Jakester

I've played 5-string 35" scale pretty much exclusively for the last few years and (apart from a few forays to try the new kid on the block) have tended to always use DR strings. My faves are DR Pure Blues, Sunbeam or Nickel Lo Riders. They do 'go off' pretty quickly from the initial brightness but then they tend to stay where they are almost indefinitely thereafter. I have played the stainless Hi Beams and Lo Riders but found them a little too stiff for my liking. Also got some DR Legends flats on my fretless and love them. Could your issue be a slight harmonic sounding on the B when you complete the finger stroke? I had this on another guitar and found it was just the new pickups/EQ making what was always there more prominent i.e. it was a technique issue but only noticeable on a new bass with 'better' pickups. You could try and EQ it out, or use a Fretwrap or similar, or just work on the note technique so it goes away.

I use a K&M tablet holder which screws to the top of a mic stand when all I need is the tablet. When I'm doing rehearsals or gigs that need a larger stand, I use a RAT Stand Jazz stand. I can see that they've just started offering a tablet stand too: https://www.ratstands.com/product/universal-tablet-jazz-stand/ Can't really speak more highly of the Jazz stand, so I would have thought the tablet stand would be at least as good.

I have and use several different ACS plugs and IEMs - I have a custom set for sleeping, and those can sometimes result in me waking up in the night due to one of them causing the ear to hurt. I do think it's probably the nature of shoving relatively inflexible things into your ears that they'll start to ache after a while, as the plugs aren't going to move as much or will move differently to your ears over time. I second the comfort cream recommendation; the only downside for me is the ACS stuff is so expensive. There was a product called 'Auragel' which was perfect, but it seems the company that manufactured it went bust so it's no longer available. On alternative I had recommended to me is Otoferm, but I absolutely hate the smell of it, and it has triggered something like the eczema @MacDaddy mentions above. I'm in the process of trying alternatives still so will report back if I find anything that works.

I've found it, but it sounds like you don't now need it....

Hi Matt - I may have a pickguard lying around somewhere. I definitely had an L2000 or M2000 (can't remember which) and bought a pickguard off someone on here which fit perfectly. I'll have a dig through and see if I can find it.

I have struggled over the years with various RSI-type problems, particularly tendinitis in my forearms. Going to the doctor was no help at all - they simply said to rest the affected area, which, when it's your arms and hands, is unhelpful. I've found this book to be very helpful with exercises to relieve the inflammation short term but also helping to prevent injury by helping you to develop mobility and resilience in the relevant areas. https://amzn.eu/d/3B1NHtE

Mike bought some LaBella strings off me after I couldn't get on with them - all went well and I hope you enjoy them!

Assuming it was this case: https://www.gear4music.com/Woodwind-Brass-Strings/Westbury-Deluxe-Padded-3-4-Double-Bass-Gig-Bag-with-Wheels/1MBI A product should be of satisfactory quality and reasonably fit for purpose or, if you make an express purpose known to the seller before purchase, reasonably fit for that purpose (ss9-10, Consumer Rights Act 2015). S11(4) CRA2015 states: "Any information that is provided by the trader about the goods and is information mentioned in paragraph (a) of Schedule 1 or 2 to the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/3134) (main characteristics of goods) is to be treated as included as a term of the contract." Schedule 2 (relating to off-premises (i.e. internet) sales of the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 specifies that information as being "the main characteristics of the goods, services or digital content, to the extent appropriate to the medium of communication and to the goods, services or digital content". So the description set out on the webpage arguably becomes a term of the contract between you and the seller. G4M stated that the case "offers comfortable protection for your three quarter size double bass... This model also comes with attached wheels, providing you with a more comfortable transport method for long distances. The generous 22mm padding protects your instrument from any bumps or knocks whilst on the road. ... the BC003 is suitable to transport your three quarter size double bass to live events, band practice and the studio." Accordingly, it was arguably a term of the contract that: the case offered 'comfortable protection' it could protect your bass during transportation of your bass for long distances; it had 'generous 22mm padding' to protect your bass; it was suitable to transport your bass to gigs, practices and the studio. If, as you suggest, there was inadequate padding G4M are in breach of the implied and express terms of the contract between you. The remedy for breach of contract is damages to put you in the position you would have been had they performed the contract as required. As such, you would be entitled to the claim the cost of any repair (since had the case been fit for purpose your bass would not have been damaged), plus arguably any incidental costs (such as hire of an alternative bass, transport costs etc). I'd be letter before claiming G4M for the cost of repair and then small claims court if they decline.

Could it be this? https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555456151939 I've been meaning to go, but I really struggle to make the dates after work. Looks like a great regular event though.