| Author | Message | ||
| afrobeat_fool
Member Username: afrobeat_fool Post Number: 69 Registered: 7-2009 |
My question is one I hope has not been discussed before. Basically, if you, like me have more basses and guitars than one person can play, or your on the road a lot, or your just thinking of putting the axe down for a while(heaven forbid), how should one store the instrument. I would like to know your opinions for long and short term storage? Example: do you take your strings off, or just loosen them? Batteries in or out of active instruments?... etc. Is there some things you might do differently for solid body or acoustic? Thru neck or bolt on? You get the drift. Thank you Nick | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 1013 Registered: 11-2004 |
Put it in the case and underneath your bed..the temperature won't fluctuate that much unless you live in extremes of climate. Difficult if you have loads of guitars and basses though I agree on batteries, take them out, even the best leak, leave strings on, if you loosen them the wood will want to re stabilise. You could put a couple of packs of silica gel dessicant to absorb any moisture | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 1090 Registered: 11-2004 |
Nick- If I'm heading away for a bit I normally put them in their cases and then stack them standing up in a closet that is on an interior wall of the house. The closet temperature stays pretty consistent and the cases stack up pretty neatly. I've never been away long enough to worry about removing batteries, but if I was going to be gone for months, I might consider doing that... | ||
| mario_farufyno
Advanced Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 236 Registered: 9-2008 |
Storage them in a case, preferably standing up to let the forces acting at the neck at minimun. Don't take off the strings since we need them to conteract the force aplied in the neck by truss rod. In fact, remember to check the neck bow and action periodicaly. Battery must be always out if it will be grounded for months since they can leak and ruin the circuit or finishing (it is also toxic). | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1636 Registered: 6-2002 |
Not strictly a bass storage issue but similarities are there. I'd like some guidance on neck movement so please have a read and maybe you can advise me. I have been asked to stand in on bass for a Caribbean cruise as part of one of the calypso bands on a ship over Christmas/New year and playing between 2 to 2.5 hrs per day. Apart from myself on bass the rest of the band play Steel Pans along with a drum machine. At the moment I'm waiting for confirmation so this may be a red herring but worth a shot anyway. http://www.pocruises.com/Ships/Arcadia/Overview.axd http://www.pocruises.com/Cruises/J922/Itinerary.axd I plan to take either my Elan 4 or Europa 5 depending on the set-list when I get it and also based on the advice given here. I have read on previous threads that climate will/may affect the neck especially on neck through instruments. Is this neck movement likely to be more of a reality as I will be at sea all the time and travelling through differing climates and humidities from leaving cold UK at mid winter, heading over the equator to the hot caribbean and returning still in mid UK winter. Also, according to the other band members who do this sort of thing all the time, the ship is very well air conditioned and many of the times we will be playing will be on-deck by the pool on the hot days so more extreme temperature variations between my cabin and the outside heat of the day. Should i be concerned? Is the effect of neck movement likely to be more evident on a 4 or 5 string bass? As usual, your advice is appreciated. Should I buy a beater bass? hahaha Jazzyvee | ||
| oujeebass
Intermediate Member Username: oujeebass Post Number: 166 Registered: 10-2002 |
I hate to say it, I wouldn't take an Alembic. I would take something that you won't have to worry about ,if possible. The variations in climate will vary greatly enough to probably drive you nuts, and the other variables. | ||
| jos
Junior Username: jos Post Number: 25 Registered: 4-2009 |
I would not take the Alembics for that gig. Alembic basses have ebony fingerboards and they are sensitive to climate changes. If you still do take the Alembic then I would take the Europe because it has stronger neck construction. Please oil the fret board before you leave England it definitely helps, also be sure that you have all the tools with you. I have a Fodera from 1991 with Ebony fingerboard and honestly I have never touched the truss road! This is true…the Alembics I have are pretty good too I do not need to adjust the necks that much. But I had basses with Ebony fret board that has been a pain in the ass when touring. I love the sound of Ebony sometimes the risk is worth to take. In a few years of touring you will find out if the Ebony on the fret board you have is a good piece or not. The reason companies use more Rosewood and Maple is that it’s cheaper, easier and safe to use. The companies do not get so many complains and warranty issues. I strongly believe that Alembic is using the best Ebony there is so this could also be a test for your bass and what it can take. J-O-S | ||
