scrumpymike

I know this isn't relevant to the OP as top end is important to him BUT I stack two SC3s (in landscape format for optimum bottom end) and the sounds with my Subway 800+ and Eden WT550 are to die for, especially on the classic rock covers gigs I mainly do.

Nope - definitely bringing my video camera though 🙂

For various reasons, many of us may have other amp preferences but there's obviously lots of love for Ashdown on here, which is great to see. I certainly share it.

Problem is all that extra timber between the bridge and the bottom strap button. It adds weight, puts the bridge where many players position their plucking hand, and shifts the neck to the left so it is in much the same position as with a standard 34" bass. In other words, the original Rascal design sacrifices the main benefits that short-scale players like me are looking for, namely a light-weight, compact bass with shorter reach for the fretting hand.

Oh no! You weren't meant to tell Pea Turgh that there's an 800 🤐

Just seen this! With Andyjr already on topic, the OP is now in contact with the world's 2-and-only - specialists in Rascal Bass customisation. IMHO if Fender released the same bass with a more sensible name and body they would be on to a winner. It's my go-to gig bass thanks to the great neck and amazing combination of 3 pups selectable in every permutation via 7-position switching. Unfortunately the original body destroyed the ergonomics for me and others who played mine before Andy customised it by making a new body based on the Precision Lyte. Next project is for Andy to build me another starting with re-shaping the original body. What may be of interest to the OP is that there is a very helpful Rascal 'service sheet' published by Fender with sketches, wiring diagram and complete parts list.

And if Rich can say that about the puny 400, just think of the global dominance you will enjoy with the mighty 550!! 😉

"Ps @scrumpymike - I’m eyeing up that Eden amp!" 👍

That's a tricky one!!

+1 for the chambered Maru Jake.

Love what Ronnie 'Plonk' Lane did with the Faces, seems like I'll have to give his solo stuff a listen.

If you were lucky! Good point about band/audience mismatch as the punters often don't know what they're going to see/hear. If they turn up and it's not what they're really in to then they are not going to be overjoyed.

The way we react emotionally to the gigs we play is a complex subject. Last night I drove 30 miles to play a big town-centre pub. Although the money was decent and we played really well, the punters weren't showing much love for themselves, each other, or us. But I still came away feeling really chuffed because the band enjoyed it and I knew I'd earned my money. If even the best-case gigs aren't doing it for you, then maybe your last comment hits the nail on the head.

Sorry but all 'head gear' applied orally, nasally, intravenously or anally is verboten 😀 Don't worry though, Mrs Scrumpy's cheese scones will take you places you've never been before!

Great idea about the strings!

Just realised that in French Basschat = the cat who plays bass 🙂

Salut! Les nouveaux membres francais sont toujours les bienvenus chez Basschat!

That's my excuse too!! I ended up finding my 'holy grail' bass as a custom-build. Mind you, disappointingly my only other (more expensive!!) custom-build turned out NOT to be a keeper. So all I need to worry about now is that elusive ideal back-up bass. Again, as others have said, I've ruled out the 'cheapie' solution following repeated trial and error. Actually, I'm hoping to find it in the shape of the 'holy grail mkll' I've just commissioned. As Stewie says, a 'journey of discovery' is exactly what it is! Thankfully I'm busy - which I agree helps turn down the GAS a bit!

Disappointing that. Must say that I've thought more than once I should be buying a new ABM600 to support Ashdown. It's a decent amp that's good value for money IMHO - certainly the best in their range for me. If it went on a diet and shed a few kilos I'd be there!

The wonderful One10 is obviously the common factor here. Seems to work well paired with any decent amp up to its maximum rating.

Thanks bartelby, is that from the Fender/Squier website? I only looked at the PMT link thinking it would be a straight copy of the official spec. Mind you, if the above info is right, then that's a heavy old bass at 6kg 😉

Anybody know what the scale length is? The spec doesn't tell us - unless I've missed it. If I have missed it, then why don't they make such a fundamental piece of information more prominent?