The Last Bass Outpost
Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: uwe on June 14, 2010, 09:33:23 AM
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I finally got one. Initially, Scott - danke schön! - had offered his services to obtain one for me in the US but the downward slide of the Euro made that unattractive, so I bought one of the few that made it to Germany before the flood (currently, there are no Epi delieveries to Germany until end of year, but isn't the Mississippi outside of China?).
It looks pretty much like the black one in the promo pics here http://www.epiphone.com/news.asp?NewsID=1624 (I wanted a black one with a fretless neck just like the one at the Frankfurt music fair, but there are only natural body fretless ones available from Epi, so I settled for a fretted one). Craftsmanship is good with a few glitches:
- Before clearcoating the bass, dusting it off would have helped, now I have a bass with guaranteed rub-off-unendangered wood dust underneath the clearcoat (its on the back only, but still),
- The body/neck angle of this bolt-on was hilariously too concave for a bass with a high and unadjustable bridge, action at the 12th fret was 6/16", a little shimming with plastic strips did away with all that and action is now more at 3/16", comfortable and buzzfree, but I wonder how a beginner would have grappled with that issue to whom shimming must be a daunting prospect (if he thinks of it at all as a cure)? For a bass that will in effect only let you control action via trussrod adjustment and neck angle shimming, a better quality end control is necessary, meine Herren from Gibson!
The good things:
It comes with a nice case and has a comfortable, but sturdy neck. Very good fret job with excellent high register access due to that radical cutaway of - alas! - Scott "Saw" Dasson-type ruthlessness. :mrgreen:
The body is Ripper-proportions-huge and makes the bass look like a medium or short scale, but it has a fully grown long scale neck.
The sound? My good countrymen of Shadow Electronics (inventors of the piezo) have done a swell job with the electronics here, the official blurb gives you an idea:
"At the heart of this bass is the revolutionary NanoFlex(TM) and NanoMag(TM) pickup combination. Custom-made for this bass by Shadow Germany, these pickups provide a wide range of tones suitable for almost any type of music. Under the saddle, the NanoFlex senses the vibrations of the strings AND the body of the instrument simultaneously. Not a piezo, this exclusive, low-impedance 7-layer element has active electronics and 100% shielding to ensure no sound is lost and no hum is introduced. The NanoMag is located right at the end of the fingerboard - just like in Epiphone's award-winning Ultra-II guitar. Positioned at this sweet-spot, the NanoMag captures all the subtle nuances and harmonics of every string. Like the NanoFlex, it too is low-impedance with active electronics on-board but it features a tiny air-coil, 3 samarium-cobalt magnets and silver-platinum shielding for a hum-free output. Both pickups are controlled by an active electronic system featuring a Master volume, pickup Blend and individual bass and treble controls for each pickup."
So if the NanoFlex is a modern piezo (by any other name) underneath the bridge saddle, the NanoMag is a small strip glued to the end of the (extended) fingerboard of the bass and picking up the signal in the old mudbucker position. What you do get is more than ample, subwoofish bass out of that position plus clear treble and presence with only subdued mids. Add to this the bridge NanoFlex sound which has an emphasis in mids (though bass is reasonable and treble/presence abundant) and you have everything you can wish for soundwise, especially as you can mix the two unorthodox pickup systems without any frequency-cancelling out and have individual treble/bass controls for each. The resulting sound very "there", bassy (with lots of reserves for mudbuckerish boominess if desired), yet crisp, with enough audible mids to cut through and - an issue with many oldtime piezos - even string response. The G string is even mighty compared to most magnetic pup basses and really jumps at you not only with treble zzzing, but also with warm, deep, musical bass frequencies.
The bass came strung with roundwounds and I've kept them for now because I enjoy the crispness which never gets nasty or obnoxious.