| eligilam
Intermediate Member Username: eligilam Post Number: 200 Registered: 2-2006 |
Jazzyvee, Track down a Steinberger XL2 (the original graphite composite one). Those things are weatherproof. One neat review I read said "after the apocalypse, all that will be left crawling around are the roaches and the XL2's." There's usually at least one on ebay at any given time. Heck, the Steiny even fits with that Caribbean vibe, since for some reason all the reggae bassists seem to like them. I agree with the other posters...I'd leave my Alembic at home for the gig you're talking about. Just my two cents. 200th post complete. | ||
| mario_farufyno
Advanced Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 263 Registered: 9-2008 |
I wouldn't take my Alembic to a Gig like that, but if you'll really do it, make the proper truss rod adjustments to the hot and sweatie climate you'll have use it most (playing) and keep it on the case until the show. Any Bass can be fine in any weather, you just have to compensate any neck bow changes. I bet a good Bass like Alembic can handle the new condition. The problem is the Bass getting out of dry air conditioned enviroment to the caribean umidity and then being brought back indoor several times in a row. This is what can ruin your Bass. If you avoid abrupt umidity changes keeping it safe in the Case, it will be less affected by these variations. Anyway... This must work, but remember it can be a problem if you need to rehearsal or learn a new song in your room. As far as I know, you'll have to be a lot in your room (since employees usually are not alowed to be freely among the "clients") and it may be hard to be confined and having to not get the Bass off the case. Also, despite we all know players who live by the sea, don't forget that salty air isn't the best thing to eletronics either. This is why I wouldnt take so valueable Bass to a Gig like that... | ||
| sonicus
Advanced Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 301 Registered: 5-2009 |
Perhaps Silica Gel Dehumidifier packets would be helpful. Check this out http://americanfiltration.com look for STA-DRI dehumidifier pouches. I am sure that you can find an identical product in the UK ! Put plenty of these in your Bass case. | ||
| afrobeat_fool
Member Username: afrobeat_fool Post Number: 85 Registered: 7-2009 |
Sonicus, you beat me to the point. I do this when I go back and forth between So. Cal and Portland, during the winter. I will most often take a fender as I would hate to lose an Alembic, and they are a F#$@n lot easier to replace. And how much nicer will it be to come home to your beauty when the gig is done, then say hi to... whoever. | ||
| sonicus
Advanced Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 302 Registered: 5-2009 |
LOL___ hey afrobeat fool how are ya? Yeah those little gel packs are really handy . | ||
| enzo
Intermediate Member Username: enzo Post Number: 119 Registered: 4-2009 |
Jazzyvee, if you have to choose another bass to bring with you, that doesn't give you any problem with the neck adjustment I would consider a Status-Graphite bass, they're fantastic instruments and they're very reliable. | ||
| jos
Junior Username: jos Post Number: 26 Registered: 4-2009 |
I have quite many experiences of Graphite basses and I need to tell you that the necks also move! They are not as stabile as advertised. I did work at Bass Center in Helsinki during the – 80`s and mid -90`s and I was surprised how much problems Graphite necks did have. Musicians that worked on the boats did tell me the neck was not like this a few years ago…and they were right! The only Graphite bass I know that did not have neck problems was the old Steinberger XL-2 they did also change around -91 or something. I did see terrible necks on basses like Status, Vigier, Modulus, Steinberger, Zon and some other Graphite basses. The only guy that admit the problem of Graphite was Jeff from Modulus…he told me that he has never told anyone that Graphite lasts forever this was more like a business idea and how to sell the product. Usually warranty is for a few years and after that nobody cares!! Yes, this is how things are……. When a Graphite neck goes wrong, then that’s it!!!! J-O-S | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1637 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi guys, all this stuff sounds kind of scary. I only have alembic basses so I don't really have an option of taking a different bass. If I did It would have to be a very cheap one so that I don't blow my earnings and that in itself may prove a false economy since I would imagine I'd have more problems with a cheap bass especially trying to make truss rod adjustments. Ok, from what i've read here, in the absence of another bass, take the Europa as the neck is stronger, get some silica gel crystals,oil the neck just before leaving and make sure the bass is in the case all the time it is not being played at the gig. Thanks guys, I will certainly have some information on how my alembic coped with that environment when I get back. Should be interesting. Jazzyvee | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 2290 Registered: 6-2002 |
