I just missed Scott at the HOG today. I played the new cherry Midtown and liked it. The neck doesn't stick out as far as my EB-650, so it's more comfortable. The neck has a nice trimmer 60's EB-0 style profile. It feels a bit heavier than an EB-2 since the back and sides are a solid carved out piece of mahog. It has a volute, which I'm not crazy about, but maybe it does make the neck stronger. Overall, it's harmless, doesn't get in the way when playing. Very nice binding on the edges and neck. Plugged it into an Ampeg combo with 15" speaker and it sounded really nice. The 34" scale really does boom and the resonance of the body is quite pleasing and full. The new Gibson pups are nice and sound much better in this bass than they did in my previous SG bass. A good marriage with the hollow body (oops, semi-hollow body).
The neck pup screws were not protruding through the cover as they should, so I left it there for the repair guy to adjust. Gibson quality control! I refuse to fix brand new basses myself! Will be fixed tomorrow, so I might go pick it up if I can tomorrow or Friday. Pics to follow after that........
Sounds cool Bill. So it's smaller and more manageable than the Gretsch? How's the reach? Hell, I don't need another bass with F-holes, but then again......
I dread a life without F-holes really.
Quote from: uwe on November 08, 2012, 08:56:26 AM
I dread a life without F-holes really.
My, my! We are sproingky today ;)
My old National N-850 bass had some oddly shaped holes.......
(http://i48.tinypic.com/vnlf0p.jpg)
Oh man! I am still trying to get my hands on a G-3 and now the Midtown is stacking up to approval. I have a soft spot for F-holes esp long scale with thin necks.
"I have a soft spot for F-holes esp long scale with thin necks."
I find your message disconcertingly confusing. F-hole yet soft, long yet thin, can't you make up your mind?
Well it was hard to decide on that soft spot comment but at the last moment I just had to go ahead.
Someone needs some lovin'! :-*
Here she is. And, if I say so myself, this is the construction methodology I used on my 4005 clone and I like how it turned out on this bass, too. I ran out of daylight when I got home, so this is via incandescent light! It's a really nice HB bass for the money IMHO. I got to hold one of the new Gretsch Syncro HBs in cherry, 30" scale. Nice, but for a couple hundred more, I prefer the Gibson. Made in USA!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Gibson%20Midtown%20Bass/DSCN0870.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Gibson%20Midtown%20Bass/DSCN0872.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Gibson%20Midtown%20Bass/DSCN0873.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Gibson%20Midtown%20Bass/DSCN0874.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Gibson%20Midtown%20Bass/DSCN0871.jpg)
thats a very nice looking bass.
Bill and I bumped into each other at the HOG today and I got to play her ...............again I had my mitts (subliminal message?) on her yesterday. Beautiful bass well executed, nice detail with the bound neck. I could never get on with a EB2 but this feel like home. I'd buy one but I'm in to deep right now with some other purchases.
Luvely!
+1
Very nice! So, are these short scale and are they completely hollow or do they have the middle section like the old EB-2/Rivoli/ES-335 type instruments?
Quote from: drbassman on November 07, 2012, 02:07:34 PM
... The 34" scale really does boom and the resonance of the body is quite pleasing and full...
You missed this bit Robert...
Whoops, I sure did! Gibson has been watching Bach I guess.
......and they are made of a solid piece of mahog for the back and sides, routed out under the f-holes, and around the edges to creat the side, with a solid piece down the middle. At least I recall reading that somewhere! Then a flat maple cap. I like the access panel for the controls on the back. I always hate working through the f holes when something needs work or installation.
I think she' s a keeper. The wife got it for me for our 30th. She's great!
They are lurking everywhere Bill. The construction is ingenious really most of the benefits without the hassle of forms and jigs. Bill you are ahead of your time.
Quote from: drbassman on November 08, 2012, 03:05:31 PM
Here she is. And, if I say so myself, this is the construction methodology I used on my 4005 clone and I like how it turned out on this bass, too. I ran out of daylight when I got home, so this is via incandescent light! It's a really nice HB bass for the money IMHO. I got to hold one of the new Gretsch Syncro HBs in cherry, 30" scale. Nice, but for a couple hundred more, I prefer the Gibson. Made in USA!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Gibson%20Midtown%20Bass/DSCN0870.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Gibson%20Midtown%20Bass/DSCN0872.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Gibson%20Midtown%20Bass/DSCN0873.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Gibson%20Midtown%20Bass/DSCN0874.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Gibson%20Midtown%20Bass/DSCN0871.jpg)
Nice!! I'm gonna have to take something to get rid of this GAS.......... :mrgreen:
Yep, I was!
It does look nice, Bill. Is that a high gloss finish or a reflection from the incandescent light?
Quote from: Dave W on November 08, 2012, 09:11:52 PM
It does look nice, Bill. Is that a high gloss finish or a reflection from the incandescent light?
It's a very high gloss finish with a lamp reflection. The finish is actually well done. Good grain filling, high gloss polishing. The only thing I miss is the old organge label on the inside!
:o Wow! Beautiful.
Quote from: drbassman on November 08, 2012, 06:33:03 PM
......and they are made of a solid piece of mahog for the back and sides, routed out under the f-holes, and around the edges to creat the side, with a solid piece down the middle. At least I recall reading that somewhere! Then a flat maple cap.
Kind of the reverse of how Rickenbacker does it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEuqgZzKxC4
Bill, your fixation on hollowbodies does nothing but fan the flames of MY fixation on them.
Dammit.
GREAT looking bass!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quote from: Pilgrim on November 09, 2012, 10:43:57 AM
Bill, your fixation on hollowbodies does nothing but fan the flames of MY fixation on them.
Dammit.
GREAT looking bass!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is a disease, isn't it!?! I love HB basses, I wish I could have one of each!
I'm digging my Dipinto too much, and as for Gibson HBs, just gonna have to get by with my EB-2.
Let's see....my hollowbodies and similar....
Gretsch 5123
(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/Electric%20Basses/Gretsch%20G5123B/P1010109-1.jpg)
Univox 335-copy
(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/Electric%20Basses/Univox335copy.jpg)
Casady gold top
(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/Electric%20Basses/Jack%20Casady%20bass/PB070047.jpg)
And there's this walnut-colored Lyle hollow that I'd like to drop a Filtertron into...been sitting for a few years...
(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/Electric%20Basses/LylefrontCU-2P1310087.jpg)
I suppose my Rogue VB-100 doesn't quite fall into this category??
