HazBeen

That was exactly my point, the BB434 is an excellent bass, as the B3n is a great pedal. You simply have to accept that you pay much more for smaller increments in performance and many people happily do. Therefore comparing a B3n to a Helix is like comparing steak with Kobe beef.... you cannot really compare.

Horses for courses, thankfully or we would all have the same kit.

The Yamaha (just an example) BBP34 is 3 times the price of a BB434. “Pretty similar” design and both sound good. Point is, you can get to a very decent level at X price point, then laws of diminishing returns kick in. I would still happily pay 3 times more for the improved sound quality, routing options, UI etc on the HX compared to the B3n.....oh I actually did that already And if I needed amp sims, XLR out and expression pedals I would buy a full fat Helix for 3 times the price of a Helix HX, but I like a separate expression pedal and have my much loved Mesa DI for amp/di to FOH. All things I already owned. B3n is a great bit of kit, but it is a BB434.

I have both the HX and B3n, whilst the B3n is a really good bit of kit for me the HX wins by a country mile for many of the things you indicate already. It also sounds better in my ears, including filters/phasers/chorus/dirt. Parallel signal chain is the key that unlocks the full potential, once you have that under control the B3n gets relegated to home use only. At least it did for me. But opinions are like @-holes, blah blah.

Ask away Dood

You forgot to glue on stones and trinkets...

Well, I do prefer 100% silicone but yes 😂

We can agree to disagree on this.

As do most instruments full stop. The entire music industry caters for GAS, like the new Stingrays there was no intrinsic need to upgrade/update the old. But let’s not get caught in yes/no discussions, Stingrays are quality instruments and for those who feel they are the right decision I am sure they will happily pay the price associated with them.

No, it isn’t. But the names I listed are reputable companies with a good name, not for nothing, that can build to your exact spec. I played Stingrays exclusive for 12+ years, quality instruments, but at these price points there is a lot of competition out there.

Point is you can buy Shukers, highest spec Sandbergs, Bogarts, Alphers etc for that money.....

Custom built in UK or Germany prices...

I remember buying my 1st Stingray in ‘93, it was a 2 band Sea Green (blue green) 4... obviously an H. Cost me an arm and a leg, I was 19 at the time. Nowhere near the ridiculous prices they are now..... still, such is...Fender has also increased prices over time and to me a Stingray = better value for money.

I play like Alanis Morrisette

Same Pedal Power 2 for at least 10 years, never fails.

Bought a Kurandt preamp off Tony, effortless deal, solid comms. Would deal with him again in an instant. Thanks!