three

hahaha, I hadn't seen that. I'd agree, if you're a touring pro with an expensive bass, and flights, crew, trucks etc. to take into account, £2k might be good value (when tax benefits are taken into account, possibly a bargain!?)

I've always liked the look of the Bass Safe, though finding an appropriate bag for a larger Alembic can be a bit of an issue. Here's the link to the Calton site: https://www.calton-cases.com/shop/bass-guitar-cases/alembic-guitars-bass/ The company lists some Alembic models, though I'm sure that they'll build to fit any bass. Products are clearly aimed at the pro (classical?) and affluent semi-pro/collector, with UK prices not far short of £2k. Perhaps weirdly, the company started life in Aldershot, though production is all US-based now. I think I'd be looking at the higher-end SKB options, or Peli if you can find one to fit - some of the larger rifle cases may take a larger bass. I use a Peli case for outboard and it's superbly well-built

I'd have a look at the SKB iSeries 5014-OP - superb cases and some of the best that I've seen - not light but not as heavy as a full flight case. The body width of some Alembics might be a problem (they won't take a small-bodied standard for example). Other very good options are Calton (though very expensive) and Enki

I received a Fusion bag that was carefully wrapped in bin liner type material and tape just last week - I think it was a Parcelforce Express 48 service. The bag and packaging arrived entirely undamaged, though that may be a fluke. The entire package was very light and the shipping cost very reasonable. I'd probably do the same if I was sending, though use premium bin-liners or plastic rubble sacks (the latter are much stronger).

A lovely, easy deal with Russ for an excellent gig bag - perfectly packed and in superb condition - thanks very much - an outstanding member of the BC community!

That's incredibly kind but I'm rather smitten by yours - mine was one of the early Padauk facings rather than walnut - it's quite a deep purple red tone and has aged very nicely - it's probably become a little darker with time

Wow! I really, really, really wanted one of these at the time of release, then was offered the chance to buy one a year or two later. It didn't work out and I've sort of kicked myself sometimes since. Such a lovely combination of features from across the arc of production, plus the most premium timbers!

Wow, absolutely stunning! Is that a flamed Walnut top? The green wrap-around LEDs look fantastic too against the phenolic. Obviously, fretboard LED's weren't an option when I spec'd my SII!

Inspired by Musicman666's beautiful Image and stunning bass above, I went and dragged my old Status out of storage last week. I hadn't seen it for around a year, though still in tune of course. Not exactly bookends, but an example from what now sadly appears to be the closing days of full-scale production, and one from the early days (well, around 1986). Some important evolution/innovation, of course, but clear consistency in the lineage. Whilst I'm a massive fan of pretty much everything Status (and I've had a good number of Status basses over the years), it's the SII that I think of when the brand is mentioned - sort of quintessential for me.

That is very kind - thank you. I should add that I do not own a car, do not drive (better for everybody), and I've lived in a delapidated bus shelter for 35 years - these factors have facilitated the rig: one has to prioritise. I salute your selections sir! In my extensive sifting through pres (and according to personal taste), some of the finest of the valve and SS varieties

Very sad news, though I look forward to hearing of future plans and offer my best wishes to Rob, Dawn and all the Status team for the future - all my interactions with the company have been excellent down the years. At least this has inspired me to go and get my Status out of storage, hopefully this afternoon (if it stops raining in the North). The only posh bass that I've ever spec'd and bought new - what a blast that was and the day I collected the SII remains a vivid memory - back in '86 I think.

A recent, small but very nicely formed addition to the practice rig - the Monique performs beautifully with a passive Wilcock, though I still prefer the Hellborg with actives

Having used both Schaller and Dunlop systems for years - both a bit fiddly to fit properly and to maintain (though not a massive deal!) - I moved away from using the strap-end part of the system. I noticed that with age, I was starting to feel more aches and pains, and some fairly unpleasant discomfort in my back when wearing a bass, even for a fairly short period of time. So began an extended period of experimentation with straps, positioning, bass ergonomics etc. As part of this, I realised that the strap locks (both S and D) imply that the bass sits slightly differently than it might if just connected strap to pin (without the lock). Indeed, I found that when wearing a bass fairly high, which is my preference, the upper bout of the instrument tends to swivel forward a little. This led to me removing the strap-end component and just fitting the strap to the pin in the conventional way, and then securing with the rubber/silicone grommets noted in several posts above. Whilst is wasn't a complete cure for the pain, it contributed positively to alleviation of the latter as it aided in holding the bass more more consistently and closely to my body, i.e., the swivel/tipping effect was eliminated. I went on to fit Dunlop pins to most of my basses as these are wider and taller than the Schallers and the basses feel more secure with the grommets in place. In short, I go for a hybrid form - Dunlop pins with silicone doughnuts. Picture attached for the avoidance of confusion re: pin style (I imagine Dunlop offer several).

I have (which is weird as I'm more of a fan of SS pres) and find quite a difference. The main advantage of the Noble for me is the form factor. Easy fit on a board, smaller and readily portable. Without going into great detail, the Noble is simple and straightforward - it adds a sort of polished, produced sheen to Fender type/passive basses. I find the Monique (much) more versatile. A very powerful tone stack, though the real magic for me is in the sensitivity pot and the interaction between that and the line level. If you're a fan, the Monique seems to do the valve compression and sag effects brilliantly well. I don't find any fur or break-up with mine but that's not what I'm looking for. I find that the Monique can do what the Noble can, though not vice versa (though the latter is a real great valve pre and DI). I don't use effects much at all, so the effects power function of the Noble isn't much use. For context, I really only use valve pres for my one passive bass - I much prefer SS for the actives.