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I bought a Neotech "super bass" strap. Their model names/numbers can be quite confusing, it took me quite a while to figure out which one I was actually ordering. The model number was 5601002, and I got it from Amazon. This is my first time buying a wide neoprene strap, but it is quite a heavy...

Well, if it has a 2-band EQ, that wouldn't be a passive model. You can run two pickups through any control configuration you like...pickup selector, volume for each, master volume with blend knob, pickup selector with volume for each, pickup selector with master volume and blend... The...

I also had to buy my SWB Pro blind since there are none to be found here in Canada. The strap button placement is marginally better than an Alembic SCS model, but I agree that the short horn does make it a little more prone to neck dive than I would like. The tradeoff is that this body shape...

I'm actually saving up right now for a Mensinger Cazpar 6p. They're one of the only 30" scale 6-strings (with 17-19mm string spacing) that I've ever found. I play a Bass VI as well, but the string spacing on that is like 10.5mm so it's very different technique-wise.

I've got a set of Alembic J pickups with their filter preamp that I picked up used. I've been loving my SWB Pro, but I just have to see how it sounds with some Alembics. Worst case is that I pull them out and resell. Best case is that it becomes the working man's Stanley Clarke model ;)

I'm actually not surprised to hear that. To be clear, I wasn't suggesting that I felt I got less bass for the money with the Pro. I just wanted to emphasize that the base model SWB is a particularly great value. I love my Pro to bits and will be in the first batch of preorders for the 5-string...

I just received an SWB-pro in walnut yesterday. What a fantastic instrument. Within minutes of picking it up, I was writing new stuff on it - which is my test for a good instrument. If it inspires you to play or think just a little differently and starts inspiring new music, it's a keeper. I...

This. It's not about a blanket approach; every song's different. For me, it's not so much about whether it's "doable" because of gender, but sometimes a song is just too personal to pull off authentically regardless of gender. There are a whole lot of women who could not pull off Ani DiFranco's...

Yeah, that's frankly one of the most insane devices I have ever seen. Someone went to the trouble to design, build, and sell something that is capable of straight-up destroying property and killing people. Electrical fires are no joke. Even with the typical 220v-to-110v stepdown devices I have...

It's more about tuning to the same pitch and maintaining similar tension by changing gauge. How can one prove mathematically how tone is perceived? I play everything from 34" bass to 15" ukuleles. I have acoustic instruments from some pretty talented luthiers. Speak to anyone who builds...

It has to do with how far the harmonics are spaced from each other. Essentially, a longer scale has harmonics that are spaced farther from each other, and this increases the perceived brightness and complexity. Since you didn't like my example mixing string types, look within the same instrument...

Exactly. Longer strings have more harmonics. A shorter scale length emphasizes the fundamental tone more. Think of a piano playing a low E, then a J bass, then a Mistang bass, and then a Kala Ubass. You're shifting from the most complex harmonics (piano) to the fewest (Ubass) as you shorten the...

I just picked up a Mikro yesterday! Holy crap is that ever a fun little instrument. I had no idea a 28.6" bass could actually work. What strings are you using on it? I'm thinking of going with something stainless, maybe some Lo-riders.

Why is United Airlines not on this list?

So, I went to a local music store to audition the Helix, and decided I'd indulge my curiosity about the Mikro bass. I'm a short-scale guy on guitar and bass, and I've been playing a Bass VI as my main instrument in my current band, with a Chowny SWB Pro on order to satisfy my 4-string itch. But...

Bryan Panteroquaisley? I dig it. As for myself, picture a combination of a dog scratching at the front door and a cat batting at a dangling string.

Yes, this. My suspicion is that covering guitar parts accurately and nailing harmonies will result in more tips and gigs for the band than accurate guitar parts plus more creative guitar solos but sloppy harmonies, but a tight harmony wouldn't make up for sloppy guitar playing if it falls below...

I'm not personally a Helix guy, but it appears that Billy Sheehan is since he's using one live currently. I have a Kemper. The list of Kemper and AxeFX recording artists is vast and includes a whole lot of "rock and roll records". I don't need to get into a whole argument about how many people...

Um, if a guy shows up with a Helix to a cover band rehearsal, he's showing that he's got gear that can cover any and all required tones. If someone shows up with a Dual Rectifier (a "real amp"), I'd actually be somewhat more skeptical that they can cover all the sounds they need. My $0.02.

Mensa does not test for social intelligence.

I have a personal opinion that those who brag about anything are compensating for something, be that intelligence, money, strength, or any other personal attribute or possession. Those who put down others on that basis have an even bigger chip on their shoulder, so I just don't engage...

No worries! Appreciate the update. My general attitude is that I'd rather have something late and done right than on time and looking like a rushed job. Don't mistake my excitement for impatience. Can't wait too see how mine turns out!

@chowny, any word on the ETA for the SWB Pros in walnut? Still on track for end of the month? I've got my order in and am super, super stoked to get my hands on it.

All joking aside, I absolutely love his show and will definitely check out this episode!

It's all mine.

Every day?

Awesome, thanks!

@chowny, is there any way to get one of those cool walnut truss rod covers on a new Pro? I saw you posted a photo of some on Twitter, but I couldn't find any info on how to actually get one.

I was gonna say, any test that isn't a direct signal or performed consecutively without moving the mic is far more likely to sound different due to mic placement than any other factor. This all just illustrates why these tests (and generalizations) are so silly. Enjoy whichever fretboard feels...

This is what I have always said. It's not even a matter of whether they are different (they are), it's a matter of whether that difference is detectable in a blind test. It never is, because instruments are so complex and multi-factorial. Even the same wood species varies in properties like...

How do you like the Chowny? I just ordered an SWB Pro and am so excited to get my hands on it!

I thought "backup amp" was spelled "DI"?

I had a MM SUB (the USA one) for almost 10 years, but it wasn't until I picked up a Bass VI 3 years ago that bass became my main focus. The 30" scale was a revelation for me. People made fun of it so I hardtailed it and put some EMGs in it to bring out the sustain and bottom end. It's become my...

This seems relevant to this discussion.

The ideal scenario is for the bass and drums to work together to keep everything tight. If you're relying on the drummer to be a metronome, you're not pulling your weight in the rhythm section. Everyone is responsible for keeping their own time; the drums and bass work together to control the...

The day someone performs the feat of consistently and correctly identifying fretboard woods by listening to an instrument (without touching it or seeing it) is the day I'll believe it. Yes, technically, that little slab of wood does contribute to the acoustic resonant properties of the...

Check out the Pinback songs "Loro" and "Fortress". In both of those, ABSIV takes the higher parts on bass and Rob (the guitarist) plays a second bass. No guitars on the tracks at all. ABSIV also plays in 3 Mile Pilot, and a solo project he calls Systems Officer. I find his playing...

I've searched the forum, and there seems to be very little discussion of ABSIV's (Armistead Burwell Smith IV, aka Zach Smith) technique. He's utterly fascinating to watch. In this recent clip, he's doing a bunch of his usual tricks, arpeggiating and strumming chords, and something I haven't seen...

The ultimate solution is to maintain consistent technique, but gear-wise, consider adding a compressor to your signal chain. You could set the threshold such that you don't run up against it much with disciplined playing, but cross the threshold when your attack gets too strong. Compressors are...

The CV basses and guitars are ridiculous quality for their price point. No word of a lie, I had a CV strat with better fretwork than an American Special I bought around the same time. Do not hesitate for a second to consider a CV model of any kind.