Kirky

I have a MB Fusion and a MB200 and like them both. I'm not sure how close they are tonally, I tend to use them in very different environments. I seem to remember reading a thread on Talkbass where someone was saying that the MB200 is quite different to all the other MB series amps.

I've got a Gallien Krueger MB Fusion and previously had an Ampeg PF500 - I don't play with heavy distortion, just a touch from a DHA VT1 in some songs, but I'm sure both would suit your needs. They're both very loud and nice, but I preferred the tone of the GK in the end.

I used to take a tuba to school on my bike, over the handlebars, many years ago.

That's a great tribute.

Another useful avenue is to get along to a local jam night. You can make a few contacts and build up the courage to get up and have a go. I concur with everyone else who has said playing with others is the best way forward - it will aid your development at a rate of 10 to 1 compared with learning on your own imo.

I think its because there's never been a 'golden' era, but that's because there's never been a poor era. Rickenbacker's build quality has been consistently high so people will buy a new one with confidence. There's no need to pay a premium for a vintage one in all but the most exceptional circumstances.

And wow, that Derek Trucks solo is beautiful, posted further up.

Pino's work with John Mayer and Steve Jordan is fantastic - he never overplays, and his timing is absolutely on the button. Their version of I Got a Woman is a great example. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RckfbOm84Qc"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RckfbOm84Qc[/url]

I have a MB Fusion and its a fantastic amp, light, powerful and with great tonal flexibility - I love the 4 band eq. Previously I've had 700RB which was also great. No real experience with Genz stuff I'm afraid.

I did the originals thing in my youth, and tbh the fame, fortune, soulless massive gigs, endless groupies, ridiculous riders etc just got boring. A few blues covers and the Dog and Duck is heaven now.... I'm with Wot on this - its all music. Unfortunately I don't play any originals at the moment, but you never know. I'm another 50 yo (later this year) and I don't discount playing with younger musicians in order to rekindle the creative spark.

Great gig at a biker gang's clubhouse near Leeds. Scary to look at, but very friendly crowd, and looks like we got some more clubhouse bookings out of it. The MB Fusion and 2 Compacts sounded brilliant, and I used the DHA bass drive a bit too.

Larry Taylor played bass for Tom Waits, amongst others, I think.

You have to share your holy grail setup with us... I feel the same actually, with my GK MB Fusion and 2 x Compacts.

I made a note of this last year when I was deciding whether to get a second Compact or a Midget (I went for the Compact in the end). The price was £450 + £40 Neodym surcharge + £25 delivery + £25 for the silver cloth, totalling £540 for the silver cloth option delivered.

[sup][size=3]The bass sounds lovely[/size].[/sup]

Lozz, I've got a VT1 Bass Drive that I'm not using just now. I don't want to sell it, but if you're interesting in borrowing it to try it out, drop me a pm. Its [url="http://www.davehallamps.co.uk/page26.html"]this one[/url]. Martin

My little blues/rock/soul combo, Motor City Blue, playing the New Inn in Guiseley tomorrow night (1st Feb). Came and say hello if you're in the area.

One or two Barefaced Compacts. Usually one.

Similar experience. I played my Musicmaster exclusively until I got my Mex Precision deluxe a couple of years ago since I've barely picked up the Musicmaster. I've been thinking of digging it out again for at least a rehearsal but I suspect it will feel a bit strange.

I joined a blues band a year ago and its really the first time I played the blues. Everything suggested above is good, and seems to cover most of our set list! ## I've also really enjoyed listening to Pino Palladino's playing with the John Mayer trio.

There are so many ways of avoiding rip-off merchants like this. Don't get caught in their sordid little grasp.