Dan Dare

The paper driver cones and acoustic stuffing will have absorbed the fag smoke, so you'll probably have to take them out, let the drivers air for a while and wash and thoroughly dry the stuffing before putting it all back together. Worth trying the baking soda trick in the empty cab at the same time. Just ensure you hoover it all out before re-assembly.

One is silver with black writing. The other is black with yellow writing.

Stock VVT for me. I've tried alternatives, including an active East pre', but only the stock set-up gives me the classic J bass sound - neck on full, bridge and tone backed off a smidge. Ymmv of course.

Yep. You can't take it with you. I would add that expensive doesn't always equal better, depending on what you want/need. In terms of function, the law of diminishing returns kicks in once you get towards £2k and upwards. However, pride of ownership is important. A nicer instrument will make you happier than a giant telly.

The Poxies

You can't adjust/straighten a damaged stylus. A replacement OE stylus for that cart' is around £60. I'd be leery of no-name or knock-off ones, but it's your choice. Google it and you'll find plenty. It goes without saying that you shouldn't play your vinyl if the stylus is as badly out of alignment as you state. You'll do serious damage. It's worth replacing very old belts on turntables as they do stretch and even perish. If it's 40 years old, it could probably do with a drop of oil for the bearing, but enquire of the everything Dual website you refer to.

I'd still have a look inside the plugs to check the connections. Even if they're Eich and genuine Neutrik, mistakes can still happen at the factory. Has to be worth taking a couple of minutes to make sure. Combo jack/Speakon sockets use different connections internally for each type of plug. I'd ask a tech' to check over the amp if nothing solves the issue. We can't really offer anything other than suggestions.

Is the plug on your cable genuine Neutrik? There are some truly poor knock-offs about that fit badly. If not, try a real one and see if that improves matters. Those on the amp look genuine. They are good for many thousand insertions (ooer, etc). I've never had one wear out. You might also check the connections in the plugs are good. Just unscrew the locking collar and you'll be able to get inside to check.

I find it helps to add a washer before fitting the dog bone tightener.

Absolutely. It's just good sense to be nice to the sound guy (or gal). Wherever I've worked, whether at the day job or in bands, I've made sure to be friendly to security/door staff, sound people, bar/wait staff and similar. They can ensure you have a pleasant experience or make life awkward, so, even if you look at it from a purely selfish point of view, it's a smart move to be nice to them.

I like 5" drivers. Lots of 'em.

She uses the swell pedal, as all organists do, but not rhythmically, i.e. in a fixed time. She's using both feet on the bass pedals, which will obvs be rhythmic. I think that's what you're seeing.

Yep. Check out Barbara Dennerlein, too. Amazing bass pedal work.

Spot on. Danny and Fil at Wings of Pegasus deserve our support. Edited to add: I just watched Mohini D's response video through and it was a cringe-fest. The good news was that she copped a lot of grief in the comments.

Somewhat hurt response? Somewhat calculated, more like. Little to no make-up and, most unusually for her, no flesh on display (Danny jibed at her making videos in her underwear). Yes, she's an exceptional musician. She's also a grade A grifter - the amount of product placement in the video she and the boyfriend made that Danny went to town on was ridiculous.