Dan Dare

Sorry. Never replied to your question. Was a briefcase I tried.

1 would be fun as they sound like me. Already have gigging bands, so not fussed about lack of gigs and would try it. Have played country music for years (am a fiddle player, too), so 2 would suit. Will pass on 3 and 4.

Be wary of selling to people overseas. Once the instrument's left your hands, you have no proof it's arrived safely. Make sure you are paid by a secure, non returnable method. I'd advise against accepting PayPal payment. They will allow a payment to be clawed back in disputes and tend heavily to favour the buyer. You can be left with no instrument or money. Just my five penn'orth.

Went to a jam last night. In house rig was a small SWR head and a single Epifani 1x12 cab. Was initially a bit sceptical but ended up extremely impressed - real old school fat creamy tone and more than enough poke to compete with drums, 2 guitars and keys. 2 of them would be seriously good, I feel. How do they compare with other lightweight cabs? Nowhere I know where I can compare.

I'd second the suggestion to use your existing amp (provided you're happy with it) to drive a PA power amp. Connect to the line out on your amp. Get one that can be bridged and it will drive the additional cab on its own. Cheap, too - I just picked up a Crown XLS 202 for £40 on the Bay. Ample power with 400w bridged into 8 ohms.

Took mine to LA, but used a full flightcase with properly fitting foam. Heavy, but balances OK - handle's in the right place. Worth the aggro for peace of mind.

Large wheels much better on uneven surfaces. I use a Preston Innovations anglers trolley - being an angler, it serves 2 purposes. Around £60, but takes apart, so fits in the car easily.

Many happies. Were I in your shoes, think I'd start visiting shops, trade shows, etc and just see what took my fancy, rather than deciding by name, reputation, lust and so on. When I found something that did it for me, I'd go for THAT instrument, not the same make/model. You know how variable bits of wood can be. Good hunting.

I tried one once and was a bit underwhelmed. Fabulously clean tones, light/easy to lift, smart looking, but the sound seemed a bit lacking in oomph. If you're thinking of spending that kind of money, I'd look at AER.

If you like the sound of it, why not get an additional power amp and speaker? As others say, your amp may struggle with an extra speaker at high volume. Power amps are cheap - I just picked up a Crown 202 (400w in bridged mode) for £40 on the 'Bay.

I almost envy you, JapanAxe. Many treats in store.

I think never leaving stuff in the car/van is the only answer. Unloading's a drag when you get back late and tired, but losing your stuff is worse. The only time I did, Iost a power amp and had to replace a broken window.

Nah.

Re. Ray's suggestion (which is good), if they have it, don't say it's yours. Tell them you're interested and you'll think about it and return with the Old Bill. Otherwise it will vanish (they know stuff's nicked)

My old AH350 was the best sounding bass head I ever owned. Have spent a load trying to get that sound in a lighter package. My have to admit defeat and buy another TE.

Fair points. The good thing about K&M is that you can get spares for them.

I assume you wipe them down thoroughly after playing. Does help. A little alcohol on the cloth will remove much of the crud.

How many do you need? I've got a couple you can have that came with kit I've bought.

Yes to large washers if you can leave the strap attached - one washer each side of the strap. Will never fall off unless the screws pull out of the bass.

Another vote for the Pitchblack. Have the rack version, too. Can't fault them.

Gotoh the best value imho

K&M. I have a pair that have lasted 15 years and are still good as new. You can get a pair for less than a ton. Buy cheap, buy twice (as you've found with the Studiospares ones).

Skint

Steel Panther? Any relation to Geoff Leopard?

I'd get a good pre and a PA power amp. Just bought a Bass Switch and use it that way. Squeaky clean.