Drax

Matching output is the key for an easy swap, same string and pup configuration ideally, and passives easier than actives of course. So rarely does the back up get called, not bothered if it's a grind to play. Most importantly, - needs to be tuned, and esp if active - levels prepped to just plug and play. Make sure it's a bass that does at least get played occasionally. I learned this the hard way after years of never needing my back up. A vintage jazz 'broke' mid song (bridge screw failed), and the replacement bass (which I thought was all ok, but then I never actually played it) meant I was chasing my tail for the remainder of the gig, crap night all round.

Getting annoyed with those stupid frets under the G and D strings ? Is your Steinberger just too damn heavy? [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1980s-Wilkes-Guitars-Headless-Half-Fret-Fretless-Active-Bass-Guitar-/142492615079?hash=item212d38c1a7:g:ArwAAOSwSblZp8ya"]http://www.ebay.co.u...rwAAOSwSblZp8ya[/url] (sorry mods - can you move to Ebay weird and wonderful ..)

Have a car now, but for a year or so gigged like this no problem. Bass on back, amp and 112 cab on the trolley. Crucially the trolley fits into most car boots, so taxi (dare I say Uber) becomes an option in cities. All night tube in London has helped occasionally. ..apologies for the massive pic

Working in recruitment advertising.. Recruiters biggest complaint is always too many unqualified applicants - while candidates will complain no one gets back to them when it's a no. The 'single click apply' on job boards - and gumtree - means anyone with a passing whim or interest can feel it's worth a shot. Gumtree by definition is a very broad audience, so band ads on there will attract a lot of passing trade. Personally I've found Gumtree ok to connect with other musicians through. One of the better sites in a bad bunch.

Hey Surrpaul - just reversing this, how easy would it be for a London covers band to come up to Leeds and do your 5 gig weekend?

Thanks all, much clearer idea now. [quote name='HazBeen' timestamp='1503403789' post='3357906'] I use a laptop 19v external battery to power by PJB DoubleFour. It is surprisingly loud, and I get about 2/3 hours from a charge, if you would have 2 and switch half way through the set you would be fine....?? [/quote] Cheers HB - I'd discounted the PJB as didn't think it would be loud enough. Does it cut past a drummer ? [quote name='AntLockyer' timestamp='1503472354' post='3358430'] If your gig is anywhere near Hythe, Kent you can borrow my petrol generator. It's really small. [/quote] Thanks Ant - very decent of you to offer sir.. Since the original post, there's now two additional gigs we've got on a bloody boat - and apparently any fuel generators are off limits. Not sure how we're suddenly on the gaslight gig circuit.. [quote name='Kevin Dean' timestamp='1503431932' post='3358243'] a Marine leisure battery & a Inverter , I use to use these to power key cutting machines in my van . [/quote] I think this what I'm going to end up with - pending anything revelatory about PJB double4. To power my TH500, believe 110A battery should get me about 90mins.. It's also heavy enough to drown me, if it doesn't electrocute me first.

Mr Packaging also selling a used plastic pint pot http://r.ebay.com/3reBM3

OP list looks great. Fun, accessible, good tunes. Nevermind and the first RATM album, both great bass albums. I guess today's angry teenagers have bands most of us on here aren't aware of. Best of luck getting your kids to listen to - entire albums - anything 'Dad recommends'

Noc, making a broad assumption that you're relatively new to the wonderful world of bass - I would absolutely bail on this and get something closer to home. Lots of great choice out there in friendlier tax environments, with better returns options.

I'm trying to achieve 2-3hrs max of power to my amp, without the need for a diesel generator. Hoping there's either some Heath Robinson type solution with kit from Maplin / Halfords etc, or maybe just a more powerful battery amp option out there? (competing with drummer and horns, so don't believe the Phil Jones kit would cut it). Open to all and any suggestions..

Les you don't have music stands as well do you?

Various fretless jazz, rounds, both pups on full, tone off Tonehammer 500, mostly flat > TKS cabs / DI Passive bass, no pedals. Nice and simple. I've faffed before but so many other variables outside of my control. Just keep things pretty straight for FOH.

OP what is the gig you've got tickets for then?

OP I'd stay away from bass forums 98% of chat is about gear. Buy stuff if that makes you happy, but your new car won't make you a better driver. You sound pretty happy with your current squeeze, channel that GAS into chord tones and 16th notes. Good luck mate

[quote name='The59Sound' timestamp='1502010106' post='3348695'] That indicates a different type of string, Clementine. [/quote] Different gauge, Mandarin La Bella silk colours denote different gauges of flatwound. The 4 string pack is red, but if you're adding a low B / high C - there's a variety of colours depending on gauge.

[quote name='handman' timestamp='1501962101' post='3348536'] Oh dear.... I also have just purchased a 5 string set of la Bella flat's cost £55 upon receiving the strings, pack of 4 and 1 separate I started by fitting the B sting, then when I opened the 4 string pack I found that the B string had black silk and the strings in the pack had red silks, tuning pegs and bridge as you can imagine it looked really crap, after calling Bass direct I was told that nobody had ever complained about this before but I could send my email address I they could inform me when they had a matching string in stock and I could by that, won't be using them again [/quote] Black AND red silk? Hope you're able to get this sorted.

Bought TC ditto - arrived rapidly and well packaged, pedal in great condition as described. As you can see from all the above - nice guy to deal with and clearly reliable seller Thanks !

Side question here - but are these for playing bass through? I splashed out on some long coveted wireless Senn R185, about £300 at the time. They had very slight but noticeable latency compared to wired phones, was gutted to have to return them..

Aguilar AG 4J-60 - their '60's copy pups worth checking.. Fat sound, not too bright, work well active or passive..

Another vote for Reed Audio, all round better service in my experience (it's his own business..) and rapid turnaround.

He's got insane technical ability but really knows when to just hold back and groove. Great singer too. His solo live shows are excellent

Agree on kids question, similar situation here. Given the BC demographic assume there will be many others similar. Something lost in semantics maybe, not always sure what question they're asking. 'I like to visit music stores' = Strongly Agree, love them, but probably only set foot in a physical shop annually.. 'I am overly pedantic about lengthy surveys'

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1498372673' post='3324077'] Just a thought: if Gibson and Fender are seeing a drip off in sales, does this really mean the market is declining? Is it because Americans are buying well made foreign instruments at lower prices? Are users bored with the year-old look of the Fender P and Jazz? [/quote] That's how I read this. The behemoths struggling isn't the full picture. Sire, Thomann, etc - having a different time. Interesting that Gibson was just $5m in '86..