I'm not sure what audience this instrument is aimed at by Epi. It's not really an instrument for unplugged sessions, the chambered body not offering enough volume unamped or coloring the Nano sounds enough acoustically (there is a slight change in tone if you hold your hand against an F hole), yet the wooden bridge and the F holes are not really rock either. Whether it can carve out its own niche remains to be seen, but I doubt it. Not really in the beginner range of Epi and without any celeb factor I can see it deleteted rather quickly which would be a shame as it is a good and individual instrument in its own right. I've enjoyed playing no other non-magnetic pup bass as much as the Zenith.
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Neat. Does it work on the same principle as Ric-O-Sound?
Uwe: It should, but I haven't played it stereo yet.
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The body/neck angle of this bolt-on was hilariously too concave for a bass with a high and unadjustable bridge, action at the 12th fret was 6/16", (3/8") a little shimming with plastic strips did away with all that and action is now more at 3/16", comfortable and buzzfree, but I wonder how a beginner would have grappled with that issue to whom shimming must be a daunting prospect?
I'm afraid that's a red card for you, Herr Hornung... not only did you use two Imperial measurements, but bad Imperial measurements...
Now go to the board and write 1000 times, "I fully endorse the use of the Metric system..." and come back with a suitable apology for teacher... (sorry Boss... couldn't resist, even if I am the right side of the pond... ;D)
Have her defretted, Uwe, if that's your desire, and you know the rule... (no picture... ;))
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... and before you say it (because I'm certain you've thought it) I don't have enough time left in this life to write the amount of lines I'd have to write for the sins on my (luthiering) list... ;)
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Naw, now that I have it fretted, I like it that way. I'm not good enough a fretless player to be able to chord as freely on a bass sans frets and this bass kind of invites that. But since it will be deleted in any case :mrgreen:, the surplus fretless necks will hit ebay soon - they are lined btw.
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Sometimes, playing a chord on a fretless, deliberately off key, just... works... ;)
Uwe's rebuttal: Most things work most of the time some of the time, but few things work all the time! :mrgreen:
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"... and you know the rule... (no picture... ) ..."
I am your obedient servant, Ken, even if your soccer rabble is unable to beat amateurs from your own colonies while we show the cangaroos from your former prison island what Blitz-Fußball is! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/uwehornung/IMG00200-20100615-0821.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/uwehornung/IMG00202-20100615-0823.jpg)
In full gloss:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/uwehornung/IMG00204-20100615-0825.jpg)
The multi-ply (maple/walnut) neck, similar to the active Epi Pro T-Birds this seems to become the state of the art standard for Epi's upmarket models, gone are the days of the grafted headstocks:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/uwehornung/IMG00205-20100615-0827.jpg)
A inconspicious provider of ooomph - the Nanowhatchamacallit at the end of the fretboard:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/uwehornung/IMG00206-20100615-0828.jpg)
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Me likey!
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Yeah, it's the type of instrument that goes with you!
PS: How much did you pay that Dane for the goal in the second half? :mrgreen:
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Don't forget, Herr Komandant, my lot ain't in it... ;) (where's the "FREEDOM" emoticon?)
... and don't bring the wrath of the colonials down upon your pointed crown... :o
Must admit a liking to this beastie...
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Yeah, it's the type of instrument that goes with you!
How much would the Zenith set me back?
PS: How much did you pay that Dane for the goal in the second half? :mrgreen:
I have no idea. I didn't even watch the game... :-\
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Value for money is excellent: I ordered mine from Thomann for € 758 with case included and free shipping. They still have a few black ones and natural ones as well.
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Yeah saw that. The naturel ones are cheaper than the black ones.
But I think I like the black better.
Not sure if I would need a case. I have enough cases already...
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Case is 79 Euros or something. It's one of the better Epi cases.
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It's pretty and they didn't charge you extra for the dust they lovingly placed under the topcoat.