(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/Electric%20Basses/Rogue%20VB-100/P1010305.jpg)
My hollowbodies and semis:
Brice violin bass(LH)
Danelectro Longhorn bass-blueburst
Danelectro Longhorn bass-copperburst
Davison Hollowbody bass(LH)
Dipinto Belvedere bass(LH)
Douglas "EB-2" bass
Eastwood Classic IV bass(LH)
Epiphone Rivoli bass
Gibson EB-2 bass(Stereo)
Hofner 500/1 V63 reissue Beatle Bass(LH)
Ibanez ASB140 bass
Orfeus Hebros bass
Phantom BW Teardrop Hollowbody Bass
Ah, it's a hollow life for some of us! And we love it!
Quote from: leftybass on November 09, 2012, 12:23:49 PM
My hollowbodies and semis:
Brice violin bass(LH)
Danelectro Longhorn bass-blueburst
Danelectro Longhorn bass-copperburst
Davison Hollowbody bass(LH)
Dipinto Belvedere bass(LH)
Douglas "EB-2" bass
Eastwood Classic IV bass(LH)
Epiphone Rivoli bass
Gibson EB-2 bass(Stereo)
Hofner 500/1 V63 reissue Beatle Bass(LH)
Ibanez ASB140 bass
Orfeus Hebros bass
Phantom BW Teardrop Hollowbody Bass
Lord a'mercy! :o
Looks lovely Bill. That cherry finish is sweet. Any neck dive?
I have a thing for Hofners and Kliras at the moment I'm up to 3 Kliras and my '65 Hofner. I have a empty Violin bass case just begging for something to put in it.(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/godofthunder59/3KlirasandaThunderbird004.jpg) ;D
Quote from: drbassman on November 09, 2012, 11:15:26 AM
It is a disease, isn't it!?! I love HB basses, I wish I could have one of each!
Quote from: Wilbur88 on November 09, 2012, 06:21:06 PM
Looks lovely Bill. That cherry finish is sweet. Any neck dive?
No neck dive sitting around playing it at home. It will go to practice Monday and we'll see how she does.
I'm sure it sounds better than old EB2's, but the horns don't look 335-ish enough and it bothers me for some reason. Why did they have to mess with the classic silhouette?
Quote from: ilan on November 11, 2012, 09:36:53 AM
I'm sure it sounds better than old EB2's, but the horns don't look 335-ish enough and it bothers me for some reason. Why did they have to mess with the classic silhouette?
I think they just took the 335 cnc program and cranked these out! Just a guess.
Quote from: drbassman on November 11, 2012, 11:22:39 AM
I think they just took the 335 cnc program and cranked these out! Just a guess.
Didn't we read that the Midtown series (guitars and bass) has a smaller body size than the 335/EB-2?
The horns don't look as long as most years of the 335. OTOH I haven't seen a side-by-side.
I'm having a real hard time choosing between this and the NR Bird. I want which ever I'll choose to match with my oversized Les Paul. Do these pickups have the same incredible amount of output as the tb+ pickups?
Quote from: Dave W on November 11, 2012, 02:13:30 PM
Didn't we read that the Midtown series (guitars and bass) has a smaller body size than the 335/EB-2?
The horns don't look as long as most years of the 335. OTOH I haven't seen a side-by-side.
Don't know. I just like the look as is. If it were much larger, it would probably be too heavy for most folks due to its solid back/sides construction. That was an issue for with with the big LP bass.
Quote from: Ampig on November 12, 2012, 03:38:57 AM
I'm having a real hard time choosing between this and the NR Bird. I want which ever I'll choose to match with my oversized Les Paul. Do these pickups have the same incredible amount of output as the tb+ pickups?
The output of the pickups is super. That's what I like most about it. You'll find a big difference between sound/tonality and the neck profiles are a bit different too.
Quote from: Pilgrim on November 09, 2012, 10:43:57 AM
Bill, your fixation on hollowbodies does nothing but fan the flames of MY fixation on them.
Dammit.
GREAT looking bass!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry, we seem to have the same disease! Although I can be fickle sometimes!
Quote from: godofthunder on November 10, 2012, 02:15:58 PM
I have a thing for Hofners and Kliras at the moment I'm up to 3 Kliras and my '65 Hofner. I have a empty Violin bass case just begging for something to put in it.(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/godofthunder59/3KlirasandaThunderbird004.jpg) ;D
What a lovely collection. I really should add a Beatle bass to my collection some day.
Quote from: drbassman on November 12, 2012, 06:30:24 AM
Don't know. I just like the look as is. If it were much larger, it would probably be too heavy for most folks due to its solid back/sides construction. That was an issue for with with the big LP bass.
There's nothing about the exact dimensions on the specs pages, but the description of the Midtown Standard P-90, which replaces last year's Midtown Standard and Custom guitars, says "This great new guitar maintains its predecessors' trimmed-down and more player-friendly body size that still emulates the lines of Gibson's classic archtops..."
The page for the Gibson Custom ES-335 Dot Figured Gloss says "Regardless of color, the ES-335 retains its classic proportions: 16 1/2-inches wide, 20-inches long, and 1 3/4-inches deep..." Your Midtown isn't nearly that big, is it?
The Midtown bass is:
11" upper bout width
15" lower bout width
17.5" height (from bottom of body to bottom of heel in the back)
1.75" thick
A very manageable size.
Scott and ze Doc: How far is Rochester from NYC? I'm asking because I will be in NYC the week before Christmas and if it's not too extensive a trip (I could always rent a car) I might be able to drop by at the HOG and do some shopping.
Uwe
Quote from: uwe on November 13, 2012, 05:10:30 AM
Scott and ze Doc: How far is Rochester from NYC? I'm asking because I will be in NYC the week before Christmas and if it's not too extensive a trip (I could always rent a car) I might be able to drop by at the HOG and do some shopping.
Uwe
Someone get HOG stocked at once!!! :mrgreen:
Quote from: uwe on November 13, 2012, 05:10:30 AM
Scott and ze Doc: How far is Rochester from NYC? I'm asking because I will be in NYC the week before Christmas and if it's not too extensive a trip (I could always rent a car) I might be able to drop by at the HOG and do some shopping.
Uwe
Eight hour drive.
OMG, I had no idea that there there are any two points in the whole state that far apart!
One always underestimates the sheer hugeness of your good country.
That's a quick trip! We would be happy to host! :toast:
8 hour drive one way = quick?
Diese Amerikaner ... (goes away shaking head ...).
How about a commuter flight?
check jet blue .. they have silly cheap flights
Quote from: uwe on November 13, 2012, 07:55:41 AM
OMG, I had no idea that there there are any two points in the whole state that far apart!
