Conference napalm::guitar

    Hi Theo,
        I've used GHS bass strings for the past 10 yrs and I haven't
    bought a bad set yet. I usually use the GHS Brite/flats in Med
    or light gauge. They are brighter than flat wounds, but a little
    flatter in tone compared to the brighter BOOMER strings. Roto-Sound
    strings are excellent also, I've used their SwingBass strings and
    like their tone, but they have a harsher feel and brighter tone than 
    the GHS BrightFlats. I've also found that the GHS holds their tone alittle
    longer than RotoSounds. I've played GHS strings for up to 3 months
    of heavy playing before they needed to be changed. As far as p/u's
    are concerned, "Seymore Duncan" pick-ups would be my first choice.
    Although, if I remember correctly the PV T-40 had 2 humbuckers...
    could be expensive for you at this point. I do stay away from Daddario
    strings, because they go dead after one night. 

    I use both Roto-Sounds & GHS strings. Both are good for R&R. I like
    the round wounds, because you can always turn down the treble if
    they are too brite for you, but are still available for a funk bass
    sound if you need it. The Roto-Sounds tend to eat frets a bit faster
    than other strings (must be harder windings), but, this should not
    be a major problem if your current frets are in good shape. Pickups
    are too subjective to reccomend without knowing your style of music,
    however, I like the Fender P-BASS style replacements by DiMarzio.
    Again, I would rather have the power & not need it (I can always
    turn the volume down).
    
    							Jens

    
    The Peavey Stainless steel strings EAT frets, but don't think that
    you are going to have to change strings nearly as often as with
    a guitar.  Once you get a set (I use Rotosounds), you can probably
    keep them until they break or unravel.  Duck Dunn only changes strings
    when they unravel or break, and Eric Clapton said that Duck has
    some strings on his Fender Bass that came with the guitar.  This
    means the same strings used on 'Forever Man' were used on 'Green
    Onion'.   Wow!
    
    Pickups generally cost a lot of money, and will change your sound
    drastically.  Keep the T-40 pickups, and put the money toward a
    new bass that sounds like you want it.
    
    Ashley

    
    Don't knock your gear, that little TKO 65 is a nice little amp,
    as long as you're not playing with guys running double Marshall
    stacks  8^)  8^)  8^)
    
    The T40 will never really sound like a Fender bass, I owned one
    for years and heard nothing but "Why don't you buy a Fender" from
    drummers.  What the T40 is real good at is super deep bass using
    the neck pickup and super thin twang with the bridge pickup.  Playing
    wise, I found mine to be as good or better than most Fenders I've
    played (which should get some flames going 8^)  8^)  8^) !!!)
    
    Using both pickups tends to get muddy.  Replacing the pickups will
    be a hassle since the Peavey pickups are the size of Gibson humbuckers
    and most replacement pickups are (suprised?) Fender drop-ins.  You
    would need to have a custom pickguard made *plus* the T40 has
    practically no resale value (a real shame, I really liked mine even
    if my drummers didn't!!!) so any mods to it won't really pay off
    if you trade up to something else later.
    
    On strings, the only two types of strings I would advise *against*
    are Dean Markley or Rotosound roundwounds.  Both sound great but
    I had to have work done on the bridge of my T40 where
    those strings cut gouges in the saddles, causing the strings to
    break at the bridge!!!!!
    
    I currently have been using Fender roundwounds, medium gauge and
    am quite happy with them. I don't know if Fender just contracts
    these out to someone or not, a set came on my P-bass, I liked 'em,
    used them ever since. 
    
    

    
    	I'd say definately replace the pickups - stock pickups seldom
    have the output that name brand replacements have. And dont even
    worry about the availability of non fender shaped replacement units
    - you're lucky to have "humbucker" dimensioned cutouts already there 
    - you can use a good guitar humbucker with those blade pole pieces and
    it'll work just fine. I'd bet a coupla of those Bill Lawrance
    "XL100" jobs would liven things up.
    
    	And if a subsequent reply says "Bass pickups is bass pickups
    and ya cant mix the two" - dont believe 'em. Having six pole pieces
    under 4 strings can be kinda funky, but those blade style ones should
    do the trick - even those Carvin pu's with the 12 pole pieces would
    work fine. Just make sure you replace with quality stuff - like
    DiMarzio...All good pickups have frequency responses that go well
    below the lowest frequency your bass would ever be tuned to - no
    matter what type of "guitar" they were intended for!
    
