Kiwi

Something like this would be magic for a fretless but I wouldn't want to be holding it all the time. Super strong electromagnets and current is needed for bass strings due to their heavier mass. Maybe neo magnets might make a difference...? I know of someone who had a Sustainiac installed into his custom Shuker bass and it worked but he later had it removed.

I've got a tickly cough that I haven't been able to shake.

[quote name='dood' timestamp='1431105497' post='2767895'] I suspect that personal taste will come in to play when it comes to that decision! My personal tastes had me very impressed with the Nathan East BBNE2 model. [/quote] I agree. I'm not sure its worth the £2400 or so being asked by retailers (especially considering they sell for £1400 in Japan) but its a very good bass none the less. Some of the version 1 (through necked) TRB5 basses are very good, particularly if you like wide string spacing. But they rarely come up for sale these days.

Deep Impact repairs aren't supported by Akai any more and their distribution is all over the place - which distributor looks after which Akai product depends on when it was made. These guys were close to me but very expensive - something like £60 an hour in labour. http://www.londontuberambles.co.uk/cyberwave/index.htm Or there are these guys http://www.synthrepairservices.com/repairs/ Depending on what the problem is with your pedal, a competent amp repair man might be able to at least identify the issue. Thats how I eventually got my power socket issues sorted.

I'd be depressed as hell on a desert island so my music would be uplifting. Song 1: Lark Ascending - Ralph Vaughn Williams Song 2: Fanfare for the Common Man - Aaron Copeland Song 3: Thunderstruck - AC/DC Song 4: Happy - Pharrell Williams Song 5: Ain't Nobody - Chaka Khan Song 6: Good Times - Chic Song 7: Flying in a Blue Dream - Joe Satriani Song 8: Mr Blue Sky - ELO Book: SAS Survival Guide Luxury: Laptop full of ripped movies and e-Books with solar powered charger and satellite internet connection. (gh) Seriously though...a machete.

Happy with mine although I don't play them very often these days.

Rivera-era built/designed go for about US$600-800 in the states. Here it's a bit higher (probably the same number in £) as they're not as common. The Rivera amps aren't perfect (the speakers are often upgraded) but it was a golden age for Fender amps. Let me know if you change your mind about buying it.

When was it built?

I use Armstrong PIckups and they custom wind. They also have massive experience in making for other manufacturers so if you are seeking a specific pickup they'll know how to replicate it.

Tragic

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3087948/But-play-Queen-Prince-William-reveals-hidden-talent-bass-guitar-signed-80s-pop-group-Aswad.html

[quote name='grumpyguts' timestamp='1432053965' post='2777626'] Checking out my phone bill on the Talk Talk website and happen to look at the "news" page; it turns out Prince William plays bass. [/quote] He would be the ultimate bedroom player. It's not like he'll be out gigging pubs or doing weddings on a weekend. If anything it's a bit sad that he'll never be able to play regular gigs without the protection squad in tow. Would love to know why he took bass up.

Matter of taste. Some basses compress the highs because of the woods used e.g. Warwick Thumb. Others don't. If you decide that you need compression then you can attempt to add a valve somewhere along the signal chain for the lightest of touches e.g. Avalon U5 DI. [size=4]Or use a compressor. Then there's the decision about how much compression and which band - e.g. Trace Elliot Dual Comp or EBS Hexacomp. And then, if you decide to go full comp of all bandwidth, some do it more attractively than others...[/size] [size=4]Get out there and see what works for you. Sometimes a multi effects unit like the Zoom B3 can give a flavour of what to expect. [/size]

[quote name='lowdown' timestamp='1431761423' post='2774632'] On the up side, the high society gigs do pay really well. [/quote] There is that...