One always underestimates the sheer hugeness of your good country.
Heh, ever drive from Berlin to Leningrad? ;D
Quote from: Denis on November 13, 2012, 09:13:00 AM
Heh, ever drive from Berlin to Leningrad? ;D
In a tank, or on a tank of gas?
You mean Rochester is to NYC like Leningrad is to Berlin? This gets interesting.
No problem picking you up from the airport. Much cheaper to fly then drive! Besides, wealthy overpaid lawyers from the Fatherland should be able to charter a jet. You guys don't pay much in taxes over there! 8)
I think it would be feasible to fly from the Republic of Uwe to Rochester direct from some places - Found references to KLM flights from Berlin but not sure where the Dark Lord will be travelling from - then you can escort him out of the area once he has suitably stocked up... ;)
One of us would be happy to! I would offer a spare room but we don't have one :-[ just my wife's yoga room and a inflatable mattress.
Quote from: drbassman on November 13, 2012, 11:06:29 AM
No problem picking you up from the airport. Much cheaper to fly then drive! Besides, wealthy overpaid lawyers from the Fatherland should be able to charter a jet. You guys don't pay much in taxes over there! 8)
It's called the Rochester International Airport because once I think a De Havilland Otter got lost and landed there.
Quote from: HERBIE on November 13, 2012, 12:06:46 PM
I think it would be feasible to fly from the Republic of Uwe to Rochester direct from some places - Found references to KLM flights from Berlin but not sure where the Dark Lord will be travelling from - then you can escort him out of the area once he has suitably stocked up... ;)
Oh yeah, we have extra rooms the week before Christmas! No inflatable dolls though. ;D
Quote from: godofthunder on November 13, 2012, 01:31:09 PM
It's called the Rochester International Airport because once I think a De Havilland Otter got lost and landed there.
LMAO ;D
A bit like us when we commuted from Louisville back home - I stupidly thought I might get some duty-free's on the way out, then possibly at Cleveland (where we connected back to the UK) and realising that there were two hopes of getting anything (other than Cleveland Browns souvenirs :-\), and one of those was dead... ;)
Quote from: uwe on November 13, 2012, 07:55:41 AM
OMG, I had no idea that there there are any two points in the whole state that far apart!
One always underestimates the sheer hugeness of your good country.
Pffffttt!!! We just took a little vacation trip to Big Bend last week from the Houston area - just we bit under a 700 mile drive ;D One way :P
Upstate NY, that is anything other than NYC and areas east, is a seriously a beautiful place to behold but that drive in December could be a bit rough. Tons of commuter flights up there and usually cheap too,
You never come to Seattle :sad:
I would cook Sauerbraten for you too ;)
Update to the Midtown page at the Gibson website .... "10/12 – Fingerboard species changed from Baked Maple to Rosewood"
Quote from: TBird1958 on November 13, 2012, 09:56:12 PM
You never come to Seattle :sad:
I would cook Sauerbraten for you too ;)
I'd come to Seattle for that!!!
Mark, if I ever get to the West Coast again, you will be on my hit list. In fact, Northern California, Oregon and that rainy plot of land between Oregon and Canada have been on Edith's mind for a while.
Ah well, I'll expect some fun pics.
The Wilkommen mat is always out here.
The coast isn't alway rainy, rocky and foreboding either, (although that really charming too) Washington has some surprisingly beautiful beaches, this is in August when the weather tends to be nice, 80 degress - it was a good to walk barefoot in the ocean, one of life's true pleasures.
Maybe I need a Midtown ;)
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/2011vacation080.jpg)
Uwe, if you decide to fly to Rochester, make sure it's the one in New York, not Minnesota. Otherwise it will be a long taxi ride to the HOG.
I thought you would give me a ride in your snocat, no? You know how travelling in tracked vehicles is traditional German style! A lightning fast - dare I even say Blitzkrieg-style? - offensive move from MN to NY, plowing a, jawohl, Korridor through ze US of A. Today the world, tomorrow ze HOG. Or the other way around, I'm confused ...
"Entschuldigen Sie bitte, can you tell us ze vvay to ze HÖG, sofort, ja?"
(http://www.ss501panzer.com/204_front_snow_Patton.jpg)
That'd be useful in parts of New Jersey.
Quote from: uwe on November 14, 2012, 10:01:28 AM
I thought you would give me a ride in your snocat, no? You know how travelling in tracked vehicles is traditional German style! A lightning fast - dare I even say Blitzkrieg-style? - offensive move from MN to NY, plowing a, jawohl, Korridor through ze US of A. Today the world, tomorrow ze HOG. Or the other way around, I'm confused ...
"Entschuldigen Sie bitte, can you tell us ze vvay to ze HÖG, sofort, ja?"
...
And if US troops fought back, you could get advice from Paula Broadwell. I hear she knows how to handle a General's big surge.
Quote from: Dave W on November 14, 2012, 11:42:55 AM
And if US troops fought back, you could get advice from Paula Broadwell. I hear she knows how to handle a General's big surge.
Is that a rocket launcher in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me? :o
I heard the General was caught by his privates. :P
Quote from: drbassman on November 14, 2012, 03:26:51 PM
I heard the General was caught by his privates. :P
Reminds me of Qaddafi's mistress going to the doctor and finding out she had venerial disease.....she asked the doctor what it was and he said "a disease of the privates".
And she says "that SOB told me he was a Colonel!"
:rimshot:
Did anybody else hear about the Denver station that mistakenly aired a photoshopped cover of Broadwell's book (http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/11/13/abc-station-botches-petraeus-book-cover-all-up-in-my-snatch/)?
From one star general to four star in the nick of time, from one on one relationship to foursome ... I definitely see maybe not a Patton, but at least a pattern here.
And we all now know what CIA stands for: Carnal Infidel Adultry. From Pentagon to pentagram of sin.
Seriously, now that we all know who bonked whom when (and how women are not very good at sharing), can someone elucidate if and what information was leaked to whom? No Russian or Chinese spies so far. And being promiscuous never did James Bond's intelligence operations any harm. While the whole affair is all very juicy, granted, I do wonder about the beef. Interns in the White House, biographers in the Pentagon, you yanks have a penchant for dismantling your heroes for veneral/venial sins ...
This is nothing more than a distraction from the real issues say like Benghazi
I was nowhere near it! ???
Too complicated so I haven't even read to find out who bonked who, who sold out who, or who ratted on who.
Who are you? Who who, who are you?
