Rayman

This I was going to suggest the same

It’s worth remembering, that a pickup is basically a magnet, and isn’t usually a particularly complicated component. The build quality and parts can vary massively of course. I retained the “cheap” pickups in my Sunn basses, because by removing the pots and dropping a great quality wiring loom in, those simple and basic pickups were transformed. The basses sound absolutely fantastic. For the price of a couple of looms (£40 each), the basses are perfect tonally, while avoiding the cost of two more expensive pickups. In my opinion, the EQ plays a bigger part in that transformation of tone than replacing the pickups would have.

“If I can’t change your mind” I played it to my ex the day we broke up….. years ago now…. I still struggle to listen to it. Love Bob. I saw Hüsker Dü a few times back in the day.

Crime of the Century is a must have record

Quite a few folks will say start with the pickups…. in my personal experience I always start with the onboard tone controls. A great quality Pre can really breath new life into perceived modest pickups. I’ve wasted a ton of money on expensive pickup “upgrades” over the years, and I’ve learnt, that to start with the Pre is a better way to go. Many will disagree with me. If you love the bass, and intend to keep it, then that’s the way I’d go personally. However if you’re thinking of selling it, obviously don’t waste your time. Been there, done it.

Back in the day, as the front man mostly, then later bass and vocals, I was pretty silly. Let's just leave that there. Now, like Bassassin, I've worked out that playing well live does not equate to anything more than water during the gig, and if I'm not driving, a couple of whisky after.

Oh… ok, cool

Nice…. What’s the Ventures connection? I always think of Mosrite with them?

OOOOF ! That’s proper

Not only do they make, in my opinion, the best bass amplifiers, but if you’re lucky enough call in and see them, they are the most amiable, passionate and generally awesome people you could ever wish to meet. I purchased a pretty tired EVO II 500 combo from here recently, at a bargain price. I took it apart, cleaned the cab and vacuumed it out, and took the amp stage into Ashdown for a service and replacement parts. Unbelievably lovely people, unbelievable value repairs and this old ABM now sounds absolutely stellar. I had one years ago, and totally loved it, but mistakenly, I went down the smaller, lighter, more expensive rig route, and could never recreate my sound. The band never forgave me for it. Now, this 20yr old EVO II has a new lease of life, and according to Dave Green, another 20yrs in it at least. I’ll never go for another brand, they are my sound. A small British company, with a big heart, made up of awesome people, building awesome amps. Proper amps.

2 x ‘80s Sunn Mustangs. One with flats, one with tapes… both identical, inc the KiOgon looms in both. Everything else is stock.

Yep, I couldn’t find any information at all. A red one popped up on the bay a few days ago, but disappeared really quickly before I could consider it.

Out of interest, why do you want to change the pups on the M2?

Did you order via PayPal? If so, start a claim straight away.

Depends on what kind of sound you like, if you want versatility, style of music etc…. Go and try basses in stores as much as you can, it really is the only way to know what floats your boat. In my opinion, I’d be looking at maybe a Sire V7 or V9, G&L Tributes are all great basses too. Ibanez SR and Yamaha BB basses, all brilliant. Guitar players may prefer the slim neck and smaller body on the Ibanez SR range. If you buy used, that opens even more doors. You really need to try them though, it’s horses for courses.

I’d never seen a 32.5 scale bass (that I was aware of) until this came along. A very nice thing, nice to play, lovely fretboard, I like it a lot. Surprisingly high output, lots of highs and lows being active. It does feel different, the scale length, but comfortable.

I’m still on the lookout for an off white one, to build a Laura Lee tribute.

I’m looking to get into home looping, with a view to maybe some live gigs in the future, if I can get my head around it. However after decades of band gigs, but being now bandless, it’s a bit daunting. I’m a bit thick with regards to pedals, never really been into them. I want an easy to use, second hand looper. I’m not into the single, double tap switch thing, like on the mini ditto, so I’m thinking of an old Boss loop station? I like a switch for on and another for off….. the double tap to stop thing does my t**s in. Any recommendations? Ta

😞 I feel like **** now It’d be interesting to hear from someone in that position, to know how it works

Fair enough, maybe I’m expecting too much

So I’m sure, that when you or your band are successful, you’re very busy, and you receive a ton of messages via social media, that take a lot of time to respond to, and it’s probably impossible to respond to more than a select few. However, every so often, I’ll message the occasional musician via Instagram messages usually. Just with a brief message. Dave Swift, who frankly is a total legend, always replies…. Tim Lefevre replied to me, and a few others too. As long as you don’t take the mick and try to be best buds, mostly, bass players are cool. However, there are exceptions. I messaged a bass player, in a well known funk pop band with a bit of a diva frontman who likes hats. I mentioned that myself and Mrs Rayman were getting married soon and going to see his aforementioned band play live at an open air festival thing. I asked if there was any chance of a “quick hello” and picture as part of our pre wedding celebrations, it would mean a lot. He read the message, and never replied. Not even with “Sorry, it’s not possible, but good luck with your wedding”….. nothing. Obviously he’s too big time to respond to fans and fellow bass players? Whatever

I’m afraid BD need to pull their fingers out. I know lots of you love the place, but my experience does not make me feel like same. Online retailers have to be “on it” to compete with the big boys. My employers are very much reliant on a professional online presence, and part of my job is to follow up technical questions customers have, with email and site visits. It’s vital that we are professional and reliable. Any business relies on a good reputation and word of mouth recommendations from customers. BD seem to be struggling to maintain the standard required, from what I see.

You’re right of course, I really should have forgotten all about the internet

Back from 37 degrees in Mojácar to a grey and damp Macclesfield 😞…. deciding whether or not I can be arsed driving North again to see Jamiroquai tonight in Lytham st Annes, probably not tbh. I was genuinely excited to get my hands on a bass, and arranged the delivery of my serviced Ashdown EVO 500 head. So all is good, nice to be home, and of course I missed you all.