Also check if you can keep the instrument (and case) out of the direct sunlight whilst on deck. | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2403 Registered: 10-2002 |
If you're intent on taking an Alembic make sure it has it's own lifejacket in the unlikely event of the boat sinking ;-) Graeme | ||
| mario_farufyno
Advanced Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 264 Registered: 9-2008 |
Thanks, Jan-Olof, that was a valuable hint we should be all aware. Adriaan also gave an important point: Avoid direct sunlight. The heat can be worst than the umidity in this scenario. Take your tools with you to correct any changes in the neck adjustments during the trip and keep it safe in the nest until it'll have to fly. I guess you only need to keep it at the most stable enviromental conditions to everything go right. Have a good gig and tell us how it behaved. | ||
| afrobeat_fool
Member Username: afrobeat_fool Post Number: 86 Registered: 7-2009 |
Good luck, Jazzyvee! I'm glad you got the gig! I'm doing well sonicus. I play tonight and Sat at the Landmark tavern/lighthouse in Yachats, Ore. I like this gig. They have a room for us to stay in and it only gets hit by the lighthouse light every 15 seconds. It's only a couple million candlelight, so its not toooo blinding. Lol!!! Seriously, it's bright. I'll probably sleep on my case on the beach, Jaco style. We need to hook up, I wanna hear that Funk Dub stuff your working on. I'll have a studio album out in October, with a few originals on it. I'm still trying to figure out all the variables on my S1. It's a lot different than my essence. But I'm getting better controll of the essence, live, and would not trade "Edwin 1180" for anything. | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 838 Registered: 6-2002 |
here's an old Steinberger L2...looks indestructible. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6365 Registered: 6-2000 |
I think that if you are well versed with Joey's setup procedures, you can take your bass anywhere. Will it move if the humidity swings a bunch? Well, sure, but you can adjust it. I do have a few customers that play on cruise ships as their regular gig. There's at least one Elan and two Series I basses afloat in the Caribbean pretty much full time. One other thing to consider is that if you play with the action slightly higher, you can tolerate greater movements of the neck without adjusting. Just a thought. Also, I'm the insurance reminder on all things. If you're traveling, make sure you're covered. | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1643 Registered: 6-2002 |
Thanks for your input Mica, it's always good to get info from the source. I have always had proper worldwide instrument cover via the musicians union here since including an instrument on a general household policy will not, (in the UK), cover any instrument that is played for gain or reward. Jazzyvee | ||
| svlilioukalani
Member Username: svlilioukalani Post Number: 68 Registered: 6-2008 |
Fear not! I live on a sail boat, in salt water, and have never have problems with an Alembic bass. Going from sea to land for gigs is not a problem. But, I have no issues adjusting a truss rod. If you play with extremely low action, you must loose the fear. Worry more about corrosion eating up the metal in a cheep bass. I lost a vintage Spector when the truss rod corroded. Salt air is your biggest issue, not humidity. I spent a summer playing Bob Marley covers on a cruse ship. I was a blast. Now, flying with a bass, thats a different story. | ||
| enzo
Intermediate Member Username: enzo Post Number: 120 Registered: 4-2009 |
JOS, I'm sure, having worked as a repair guy in a bass shop, gave you the chance to see all kind of problem even on a so called reliable basses BUT, what I was trying to say really when I wrote "any problem" is that looking at a big numbers, graphite basses are significantly more stable when it comes to neck movement. | ||
| mario_farufyno
Advanced Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 265 Registered: 9-2008 |
So... Have a nice Gig, Jazzyvee! | ||
| jos
Junior Username: jos Post Number: 27 Registered: 4-2009 |
HI Enzo! Yes you are absolutely right; graphite basses are more stable than the ones made of wood. My point was just to inform that graphite basses needs the same care as wood basses and do have problems as well. Wood basses can always be fixed but graphite basses not. I just did meet so many musicians from all over the world that did have graphite basses with them because they felt the graphite neck do not move in any circumstances. Most of the musicians I spoke to bought the graphite bass not only because of the sound but to be safe with the neck. Some of them did play at the cruising ships over here for almost 6 months and it was a big surprise when they after a few months discovered that the neck had change. I personally thought that graphite necks did stay the same forever. So I too bought what was advertised from manufacturers at that time. I