Before the affair happened the working title of the book "All In" was "Just The Tip". ;)
I'm not interested in who's bonking (except for the jokes), but the way this is unfolding is remarkable. The twin sister socialites and how they seemed to have access they shouldn't have, two of the country's most prominent generals intervening in a divorce on behalf of Kelley's sister whose conduct was called outrageous by the divorce judge, Kelley and her husband with classified info, their friend the FBI agent who took it on himself to investigate, etc. Now Broadwell's father says there's a lot more than meets the eye here and it will come out eventually. If it eventually comes out that Petraeus resigned for reasons other than having an affair, I won't be surprised.
It's ok to to bonk with your brain, but don't think with your dick.
Power of the boobies....
(http://cdn.thedailybeast.com/content/dailybeast/articles/2012/11/14/jill-kelley-s-campaign-to-befriend-petraeus-allen-and-other-top-brass/_jcr_content/body/inlineimage.img.503.jpg/1352899628563.cached.jpg)
This story is stranger than fiction! I finally read a "score card" last night of all the players involved. Real life soap opera...
That dress is horrible on her! ;)
Quote from: TBird1958 on November 15, 2012, 08:59:02 AM
That dress is horrible on her! ;)
How many nipples does she have? And aren't extra nipples the sign of a witch?
Where did I lose the bass thread????
This must all be very difficult for the familes involved. :-X :-\ ;D ;D ;D
When did the golden rule of "don't shit where you eat" go out of fashion?
You Americans always make a mess of your affairs, it's like deep inside you want to be caught. That Pilgrim heritage still rears its ugly head. I'm sure that European NATO generals have mistresses to, but they know how to behave!!!
its amazing how many powerful men are destroyed by the power of p#$%y. :mrgreen:
Quote from: Dave W on November 15, 2012, 09:02:26 AM
How many nipples does she have? And aren't extra nipples the sign of a witch?
Two, Dave, just two. Relax. You are mistaking the upper triangles of her bra for additional nipples. You do need to get out more often. The power of suggestion ...
Quote from: drbassman on November 15, 2012, 09:18:50 AM
Where did I lose the bass thread????
Dave did it. First he questions my geographic knowledge of the US. Then, after I have made an earnest proposal in what kind of vehicle we might surmount climate difficulties on the way to the HOG, he conveniently derails everything to this unsavory subject of an officer and his privates. And now this valuable thread seems to be pet(e)r(aeus)ing out.
But I'm still wondering whether and where Petraeus betrayed us (pun carefully labored): So he had - like any good mighty warrior - two, no wait for it, three chicks running, but does that threaten America in its foundations? BTW, the man must be a logistics miracle, always a forte of the US Armed Forces.
Quote from: uwe on November 15, 2012, 10:53:31 AM
Two, Dave, just two. Relax. You are mistaking the upper triangles of her bra for additional nipples. You do need to get out more often. The power of suggestion ...
They're tucks in her dress, not her bra. But I still say she's a witch.
Quote from: uwe on November 15, 2012, 11:24:13 AM
But I'm still wondering whether and where Petraeus betrayed us (pun carefully labored): So he had - like any good mighty warrior - two, no wait for it, three chicks running, but does that threaten America in its foundations? BTW, the man must be a logistics miracle, always a forte of the US Armed Forces.
This isn't about his affair. That part is out in the open and done with. But what it's really about is an open question at this point.
In my best flamey gay voice :gay:
Hellllloooooooo........Still an ugly dress!
"They're tucks in her dress, not her bra."
Uhum, nip and tuck, now I understand.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gcPZkb1bT14/UBo4fEj65EI/AAAAAAAAD_8/TS_rDHVpmnE/s640/nip-tuck-insanity.jpg)
Quote from: Dave W on November 15, 2012, 11:35:44 AM
This isn't about his affair. That part is out in the open and done with. But what it's really about is an open question at this point.
What it is about is the potential for leaking secrets to unvetted persons or compromising one's position, making him open to extortion or blackmail. It's not rocket science really. If you have top secret clearance, you have to be careful. Duh! It's the same old spy stuff that's been around forever.
Quote from: drbassman on November 16, 2012, 09:04:23 AM
What it is about is the potential for leaking secrets to unvetted persons or compromising one's positionm making him open to extortion or blackmail. It's not rocket science really. If you have top secret clearence, you have to be careful. Duh! It's the same old spy stuff that's been around forever.
You're right. What I meant was, what specifically has happened and who has done what with certain information. That hasn't become clear yet.
I figured we were on the same page. It isn't always about the sex. It's about compromising your role in the government. It took my son over 9 months to get his red bagde, "secret" clearance from the Navy. You only need to screw up once to lose it.
Why shouldn't you yanks have your very own (not really) Profumo Affair several decades after the Brits? Except that there are no Russians.
I have yet to read that Petraeus leaked anything except his own body fluids into Frau Broadwell and those were irrelevant for homeland security. The assumption that he could be blackmailed because he had sex with women other than his wife is just that, but what if he wouldn't have given a damn? JFK was no saint, but his (forced) collaboration record with the KGB is thin. French President Mitterand had an almost adult daughter with another woman which he supported financially, all of France knew it, but did not talk or write about, I'm not aware that he was blackmailed ever or would have succumbed to blackmail.
You could have all just ignored it and asked the solely relevant question: Is Petraeus a bad soldier and/or Head of the CIA? Until very recently nobody seemed to think so.
I think he is an excellent soldier and former CIA director. I still think government officials open themselves up to potential security issues when they do stupid things like this. It doesn't matter if it's actually happened yet. And, puritanical, old-fashioned and uncool as it may seem, I still believe in fidelity, integrity and honesty. I also, probably foolishly, believe public servants should display a modicum of each characteristic. The problem we have in our US culture is our standards for competence and behavior in public servants have been lowered, or dumbed-down, so far, no one is accountable for anything they do. We've had a war on poverty since 1965 and we have 50 million people on food stamps after trillions of dollars spent. If our government were a corporation, the peasants would be calling for the CEO's head!
That's all the politics I'm gonna comment on. I'll say no more!!!!!
Still an ugly dress too :rolleyes:
I have a suspicion that Ritchie Blackmore took up the guitar because he knew this type of stuff was going on.
Quote from: TBird1958 on November 16, 2012, 12:44:29 PM
Still an ugly dress too :rolleyes:
I agree. You'd think a general's concubine could afford better!!!
If you struck every great man who had a mistress and held public office or any other position of significance out of history, we'd be still hunting mammoths. And Adolf Hitler was non-promiscuous and a vegetarian to (jack)boot, both traits do very little to redeem him.
