Matty C Music

29/05/2026

I think I'm there. It's pretty clear at this point that I'm an Ibanez and Fender guy.

My recent bass journey has really been about figuring out what I want to record and play live with DARK ISLES, and it's been an absolute blast. Since getting my '65 Jazz, things have become even more interesting.

To cut a long story short, I've landed on a simple approach. My Ibanez Prestige SR3500 will be the main beasty for recording and live work. However, my '65 Jazz is going to be the bass I learn all the songs on.

It's a much more demanding instrument to play, no less fun, by the way, but it really forces me to focus on my technique. My thinking is that when I then move everything across to the Ibanez, which is an absolute dream to play, all that extra discipline and attention to detail will pay off.

I genuinely love this process.

How do you approach things like this? Do you stick with one instrument for everything, or do you have different tools for different jobs? I tend to like consistency in pretty much everything I do, it's just how my brain is wired, but I'd love to hear how others tackle it.

Cheers ☺️☀️🎸

PS: It also means my 2022 Made in Japan Fender Hybrid II Jazz is looking for a new home. Give me a shout if you're interested

25/05/2026

They’re still drawing me in. I’ve been having issues with the way they sit without a strap on my lap, and therefore causing cramping issues in my right arm due to the break angle at the wrist. However, with a strap administered, so far, no issues. This could be a game changer. I shall keep experimenting this week. Updates to follow.

Night all. Hope you can sleep in this heat. Catch you soon 🥵🎸✨🤘🏼

23/05/2026

The more I pick this up and play it, the more I fall in love with it. This is everything I used to hate. Sunburst, 71/4” radius, tortoise shell pick guards, but the history, the feel, and the beauty of this instrument has completely won me over. It fascinates me on every level. What story’s it has to tell. I know I bought it as an investment, but it’s become so much more than that. I’ve spent a good couple of hours this evening just looking at it, playing it, and admiring it. The simple things, eh? ☺️☀️🥰 xx

23/04/2026

*** £850.00 ***

I’m a music shop’s wet dream. I buy so much flipping gear but now, it has to stop. After 40 years of playing this game, you would’ve thought I’d learned by now. But, oh no…….

Anyhoo, I’ve come full circle and moved back to my first love, Fender. Having made this move, it means gear that will no longer be used, will have to go. So I’m starting here with this incredible Ibanez Premium SR1340B.

I’ve had this beautiful bass for 8 months, bought new from Bass Direct, so it is in new condition still. To be fair, even if I’d owned it for 10 years it would be in new condition as I have an illness that prevents my gear from being damaged.

This bass is stunning to play, an uber comfortable neck, with an incredible sounding pre-amp aided by the brilliant Nordstrand Big Singles pickups. The body design is perfect and the way the colours change and pop on this bass is a real talking point. Must be seen in person to understand. A nice light bass too (3.8kg). I have set it up with a stupidly low action and comes with a set of LaBella Super Steps stainless steel 40-100. Piano like tones. Lush!

I would prefer collection from Cowbridge, South Wales, but happy to post at buyers expense. It comes with a thin gig bag, but if you have something better, please bring that along. I’d also be happy to deliver within a reasonable distance of Cardiff/Bridgend for a contribution towards fuel costs.

I’ve priced to sell and I feel whoever gets this bass will be getting a superb “new” bass at a great saving.

Thanks for reading and if you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch. Take care.

Cheers,

Matt ✨

20/04/2026

I’ve had this beauty for a week now, and I am well and truly smitten. I really didn’t think it would ever be played and just kept as an investment piece, but I love it. It plays so well. I hope I fair this well if and when I reach the ripe old age of 61. What a bass. I’ve bought a new case for it as the original really needs to be kept safely in storage. My Fender Fever is in full flow. Doh! 🙄🤦‍♂️😂🥰

22/03/2026

I cannot emphasise how excited I am about what we are working on. Enjoying it so much ☺️✨🤘🏼🙏🏻 xx

Evening all. Sorry for the perceived radio silence, but things are moving ever forward, just quietly and without too much social media, overblown fanfare 🤫

The writing process is ever evolving, as it should be, but we’re making some seriously exciting headway with this album and its concept. The Dark Isles sphere is taking shape, and it’s something special, we promise

Today, Lewis, Ryan and Matt were back in The Clubhouse working on a brand new track, and honestly, it’s flipping epic on every level. It’s one of those moments where everything just falls in to place. It’s pushing us hard, too.

This is building into something much bigger than we first imagined. More soon, we promise.

The islands are stirring……. ☺️✨ xx

19/03/2026

It’s the first time this year I’ve been in The Clubhouse with no heating on, no coat, the window open, and super fast broadband. The studio Mac is now updated, I’m saving channel strips and documenting settings, then continuing work on the quite awesome DARK ISLES debut album. It feels so good. A proper geek out. Cheers 🤓☀️🤘🏼 xx

12/03/2026

Happy 70th Birthday to the man, the myth, the legend that is Steve Harris. Everyone knows what this band and its music means to me, and especially the influence the bass had on me. Here’s to Steve and Iron Maiden. Cheers ☺️🤘🏼🍻✨

22/02/2026

Does anyone else hoover the inside of their instrument cases, or am I the only sad barstaard around here? 👀🤦‍♂️😂 xx

20/02/2026

I’ve been living with this beauty for just over two weeks now. Did the usual setup, quick clean, and threw on an old set of strings just in case we didn’t bond… but we absolutely did.

There was a little rattle on the high F (22nd fret, G string), so today I went in properly. Strings off, fret and board clean and oil, checked the frets hadn’t lifted, fresh strings on, full setup. Still a slight rattle… then I realised the G string action was a touch lower than I’d normally have it. Half a turn on the saddle screws and presto, gone.

I genuinely love fettling with my own basses. Getting to know their character and quirks creates a real bond. It’s such a personal thing.

Have a great weekend all ☺️✨🙏🏻🤘🏼 xx