Finger player here. I lean towards finger playing mainly because I have an incredibly weak grip. So I tend to drop off picks on the middle of the song. But I'm still persevering though as I find it easier to play some songs using a pick. And mainly because I try to copy Bobby Vega style.
So yeah. Just give it a try. Another technique in the bag.
As been mention above G&L, Laklands, Fenders, Rays. And don't forget Yamaha TRBs. I like their preamp more than my Lakland at the moment if I'm honest.
Neck is awesome.Very light. Lighter than the Warwick. Very comfortable overall. And as you would expect, good tone. Maybe a little different from LH3, but still good.
I feel you. I myself have some shoulder problems. Been to the physio a lot. I've switched to lighter basses now, anything near 9lbs I can't play standing up for half an hour or so. Get well soon!
78 sounds more... "crisp".The Miller sounds more tamed. But I doubt that if it goes active. Personally I'd go for the Miller as it doesn't cost as much as the 78 these days and I bet you're the only one to notice the difference in tone when playing live. But of course nothing beats the mojo of a vintage instrument.
I actually am. I only have 3 basses at the moment. Fender jazz, Warwick jazzman and a Lakland skyline. Planning to sell the Fender and Warwick by the end of the year and get myself a US Lakland and that would be the end of my GAS.... Hopefully.
Very subjective indeed. I've always found Lakland 55-94's deluxe with bird's eye maple boards really good looking.
Specially this one.
[URL=http://s37.photobucket.com/user/hessler312/media/1471840_10202378701661802_1835501982_n_zps37e12e5a.jpg.html][IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e84/hessler312/1471840_10202378701661802_1835501982_n_zps37e12e5a.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Not sure though if you class them as mass produced basses.