tauzero

I saw a band years ago who worked to this stupid idea of the drummer having to follow the rest. The drummer was excellent, she was a rock solid timekeeper and very competent. The guitarists simply ignored what she was doing and randomly speeded up and slowed down, and she had to follow what they were doing. They sounded bloody awful. I've always played in bands where the drummer set the time - a couple of them have been a little erratic but most have been good (and able to start at the right speed).

With a former three-piece band, I would arrive first, set up the PA and my bass rig, and then when the drummer and guitarist arrived I'd be squeezed into any corner available.

For a silent stage. This is very confusing. Doesn't a silent stage with no backline mean I don't use backline? Or can I use backline silently and we just mime?

Yes, but for some reason lined fretlesses are popular. It seems strange, you hardly ever see training wheels on bicycles, but manufacturers make most fretlesses lined, and when you're buying a custom bass second-hand you don't get to specify it.

AFAIK, no and no. Neither Tonelib-Zoom nor (as far as I can make out) Zoom's own GuitarLab will control either the B6 or B2-Four, either on Windows or Android. Zoom seem obsessed with iOS to the exclusion of all else.

I'm not sure as I haven't used any effects which use the "control switch" (there are a few others), but I can only think that the footswitch for the effect doesn't switch the effect entirely on or off but just controls the relevant parameters.

They have less markup as Thomann owns HB so they can sell them at cost if they want without making a loss, then flog you all the accessories for a profit.

No, through a combo. Hence "upgrade the vocal-only PA" and "find somewhere to store the active sub".

I like it, although I wouldn't have one as I prefer more restrained designs.

I believe a tutu is the approved apparel. Although perhaps in the interest of differentiation, a leotard would suffice.

Is it good for metal?

OK. All I have to do is upgrade the vocal-only PA so it'll take bass too, find somewhere to store the active sub and employ a slave to move it, mic up the drums, and either mic up the guitar amps or persuade the guitarists to go through the PA. A couple of thousand quid and an extra hour of setting up per night should cover it.

Alternatively, just get a Zoom MS-60B (not a Plus) and set it up to cycle between patches. Use the Tonelib Zoom editor to set up the patches.

https://yoshblog.com/en/review/b2-four/ From looking over the various reviews of the B2 Four, buyers seem to be very happy with it. There's a very detailed 4* review at Amazon.com that's worth looking at - https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B0BW6BSPLV/ref=cm_cr_unknown?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=four_star&reviewerType=all_reviews&pageNumber=1#reviews-filter-bar

Haven't played with a 5-piece since 2010 except for one dep gig with them in 2016, just consulted photos and I was second row on the drummer's right, one side or the other of the rhythm guitarist. Although now my smart-alec answer would be "I don't, I sit down".

Fretlesses also have markers, whether they're lined or unlined. Go figure. I prefer unlined but I'd rather have my lined fretless Sei than no fretless Sei.

This is something I've been complaining about ever since the Zoom MS-100BT which only had an iOS app. Zoom are ignoring the majority of smartphones and tablets.

Tonelib doesn't support the B6 or B2-Four yet and there doesn't seem to be any response from them on the subject - they're a commercial operation and Tonelib-Zoom is freeware so they might not feel any great impetus to update it. Zoom GuitarLab was last updated in 2022. I think Zoom have just lost a sale.

Also listed at Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/gb/zoom_multi_stomp_ms_60b_590550.htm - £138 plus a tenner shipping, availability listed as "on request". The Bax listing now says "Delivery within approx 15 workdays" and it's down to £135.

Just noticed that the Cort is down to £649 at Thomann.

Beware, he may suddenly shout out "checkmate!" at an inopportune moment.

That's all very well, but what if he gets hypnotised by the light and never starts?

Their website filtering seems a bit odd - if you filter on basses that are in stock, a lot of the results are marked as "sold".

https://zoomcorp.com/en/gb/multi-effects/multistomp-pedals/ms-60b-plus/ - the Zoom GB offering on the MS-60B+.

Are you looking for a set and forget type or do you want multiple patches for assorted sounds? What is "not too expensive"? Have you had a look at the Zoom B2-Four? Similar capabilities to the B6, not as many switches and no touch screen but half the price.