Fidelity between two people is something to strive for, I agree, but only between those two, it is none of the public's - indeed - f***ing business rating his or her performance unless he or she is a hypocrite him-/herself. You can joke about it as we do here, but it says nothing about how someone performs his work. This might come as a surprise to some here, but I've never had either an affair or a one-night-stand in my life, but that doesn't qualify me better for public office than people who have had either or both.
Silliness of the personal situation aside, this strikes me as a disguised way to remove Petraeus from his position for some other reason. There is much, much more to this politically behind the scenes, IMO. The Pentagon has been gunning for Petraeus and many of his contemporaries (Wesley Clark, Stanley McChrystal, Colin Powell) for going against the grain of their traditional thinking ('more of everything is always better'). I'm not saying it's behind this, but understand that in many military and civilian leadership circles, Petraeus is not a popular man because of the nature of his tactics and leadership.
Yep.
Quote from: Psycho Bass Guy on November 18, 2012, 10:54:02 PM
Silliness of the personal situation aside, this strikes me as a disguised way to remove Petraeus from his position for some other reason. There is much, much more to this politically behind the scenes, IMO. The Pentagon has been gunning for Petraeus and many of his contemporaries (Wesley Clark, Stanley McChrystal, Colin Powell) for going against the grain of their traditional thinking ('more of everything is always better'). I'm not saying it's behind this, but understand that in many military and civilian leadership circles, Petraeus is not a popular man because of the nature of his tactics and leadership.
Makes sense.
And what if it's just a bare-chested FBI agent that went AWOL and raked some muck that should have remained personal?
What would you guys do without your conspiracy theories. :mrgreen:
OTOH I'm happy to hear that federal law enforcement officers in the US have the time to investigate spam mails of jealeous lovers. You might have had issues predicting 9/11, but man did you nail Petraeus and his mistresses to the ground!!! Life is all about priorities.
Quote from: uwe on November 19, 2012, 10:49:48 AM
And what if it's just a bare-chested FBI agent that went AWOL and raked some muck that should have remained personal?
...
That's exactly what happened at first, but he was taken off the case because of his actions. Once it appeared that there could be security violations, it wasn't going to be dropped. Some people may have used the information to "get" Petraeus but we don't know (yet) if that's why this was pursued.
It's still a security issue in my view. Moral relativism aside.
I'm not sure it's that complex. Petraeus is in a position where it really doesn't matter that much what he does (on the Q.T.) but doing it and NOT having it known in public exposes him to coercion or blackmail, which in turn could compromise his ability to maintain security.
People who protect secrets are much more vulnerable to coercion or blackmail - and that's not a good position for someone to be in when they're managing an agency in which security is critically important.
The US is one of the few places where anyone cares who bonks who or how often - but the fact that people do care is a factor.
When it comes to public officials, the press always cares if they are boinking somone they shouldn't. Doesn't matter if it's the US, France, Italy, Britain or, dare I say, the Fatherland. Sensationalism is human nature. Protecting state secrets should be a universal concern IMHO.
And you could really tell by the Mcain has been going on about opening up a quote "Watergate type of investigation" and all roads lead to the White House.
Actually more than national security I am want to know why Gibson has to to that teardrop spray on the the Midtown. Those horns need some burst tributaries.
Naw, your standards are otherworldly it has to be said. No European nation would have had an investigation by a government authority whether the head of state was blow-jobbed or not like you did with Clinton, that is simply unfathomable here. Sure the gossip papers would have been all over it, but it would have died down. The gossip papers were all over Berlusconi for teenage hookers but he has been sentenced now for tax fraud, not sex against money. The last French President changed wives shortly before taking office, the new one had two as well who fought a little in public, the papers grinned about it, but no one declared him unfit for office or prone to blackmail and extortion from foreign intelligence services.
One of our more recent Chancellors (Gerhard Schröder) was into his 4th marriage when he took office. Other than that some political opponent spoke with some vitriol of "the current Ms Schröder" (which was subsequently chastened as a "cheap shot"), it was no big issue. Our current President, Herr Gauck, is married but has been separated for years. His significant other has the role of the 1st Lady and when a conservative MoP coyly asked whether perhaps the two shouldn't marry now at last (after Gauck had his divorce that is), he was admonished by the Conservative Party that this was "a private matter". Finally, our Secretary of State, Guido Westerwelle is openly gay, and takes his male significant other on trips with him, even in Arab states, I believe the two are married by now. I'm unaware that he is on the pay roll of the KGB.
But when we found out that our former Secretary of Defense had cheated with his doctor's thesis, he had to leave office in ignominy. You can bonk all you want in the Vaterland as long as it is with consenting non-minor mammals and you are gracious with your divorcees, but you can't lie about your academics. Old Europe has for once a different set of values than the US.
Quote from: uwe on November 19, 2012, 12:53:31 PM
Naw, your standards are otherworldly it has to be said. No European nation would have had an investigation by a government authority whether the head of state was blow-jobbed or not like you did with Clinton, that is simply unfathomable here. Sure the gossip papers would have been all over it, but it would have died down. The gossip papers were all over Berlusconi for teenage hookers but he has been sentenced now for tax fraud, not sex against money. The last French President changed wives shortly before taking office, the new one had two as well who fought a little in public, the papers grinned about it, but no one declared him unfit for office or prone to blackmail and extortion from foreign intelligence services.
One of our more recent Chancellors (Gerhard Schröder) was into his 4th marriage when he took office. Other than that some political opponent spoke with some vitrol of "the current Ms Schröder" (which was subsequently chastened as a "cheap shot"), it was no big issue. Our current President, Herr Gauck, is married but has been separated for years. His significant other has the role of the 1st Lady and when a conservative MoP coyly asked whether perhaps the two shouldn't marry now at last (after Gauck had his divorce that is), he was admonished by the Conservative Party that this was "a private matter". Finally, our Secretary of State, Guido Westerwelle is openly gay and takes his male significant other on trips with him, even in Arab states, I believe the two are married by now. I'm unaware that he is on the pay roll of the KGB.
It's still a security issue in the Gen. P case. Your acecdotes are simply par for the culture. No big deal, I agree. I do believe, and have expreienced, that people who lie and cheat in their private lives have no compunction or reason not to do so in their public or work lives. Lying and cheating is a personality defect, not a partitionable personality quirk, that shuts off when one walks into the office. I worked with a philandering CPA and he damn near ruined our ambulatory care center as he spent more time boinking his secretary than doing our books. It took months, and thousands of dollars, to figure out what happened to our money and accounts. He was boinking his sec, his wife and all of us and our employees. I fail to see the difference in stealing from your customers/employers vs. stealing from the public you're supposed to represent. I know, I know, I'm an old fashioned dinosaur. I'll get over it when I die! :)
Could we talk about basses again? This is starting to drag on and on.
