hamfist

If money is no object, I'd recommend John East preamps. THe U-retro would be perfect. You would need to drill one more hole, but I would hope that would not be a big issue for the extra functionality. It's no big deal. No different to drilling a hole in any old piece of wood. Just make sure you do it right, first time! I just find the East preamps the most musical to my ears. Admittedly I have not tried everything else out there. My philosophiy with mid frequency selection is ... why put up with fixed mid frequency (or two or 3 switchable frequencies,like an Audere or an Aguilar for example) when you can have a proper parametric mids control with an East. I really do find I can tell the difference with only small tweaks of mid frequency. What's the cavity like at the back ? Plenty of room in there ?

[quote name='theyellowcar' timestamp='1401308805' post='2462386'] I've definitely noticed a bit more 'chunk' compared to my other Precisions which I would put down to the reversed pickup. [/quote] The main difference will be the positioning of the pickup on the bass rather than it's "reversed" orientation. Measured from the 12th fret a std Fender P pickup (the middle bit where the two bits join) will be pretty much bang on 11 inches . The Hoppus model has it much nearer the 12th fret, or further from the bridge, or however you want to explain it. I'd be interested in knowing the exact measurement (12th fret to middle of the two pickup pieces).

GK MB500 would be perfect, with a small cab of your choice. I've not played the MB200 myself but if it fulfils your volume needs then I'm sure it would be ideal. Fan noise is very low on the MB series. Background noise (hiss) is also very low on most units. Although it is a known thing that some of the MB series amps come out of the factory with higher background noise (I have experienced this myself). But if you buy new that's an easy fix as you simply return it as faulty for a replacement unit.

[quote name='Angel' timestamp='1401090492' post='2459825'] Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I'm a bit torn though as I've seen a bass that I would LOVE! 100% what I'd like in a bass, and it won't be available forever. [/quote] Easy solution. Buy the new bass, try it out for a while. Decide which one to keep. Sell the other ! Everyone's a winner.

If you're loving that Squier, don't throw money at another bass. Instead, put a bit of money into upgrading bits and bobs on the squire. TRying some new pickups, or a preamp etc ?

[quote name='geoham' timestamp='1401039048' post='2459408'] Do the Wilkinson ones come out the casing easily enough? [/quote] I don't have an Alnico Wilkinson one currently but have had in the past. I'm almost certain the covers just lift on and off. I DO have Wilkinson Ceramic P bass pickups at the moment, and the covers also lift straight on and off on those.

[quote name='geoham' timestamp='1401015794' post='2459074'] This is going to sound really petty - but I really don't like how the Wilkinson pickups have their name on them. If I could get a plain cover, I'd be happy to try them. [/quote] http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pair-of-PICKUP-COVERS-in-BLACK-CREAM-or-WHITE-to-fit-Precision-P-Bass-guitar-/190980490847?pt=UK_Guitar_Accessories&var=490217062454&hash=item2c7753065f

[quote name='geoham' timestamp='1400955788' post='2458598'] A good enough endorsement for me! Worth a punt at £35 I reckon! Will report back...... [/quote] Don't forget the Wilkinson Alnico P pickup, which at about £30 posted is right up there in quality and tone too !

It's a very good buy at that price. Nice one. I will add that those Ampegs are waaaaay heavier than Selmer T&B 100's though. T&B - about 24kg, Ampeg - about 35kg. The weight is the only thing that has restrained me from buying one of these things, and it's been a pretty close thing. Please don't tell me how great it is once you get it, it won't do my marriage any good (I have spent way too much on bass gear recently) !

Just did a bass swap with Mike. What a top chap. Very reliable, communicated well. Came around to my house (an hour away), exactly when he said he would. Offered a great bass to trade. Thoroughly recommended bloke to deal with !

I've not tried the Tonerider P pickup, but the Tonerider Jazz pair I have are astonishingly good. NOT just for the price either, these are simply great Jazz pickups. The neck pickup in particular has a punch and "precision-ness" about it that I find is very lacking in most other J neck pickups. In no way is it exactly like a Precision, but it's much less woolly and vague than most Jazz neck pickups I have used. The only other J pickups I have used which are comparable in tone are Fralins. The Tonerider bridge J is rather less honky and simply more "funky" than many other J bridge pickups I have used. THey are a really well balanced and articulate set.

There are hundreds of pedals out there that can fatten up an overclean amp. I'd always go the pedal rather than amp route myself. It's just more flexible for the future. I think you also need to define what you mean by "valvey". LIke the word "growl" this can mean almost a hundred different things to hundred different bassists. Time to start grilling the www for some information on exactly what you want and which pedals might achieve that. Also, don't forget the option of ordering a dozen potential pedals from a big retailer to try at home with your rig and then sending all but one (or even all) back again. It's a good way of trying out a lot of pedals with your own rig and bass (which is essential IMO.

My experience was much the same as Brensabre really. I think they are very good value for the money. But if you buy an expensive preamp like an audere, an East, EMG etc, you will hear the difference. In particular I found the parametric mids control to be surprisingly unpowerful on the Artec compared to the equivalent John East unit.

[quote name='hidesert' timestamp='1400771543' post='2456850'] You guys do have the benefit of, I imagine, a flood of 60's Hofners, right? [/quote] You would have to define "benefit" carefully in that sentence.

You got a bargain there Mornats. I was tempted by it myself.

The key difference between SR300 and SR370 is the body wood. 300 is Agathis, 370 is Maple. There is no difference in the electronics or pickups at all.

[quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1400595026' post='2455275'] I'm a compression junkie. I love it! But I have to say that to beat the Marshall ED-1 you have to spend a lot of money. It's cheap and cheerful and sounds brilliant on bass. IMHO it's only at Keeley 4-knob money (£220 ish) that you start to get close to it. The MXR Bass Compressor doesn't get anywhere near it. [/quote] I think you and I are looking for very different things out of a compressor. I'm wanting a subtle always on compressor. One with no low end loss. One that doesn't sound like a compressor, just adds even-ness and "punch" in the mix. IMO, and Ovnilab's, the MXR is in a league above the compressors you mention.