Food court choir

 go full screen... turn the volume up!

Simon's Cat 'Snow Business'

You're never too old...

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)

Stu finally gets it...

After many years of seemingly intelligent conversations with Sally and Snowy, it dawned on me that, actually, they weren't as knowledgeable as I believed them to be. But, in all their outpourings, they do at least have a consistent message: "feed me... feed me... feed me..."

I've also noticed that Sally has developed a strange drinking habit.

Click the pic to enlarge.

Emily Smith sings "Caledonia"

;;

Red Funnel boogaloo

John Lewis gets value competitor

Swine flu

Take two... with a bacon buttie!

Esau Wood

Esau Wood saw a woodsaw saw wood like no other woodsaw would saw wood. In fact, of all the woodsaws Wood ever saw saw wood, Wood never saw a woodsaw that would saw wood like the woodsaw Wood saw would saw wood. Would Esau Wood saw wood in the wood with the woodsaw Wood saw saw wood? Yes, Wood would!

Bollards!

These workmen are installing bollards to stop nurses from parking on the pavement outside the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. They are cleaning up at the end of the day.

How long do you think it will be before they realise that they can't go home?

This is a real photograph..!

(photo:anon)