The stupid things people do for a piece of poontang :bored:
"Power corrupts: absolute power corrupts absolutely."
In other news, basses are cool. :)
Did I mention that I got a Midtown bass in heritage cherry?
Quote from: TBird1958 on November 19, 2012, 01:13:36 PM
The stupid things people do for a piece of poontang :bored:
Amen.
I think that's Heritage Cherry Pie ;)
We went from Midtown to Downtown.
Did I mention I would like a Sunburst Midtown hopefully with out the teardrop burst. They don't have them downtown San Francisco yet. Nor do I see any of the latest G-3, NR's out here in Northen California...what's happening?
Two hopes of seeing one to glance at in the UK, and one of those is dead... ;D
Quote from: TBird1958 on November 19, 2012, 01:44:25 PM
I think that's Heritage Cherry Pie ;)
Little Jack Horner, sat in a corner, eating a............. Oh never mind! ;D
I wanna have a cherry one too. Just like Ritchie's old ES before he became a Strat man. :rimshot:
No thread is spared!!!!
Quote from: uwe on November 19, 2012, 04:55:54 PM
I wanna have a cherry one too. Just like Ritchie's old ES before he became a Strat man. :rimshot:
No thread is spared!!!!
He was a better player when he used a Gibson, just like Clapton ;)
That's not even true for Clapton! I think he became more sparse with the Strat, but also more distinctive.
Blackers can be seen here at 2.20 with his beloved ES and though it is undoubtedly him, I prefer him with a Strat sound, the Gibson sounds muffled.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO-cGmJIppc
Much as I am a Gibson bassist, I tend to prefer Strat or Strat type lead guitarists: Blackmore, Hendrix, Gallagher, Beck (today), Gilmour, Clapton, Van Halen, Knopfler, Roth, Vai, Morse, Satriani, Nile Rodgers ... I find that sound often more distinctively "lead-guitarish" in the hands of a skilled player but it is also true to say that in the hands of an unskilled player a Strat can sound a lot more awful than a Les Paul. For the avoidance of doubt: I'm not saying that players identified more with Gibsons are not great players too: eg Ronson, Santana, Zappa, Lifeson, Montrose, Page, Green, Powell, Schenker, Moore (Gary).
Undistorted, through a solid state amp, a Strat has an authority by itself that most Gibsons have a hard time matching - with the Firebird being perhaps the exception. I really like how that sounds undistorted too.
Cool video. I was waiting for the bass solo???
when i hear gar(r)y moore i think of this guy.
http://www.museum.tv/eotvsection.php?entrycode=mooregarry
Quote from: nofi on November 20, 2012, 06:08:06 AM
when i hear gar(r)y moore i think of this guy.
http://www.museum.tv/eotvsection.php?entrycode=mooregarry
Mee too! Man, am I old! :-[
Weeeeeeeeell.. I do am enthraled about all this discussion, but does anyone have some more feedback on the midtown? Soundwise, for instance? I'm rather curious about how it compares to de Jack Cassady.
I don't have a Jack Cassady, but I do have a Les Paul Signature hollow body bass and the Midtown is stronger and cleaner sounding than that bass. I don't play the Sig much as the electronics on it are scratchy and need work and I haven't had time to deal with it! I suspect the Midtown is enough different form the JC that you'd notice the difference.
I haven't heard the Midtown yet, but comparing it to the Casady is apples to oranges, really. The Casady is traditional semi-hollow construction, the Midtown is a chambered solidbody. The Casady has that special circuit with the low impedance pickup and varitone, the Midtown has traditional passive Gibson electronics.
Actually I would say the Casady and the Les Paul Sig are totally hollow and the EB-2, Guild SF's would be considered semi hollow as the have the wood block running through the center. This chambered idea is very intriguing and can't wait to hear one. I might have to trade one of my 2 Les Paul Sigs in and have some $ left for the G-3 and the TB NR!
Quote from: uwe on November 19, 2012, 10:49:48 AM
You might have had issues predicting 9/11, but man did you nail Petraeus and his mistresses to the ground!!! Life is all about priorities.
I would say it was Petraeus who did the nailing to the ground. :mrgreen:
The FBI was merely observing. Voyeurs....
Quote from: copacetic on November 20, 2012, 09:50:48 AM
Actually I would say the Casady and the Les Paul Sig are totally hollow and the EB-2, Guild SF's would be considered semi hollow as the have the wood block running through the center. This chambered idea is very intriguing and can't wait to hear one. I might have to trade one of my 2 Les Paul Sigs in and have some $ left for the G-3 and the TB NR!
The Casady and LP Signature both have blocks to minimize feedback. Not full height blocks like most other Gibson semihollows, but not totally hollow. Epi describes the Casady as semihollow.
True. It really is a good solution too, kills feedback but not all semi-acoustic character. The EB-650 and -750 sounded almost like sold-bodies for their huge sustain blocks.
If I understood correctly, the Midnight follows the Ric 4005, Alan Woody and short-lived Epi Zenith in its construction. None of these basses has an acoustic tone to speak of in their unplugged sound, they are just a little more sluggish in tone than a real solid boody would be. It's a looks thing. Not that the world was waiting for a hollow body bass from Gibson or any other brand. The mock semi-acoustic look is just for vintage vibe, not that there is anything wrong with that.
Quote from: Dave W on November 20, 2012, 09:37:22 AM
I haven't heard the Midtown yet, but comparing it to the Casady is apples to oranges, really. The Casady is traditional semi-hollow construction, the Midtown is a chambered solidbody. The Casady has that special circuit with the low impedance pickup and varitone, the Midtown has traditional passive Gibson electronics.
Yes, I do agree it might be a somewhat unfair comparison, but my point is not really about "who has the biggest balls". That's for talkbass threads.
It's more about how would it seat on a mix, or how it would sound in a practical situation. Since it has pretty much the same "controversial" electronics as the Tbird, and the JC is renowned for it's versatility, I believe it's fair to ask for what kind of bass are we really talking about here.
