Happy Jack

I don't have a few basses with many pickup types & configurations so as to avoid having too many basses. I just have too many basses. Works for me. And yes, I use very specific basses for different bands / projects. It's a luxury being able to do this, but I'm not complaining. With my main covers band I play a Mike Lull T5. With my country band I play a Mike Lull 54 P. With my tex/mex blues-rock band I play an Ovation Magnum III. With my heavy blues-rock band I play a Chowny fretless. When I dep with a functions band I play a Status Streamline 5. I'm on the lookout for new bands so that I can play more of my basses ...

I'm gradually developing an interest in an amp head that doesn't need a Fishman Plat Pro or an FDeck HPF in front of it ... something optimised for DB with high Z inputs etc. I've started by looking for an Acoustic Image Clarus, but what else should I be excited by?

Don't wait until you're nearly 50 before you pick up a bass ...

I have one Mono strap (which came with a bass that I bought) and there's nothing wrong with it apart from being a bit on the shiny side, so occasionally prone to slide off the shoulder. If I'd discovered Mono before Comfort then who knows ... but owning both I know which I'd recommend to anyone focused on wearing a bass comfortably. The clue is in the name.

"I wonder if Arsenal are going to equalise"

Phil's right. First gig to hit the diary wins. My solution is easy. For most of the bands I gig with (don't ask) the gigs are got by me and Silvie. Since I am invariably the busiest member of those bands, that removes the biggest sticking point.

Surely I can't be the first person to mention Amy Winehouse?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1970s-Vintage-Made-in-Japan-Angelica-Deluxe-Tele-Bass-all-original-with-Case/302852256995?hash=item468366b4e3:g:TDMAAOSwTi1ba2R2 Remember that song where everyone shouts: "Alice? Who the f*** is Alice?"? I feel that way about Angelica ...

And that was just for the ashtray ...

I've used nothing but Comfort Strapps for years now, yet to feel any need to go and check what else is on the market. I should probably mention that I started using them after years of back pain. They don't 'cure' backache of course, but they certainly help deal with it.

Agreed, but the devil (of course) is in the detail. I know bands who play a gig every single month who think they're busy. I prefer (where possible) to gig every single weekend and I still have plenty of spare capacity. Like most things in life, it's contingent. Maybe it will work for you, and maybe it won't. Suck it and see.

Especially if they grow up to be drummers.

You can do a presentation if you like. 🎤

Gotta love that ashtray ... Bwahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!

Incidentally, it's doner kebab, not donner kebab. As you were.

No. Not at all. I really, really wouldn't. I have absolutely zero interest in a £2000 wonder-bass that plays like butter and sounds superb, and for which I have no justifiable need.

Yes, I read that on Deck's website (if you can call it that) and thought, I have absolutely no idea what that means.

Do try to keep up ...

No no no! It was Huey, Jooi and Louis ...

Ah, so it's not one of Donald Duck's three nephews then?

Clarky has pointed me at an FDeck on Talkbass, which I've now bought, but I'm still interested in the Rafferty.

A bit like this, actually: And that's a bloody good price, BTW.

But which topic is best for metal?

I don't like to talk about it. And I hardly ever bother to mention that I am young and gifted.