26 July 2010

A drive along the Moray Firth

It was great to see my old mate Richard Dancey again! Richard came to stay in Kemnay for a week, and naturally we had to have a day or two exploring the north-east of Scotland.

Click here to see photos of our day out on the Moray Firth.

Click the pic to enlarge.
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17 July 2010

St. Andre de Valborgne

Another fine piece from Frances - - this is the very floral village square of St. Andre de Valborgne, nearby to Gardoussel.
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14 July 2010

Happy birthday Ge!

70 today, and you don't look anything near it!

I hope you have a really happy day today, and may you have many more in the future.

Much love from Stuart and Paul.

Now click this link
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13 July 2010

Vintage '51 Precision Bass

This is my new pride and joy - a Fender re-issue '51 Precision Bass. Thiis is s special edition of the world's very first bass guitar, produced by the great Leo Fender.

My model was made in Japan, and has that superior lacquer finish associated with Japanese Fenders, even on the fretboard. The body is made of alder, with a one-piece maple neck. The colour is "butterscotch blonde". It has the distinctive Telecaster-style headstock. And machine-knurled knobs!

When first introduced in 1951, the Fender Precision Bass received the following review in the Musical Merchandise Magazine:

Portable string bass really new

RADIO and Television Equipment Co., 207 Oak St., Santa Ana, Calif., announces a new "portable" string bass, which they say can be carried as easily as a guitar.

The new bass is styled similar to the Fender "Telecaster" Spanish guitar, but has only four strings which are tuned the same as on a conventional string bass. The instrument is fretted and includes a built-in electric pick-up.

Obviously, the new bass is a big departure from the standard type of bass, as it is only one-sixth the size and is played in the same position as a guitar, with a neck strap. The body is thin and solid and the neck is slender, the design permitting not only comfort but also ease in playing difficult chords.

Playing is done in "finger style" similar to clasiic guitar, rather than slapping or jerking the strings. It is said that not only can the bass player play difficult material much easier than ever before, but also that he would be less tired after a night of playing, as it requires very little string movement to produce full volume.

(click the pic to enlarge)
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