The Last Bass Outpost

It's the best of both worlds really: The Ripper was always let down by its pups for me, but I liked the construction. And the G-3 had great pups, but a slightly iffy construction. Screws in the neck just like that other - lesser - brand.  And then the scarfed neck which no matter how much sense it makes stability-wise will always look cheap to me. Not to mention that horrible trailer park quality bridge ... 

There is no doubt that MJ is a talented singer, songwriter and performer. Thriller brought black music into white households big time, so he was also a cultural envoy.

It's tragic how he was/is at odds with his identity as a (once handsome) black man - all that cutting up of what was once a goodlooking face for that inhuman "Diana Ross meets Peter Pan" look. And of course he's deeply disturbed in his sexuality, any grown man cuddling up with teenagers in his bed on a regular basis without thinking about the implications is.

That said, I found the witchhunt against him despicable.

I prefer Prince as a guitar player and songwriter plus he is also psychologically derailed in a less conspicious way, but his voice is no match for MJ at the top of his game.

Does he still live in Oman?

Uwe

   

But he's not just nimble with his fingers. He has a nice voice, writes good music and lyrics, writes and plays (!) string arrangements (he played violin before he played bass or guitar) and his 2007 solo album (only available via his website) is great. Loads of good tunes and thoughtful lyrics with the old Slade beatlish influences always lurking around the corner.

Uwe

PS: When do you finally interview your fellow Brit, Jules?

That thing?

 I actually don't own it anymore, not peizio. It had a large Humbucker mounted too close to the bridge, the microswitch switched between front and back coils. For my taste it just didn't have enough low end, never could make it have the sub to shake the floor........So its gone now. More than likely it was stock Gibson.   

Oh, darn, another rarity waiting to be consumed by ze kollekshun ...

Can't listen to anyhing here - darn!

On a maple bass? I'm interested to hear the results. I find the TB Plus pups a bit too sharp/rough on maple.

I prefer your real one - edges seem more rounded on it -, but this is nice too. What is lurking underneath those chrome retro pup covers?

I like that singlecoil smack in the middle - have a penchant for singlecoils although it is an ungibsonish thing to own up to!