Trueno

... and, of course, there's always the phenomenon of backing singers being much better than the "famous" artist. I remember seeing something on telly a few years ago now where Baby Spice was backed up by Sam Brown... sorry, Baby, you were out-classed there. Mrs Trueno always points out... if you have a dodgy voice get in some serious-pro backing singers.

^^^^ This. Most of my gigs have been as a sax player in a section with a soul band or functions band. Admittedly, I have played thousands of solos... but for the most part I've played stuff similar to backing singers... often being quiet for a lot of the song... and sometimes an entire song where I've just shook a piece of percussion. Even in my brief tenure on a Springsteen tribute band (I was Clarence) I spent an awful lot of time shaking percussion. I'd quite happily do BVs if my voice was up to it.

Looking forward to some interesting answers on this one... and some P-porn photos.

I have something similar in my MIM Mustang (but not in my Squier Jaguar for some reason). I presume it's an extra earth to the body... in addition to the bridge earth. It attaches to the same place as the bridge earth... at least it does on mine. If you leave it unattached and have no earthing issues (assuming you still have a bridge earth) then I assume there is no need to connect it... but I'm not an expert on these things.

The set up, as noted above. I would also consider fitting a KiOgon loom first (other looms are available???). Then reconsider how good the stock pickups sound.

I've got the two loops on mine, no shoulder strap.

I 've had an EBS Microbass II for years. It does everything you ask for and has a great DI with choice of pre-post eq. You can still get the Mk II for about £160 or the new Mk III for £300+ The new version looks great and is worth it (imo) for years worth of gigging and practising versatility. I'm thinking of upgrading.

Another group 'a' short-scaler here.

A very different beast to the Spector... I'd have to get both.

I only play short scale now. If you stuck £1500 in my hand and I had to buy something completely different but also something I really fancied, I'd get a Spector Bantam (in red). They also do long scale basses if you prefer.

Buy yourself a nice comfortable strap to go with it.

I'm rather taken with my EMG passive Geezer pickups. Turned my neglected Squier Jag SS from back-up bass to serious contender. Comes with electronics, which was a plus for me... and easy to fit.

I'd rather play a pub than a posh wedding!

Wot... no Mustang?

In line with the frets.

I've just given you an extra watt... to show you're a good egg.

D'Addarios... nickel-coated (I think). 100s. Never got on with flatwounds... really don't like the feel. It seems I like to dig in on a cheesegrater and build up serious calluses. The amp is an Orange Crush 50... it really does it for me. I 've tried my EBS Microbass pre-amp through it, but I always think "why bother?" Doesn't quite have enough puff for rehearsals and the 100 is too damn heavy for me... shame. I'm not a huge fan of drive/distortion, but the gain/blend is infinitely variable... have to dial it down a bit for the geezers. you may also note that I like my Orange black!

Another GAS inducing thread. I'm a bit of a Fender/Squier brand junkie... but I must say I'd have a closer look at the G&L Tribute... wouldn't even have to swap the bridge out.

My Squier Jaguar SS. The neck is just amazing. Now it has EMG Geezer pickups it has the tone it deserves.

You could make a very large headstock out of that... two tuners a side.

The lines became blurred... I just did what I was told.

As noted above, do exactly what the physios say (when the time comes). I used to be married to a physio and learned the hard way. Best wishes and get well soon.

Bass Direct update... if you're thinking of getting anything from them. I decided to take a punt on some new pickups... ordered them yesterday... just arrived now, less than 24 hours. I paid a total of £6 for p&p... that included next day courier. I know it's a courier rather than the post office, but great service. As it happens, we live in a little village and know our postie... he's still battling on. Any delays in service happen before he gets his hands on them. (applause for posties... and courier guys)

Good luck... go for it!