Lfalex v1.1

Meanwhile, (topically) in the year 10,191...

And likely the most stable "stringed" instrument?

I guess no-one notices, especially live.

Probably these two! I'd neglected the issues that analogue studios (though not exclusively) have or what mixing/ tape speed decisions might have been made.

To clarify- pitch. Example (which triggered the idea for this thread)- Every Little Thing She Does is Magic by The Police Try to play it against the original on an even-temperament A=440hz tuned bass and it's way off. Microtonal adjustments on a fretless could compensate, but I reckon you'd need to be a stellar fretless player to pull it off. And then there's the guitar...

I know they sound "distinctive" or some such, and they're fine in a (recording) studio setting where there's time to re-tune everyone's instruments. But what does everyone do when it comes to playing them live?

Another vote for the usual G&L suspects. Almost a Fender, but tweaked in all the right ways. Personally, I rather like the MFD pickups.

I wouldn't not buy one on the basis of it being a signature model. I had a Yamaha Attitude BS 10th Anniversary. Brilliantly (MIJ) made instrument. Top-notch pickups and Tuners and a pukka matching Hipshot de-tuner. However, it didn't really suit me. I don't like the strings Billy uses, nor the gauges, and I don't play how he plays with the same equipment. I found it to be just too much of a niche instrument to fill my needs. That DiMarzio Neck pickup was lovely, though. My current G&L SB-2 Tribute is more versatile, easier to play and sounds at least as good. Arguably better in my hands. There's still a few on the hitlist that I'd buy if they came up while I had the funds; Fender Roscoe Beck V Stu Hamm Urge 1 or 2 Modulus Flea with the Lane Poor pickup Maybe an Ibanez GWB Edit- and a Reverend Brad Houser, please.

As a righty, I once toyed with buying a lefty to improve my plucking (right) hand dexterity. Then I ended up with a Chapman Stick. Would learning to play right-handed work? I can't see how it would be detrimental apart from the frustration that you couldn't immediately perform to the same standard that you're used to. Just a thought, and I'm not for a moment suggesting that anyone should change the way they play unless they want to.

£940 is a good price. For reference, the Thumb 5 NT that I tried in 1997 was £2.5k in the Bass Centre. I found the lower horn didn't sit well in my lap. It was too short to "hang on" to my thigh. If you're going to string/play it upside-down, that's less likely to be an issue!

Lop-Sided! Another idea! Yamaha SBV?

Basslab L-Bow.

Nope. I checked!

My 2p worth; (for heads and combos) Power it up, all good? If it's an SMX, set the input gain type to 100 % valve, turn the gain and volume up a fair bit and firmly slap the top of the amp. Sounds silly, but it'll help detect a microphonic 12AX7 in the input stage; there'll be a ringing sound. Similarly, any crackling or loss of hiss from the drivers from the unit apparently cutting out may be caused by the cables that carry the signal from the preamp module to the power amp working loose. They're only a push-fit. Fixes? Replace the valve. About £20max and 5 minutes' work. The cables? Solder them rather than rely on the push-fit connectors. This is derived from experience with my SMX and advice I received about it from Qualified Service Personnel and Ex Trace Staff.

DRs are pretty good in terms of overall life/ longevity of tone. I clean my uncoated strings with alcohol wipes if they're sweaty. Seems to help.

This is my experience also. My sweat is very corrosive, yet Elixirs will last me until the cores start to go "soft" (about a year for me as well) Not so good for plectrum players- the coating eventually flakes off from the abrasion of the pick. The frets will also wear the coating on the underside of the string, but this doesn't seem to make much difference.

👋 Chip shortage? Valves are the answer! (But not for me. Too fragile & temperamental.)

Bargain. Probably better off without the Ellefson connection these days 😉

I think I'd rather have series for the neck than the bridge. In many implementations, I've found series a bit "shouty" and lacking in depth, but the position of the neck pickup ought to compensate for that a bit. Can anyone enlighten me as to what "OMG" entails if not series, parallel or single coil? Otherwise, it's off to Googleland for me..

Nice, but I'd go for either an SB-2 derivative with the double-coil unit at the bridge (with front/rear/parallel switching) or a Jazz with 2x SB-2 style single coils..

Chambered Zebrano. Mmmmmm.

As per BFM's reply, the depicted adaptor would only work correctly into a desk if the output was a balanced TRS at mic level.

Or source quality replacement; Warmoth, Allparts etc.

Alternative; Find the natural body you're looking for with a nice neck and budget for a luthier to re-board it with the nicest piece of Rosewood they have.