    	The apparent difference between String brands will be more 
    prounounced after the change to hotter pickups too :')
               
    	Joe Jas                                         

    I've used guitar pickups on a Bass guitar before (a Mity-Mite Humbucker
    - I happened to aquire one real cheap & had it lying around at the
    time), and it worked quite well. Carvin sells guitar pickups with
    11 pole pieces in each coil of a dual coil humbucker - these are
    for a 6 string guitar. It should work as well for a Bass & it isn't
    that expensive. Also, you might want to check out Luthers Mercantile
    (707) 433-1823. They also sell pickups (at nearly wholesale prices)
    and have some good choices. You might want to order thier catalog
    - lots of really interesting information in it, as well as a large
    selection of parts.
    
    								Jens
                                                              

    11 may sound like a bizarre number of pole pieces so I thought I
    should explain the logic behind it.  The idea is that there are
    6 poles for the strings, and 5 for the 5 spaces in between the strings.
    Theoretically, it's supposed to avoid a change in volume when you
    bend the string to the point that it's not over the pole.
    
    I never noticed much of a problem with that on my non-Carvin guitars,
    but my carvin has the M22s (the model # I think) and I like them
    a lot.  They aren't overly "hot" (and thus some of you metal types
    might not like them) but to me they seem very "responsive" in terms
    of dynamics.  You can pull a lot of different tones out of them
    depending on how you play as well as what you run it through.
    
    	db - Still Carvin after all these years

    	Carvin does make a pickup specifically for bass guitars but
    the model number slips my mind at the moment. As a Carvin owner
    like db, I second the opinion on the response of the 22 series
    pickups. They are excellent.
    
    DonH

    Re: .8
    
    Just happen to have a Carvin catalog in front of me:
    
    H13B HUMBUCKING BASS PICKUP
    
    "This vertically stacked double coil humbucker is or latest design
    bass pickup...has an exceptionally wide tonal range with a full
    bell tone and crisp top end.  The expensive Alnico V magnets help
    give a smooth, well rounded bass tone and the coils are wax dipped
    to prevent microophonic squeal.  With round wound strings the H13
    produces a nice piano like punch that  sounds fantastic...no need
    to use active electronics...available in black or cream and black.
    
   $39.95 direct,  $79.00 list (Sure...)
    
    Rodney M.
    

    
    
    	The new Seymore Duncan pickups are nice... they have 3 little
    switches built into each pickup to add a 'slight' difference in
    tone depending on the setting of them and if your not listening
    close enough you might not even notice the difference!
    
    
    						JW
    

    
    
    	Has anyone tried the Dean Markley "Blue Steel" bass strings?
    
    Tom
    

    
     I use the 'Blue Steel' strings based on a recommendation from a
    guy who works at the Daddy's in Peabody. It solved my string breaking
    problem.
    
     They're not cheap but I've been pleased.
    
      - Bob

    
     I got a call from Harvey of "Harvey's Music" in Milford N.H. and
    he has "GHS Bass BriteFlats" in long scale/med gauge for $25.00 a set! 
    Finally I'll get my tone back!  ;^)  These seem to be difficult strings
    to find too. I called at least 10 different stores last weekend and
    came up with nothing I wanted, Harvey said he'd order some for me...
    what a guy!
    
    			Just thought I pass the word around!
    
    					Rock on,
    						Fred

		What's the scoop about tension on bass strings?
	
	I understand that in general, roundwounds will have lower
	tension at pitch than flatwounds. What I really want to know
	is that among the different manufacturers of roundwounds, will
	a all strings of given gauge and material have the same
	tension? Secondly, will stainless strings (such as rotosound)
	have a higher string tension than nickel strings?
	
	Any recommendations on low tension strings? I currently use
	D'Addarion XL (40-95) which feel good, but sound sort of
	wimpy. I tried the XLs in 45-100, but they were way too hard
	to play, due to my tendinitis problem. Ideally, I'd like
	to find a set of 45-100 that feel more or less the same as
	the 40-100. 

	Any ideas? Am I dreaming? ;^) ;^)

	Tom
	tomg@guru.zk3.dec.com

     Rotosounds heve about the highest string tension of any string....
    You can usually tell the tension by checking out the package....... 
    a lot of manufacturers list the tensions right on the label,so you
    can start there,sorry to hear about your tendinitis,good luck to 
    you
    -Bill
    

    
    reviving the dead here....I've been doing the usual new-guy-at-bass
    thing and experimenting with strings of late. I discovered that
    I dislike flatwounds; while they will let you slide around without
    the screeching of roundwounds, I just hate that oily feel. They
    also tend to sound kinda dead. I even invested in a set of the
    Brite Flats mentioned in a previous reply. While they are certainly
    more lively than other flatwounds, I still can't say as I care for
    the sound or feel. To each his/her own; just wish I had my $25
    back :-).
    