A Les Paul Sig has - let's be honest to ourselves - the traits of a good P Bass. It was meant to have those traits too. It sounds like a vintage P Bass with a little acoustic note to it. Card carrying Fenderistas have said as much about mine. And then they do vile things with it like slapping ... :rolleyes:
Does the Midnight even have a maple neck or is it maho? If it's maho it will be nowhere as assertive as an LPS, but many players are fine with that. If you want an assertive bass that looks hollow body, buy an EB-650 and you are all set.
If it sounds like a TBird then that is fine too, a TBird isn't drowned in the mix even if it is never going to dominate the music as much as an unleashed Ric or a P Bass.
Well, the Midtown does have less of a hollow body sound than the other basses mentioned above, but it does possess a sound that is not wholly solid body-like either. So, I think it does exist in a sort of in-between world. Which is kind of nice to have something not entirely like either type of bass. Yep, it doesn't resonate like a JC, LP Sig or EB-650, but it does have a nice slightly hollow tonality and no mud. And, it has some nice sustain. It isn't aggressive like the 650, but I like that.
I don't find the sound of the Midtown sluggish, in fact it has the potential to be bright and clear with round wound strings in combination with the new style pickups. I had a Zenith and this bass sounds much stronger, clearer and more resonant than it did. If I get a chance, I'll try to record the Midtown and post it.
Quote from: Figas on November 21, 2012, 07:33:54 AM
Yes, I do agree it might be a somewhat unfair comparison, but my point is not really about "who has the biggest balls". That's for talkbass threads.
It's more about how would it seat on a mix, or how it would sound in a practical situation. Since it has pretty much the same "controversial" electronics as the Tbird, and the JC is renowned for it's versatility, I believe it's fair to ask for what kind of bass are we really talking about here.
I didn't think you meant it that way. My point was just that it's far more likely to be more like a solidbody than any variation of hollow.
I've heard the Casady, a friend used to use his on more laid back numbers and it sounded nice but he always switched to a soldibody for harder rocking stuff the band usually did. His Casady couldn't be heard in those situations.
My neck looks like the baked maple, can't see a lot of grain in it.
Quote from: Dave W on November 21, 2012, 01:50:31 PM
I didn't think you meant it that way. My point was just that it's far more likely to be more like a solidbody than any variation of hollow.
I've heard the Casady, a friend used to use his on more laid back numbers and it sounded nice but he always switched to a soldibody for harder rocking stuff the band usually did. His Casady couldn't be heard in those situations.
It worked best in the Brit Pop outfit I played in for a couple of years, but it wouldn't be my weapon of choice in a Judas Priest tribute. The bass is - at least when played with a pick - assertive, but not entirely focused, it's a bit sloppy in sound which works well in music where bass definition and separation is not everything. The Epi JC is more well-behaved but also more subdued, the lack of a maple neck (which the LPS has) might be the culprit here.
Played the Midtown at practice last night and it did a nice job. I had raised the scerws on the neck pup and the output was excellent. I was especially pleased with the eveness I could achieve across all of the strings, except that the E-string wasn't as pronounced/loud as I would have liked. Gonna try to tweek it some more at home before next practice.
Now, I know I don't have the discriminating ear that many of you bass geeks here exhibit, but here are my impressions of the Midtown. It has a warm deep tonality and even with rounds on it, the mahogany keeps the tone from being harsh or solid-body like in nature. The pups are great, loud and clear. I found I preferred playing the bass with the switch in the center, using both pups with equal full-on volume controls. With the switch in the up or neck position, the sound was warmer and had less treble without the bridge pup. This bass did that for me and I'll try her out at a gig soon. If these are the same pups as the ones on the SG, I prefer them on the Midtown and will keep this bass.
I'm finding my preference is moving away from booming, semi-muddy bass, to something just a little more clear, i.e. more treble without too much high emphasis. The bass is comfortable to wear and the reach to the top of the neck is easy for me. There is a slight neck dive, I think those Grover tuners weigh a ton. My suade neck strap tamed it and I didn't have to hold the neck while playing. The neck profile worked for me during 2 hours of playing. That's the test for me. If the neck is too long, too wide or too fat, I'm usually looking to move the bass out. Yes, I'm fickle and I know what I like to play. This one got a stay of execution last night.
Quote from: drbassman on November 08, 2012, 06:33:03 PM
......and they are made of a solid piece of mahog for the back and sides, routed out under the f-holes, and around the edges to creat the side, with a solid piece down the middle. At least I recall reading that somewhere! Then a flat maple cap.
Oh good; between this (flat vs arched back like the original EB2 and 335s) + long scale means I am not gassing for this at all, though I am curious to try it (the solid body would be sub-bass monster with a vintage mudbucker).... downside is I still have no EB2/Rivoli type bass.
It's not for everyone. It's not as cool looking as my old Gretsch 6072, but it plays a little easier for me because of its smaller size.
This followed me home today :mrgreen:
(http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n614/tlkroon/P1010001_zps3c7dafb1.jpg)
I thought about ordering one in cherry but the ebony looked too good in person when I saw it.
Beautiful in black!
Very nice! Congrats!
Nice! Black goes with anything. :)
Black is the new Cherry :mrgreen:
Purest envy from me... ;)
Very classy looking! I still love my Midtown, even though it's only cherry. ;D
Quote from: drbassman on December 22, 2012, 03:14:05 PM
Very classy looking! I still love my Midtown, even though it's only cherry CRIMSON!! ;D
Fixed it for you, and made it MUCH more desirable to us of the Coug persuasion.
Quote from: drbassman on November 30, 2012, 01:11:53 PM
It's not for everyone. It's not as cool looking as my old Gretsch 6072, but it plays a little easier for me because of its smaller size.
....and thanks once again for the Gretsch Bill! Yes it's a real handful, but a beauty for sure.
All the best for the festive season.
Quote from: 66Atlas on December 21, 2012, 05:24:31 PM
This followed me home today :mrgreen:
I thought about ordering one in cherry but the ebony looked too good in person when I saw it.
I love the look of the Midtown in black too. It might not fit the bill tonally, but visually I want to get a black Midtown and play Peter Hook basslines on it. ;D
Quote from: Wilbur88 on December 24, 2012, 05:48:22 AM
....and thanks once again for the Gretsch Bill! Yes it's a real handful, but a beauty for sure.
All the best for the festive season.
Hey, no problem!!! I wanted it to go to a good home and be appreciated. I hadn't played it in a couple years. I'm so glad you like it so much.
Quote from: Andrew on December 24, 2012, 07:58:02 AM
I love the look of the Midtown in black too. It might not fit the bill tonally, but visually I want to get a black Midtown and play Peter Hook basslines on it. ;D
Of course his latest bass is cherry!
