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

For anybody reading this and thinking, 'what', 'who'? Have a listen to 'Morning Fog' from Kate Bush's Hounds of Love album. Undoubtedly one of my favourite bass players! https://youtu.be/CZQk2ZgZP3I Whilst it's a beautifully produced album, Eberhard's playing hasn't been 'tidied' unnecessarily - stunning musicianship and fabulous authenticity (you can hear the character of the instrument perfectly, and even EW's fingers on the board/strings)

Danelectro Longhorn basses are incredibly light (and short-scale with a 24 fret board). Surprisingly versatile basses in terms of tone too. There's a reasonably recently released 'Red Hot' version with an F hole - maybe worth a look?

It’s great to hear that you intend to try plenty of bases wherever possible. In my view, this is a really good idea. As others have suggested, both Bass direct and Bass Bros are not too far from you. A train trip to London wouldn’t be difficult either, even if this means taking some money for the train fare from your budget. The Bass Gallery in Camden is packed with an incredible range of basses and a couple of hours in there may be very helpful in helping you to decide what suits your needs and preferences

This is indeed a fabulous little bass and a viable alternative to its full-sized counterparts in any setting. As Marc suggests, the pickup is thunderous and the quality/weight of tones belies the size of the instrument - hard to believe really. Enjoy it Marc - beyond being really good fun, it's a very serious instrument!