    On the recommendation of noted bass player, Sam Lambert (who's been
    into both bass and guitar notes far longer than I) I tried a set
    of DR Hi Beams. Yow!! Nice strings!! They sound great and don't
    really feel like a steel file under the fingers. Better yet, they
    seem to stay in tune quite nicely. In the Springs, Rice Music
    sells 'em for around $21.
    
    DAP
    

>    They sound great and don't really feel like a steel file under the
>    fingers. 
    
    I thought that was part of the appeal of playing bass?

    re .-1
    
    That's a big part of the appeal for me :^).  I especially like sliding
    up and down my E string until I start to see smoke...:-)).
    
    GHS Bass Boomers (Heavy-Long) for me.
    
    Ron.

    Last night I had the chance to noodle around a little bit on an
    acquaintance's Music Man bass, and wondered about the pickup on it. 
    It's an enormous thing, bigger than the humbucker on my EB-0, with
    eight screws (polepieces?) in the cover.  It sure doesn't sound like 
    a humbucker though, at least not any one I've ever heard; sounds more
    like, well, a Music Man - Fender on steroids?
    
    Anyone know anything about the innerds of this thing?  Single or double
    coil?
    
    Dave
    
    BTW, the rest of the guitar was really interesting too: Jazz Bass-style
    neck and a resonance that wouldn't quit - that's probably responsible
    for much of its sound.  I want one.  %^)

    This info is half-baked (so what else is new; this is notes, right) but
    I think more or less correct.  The Music Man pickup is a humbucker with
    relatively low number of windings on the coils; hence, very low impedance
    and output.  That's why you really need the active preamp in a Music Man
    bass; you'd get almost no signal without it.
    
    Tell us more about this bass.  Was it an older Music Man (strings through
    the body @ bridge) or one of the new Ernie Ball models?  Stingray (1
    pickup) or Sabre (2)?  Maple or rosewood board?
    
    /dan_armstrong

    Ahah, so it's active electronics.  Great sound, however it's done. 
    Funny the pickup would be so big - Edd would drool - when it only had a
    few windings.  Maybe the battery was inside, too!
    
    It was an old one.  The guy had replaced the through-the-body bridge
    with a Badass, as he said the old one necessitated bending the strings
    so sharply where they went through the body that they broke easily.  It
    had a well-worn maple board.  The whole thing had been stripped and 
    refinished; he said the original thick polyurethane (?) finish
    discolored and cracked a lot, so he had it redone in a browner tone. 
    The color was nice, but it was dinged up a lot.  It was heavy - lotsa 
    wood in this beast.  And the pickup was mounted way down toward the
    bridge - maybe Edd wouldn't be so interested.
    
    I played one of these maybe 20 years ago, and didn't like it, just as I
    didn't like the P-bass I played back then.  Either my tastes or
    technique or expectations have changed, or they're making strings these
    days that aren't so stiff.  This bass played easily; I'm sure I could
    get used to it.
    
    Are (old) Music Men still available (or common) on the used market?  This 
    was one of the few basses I've heard recently that I really lusted after; 
    the others were a Steinberger and an Alembic.  I didn't get to play the 
    Alembic; unlike the Steiny, which I did play, the Music Man had an almost 
    primal resonance when I played it, kind of the way a double bass throbs 
    against your leg.
    
    'Scuse me, I think I have to be alone now.  %^)
    
    Dave

>>    primal resonance when I played it, kind of the way a double bass throbs 
>>    against your leg.
    
    Dave, does your wife know about this :-)
    
    Old Music Man's are available, but unfortunately at inflated vintage
    style prices; typically $1000 - $1500, depending on the level of beat.
    The good news is that brand spanking new Ernie Ball Music Man Stingrays
    are available for somewhat less and these are reportedly better than
    the originals.  The newer necks use six bolts instead of four making
    them noticably more stable and the strings do not go through the body
    anymore (another disadvantage to the old style was you you needed
    extra-long strings, not as easy to find as you might think); otherwise,
    these supposedly feel and play just like the originals (same electronics,
    neck, etc.).  They also make a 5-string model that is cool and
    reasonably priced.
    
    I've tried several of the newer MM's and they are indeed very nice. 
    Roger Sadowsky, who is THE MAN among bass techs and builders, also gave
    these a rave review in recent article of BP; high praise, especially
    considering these instruments compete directly with Roger's own line
    of basses.
    
    Face it Dave, you want one.  Bad!
    
