Dan Dare

"... to ensure there will never be two of the same". I do hope he's right.

Another toy for the weekend warrior with more money than sense.

What I wanted to be/do changed every week when I was a kid. That hasn't altered yet and I'm in my dotage...

I'm not surprised he's done this. He's a nice bloke. A band I used to be in played support for him once. He was very down to earth and chatted with us, even complemented us after our set.

I use my fx send to drive an additional power amp and cab when I need to make more noise, but that's it.

Bill's right. Power output figures claimed by amp manufacturers tend to be over-stated. An amp may produce its stated maximum power output over a few milliseconds at, for example, 1khz into a resistor, but it will be very unlikely to be able to sustain that. You will hear distortion if you are pushing a speaker too hard. Most speakers can handle short term bursts/peaks above their rated power, anyway.

Now all I have to do is buy some ties.

I've always been under the impression that most active basses have passive pickups with on-board powered pre-amps/eq. Is that not the case?

Someone will buy it. Probably some architect, lawyer or similar with more money than sense who can't play a note and who wants to impress his pals or who thinks it will be an "investment".

Tricky Audio are good - www.trickyaudio.com. These people look promising, too - PCH Audio - www.pchaudio.co.uk,

They would be perfect, as my cabs (4B and C4) have the older non neo drivers and it would be good to have spares. I'll pm you.

If they want to include Derek Smalls, you're right.

Have they got any more?

That will be a nice cab. I have five PJB 4x5 cabs and love them. How did you "chance upon" 8 or 10 PJB drive units? You will need to increase the cab size over the 6x5 if you intend to add two up-firing drivers.

You are unhappy that your political viewpoint is not represented by the Beeb and then complain about "F&$%@#g politics" ruining everything it touches. A fine irony. I haven't heard any "whining right-on left wing comedy" on the Beeb recently (I say "heard" because I haven't had a telly for 20+ years and only listen to the radio). It's all insufferably cosy, smug and politically middle of the road.

Best to ignore what people say and try stuff for yourself. We're all almost bound to recommend what we have/like and criticise what we don't have/like. The differences between good quality kit are quite small and certainly less than many make them out to be. I'd look for a used 4x10 (or two 2x10s) and an Ashdown (or similar) head if you want to play rock in pubs. For the money you have available, I wouldn't try to go lightweight for the setting you'll be using it in.

The neck is wooden, so the washer need not be metal before enough force can be applied to cause the wood to bend. It may be helpful for it to have some give so you don't do damage if you tighten the nut too enthusiastically.

In the minds of those who play it, yes. They exist on a higher plane of consciousness than the rest of us, you know.

Hofners have pretty narrow necks and tight string spacing. OK if you're a pick player, but I find them difficult to play, being so used to Fender style basses. The Danelectros suggested by Maude would probably better suit someone switching from a conventional instrument.

Is the original top loading or string through body? Assuming the former, you could, if you don't mind drilling an extra hole or two, replace the bridge with something different. As long as you ensure it sits parallel to where the original does and use one with the same string spacing or saddles that adjust laterally, it should work fine.

Have you tried any of them? Beware buying on the strength of reviews or other peoples' opinions.

It does have a slight amount. It shouldn't affect a poly finish, though. Much cheaper than naphtha/lighter fluid.

Those all aluminium necks are not pleasant to hold. They feel very cold. The Kramers, which had wood inserts let into the back of the necks, were much nicer to play. Still, in view of the bargain price...

White spirit? I find it removes the glue residue from stickers.

You could enquire of some of the luthiers suppliers (try Google).