also did discover that basses that had wooden necks and graphite stripes to keep the neck straight are not that good idea either. Wood and graphite has their own “life” when wood moves graphite stays straight so you might end up with a “bump” on the third fret on the fret board at least that was what I did discover most of the time. But again there are always basses where these problems do not show up and that are how it supposed to be. It has all to do with the fact how well we take care of our instrument and even more important how good materials are chosen for our bass when its built. In this case it’s always good to trust companies like Alembic who we all know has the best materials in the world to build basses & guitars. There are differences between Ebony and Ebony and some woods do not mix together that well either. I apologize for my English there can be some errors and misunderstandings but I try my best… | ||
| enzo
Intermediate Member Username: enzo Post Number: 122 Registered: 4-2009 |
Hey Jos, thanks for sharing your experience about this. It's all very interesting ! | ||
| toma_hawk01
Junior Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 18 Registered: 9-2009 |
Jazz, oil that bass down with some lemon oil/olive oil to keep the humility in its place. The oils will be a protective bearer from the humidity. Don't forget the Sun Screen lotion for yourself too. Your bass wants you to be in top shape too  http://planetgreen.discovery.com/work-connect/guitar-fretboard-cleaner-polisher.html (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on September 08, 2009) | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1287 Registered: 9-2002 |
I think that this stability/environment thing is not that big a deal with solid body instruments. I've found over the years that axes that are generally stable and not prone to the rubber-band neck syndrome are going to stay that way, provided they stay in the same environment you do. I've never had to fly my axes in the hold of a jet or move them in the 18-wheelers with the rest of the show. If it's been a solid axe, it usually won't go crazy going to the Bahamas with you. If it is one of those guitars where you're always chasing the action, you'll probably go right on chasing it regardless. Quarter-inch ebony fingerboards are great insurance, plus the laminations, and the double truss rods as well. I always would store them upright in the case, tuned to A440. You can remove the battery if you like. Acoustic instruments with their construction are WAY more affected by environment. I just don't worry about solid bodies as long as I do the common-sense things. Wood will be wood, but I find the older an instrument gets, the less and less it's likely to throw a curve (or a knucleball) at you. | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1650 Registered: 6-2002 |
I the past I've toured with only guitars, all bolt-ons except the orion. I took a Parker Fly to Singapore and was surprised I didn't have to make any neck adjustments at all even though it was very humid there. Once in 2005 I had to lift the nut marginally on my orion guitar when I took it on tour to the eastern bloc countries but that was only a tiny amount and i haven't adjusted it since, not even back to it's former positon. Jazzyvee | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 1093 Registered: 11-2004 |
Hey!!!........ Joey's back!! | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 1507 Registered: 11-2003 |
Joey how the heck are you? | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1294 Registered: 9-2002 |
Well, I'm actually my-T-fine, all things considered. Glad to be back on the world-wide-Wilson ! | ||
| alemberic
Member Username: alemberic Post Number: 89 Registered: 6-2006 |
Hey, Joey, it's been a while! Great to "see" you back on the forum. Eric | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1793 Registered: 6-2002 |
Well it seems the cruise gig is now confirmed as we had a band meeting last night. I've been given the Entertainers manual with all the rules and regulations, dress code which should be a good read. Get this..... informal dress for men........after 18:00, "Jacket and tie, or smart shirt that does not require a tie and can be worn with a linen jacket or blazer style jacket...." Fortunately we are classed as a guest band rather than staff band so we get more freedom on the ship and can access the passenger areas and are allowed off shore on the Caribbean islands which is great as I have family over there in the islands. I've got a couple of weeks to learn the set list which at the moment is 21 tracks. We have one rehearsal next week Thursday then we are off before Christmas. We are playing 4 or 5, half hour sets per day which should keep my fingers well exercised as I have a gig playing my bands Grover Washington Jr tribute set when I get back in January. Jazzyvee | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 1132 Registered: 11-2004 |
Jazzy- which Islands will be on the itinerary? | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1795 Registered: 6-2002 |