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It's an original design citing history without drowning in nostalgia - not just some anodyne shape. The radical lower cutaway is an acquired taste for a semi, but the upper register access is marvellous. It's not really too far away from the early nineties EB 650ies/750ies Gibson put out and those were pretty basses too. Adding a magnetic pup - there is ample room for one - would have probably given it a wider market though. That said, even piezo sceptics should give that NanoMag and -Flex stuff a try, you might end up pleasantly surprised.
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Looks like a lot of fun to play.
Collecting for fin is sin!!!
Sin is in
Lets begin
I heard The mighty soccer nation of Germany could only muster a 4 nil win against the 4th rate world collection of migrant sons calling itself the Socceroos. For shame! As for England and the US :rolleyes:
One question though, why is it that the English team is not the UK or British team?
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One question though, why is it that the English team is not the UK or British team?
No self respecting Scot would play for England. They'd rather play on the Scotland team (Don't Go Home Too Soon) and lose than play for England and win. I'd imagine the Welsh feel the same way, though I don't know for sure. To our Brits, does Northern Ireland field a team?
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Yeah I understand that George but why doesn't the country field a country team. ie UK or Britain? I've met many Scotts who are proud to be British.
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I know Scotland fielded a team in the past. One of my favorite bands (Del Amitri, from Scotland) did their theme song a few years back. (OK, more like 12 years ago now!) I don't follow (that) football enough to know whether they field a team every time and they just don't get that far or..? That's why I'm hoping Kenny or Jules will chime in.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9Lf6P_zPO4
The original video (featuring that year's Scotland squad) has disappeared, but here's the song. It's a bit of a dirge, but I think they knew the team's chances... :-\
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The only combined "British" team is the Barbarians, but we field a "British" Olympic squad, and in answer to your question, George, Northern Ireland fields their own squad...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA6cnXFiE6I
Someone please show me any video of their home nations squad at any sport that are all seen fully singing their National Anthem... ;D
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I know Scotland fielded a team in the past. One of my favorite bands (Del Amitri, from Scotland) did their theme song a few years back. (OK, more like 12 years ago now!) I don't follow (that) football enough to know whether they field a team every time and they just don't get that far or..? That's why I'm hoping Kenny or Jules will chime in.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9Lf6P_zPO4
The original video (featuring that year's Scotland squad) has disappeared, but here's the song. It's a bit of a dirge, but I think they knew the team's chances... :-\
Cool George. Del Amitri is one of my favorite bands too!! Justin Currie is a fantastic songwriter/ poet.
Twisted is my favorite album of the Dels.
But they're all excellent.
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I still dont get it. Germany dont field a Bavarian team, France dont field a Norman team. Why does Britain field seperate state teams?
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I still dont get it. Germany dont field a Bavarian team, France dont field a Norman team. Why does Britain field seperate state teams?
Probably because they regard themselves as separate countries within the UK, not just states.
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I lived there for 3 years and still didnt get it :rolleyes:
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I still dont get it. Germany dont field a Bavarian team, France dont field a Norman team. Why does Britain field seperate state teams?
It's historical and, of course, political. The English Football Association was formed in 1863, followed by Scotland in 1873, Wales in 1875 and Ireland in 1880. FIFA was formed in 1904 as a body to co-ordinate international matches and rules. Netherlands was a founder, Germany sent a telegram agreeing to join, and the British associations failed to agree between themselves, but did join individually in 1905. They left again after WWI and only rejoined in 1946. While it would make some sense to have a combined UK team (George Best, Denis Law and Ryan Giggs being compelling reasons) it's never going to happen, because the four individual associations have more clout in FIFA than one would.
Presumably if Bavaria had had a separate football association in 1904, they could now have their own team in the World Cup and could be playing Prussia. There are of course strong nationalist movements in Scotland and Wales, that would very much like a looser association with England. As would Cornwall, but that's another story.
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Germany had two football teams for some time - East and West - that is now over...
