theyellowcar

Check out the Yamaha TRBX basses. The 304 runs at about £250 which would leave you with a decent budget for the rest of your gear (amp, effects etc.) They're light, have a huge sound with lots of variety. You get a 2 band EQ to boost or cut the bass and treble, and a 5-way switch that offers up another 5 pre-set tones. My experience with Yamaha gear is excellent, particularly when it comes to the quality control and factory set up. I don't think anyone else offers the same quality at this price point. http://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/musical-instruments/guitars-basses/el-basses/trbx/trbx304/?mode=model&vmode=pc http://www.gak.co.uk/en/yamaha-trbx304-4-string-bass-car/81931

[quote name='Funky Dunky' timestamp='1406212473' post='2509379'] Thanks for all feedback so far. I have tried the G&L and LOVED the tones but with a nut width of 44mm it's beastly on my hands. If they made it with a narrower neck, this would be the one. [/quote] You'll be after one of these then... http://www.glguitars.com/instruments/TributeSeries/basses/M-2000/index.asp The M2000 has the same body/pickups, a more versatile EQ and a skinny neck. Thread closed

[quote name='andydye' timestamp='1406221890' post='2509517'] Kiogon wiring loom, look no further Spb-1 is good, antiquity 2 is also lovely [/quote] These were the two things that popped to my mind, the Duncan Antiquity 2 P/Up is modelled after an early 60's tone, the SPB-1 is based on a '57 so they are quite different.

Getting to this one a little bit late, but I'm glad it's all figured itself out Karl!

[quote name='ahpook' timestamp='1406115335' post='2508428'] The Peavey looks great, but I'd be worried about the digital gizmos inside, long-term. Think I'd be looking for the-simpler-the-better. [/quote] As above, the old school Peavey 'tanks' such as the TKO, TNT or BAM combos can be picked up very cheaply second hand as they are the complete opposite of what is en vogue in the amp market at the moment (heavy and big as opposed to compact and bijou) and they are as no frills as they come. Likewise the current 'Max' range of combos are super simple - volume, 3 band EQ, built in tuner and that's about it. You can get the daddy of the range (1x15, 300watts If memory serves) within your budget too.

Double post!

I've use Parcelforce to ship a bass without any problems before. It cost about £20 insured. I sent it in a bass box, wrapped in bubble wrap with particular attention paid to supporting the neck and the headstock. I also put a layer of bubble wrap and cardboard between the strings and the fretboard to try and avoid damaging the frets.

[quote name='KevB' timestamp='1406110408' post='2508354'] I can see it appealing to a fair few people. Some don't feel comfy with a full scale neck so will appeal to those. Some might be put off a P bass because of the neck width so this will tick a box for them too, they get jazz neck with a P pickup (though I think some P specials have narrower necks too?). Will be interesting to hear it on P pickup only mode as many P specials with this P/J config are often cited as not being able to do an authentic P sound. Not sure how much influence the body shape has on tone, less than a lot would think would be my guess. Looks a good value workhorse at that price. [/quote] I have the Mexican P Special with the Jazz neck and it's a great bass, love the P/J setup, but I'm not hugely enamoured with the active electronics which is why this is so appealing! The Squier P/J basses all have P necks.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1406037217' post='2507730'] I've had (and still have) a BDI-21, I've had compressors, limiters, headphone amp, rack tuner, other various bits and pieces... never had a problem with any of it. Just to redress the balance against the huge number of negative Berry posts online. [/quote] Yep. My BDI21 is one of the best gear purchases I've ever made. I also have a 'valve' (ahem) mic preamp which hasn't failed me in the 7 years I've owned it - not bad for £30.

[quote name='bagsieblue' timestamp='1406060843' post='2508008'] Yep - the BAM210 is FANTASTIC, I can't praise highly enough - tons of amp modelling effects, standard effects built in as well. If I had a gig to leave an amp in one place I would get another Peavey Bam. Weight if I remember rightly is 96lb(!!), but does come with wheels. [/quote] I always took Peavey's naming to be quite literal. Built to withstand any 'TNT', 'BAM' or 'TKO' you throw at them.

[quote name='pqs' timestamp='1406058875' post='2507978'] Have ordered the white one which is due for delivery Saturday. Will be good to see how it compares to my Squire Jag short scale [/quote] Let me know how you get on! And pictures are a must (I really want the blonde one!)

Peavey is the way forward. Quite literally indestructible. To Lozz's point though, only as long as you don't have to move it - they're flipping heavy. My old 50 watt combo weighed 25KG!

[quote name='soulrabbi' timestamp='1406047541' post='2507852'] I went and played one of these in GAK on my way home from work today. They only had candy apple red in stock (I prefer the white) but this is a very nice instrument. Quality of fit and finish is incredible for 300 quid. The bloke told me they've sold about four or five out of the shop in the last 2 days. Think I need to sell some gear and buy one quick! [/quote] How did it sound plugged in?

I didn't realise it was a smaller show, makes sense why I haven't seen anything!

Sounds like a bargain if you ask me!

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1405860236' post='2505863'] Now that is a very good idea... but only if a V4B sounds better than (or as good as) my Burman... [/quote] Worth a look - I loved the V4B I tried a while back, but my experience of proper valve gear before that was limited (read: non-existent) so I had nothing to benchmark against.

Sell both and buy a V4B In all seriousness I would agree with the sentiment above. You're already voting with your back and using the GK, so selling the other won't change anything really!

http://m.musicradar.com/event/namm/ NO new bass gear to fuel my GAS

Interesting that he reversed the P pickup here but then went back to the 'standard' orientation on G&L basses like the SB. Clearly didn't think there was much benefit!

Upload them to Dropbox and pop the links here

[quote name='darren' timestamp='1405808466' post='2505517'] I only use one 8 ohm speaker so I'm probably not using the 500 head optimally to be honest. With my current set up I like the eq more or less flat with a little low mid boost and the bass backed off a little (with a little overdrive on some songs). [/quote] Fair. I'm almost the same - EQ just has a little bit of low and high mid added (1 o'clock) everything else flat.

[quote name='darren' timestamp='1405805090' post='2505492'] I like the sound of the vintage (in combination with the overdrive), but it just gets lost when the drummer gets going. [/quote] Sounds ace in my bedroom

I have a Rumble 40 from the current line, and it's a LOVELY amp. Great tone with the EQ flat, the preset tone shapes are brilliant fun, especially the 'vintage' button which turns my 1x10 combo into a tube top with a 2x15 underneath it. I have also recorded a couple of tracks using the DI and it worked a treat. I haven't tried the 500 but if it's anything like my 40 then you would be making a smart choice.

[quote name='Les' timestamp='1405720994' post='2504810'] GAK have them in for next day, but I'm waiting for theyellowcar's review before I pull the trigger [/quote] I'm wrestling with the idea of having to get rid of my MIM P to make room on the rack for one of these, so I wouldn't wait for me to make a decision