Cuzzie

So the 48's pups are housed in the metal casing. The neck pick up is generally a split coil and the bridge an M, so essentially a VM4 in another body, however I had an online chat with Marc at Chicago Music Exchange and he was involved in designing these basses and he mentioned them having 2 massive buckers. I think if you get a used one look carefully, but also if you go for a new one you may be able to choose your combination as well as finish, ageing, treatment etc

Westenra, 44-60 is a jazz bass ( if I am correct) so comparing it with a VM4 is not strictly cricket. VM is a great bass that will give you a P sound and if you blend in the M humbucker will allow clarity live to hit through the mix, in itself the M pick up will not emulate a Stingray although it looks similar. Delano pick ups are more modern and hi fi, sandberg pups more warm and retro when you look at basses. The TT bass will be a straight shoot out with the 44-60 and I think it would win, the Marlowe DK whilst a Jazz bass has 79s pickup placement with the bridge being closer to the bridge hence a more gritty 'barky' sound. Conceivably you could add the Sandberg VM4 to your Lakland and be a winner, however once it is in your stable you will see the difference between that and a Lakland and move across (more than likely)

If your rig has enough power and transparency defo look at things like a sansamp or another Pre amp pedal to mould things to the sound in your head

Westora They are phenomenal QC better than a Lakland, all around a better bass (no offence to anyone) I shipped out my Fender and G&Ls when I got one, now I have 2 a VS4 and a MarloweDK

Hartke LH500 or LH1000 will give you a big clean sound, remember that 'flat' on the EQ is Bass and Treble on 3 and mids on 10. Reliable and should not let you down. They are big-ish though. The TX600 though lighter and smaller is not as goo or powerful IMO. Hartke (the right one) are Probably one of the best bang for your buck around. VT500 will be a fine amp with the sansamp circuit in it giving a great overdriven sound and second hand at around £300 is a good deal. It's cheaper compared to their other stuff as it is made in Korea instead of the states, but as far as I know no quality issues. Question is where you put your money? Slightly more refined head and less good speakers, or the other way round?! The other thing of course is how quickly you need something, if it's now, choice is limited and jump on the Hartke, if it's not now, you may still jump in the Hartke but you have time to play a few. My Hartke LH1000 served me well although ultimately I did change but for personal preference, not for lack of useability

I agree it's a bit harsh, sorry, but compared to the LH500/1000 HA it does not really stack up

Tech 21 VT500

Used to have a Hartke LH1000, loved it, got really excited about the TX600, but it is a bit of a let down power etc. Wise despite portability, I think they just tried to be too cheap I am afraid. If you want a big sound, get rid, if you want a portable anaemia sound keep

Orange is probably just a better amp than the MB, for your needs anyway (not wishing to offend people!) Sometimes a change is good for the ears. The A/B or D debate will run and run and the worst part is some manufacturers do not give the whole picture in stats and capabilities of class D amps and power outage, however if either is done well, it's done very well and sounds amazing

My server is not liking the link Please try again

Yep aware of that, but if one popped up in the wild, then it must be captured, I was going to suggest the TX-L-P but they are even rarer. Reverb is showing a standard one for sale in Denmark for the price of a small country home

Make sure you check the Darkglass super symmetry, it's pretty good actually. But for my pennies worth, go big or go home! Cali76 TX-L

I didn't play through one but did a whole heap of research on this amp and if you want crystal clear awesome tech this is the one. It's in my top wanted list if I had loads of disposable income. It seems phenomenal and Dood pretty much nails it, it's expandability future proofs it. To me you cannot go wrong with it, all you have to decide is if it's right for you.

Sandberg MarloweDK Superb bass, well made, thinner than usual Jazz size neck, more like a 70s pick up placement and Sandberg in house pups are the business

@12stringbassist lovely axes, you are a giant amongst men

As everyone said above Seasoned and worn in body wood and neck, 70s spacing of pick ups. I did a blind listen between various basses including a 76 Fender jazz all properly A/B'd and there was just something about it in the way it sounded compared to newer Jazzes, non Fender Jazzes, PJs. We'll say the same about our current new basses in 30-40 years time

I did it on a bass and out extra heavy DDR DDT strings on, funnily enough to only but I needed to widen was the G (D) string. After the set up it worked perfectly well and the bass handled it nicely. I ultimately moved the bass on because I moved the bass on, but I enjoyed it for a while. I am a more comfortable 4 stringer but with a bass extender to drop down.

Well done and congrats. How long till we see you starting a 6 string thread?!

What all the guys said above. I had a LH1000, power for days, lovely amp, remember 'flat' EQ is bass and treble on 3 and mid on 10 and work from there to get what you want

@Blue He didn't say effects in the OP Just pedal so I reckon tuner and compressor is allowed especially as some doncolour your tone

@The Greek Welcome to the club I'll cut you a deal. You can have any Waterstones, Dean, Chandler Royale, musicvox and Galvestons Leave the Hamers to me!

Saw that Nice work 12 string is on my list Gonna wait for a Hamer either B12 or CH12 though, think they are better overall basses than any of the others

I did! Cali76