mcnach

That doesn't sound like a 'dead spot' which typically has a much narrower range (1 fret, not 3!), so I lean towards blaming the setup, maybe uneven frets? Can't diagnose from here. I know you say you took it to a 'tech' but... there are techs and there are Techs. A lot of people just use the term very loosely and frankly are not very good at it. If returning it is an option, it might be the simplest way to solve this. If not, find another tech (reputable) for a second opinion. Don't bother with pickup replacements etc, that's not where the problem lies.

That's good to know, thank you! I recently got the WS-90 system and the one thing I don't like is the battery monitor: it just does what it does until level is low and then turns red. The G30 was simple but the 4-bar green/red leds were perfect.

I used the Line6 G30 for over 10 years. I still have it, but lately I don't need a pedalboard for most of what I do, so bringing the additional power supply etc felt a bit clumsy. I recently got a Lekato WS-90 set, which uses the 5.8GHz band and presumably more resistant to interference. It may still be early days but it just works fine and charges quickly (USB, which we always have available on several of our extension units). The only drawback, perhaps, is that it's the type that plugs in directly on the bass. I don't like that. So I do what I was doing with the Line6 already: a small 40-50cm M-F cable from the bass to the wireless transmitter, then the transmitter in my pocket or in a holder on my strap.

But then you risk getting kidnapped rather than losing a guitar... these thieves stop at nothing! Probably the best is to sleep hanging from the window, with your guitar.

16 mm is very common among the cheaper Stingray5 copies, and you can generally tell by looking at the pickups and the relative distances between polepieces, the polepiece diameter, and the pickup edges. On pictures the Z3-5 pickup looks to be for a narrower spacing than the Z7-5. Maybe the Z3 has an overall slimmer neck, much like SBMM do with their Ray4 vs Ray34 etc. I'm 87.4% convinced that the spacing is narrower, but I'm still waiting for an owner to confirm one way or the other.

If string spacing at the bridge matters to you, check it first. I think the Z3-5 is narrower spacing than the Z7-5 (the Z7-5 is 17.5mm, like a Stingray).

Erm... maybe the Z series, not the V, right?

Have you ever thought of a career in diplomacy? 😄

I think something got in my eye...

Yes, but you said he has threatened to quit before and that he'd rather not play than changing his volume... I have no doubt he's a great guy to hang out with and that he plays really well, but in a band you need to think about the band's sound first. However you mentioned earlier that maybe he hasn't realised the full extent of how much his drums affect reaching a balanced sound in front, and the feedback issues with the vocal mic. I think this has to be the first thing, he has to understand that it's not a matter of someone preferring this or that, but that in small venues a loud drumkit can make the band mix unmanageable. Hopefully if he really understands that, he'll be able to compromise.

This is the correct answer

Can't do much when someone is not a team player. A shield around him could be a good idea. It doesn't need to be transparent 😉

Agh, the wait, the wait... I feel your pain. I hope the replacement is in much better condition!