The Auld Enemy and The Union... It's an historical thing dating back to when Queen Elizabeth 1st died with no heir - 1603
A Scottish King (James VI) was invited to take the English Throne as James 1st - King of Great Britain - a con-job really, the English ruled - Scotland was to be allowed her "FREEDOM" at some future point, which never happened...
The Scot's are Scottish first and foremost and have always considered the "Union" to be a temporary matter...
oh... btw , James 1st/6th - his son (4th child) became Charles 1st and his rule resulted in a republic (roughly 1649 to 1660) and his execution in 1649 - a chap called Oliver Cromwell took the reigns for a while...
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I think they were barely keeping up with me Kenny. You just lost them. ;)
This electric bass thing ... will it catch on?
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I think they were barely keeping up with me Kenny. You just lost them. ;)
This electric bass thing ... will it catch on?
One of my favorite things about this place is the non-bass specific things I learn here. As a short time guest of your island many years ago, I love learning more about it!
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Thanks Phil and Ken. That is the best (in fact only decent) explanation I have ever recieved to that question. Between you you covered the Football and Political reasons.
Much appreciated!
Bret
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Everyone in England (who cares about a group of men running up and down kicking something) has flags, on cars, houses, England T shirts and so on.
I hear a lot of people in Scotland are wearing 'anyone but England' T shirts.
The United Kingdom is a lot less united on certain subjects than others....
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I think they were barely keeping up with me Kenny. You just lost them. ;)
This electric bass thing ... will it catch on?
Dunno Phil, don't do a lot of fishing, though a buddy's into coarse fishing, he may know...
I hear a lot of people in Scotland are wearing 'anyone but England' T shirts.
Jules... how could you say such a thing... ;D
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Poor old England... couldn't even get a goal against Algeria... (trying not to snigger and failing...)
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Go Go New Zealand! :thumbsup:
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Strewth cobber... they don't stand a Buckley's... ;D
Who are they playing, anyway...?
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I hear a lot of people in Scotland are wearing 'anyone but England' T shirts.
HMV withdrew them after someone complained it was inciting racial hatred.
"Political correctness gone mad, don't the police have anything better to do, mine's a large scotch and NO bloody ice." Daily Mail reader
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"Political correctness gone mad, don't the police have anything better to do, mine's a large scotch and NO bloody ice." Daily Mail reader
:mrgreen:
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Strewth cobber... they don't stand a Buckley's... ;D
Who are they playing, anyway...?
They drew with the reigning cup holders Italy ;D
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Double strewth...!
Malt is a serious drink - I want to hear of nobody poluting the Uisge-beatha (litterally translated as "water-of-life")
At least Phil's soul is in the right place... ;)
Well, the lads and Capello will either be heros or villans this time tomorrow... ;D
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I'm still lost in the alphabetic designations for groups in the world cup.
All I can figure is that if the World Cup (whatever it is) holds beer, that's good.
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3 words to sum up...................
Deutschland uber alles!!! ;D
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England and USA go through, both a bit by the skin of their teeth, but a win's a win.
And France are out. What's not to like ...
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Not to change the subject, but I did play a Zenith today at the shop and liked it. I wasn't going to join in this thread as I played a prototype a few months back and I wasn't wowed by it. I have to say, the final model came out pretty nice. It's beefy, not a light weight. This one was cool, it was a natural top, fretless. I really like it! It sounded really smooth and "uprighty." The wide,flat neck wasn't bad at all to navigate. I might pick one up and give it a try.
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Bill...! you should know better than to put a thread back on the straight and narrow... ;D
... and USA above the UK, and them so known for their soccer/football skills... :vader: :vader: :vader:
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forgot to add... how bad are Swift acoustic basses...? has anyone even heard of them...? very budget price and short scale...? I can't persuade Roshina to play amplified, so...
I was thinking about getting her one so I can free up my Hohner for a radical refin...
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Soccer (yawn) zzzzzzz......
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could be worse...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGLsAkeRd84
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Is that a 7ender VI Bass he's playing?
