Author Topic: Sunshine on my Spyder? (Read 193 times)

ox_junior · « **on:** May 31, 2004, 10:30:31 AM »

Thanks to Oliver and Alan who have already helped me with this, but I wanted to throw this question at the entire family:

I have a few outdoor gigs coming up. Since it's well-documented that direct exposure to the elements do have a potentially negative effect on action, I'm concerned that my first outdoor gig will knock my Spyder out of whack and will require a setup after that. Of course I don't want to have to have my bass set up after every gig.

Anyone else have problems when playing outdoors? Any helpful hints on how to manage this?

Thanks in advance. Mike

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** May 31, 2004, 11:02:52 AM »

I think the biggest factor is a sudden change in humidity. When you unload, leave the bass in the case for a while as you are setting up your rig and helping the drummer and guitar player; it's my impression that leaving it in the case lets it more gradually get acclimated to the change in humidity. And I think it is probably a good idea to avoid direct sunlight.

ox_junior · « **Reply #2 on:** May 31, 2004, 03:04:36 PM »

Why on earth should I help my drummer and guitar player?

Last time I played outside with my Exploiter, it was 90 degrees and there was no roof on the stage. Had pretty massive back bow the next day. We'll see what happens, show by show - if I get there and see that the bass would be directly exposed to the sun, I'll play my backup Fender.

Not a lot of humidity here in Los Angeles!

Mike

David Houck · « **Reply #3 on:** May 31, 2004, 04:06:24 PM »

Only if you want to get started on time .

ox_junior · « **Reply #4 on:** June 01, 2004, 04:37:02 PM »

Well, I played a two-hour outdoor gig today, with my Spyder - mostly in direct sunlight. I was frightened out of my wits - nearly played behind the drummer to get into the shade! But- this baby stayed in tune the entire show, with apparently no negative effects on the neck! The Spyder bass and Alembic craftsmanship - right on the money!

I did help my drummer and guitarist, by the way. They helped me lug my Trace Elliot cabinets up and down. I'm a good lad. Now, the little singer, we have to work on HIM!

One funny thing I didn't realize - when I bought this bass, I stocked up on Rotosound RS66 long scale strings. Yesterday, I went to change the original Alembic strings - and realized that the RS66LDs are TOO SHORT! Ha! The joke was on me.

Fortunately, they do make RS66s in extra long scale. Whew - didn't want to change brands. Ordered up a couple of sets. FYI - If anyone is contemplating buying a Spyder and/or using Rotosounds on their Spyder, you will need RS66EL (extra long) strings. That is, if you use 45-105 gauge. Rotosound does not make extra longs in any gauge other than 45-105.

Any other climate experiences?

Mike

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 01, 2004, 04:55:46 PM »

Hi Mike
I'm glad your first outdoor show went well. I would think humidity changes would cause more problems than temperature shifts (within reason). In the 70's (my stupid youth) I used to leave my Guild Starfire in the van during Iowa winters for a week straight between gigs and never had neck problems. Just a little anecdote.

By the way, did you name this thread in honor of John Denver?

Mike (the warped one)

ajdover · « **Reply #6 on:** June 01, 2004, 05:36:05 PM »

Mike,

I found out the same lesson with the Rotos when I went to replace the CX-3's that came with my Spyder - RS66's are too short. Since I use a lighter gauge, I had no choice but to resort to what was on hand (GHS Extra Long Scale) for my Spyder. I'm going to look into DRs as well.

I've not had my Spyder outside for a gig, so I can't comment on climate experiences other than to say that it still plays great after a move from northern VA to southeastern NC. I'm not a typewriter style player, so I think truss rod adjustments and setups aren't as important to me as are the gauge of strings (which we've discussed privately). I have a fairly low action on my Spyder, and it works for me.

Anyway, I'm glad it all went well. And you're right about Alembic craftsmanship and the Spyder - both are on the money. Lots of money! :-)

Regards,

Alan

P.S. ... with apologies to the late John Denver

Sunshine on my Spyder makes me happy
Sunshine on my neck can make me cry
Sunshine on the fretboard looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes My Wife high

If I had a string that I could give you
I'd give to you the string that would fit
If I had a song that I could sing for you
I'd sing Sister Disco to make you feel okay

Sunshine on my Spyder makes me happy
Sunshine on my neck can make me cry
Sunshine on the fretboard looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes my wife high

If I had a tale that I could tell you
I'd tell a tale of my gig, and make you smile
If I had a wish that I could wish for you
I'd make a wish for another Spyder for all the while

Sunshine on my Spyder makes me happy
Sunshine in my neck can make me cry
Sunshine on the fretboard looks so lovely
Sunshine almost all the time makes My Wife high

ox_junior · « **Reply #7 on:** June 02, 2004, 10:40:24 AM »

I think Alan is the best parody songwriter I've heard since Al Yankovic!

Mike, did you get warped by leaving yourself in your van too long?

M

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 02, 2004, 05:34:22 PM »

We used to go over the Missippi River bluffs (nice steep hills) in the back of the Ford van with the equipment out and sitting in a big inflatable easy chair with three organ covers tossed over our heads.

But I'm better now .... really

Mike