Steve Browning

First influence was Denis Dunnaway (Alice Cooper). Main influence was John Deacon. It was his sound and approach I sought to draw on mostly. There are many other players I admire but these two shaped me as a bass player.

I decided against those as the guitars weren't held so securely and there's more room for them to move around. I did a gig where a guitar player had a Scott Dixon and it was dented to bu99ery.

The amps aren't in the rack any more. It wasn't so much the weight as the slight overhang against the cabs. The weight saving is not insignificant.

Wouldn't tour without mine. Keeps the basses nice and secure and not difficult to move around. Stairs are slightly tricky but not to the point of annoyance. It's a very small price to pay.

Like Dusty Springfield?

Belonged to Derek Acorah.

I had one the same colour, but with a maple neck. Same year I recall.

I am inclined to think 78 is the beginning of the boat anchor era. My first Precision was a 77 and it was a great bass. I don't recall it being at all heavy.

Indeed. We play a (good) gig in Southampton where there is a flat £150 fee and the pub staff take round a beer glass and card machine towards the end. Regularly get £200 or so in that. Nice PA is also provided so load in/set up is easier.

I'm with Mr Burns. I have basses in both camps and pretty much use the one I fancy on the night. I stick to particular basses for tours etc but that's more about established levels and amp settings rather than which is best. They're all great basses, irrespective of their cost.

Pretty much every Burns model.

My 4 piece band divvies up the tasks between the 3 of us who know how a computer works (or, rather, can operate one). We have no leader, as such, and can make collective decisions very easily.

Couldn't happen now as 50% of the band are dead. We were a punk/r'n'b band (late 70s) that gigged a lot around Pompey. We reunited about 10 years ago for a one off and it was dire. It was good to see everyone, and even play the songs. It wasn't up to public performance standard unhappily. More rehearsal wouldn't have helped.

A belated warm welcome from that place along the coast, you know the one!

All the best for the future. As others have said, don't desert us entirely. There will always be folk who will benefit from your knowledge and experience.