And he mostly played pointy Japanese hos until fame started to set in.
Quote from: Granny Gremlin on December 28, 2012, 10:20:12 AM
And he mostly played pointy Japanese hos until fame started to set in.
;D
I've played with Japanese Ho's too :rolleyes:
Quote from: TBird1958 on December 28, 2012, 01:13:17 PM
;D
I've played with Japanese Ho's too :rolleyes:
You mean like those? :P
(http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/27/uta-kohaku-japanese-porn-semen_n_2366349.html)
I'll give this a bump up for the newbies. I have the Midtown on a stand next to my practice amp and play it almost daily. A really nice bass for the money.
Is he trying to return to the subject?
How insolent. Someone stop him quick.
My lot in life................get back to the topic!
Quote from: Granny Gremlin on December 28, 2012, 10:20:12 AM
And he mostly played pointy Japanese hos until fame started to set in.
A Rickenbacker copy and and a Yamaha BB bass are pointy Japanese ho's?
Quote from: drbassman on January 23, 2013, 06:29:48 AM
I'll give this a bump up for the newbies. I have the Midtown on a stand next to my practice amp and play it almost daily. A really nice bass for the money.
Still tempted by this bass.
Quote from: Andrew on January 23, 2013, 11:43:47 PM
Still tempted by this bass.
I can't blame you for being tempted. You won't find other USA made hollow body basses in this price range. And it sounds and plays great. It's not anything like the EB-2 of yesteryear. No muddy tone or thump, thump, thump. For me, it's a keeper.
Got the midtown out today and the e string is quite a bit quieter than the others. Could the silk wrap, which extends over and above the saddle be deadening it? The string has plenty of room at the nut,not binding there. I've extended the pup screws as high as reasonable on the e string and it helps, but there still is an imbalance.
Bill does it still have stock strings? just might be a bad E string. Back in the day lots of strings ( I know you all ready know this ;) ) had windings that rested on the saddles so I don't think this is the cause of such a noticeable volume loss. If it is a bad pick up your warranty should cover it.
Hey Scott, the strings are TI rounds and I usually don't have a problem with them. I do have more around the house, so I might just swap out the e string to see if it makes a difference. I'll also try another brand round just compare too. I doubt it's the pup, but nothing is impossible!
It's not hard to scrape that silk off the string where the saddle hits it. Scientific research rules!
Quote from: Pilgrim on April 07, 2013, 11:15:07 AM
It's not hard to scrape that silk off the string where the saddle hits it. Scientific research rules!
That's the next step after trying different strings!
I switched back to the original e-string and it sounded the same as the TI. I noticed that the higher I turned the volume on the amp, the more the strings balanced out. I'm going to take it to practice tomorrow night and play it at full volume with the band and see how it sounds. That may be the issue for whatever reason.
Decided to take the easy route and let the tech at the guitar shop mess with it. The more I messed with it, the more I think it is the pickup.
Quote from: drbassman on April 07, 2013, 06:06:18 PM
Decided to take the easy route and let the tech at the guitar shop mess with it. The more I messed with it, the more I think it is the pickup.
Isn't it a blade pickup with a magnet beneath? One part of a continuous blade isn't likely to have lower output unless there's a problem with the magnet below.
I was thinking about that last night and I decided to pull the pup, spin it 180 and see if I hear any difference. If the g-string gets softer, I'll know something is up with it. If not, I might try unwrapping the bottom silk.
If nothing works, I'll take her in for a professional opinion.
I flipped the pup around and it didn't make any differernce, so I yanked the silk off and the string is slightly louder. Soooooooooooo, I'm taking it to practice tonight to see how it fairs in the mix with all of the other noise we make.
I was chatting with Scott about the Midtoen and we think it's really just a matter of the bass's resonant characteristics. It's not bad, it's just different based on the construction of the body. We can't know for sure, but the other possible variables have essentially been elminiated. Overall, it still sounds good and plays nicely.
Maybe try a mod bar. Or similar variant. It made a difference on the E string of my EB1. Clearer and better volume in balance with the rest of the strings.
Quote from: 4stringer77 on April 08, 2013, 01:41:46 PM
Maybe try a mod bar. Or similar variant. It made a difference on the E string of my EB1. Clearer and better volume in balance with the rest of the strings.
I think you might have something here. It's definitely a resonance thing. It isn't bad, it's just that I've become more discriminating as I listen to my basses and noticed it. Gonna give one a try. I like the bass and will keep her around.
Mod-bar on the way!
Where did you order the modbar from?
Call Even Webb at 614 716 9750. See my thread about it in the projects and mods forum. The company is called webbteca musical industries and he also has an ebay store. I'm only giving out his number because he has already listed it multiple times online.
Yep, just contact him directly, he's very helpful!
I'm very interested in your report, Bill. Will be watching for it.
Got the MOD-BAR installed today. Nicely made piece of equipment. Since I don't have a super discriminating ear, I have to offer this assessment with a grain of salt, as they say. I didn't hear a huge difference once installed, but it might be just a little louder. Of course, I've raised the pup screw for the e-string and that's had minimal effect. I do have to say, the strings are sounding pretty even at high amp volumes right now. I'll take it to practice with the big rig on Monday and that will tell the tale for the mod.
Right now, I think it's a bit better. Overall, the bass still sounds great!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Gibson%20Midtown%20Bass/DSCN0966_zps13a9fdc3.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/Gibson%20Midtown%20Bass/DSCN0966_zps13a9fdc3.jpg.html)
Took the Midtown to practice last night and it performed well. The evenness of string volume was better when amplified at higher volumes. The difference I noticed was the pups, and probably wood combination, is tamer than the 335. If I want the bass to be more aggressive, I have to adjust the mids and highs on the amp. I play it and the 335 with the switch in the up position, which is the neck position and the Midtown did well, but need more help from the amp to be clear enough to be heard.
It still plays really nicely and I'm going to keep working with it. I do like the tone and sound of it.
I bought mine today as well - I had the choice between a red, a pelham blue and a black one. The pelham one sounded best with the black one a close second and the red one somehow wéaker than the other two (but not bad as such). So I bought the pelham one even though that is the color I liked least - when I had only one pelham blue refinned Non Rev that was a cool color to have, but now with a Kalamazoo, a NR RI and an EB-0 Junior RI all in that color, enough is enough! But I really liked how the bass played and sounded. Nice high register access too. No faulting it for that price.
PS: The red one had a slightly weak E string, but we all know how at least color of finish shouldn't influence sound!!!