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I was thinking about getting her one so I can free up my Hohner for a radical refin...
Have you considered the Jamaican flag as a refin Ken? 8)
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I think it is a Bass VI. It was a strain to listen to it for 30 seconds or so, I should have remembered to turn down the sound.
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Not bad, you yanks. Your soccer team I mean. Yes, that game played by non-overweight athletes without any pansy protection and boring rests every couple of seconds.
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You know, the one where you can get an academy award for falling over!
:popcorn:
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Not bad, you yanks. Your soccer team I mean. Yes, that game played by non-overweight athletes without any pansy protection and boring rests every couple of seconds.
Oh, now I'm confused. I thought he was talking about real football.........I mean, rugby! Soccer! Please! It's kickball people!!!
My son, former team Captain, Clemson University, 2 years ago............mechanical engineers don't play kickball.
If you read his lips, I think he's saying "I'm fine!" ;D
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/face_1.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/face_3.jpg)
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Oh, now I'm confused. I thought he was talking about real football.........I mean, rugby! Soccer! Please! It's kickball people!!!
:mrgreen:
My son, former team Captain, Clemson University, 2 years ago............mechanical engineers don't play kickball.
If you read his lips, I think he's saying "I'm fine!" ;D
That's just a scratch to a rugby player. ;)
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:mrgreen:
That's just a scratch to a rugby player. ;)
True Dave. It only needed 8 stiches, a mere scratch!
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Not bad, you yanks. Your soccer team I mean. Yes, that game played by non-overweight athletes without any pansy protection and boring rests every couple of seconds.
I'd like to see that statement from someone who has been hit at full speed by one of those overweight athletes. :P
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Did I make a contentious remark? :o
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Have you considered the Jamaican flag as a refin Ken? 8)
too plain...
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Did I make a contentious remark? :o
Not really! It's just fun sparring!
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Fasten your seatbelt, I'm going back on topic for a moment.
I jumped on it. I liked the natural the minute I saw it. This is only my second fretless, so we'll try to stick with it this time. The pups on this are perfect for fretless playing. Maybe that's the bass's true niche.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Basses/100_3156.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Basses/100_3155.jpg)
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I was at the HOG this AM and saw you bass siting in a stand with a scrap of paper on it that said hold for Bill, and believe me Bill I held it for you............................even played it ;) Nice bass !
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I was at the HOG this AM and saw you bass siting in a stand with a scrap of paper on it that said hold for Bill, and believe me Bill I held it for you............................even played it ;) Nice bass !
Hey, sorry I missed you! It is a nice bass, I think the fretless neck is perfect for it. I'm glad you enjoyed it! I thought about stopping by your house, but I had to get home and get back to work on a project for the NY State Office of Professional Medical Conduct. Ask me to tell you sometime about some of the stupid, illegal things doctors do!
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I can only imagine ! We will catch up soon.
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I can only imagine ! We will catch up soon. Scott
Sounds good!
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Sehr schön, Bill, now we have two!
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I have to say it is a very well made bass, not quite my cup of tea but it sure is purty.
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One thing you have to get used too with this piezo- and nano-stuff: Dig in too hard and tone will actually deteriorate. Being not loud enough in the mix and then playing harder for it is a lost cause with these basses.
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One thing you have to get used too with this piezo- and nano-stuff: Dig in too hard and tone will actually deteriorate. Being not loud enough in the mix and then playing harder for it is a lost cause with these basses.
Thanks for the info Uwe. I really do like it. The sound is unique, so that does make it worth the money. I figure I can always make a fretted neck if I ever want one. Not too much of a problem playing it and gettnig lost inthe mix. It will be awhile before I play this out in public. I need practice!!!!!
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That thar's right purty, podner.
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That thar's right purty, podner.
Thanks Al. I htink the natural finish shows off the flames better than the black. They had a black, but I liked this one better.