    /rick

>    Face it Dave, you want one.  Bad!
    
    I'm afraid you may be right, Rick.  So let's get down to it (before I
    fantasize further)...  You've played the Ernie Balls - who carries them
    and how much do they go for?  Is there more than one model?  If so,
    what are the differences and prices?
    
>>>    primal resonance when I played it, kind of the way a double bass throbs 
>>>    against your leg.
    
>    Dave, does your wife know about this :-)
    
    No, but my dog is jealous!  %^)
    
    Dave

    The Ernie Balls come in three models:
    
    Sting Ray 4
    
    Sting Ray 5
    
    Sterling 4
    
    A two band EQ is standard, a 3-band EQ is optional (some folks say the
    2-band "sounds better").  Fretless and fretted rosewood boards are
    optional.  The Sterling body is a bit smaller and lighter than the
    Sting Ray; suprisingly, it also costs more! There used to be a
    two-pickup model called the Sabre but when Ernie Ball took over
    production, this was dropped.
    
    Prices on old ones have gotten out of hand.  Five years ago, used Sting
    Rays were $450...now they sell for double that! Not sure who currently
    has a franchise for EB/MM in the NE area, haven't seen new ones around
    recently.
    
    You might also want to look into G&L, which was Leo Fender's next stop
    after Music Man.  The L-2000 is sort of his rethink of the Sting Ray
    the way the Sting Ray was a rethink of the Precision.  I actually like
    the G&L better myself.  
    
    							Brian

    Thanks, Brian.  I guess I'll have to look around.  It's good to know
    there's more than one option to get that sound (and feel!).  Any idea 
    what a G&L L-2000 goes for new?
    
    Dave

    I think the list on an L-2000 is about $1200 and mail-order prices are
    about $800.  Almost the same as the Sting Ray.  Ask Rick about his G&L
    (remind me to kick myself for not jumping when he once half-seriously
    offered it to me for $300).
    
    							Brian

Date: Tue, 30 Nov 1993 10:14:59 -0500 (EST)
From: dwd@usl.com
Subject: I'm selling everything (*sniff*)

THE WHOLE LOT FOR SALE *** THE WHOLE LOT FOR SALE *** THE WHOLE LOT FOR SALE

I'm selling every piece of music equipment I own. The reasons are related to
a medical condition I have. I've developed very bad tendonitis in both of my
arms, making playing very painful. Modern medicine has failed me (even the
holistic side). I have no choice but to stop playing.

ITEM			PRICE		CONDITION	UNDER WARRANTY?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ernie Ball/Music Man	750.00		mint		yes
  Stingray 4-string
  - butterscotch(1)
  - 3-band EQ
  - rosewood fretboard
  - hardshell case
  - white and tortoise
    shell pickguards

Ernie Ball/Music Man	750.00		mint		yes
  Stingray Fretless
  4-string (w/lines)
  - butterscotch
  - 3-band EQ
  - rosewood fretboard
  - hardshell case
  - white and tortoise
    shell pickguards

Ernie Ball/Music Man	850.00		mint(2)		yes
  Stingray 5-string
  - butterscotch
  - 3-band EQ
  - rosewood fretboard
  - hardshell case
  - tortoise shell
    pickguard

Korg Wavestation EX	850.00		mint(3)		yes

Gallien Kruger 800RB	450.00		excellent	no

Hartke 210XL		300.00		excellent	no

Hartke 410XL		400.00		excellent	no

Polytone Mini-Brute III	250.00		excellent	no

Nady 201 Wireless	200.00		mint		no

Boss Compressor Pedal	30.00		excellent	no

Boss FV-300H Pedal	30.00		excellent	no

Sennheiser 511 Mic	100.00		mint		no

Marantz Portable Stereo 300.00		excellent	no
  Cassette Deck w/
  VU meters and speed
  adjust

Fender R.A.D. Bass Amp	150.00		excellent	no

Videos:			30.00ea		played twice	no
  John Patitucci I
  John Patitucci II
  Video Progressions Slap
  Video Progressions Tap
  Video Progressions Rocco Prestia
  Video Progressions Fingerstyle Guitar
  Billy Sheehan I
  Billy Sheehan II
  Jaco Pastorius

NOTES:
(1) transluscent butterscotch is EB/MM's most expensive premium finish.
(2) less than a month old. I bought it when I thought that surgery would
    actually do something for me.
(3) less than three months old. bought it at a korg blow out at sam ash in
    new jersey for $999.99.

I don't have shipping cartons for ANY of this stuff, so it may take some time
to get the stuff shipped. Buyer will pay this shipping in all cases (I don't
know HOW to ship the Hartke 410XL--it's too big for UPS).

