TPJ

IME, The Full Circle seems the best all-rounder as far as piezo's go. I've tried Bassmax (ok but didn't like the tone on my bass), BP100 (dreadful with lots of feedback), Rev Solo 2 (Best sounding pickup on my bass by far but fiddly to keep in place and a little feedback problem) and now the FC. It's been the best so far. I've thought about the switch to steel and Mag pups as I don't need the DB to sound like it does unplugged. Might be the easiest option for you.

Ship gigs are a good crack if you are up for it. I did it all through my 20's. Saw half the world, got paid to play 7 days a week for a few hours a night, met some great people, and totally raised the bar on my playing. If you have no real life commitments it can be very fun. The worst bit was the room sharing, I suffered a few loonies.

Congrats. Enjoy the new instrument. It opens all possibilities.

Sounds like a fun gig The Kala U-Bass is a good little thing to have around. When/if you get tired playing DB in difficult keys (meaning not a lot of open strings), the Kala is certainly a good substitute with a great sound.

[quote name='Mr Bassman' timestamp='1340361735' post='1703270'] That's what I used on Artisan's bridge [/quote] I like your style

[quote name='Clarky' timestamp='1340359777' post='1703227'] The nut slot is too deep for the string so I assume you mean taking down the fingerboard slightly? Hmm, sounds like serious screw-up potential for a handyman numpty like me!!!! [/quote] More like one of [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-720-115-Watt-Angle-Grinder/dp/B001E4GM6W/ref=sr_1_1?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1340360907&sr=1-1"]these [/url]

[quote name='fatback' timestamp='1340196316' post='1700782'] Half the time I end up having to correct with little slides. Nasty. [/quote] Only half? That's my technique almost all the time. I'm known as Captain Portamento.

My endpin buzzes if it's not in a certain position. You could try rotating it or even take it out if it comes out to eliminate that.

Do you want to try the Hurley Virtuoso pickup Jimmy? I was passing it around to see what people thought of it. It's a wing slot jobbie so you may need to sand out your slots a little to fit. It's somewhat similar to a Bassmax but not as bassy and a little more treble to my ears. There is also the Schatten pup that seems to get positive reviews. If you want to try it pm me your details and I'll post it out.

The Full Circle seems to be the most consistent all rounder. Lots get good results from the Bassmax too. The pickup game is a tough one and you don't know if one will work on your bass until you try it

He's a great player indeed and king of the jazz face . I don't really care for that tone though...really low action that sounds like a bg. Stanley does the same thing.

Same with Esperanza...class

We have an acoustic trio with guitar, db and percussion and play Kyle to Rolling Stones to Bee Gees etc... (follow the Underdrive link in my sig to the setlist for some samples) You'd be surprised what you can do.

Great stuff. Glad it was fun and the feedback you got was from people and not the bass.

Have you looked at EAD? The three way design is loud and full, but you also get the added flexibility of adjustable mid and tweeters. All in an easy to move speaker. [url="http://www.extendedaudiodesign.co.uk/"]Here is a link.[/url]

Just swapped my Stingray for Gus' Lakland. Great comms and flexibility for meeting up, not to mention a top chap as well. I'll look out for you in Cannes

*wipes tea from desk*

[quote name='lettsguitars' timestamp='1337644446' post='1663506'] Looks like it was definately made in Hungary and is not actually a bass, but a really big violin. [/quote] They must have giants in Hungary...