three

I've had this with some Trace amps too - especially older models (which were otherwise brilliant!). Thanks @Dan Dare for the explanation - that makes a lot of sense. I have an Agi DB750 that's entirely quiet as it has diagnostic and protection circuits/relays that are activated at switch on (start up is delayed by around 20 seconds). I also have powered monitors (ATC) that are perfectly silent at power-up but present a pronounced bump at power-down. The manual alludes to this and indicates that it's entirely normal and non-problematic. A bit of a surprise as most of the amps I've used either have almost no (or a relatively small) thump at power down

I got a bit tired of selling basses on here at what I considered very reasonable prices (in-line with some assumed/imagined community ethos) only to see them re-appear in shops in very short order and at very inflated prices. There's a particularly egregious example on sale in London at present. That isn't to say that there aren't some wonderful, generous and community-minded members on here, and I still sell on BC occasionally. However, I tend to simply sell basses on consignment these days. Easy and less depressing

Thanks very much Kev - I'm a big fan of EXL strings and there are some absolute bargains listed here!

I tend to use light (or very light) rounds and find Fender 5250XLs (40-95) to be good value - they're usually around £20 a set but I've found some at real bargain prices. I don't have them on my Sire U5 at the moment but suspect they'd work well. I have shorties with a separate tailpiece and bridge (and 2+2 headstock) and generally find 30-90s work well. I ordered specifically for these basses from Newtone, and with precise measurements - the results have been very pleasing

Apologies, it is Leeds not York, and yes, Northern - thanks for the correction. I was really impressed - great place and friendly staff

I think this approach works well and I've seen a few examples in the UK. I visited York recently and there's a small venue/bar with a guitar shop above (accessed via stairs at the back of bar). I'll try to find the name - a great place to drop-in for a coffee/beer and a browse. There's also Gibson Music in Ashton-under-Lyne just outside Manchester. Some good stock, often quite quirky, and a cafe at the rear of the shop