There are no scratches whatsoever on the basses (I was very meticulous with
their care). The only evidence of use are the finger prints on the tuning
keys.

The Hartke/G-K stuff only left my house once. The keyboard never left my
house.

I've sold stuff through TBL before and have a pristine reputation. Thanks for
your consideration.

Dave Dougherty
dwd@usl.COM

    THE WHOLE LOT FOR SALE *** THE WHOLE LOT FOR SALE *** THE WHOLE LOT FOR
    SALE

    Thanks, Brian.  Rick mentioned his G&L to me; Rick, for three bills
    I'll take it, sight unseen!  %^)
    
    Boy, I guess this dwd@usl.com really likes butterscotch Ernie Ball 
    basses!  Any idea where usl.com is?  This time of year I have a better 
    chance of coming up with $300 for the 2x10 cab than $750 for a bass.
    Sigh.
    
    Dave

I don't know about the other prices, but that $100 for a used Sennheiser 511
isn't good.  You can get a new one for $119 without even haggling.

    Could usl.com be the former Unix Systems Labs, now I guess owned by
    Novell? I'd guess NJ or Utah?

    
    	C'mon, Dave, the next time we jam I want to see you with a Music
    Man bass! I saw you ogling over that bass at Stormy Mondays! Don't
    let me down! 
    
    	Go for it, Dave!
    
    

    Dave! Dave! Dave! Dave! 

    Yeah, well believe me, I wanna spend some money.  The problem is
    finding some to spend.  I'll keep y'all posted.
    
    Dave

    Oh it's easy to FIND...it's GETTING it that's hard...

    
    Buy it Dave, Buy it Dave, Buy it Dave!
    
    It's calling, "take me home Dave, take me home"
    
    Al_who_actually_likes_Dave's_EB0
    

    >>Al_who_actually_likes_Dave's_EB0
    
    I think it's at least an EB7, if ya count all the pickup revisions and
    string changes.....
    
    :*}

    It's better described as a "poor man's EB-3": DiMarzio & Hi-A pickups
    with Rotosound roundwounds, all in an effort to extract some non-mushy
    tone.  Wouldn't it have been easier just to have bought something else?
    
>    Al_who_actually_likes_Dave's_EB0
    
    Hmmm...  I think I may have found part of the solution to my problem...
    Al, you'll buy anything that says "Gibson" on it...  How 'bout another
    daughter?  %^)
    
    Your pal, Dave

    Given that I can't find a topic explictly on bass pickups, I'll ask
    here.  I have a Fender Jazz Bass Special, which has a P-J pickup setup
    with a TBX tone control.  The pickups sound fine, but the J pickup is
    really noisy and I'm considering replacing it with a humbucker.  I
    might consider replacing both if someone had a reason for that. 
    Anyway, what I'm looking for is recommendations on pickups.  I've heard
    EMGs and they sound nice, but are a little pricy (and I'd have to
    replace both rather then just one).  Anyone got any ides for me?
    
    Greg

    EMG J pickups are only sold in pairs, either J-J or P-J, it's an active
    setup.  The hum on stock P-J setups is because the J is single coil and
    the P is already humbucking.  On a real Jazz Bass, the two pickups act
    together to cancel hum as long as they are both set to the same volume. 
    Unless you want to go for an active setup, check out the Duncan stacked
    J pickups.
    
    							Brian

    I believe Carvin's bass pickups are stacked humbuckers also; they can
    be used in passive mode and are J-bass drop-ins.  I've never heard them 
    though.
    
    Dave

    Can these passive humbucking pickups (Duncan, Carvin, etc) be used with
    the stock TBX tone control system, or do I have to rip that out when I
    change the J pickup?
    
    Greg

    The pickups should work fine with your TBX.
    
    How about a Lace Sensor?  Fender makes one for the Jazz, and it would
    also tend to be quiet (though not as quiet as a stacked bucker).
    

>        How about a Lace Sensor? 
    
    Sam suggested that too.  He said he'd played a bass with 'em and liked
    the sound.  
    
    How would the sound of the Lace compare to a stacked 'bucker?  To
    what's in there now?
    
    Greg

>    How would the sound of the Lace compare to a stacked 'bucker?  To
>    what's in there now?



      The J-laces seem to be more of a "Rock" sounding pickup. They have a

certain clarity to them that I can't explain. They are not as brilliant 

sounding as an EMG, but are pretty quiet as far as noise is concerned. They 

also don't have that traditional cool "farty" tone that you hear with the 

Fender fretless'.