TC BH800 is a good option. Loads of power and two 'tone prints' will let you dial in some grit and compression to taste.
AH just seen you're sorted - enjoy, hope you like it!
34" because that's what the manufacturer deemed to be best, mainly.
I have had a 36" Jazz Bass (Bacchus) before, felt fine, doubt I' have noticed if it didn't say.
I also have a 17" bass which is just tons of fun.
Yeah looks are important for sure. Go and try a passion again, I reckon. I’ve never gone custom personally as although I know what I like in an instrument, putting money on it would frighten me - I prefer to buy something I can play first. Sometimes I think what makes a bass feel and play well can be a combination of things you can’t necessarily put your finger on and add to a custom build spec sheet. Although that’s just me - every ACG and Shuker I’ve played has been fantastic.
You can't lose IMO.
I've just taken my 80's Arpege out for a play; criminally it's been in it's case for about four months unplayed - it was still in perfect tune!
That Excess is stunning.
Elixirs. I have a set on my Passion that are about three years old and they sound new. I use them on everything now and don’t even think about string death any more.
Gotta be the Vigier! I have used a selection of different Passion basses in a funk metal Welsh math-core band (!) and the way they cut through the mix live was excellent. Rock solid construction and amazing neck. A bit different but not so much it can be pigeon holed into a style of music.
Actually I think they have beefed it up a little - mine is an older TecAmp one and the Each ones have some kind of fan or fan looking gubbins on the bottom. Mr Eich told me they are the newest version that is more powerful.
That said, I often find mine too powerful so I can't imagine it being much of an improvement!!
Elixir tension charts here
https://www.elixirstrings.com/support/string-tension-for-tuning-guitar
I use super light with a very low action and love them to bits - they are slightly higher tension than other strings of the same gauge, although being super light they are relatively low tension as a whole.
I don’t think so, I’ve seen several people standing on one at once. Perhaps worth an email to Eich but I’d be surprised. I have a fairly heavy chair on mine.
Well worth calling Watford Valves. I use them a lot in the past and they are always really helpful and interesting to talk to.
When it does to pre-amp valves, I'd be tempted to buy a few and try them out.