274' post='2864907'] Keying surface/removing all clear coat is necessary depending on computability of glue with clear coat. You can clamp the veneer with wood on either side of headstock ( assuming you have clamps). Care with tuner peg holes and break-out... [/quote] Thanks. Andyjr1515 has posted a headstock veneering thread in 'build diaries'. He uses an iron-on technique for the veneer, not clamps (which I don't have). He also uses paper to make a blank for the headstock including holes, so that they can be re-made after the veneer is added. EDIT: Beatbass, 1975 Jazz Bass, and 4 string fretless acoustic all sold out. Anyone get something this time round? Edited September 13, 2015 by Annoying Twit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alyctes Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 [quote name='Annoying Twit' timestamp='1442177577' post='2864972'] EDIT: Beatbass, 1975 Jazz Bass, and 4 string fretless acoustic all sold out. Anyone get something this time round? [/quote] Too skint Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Low End Bee Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 I'm getting along just fine with my £38 Jazz bass. It sounds good and plays well. Fret ends could do with a lille filing but it's hardly noticeable while playing. I do hate natural wood finishes though. I feel like I'm playing an Ikea chopping board. Luckily I work in the motor trade. The bodyshop will spray the body and headstock for me for nothing. I've just got to decide which colour now. I'm thinking Honda 'twilight' blue might be good? A sort of purply grey blue with some flake in it. I might do a headstock logo in gold pen and sharpie. Ex art school. What could go wrong? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfretrock Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 [quote name='Low End Bee' timestamp='1442306614' post='2865837'] I'm getting along just fine with my £38 Jazz bass. It sounds good and plays well. ... [/quote] Almost got one of those on Saturday for £30. They were up for ages. I cut my credit card in half, poked myself in the eye, turned the PC off, picked up my Fender P and started playing. Seemed to work. But I'll always wonder what a J is like....Ther'll be another time.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodiakblair Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 was getting prices for an American interested in PB-50 just now. They've just been listed. I got a voucher this morning and no self control. Keenly awaiting confirmation email Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CamdenRob Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 [quote name='kodiakblair' timestamp='1442310709' post='2865879'] was getting prices for an American interested in PB-50 just now. They've just been listed. I got a voucher this morning and no self control. Keenly awaiting confirmation email [/quote] They look lovely... Hope you snag one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodiakblair Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 Got 2 already Rob One with Status nylons and one soon to sport a Peavey SF pickup.Very nice basses. Thunderbird on here sold one with an SD in it to a fella in Kenya and I sent him the spare Wilkinson. He was a bit disappointed, both sounded the exact same just the Wilkinson was louder.After years of hearing great things about swapping pickups he'd expected more. https://soundcloud.com/subdude67/wilkinson-pickup https://soundcloud.com/subdude67/seymour-duncan-pickup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andytre Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 aaarrgh! i've loved the look of those PB 50s for while! but i have far to many guitars and far too little money that another might send my missus over the edge! i suppose i could get one as a gift for her...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uncle psychosis Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 [quote name='kodiakblair' timestamp='1442310709' post='2865879'] was getting prices for an American interested in PB-50 just now. They've just been listed. I got a voucher this morning and no self control. Keenly awaiting confirmation email [/quote] This morning I had a 30 euro voucher. Now I no longer have that voucher. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodiakblair Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 (edited) No word from Thomann yet. Bit of a bind cause I want to add some stuff to the order. edit order has been confirmed. Edited September 15, 2015 by kodiakblair Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uncle psychosis Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 Mine has just been confirmed too. 12 euros delivered. I probably spent more than that on coffee last week! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uncle psychosis Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 Mine has just been confirmed too. 12 euros delivered. I probably spent more than that on coffee last week! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Left Foot Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 https://m.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_pb_50_sb_vintage_serie_deko.htm?o=5&ref=mal_a_5&search=1442330899 Get in!!! What does it mean when the decos are to order, are they going to smash it up a bot then stick a D on it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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