Antigua, St Vincent, St Lucia, Barbados, Tortola, St Kitts and Spain. Here is the link to the cruise itenerary. http://www.pocruises.com/Cruises/J922/Itinerary.axd Jazzyvee | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 1133 Registered: 11-2004 |
Nice- I've been to Antigua, St. Lucia and Barbados. I loved St. Lucia. My wife's parents were both from there, so she's able to understand the local patois there, which made it a lot easier to get around. It is an incredibly beautiful Island. Steep mountains and lush vegetation. | ||
| crobbins
Senior Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 504 Registered: 6-2004 |
I put rattlesnake skins in all my guitar cases, they chase away all evil spirits... | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1809 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi, guys i'm already 11 days into the tour/ cruise. Weve been playing every day since we got on board for between 4 and 6 sets per day depending on the requirements of the entertainments officer. I took the Europa 5 bass, left England on 10th in the freezing cold and to date we have been to Madeira, Antigua, and Tortola today was 80 degrees. Currently we are on the way to St Kitts. There has been some movement in the neck causing the action to change, but this has caused less than a semitone of pitch change so I've not adjusted anything other than to re-tune. The ship provided either an ashdown combo or a roland keyboard combo. I chose the Roland and it sounds great I have to say. All is good. oh by the way for anyone looking to get some silica gel crystals for nothing, do what I did and go to your local shoe shop. I was packing some shoes into my case and noticed a couple of silica packs in the box...... bingo....... I zipped up to the local shoe shop and the gave me handfulls of the little silica gel packs. So I stuffed some into my bass case and gave some to the Steel pan players in the band for their cases. Jazzyvee | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1810 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi, guys i'm already 11 days into the tour/ cruise. Weve been playing every day since we got on board for between 4 and 6 sets per day depending on the requirements of the entertainments officer. I took the Europa 5 bass, left England on 10th in the freezing cold and to date we have been to Madeira, Antigua, and Tortola today was 80 degrees. Currently we are on the way to St Kitts. There has been some movement in the neck causing the action to change, but this has caused less than a semitone of pitch change so I've not adjusted anything other than to re-tune. The ship provided either an ashdown combo or a roland keyboard combo. I chose the Roland and it sounds great I have to say. All is good. oh by the way for anyone looking to get some silica gel crystals for nothing, do what I did and go to your local shoe shop. I was packing some shoes into my case and noticed a couple of silica packs in the box...... bingo....... I zipped up to the local shoe shop and the gave me handfulls of the little silica gel packs. So I stuffed some into my bass case and gave some to the Steel pan players in the band for their cases. Jazzyvee | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 617 Registered: 5-2009 |
I am glad those silica gel crystals are working for you guys ! Happy New Year ________ | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1811 Registered: 6-2002 |
I'm back on solid ground, the Europa was fine, some neck movement caused the notes on the first 5 frets on the G-string to buzz a little when fretted but not enough to lose the fundamental note. As most of my tone was bass heavy for calypso and reggae no brightness needed, I decided not to adjust the neck and it was fine. On the way back it flexed back again so by the last gig which was in Vigo Spain everything was back to normal. I did let one of the other bass players on the ship have a go on my bass after I'd finished one gig last week and he loved it. He'd never played one before and was very impressed with everything about it. All in all it was a good experience. No problems with the bass at all really. Jazzyvee | ||
| jcdlc72
Junior Username: jcdlc72 Post Number: 36 Registered: 11-2009 |
Coincidence.. I played in Ponteareas (Vigo,Spain) last August, and had not my Alembic with me... did the show on an Aluminum neck Kramer Duke (Headless), for airplane ease and to enlighten my worries about neck warping... I am currently looking for a nice flight case in my area (can't buy abroad right now... and shipping would also be prohibitively expensive) so maybe on our next tour I'll bring my Epic... Bass-Envy all over the world! :P | ||
| glocke
Senior Member Username: glocke Post Number: 659 Registered: 9-2002 |
Id like to offer my house up for free storage for any you who have alembics that need long term storage! | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 652 Registered: 12-2004 |
What better way to store an alembic......under Glocke & Key!!! | ||
| afrobeat_fool
Intermediate Member Username: afrobeat_fool Post Number: 144 Registered: 7-2009 |
Yo, Jazzyvee. I'm glad the silica packs worked well, and you had a successful trip. Nick |
