ezbass

From another ‘north of the border’ denizen.

Thread resurrection time. I’ve been following Chris Buck with his Friday Fretworks videos for a while now. However, this week, instead of his usual piece to camera about something guitar related (always fun - YMMV) he released a video of his new band, Cardinal Black. This ticks many of my musical boxes, not least in that it’s reminiscent of Storyville.

The ‘For Dummies’ books always seem very helpful. I don’t have the guitar one, but the bass one is rather good and I would imagine a very similar approach for the guitar version. I remember David Meads from Guitarist magazine, he was always good. In fact all of their technique tutors were on point. I particularly used to like Adrian Clarke.

That’ll do.

C’mon, you know the rules, photos or it didn’t happen.

Yeah, sorry about that, I tend to get carried away. Feel free to ask for clarification on anything I said and I’ll try and remember what it’s like to be starting out and curb my enthusiasm. Definitely get down to PMS, it’ll all make more sense once you’ve had your hands on a bunch.

Both good choices, although both do have some interesting quirks that might prove annoying. That Ibanez has a floating, locking whammy and that can be a pain to set up and tune for a beginner (great system though). The SG has interesting ergonomics that you’ll either love or find irritating. These are both personal observations and both will do the job admirably. If I were choosing, I’d look at a Telecaster type (full disclosure, I’m a Tele fanboy), a Strat type with a standard trem set flat to body to avoid tuning issues or a Les Paul type. Brand wise you’d probably be looking at Squier, Epiphone, JHS’ Vintage brand or the always excellent Yamaha, although there are plenty of others, Ibanez included. The best thing to do is get yourself to a shop and try a few of the shapes, see what you like the look of and feels good to hold and play. Tone can be improved (if necessary) down the road with replacement electronics, etc. If money allows, invest in a pro set up, it’ll make the playing experience so much better. It is a fun journey, I’m quite envious.

Budget?

I’d say, don’t get too hung up on scales early on (although I applaud your diligence), remember to also learn and play some tunes you like and enjoy it.

@AriaSnuff appears to be spamming.

I’m starting to come around on the Mira, especially in the frost blue metallic (although the black and tort is nice too). The slider switch still grates, though.

I can just see me using this as a finish and then spending a week in hospital . I can barely use Superglue in repairs without sticking my fingers together.

CA = cyanoacrylate?

I wondered what this thread was about initially as fun bags are what an old friend of mine used to call bobbies . However, back on topic, black seems to the rather dull standard option, as you have found. But, digging a little deeper, I found these 2 links, although I don’t know if they’ll be too big: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Glenmi-Bohemian-Acoustic-Backpack-Protector/dp/B07LCN53YT/ref=asc_df_B07LCN53YT/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=256001072850&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1165433688170745420&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046984&hvtargid=pla-719976734370&psc=1 https://www.wish.com/product/5bab4b3dd89e577dda95f246?from_ad=goog_shopping&_display_country_code=GB&_force_currency_code=GBP&pid=googleadwords_int&c={campaignId}&ad_cid=5bab4b3dd89e577dda95f246&ad_cc=GB&ad_curr=GBP&ad_price=20.00&campaign_id=8163884845&guest=true&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4ImEBhDFARIsAGOTMj-ZPiBhvbG0UlDLKZdP0NHtLhAyfMOhmaenD_RVjvSuhUB7CoXURwwaAiclEALw_wcB&hide_login_modal=true&share=mobileweb

There are all sorts, from a plastic bar with elastic, up to ones that you can roll on without affecting tuning (apparently). The teeth you speak of are probably just contoured rubber and just look different. For the most part, it’s find an action/mechanism you like. I use a Shubb that you have to set the pressure with a screw and then apply that pressure with a lever, I find this type of one works better for me as I can set how hard the strings are held down, rather than a constant, unadjustable spring pressure. If you use a capo on a number of different guitars with varying neck thicknesses, a simpler ‘one touch’ action may be for you.

I wouldn’t go that far

There is a goodly number of us here from BC.

Can I direct you to my initial opening statement

That vintage cherry is rather pleasant, I must admit. I think it’s the pickup selector that I don’t like, a classic Gibson toggle would work so much better IMO.

If you want talking out of buying new gear, you’ve probably come to the wrong place. However, even as a PRS fan and previous owner of 3 different models, I struggle with the Mira and Starla from an aesthetic viewpoint. PRS are known for beautiful guitars, it’s their thing, even the old EG range (always wanted the 3 domino pickup model) still had that PRS visual magic. Having said all that, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and you obviously like them, which is all that matters. Build quality with PRSs is always stunning, no matter where they are made. Even the hardware on the cheapest SEs is stellar. I has an SE Singlecut and decided to upgrade the pickups. I fitted a pair of Seymour Duncan’s and then a pair of Bareknuckle’s. I ended up refitting the original ones as I thought they were the best of the 3. That was not helpful was it? Sorry.

Love it!

That discount is a very cool thing to offer.

Well, I’m fair blushing by your reactions, gents. BTW, no need for the capitalised Z, it’s an abbreviation of my surname, not my finding bass easy in a US speech way. (For the record, I don’t find it easy ).

Welcome, fellow BCer. Always a tough one, especially as you want your nephew to want to pick it up in order to play it and improve. Yamaha don’t make a bad instrument at any price point IMO. Therefore, they would be my go to brand for a beginner. With that budget, I’d look at the £300ish Pacificas or the Revstars (a bit retro looking, but pointy/SGish enough), they sound great and play well. With shapes in minds, an Epiphone SG in the same £300+ price bracket could also be considered. However, if it was my money, it would be Yamaha all day long (says the man who owns a Squier and an Epiphone ). In terms of an amp and FX, I think I’d start off with a modelling amp with built in FX, something like the Boss Katana, Vox Cambridge or Line6 Spider. 50 watts or so should be plenty for starters and a headphone out is a must (all 3 do). I’ve seen some very favourable reviews of the Boss, so I think your sister would be safe with that. If they don’t come with a footswitch, I’d always encourage getting one to get the full use of the amp. Guitar and amp for £500-£600 with maybe some room for a few accessories.