Steve Browning

This might be due to which model. All used Japanese pickups, but the models with the US suffix had US spec pickups. Not hugely sure how to tell them apart but I have a hunch that the machine heads are an indicator. I think the US models had the large plate machine heads. Someone correct me (and educate me too) if I'm wrong. Although a Precision player, I have owned several JP basses and every one has been excellent. Very consistent QC.

Very well played. sir. Rather ignorantly, I was thinking that he probably knew enough people on the island that he could delay any transport off until any damage was fully paid for.

Cheeky!! 🙂

When I first joined (what was then) Customs and Excise I was told about the Friday afternoon sessions drinking the seized booze while watching the seized films.

Yeah. Tell that McCartney bloke to learn an important lesson!!

Ah ok. I did manage to get that 180 degrees wrong!

The thing here is the difference in whipping one bass off and strapping on the spare and the time taken to change a string (not to mention the sudden gap in the performance while this is taking place). Each to their own, though. No right answer either way.

Hi Ainsley. Apologies for apparently killing your thread.

No experience at all. Sounds like an honest conversation needs to take place. I would have the same doubts that you express, and the same pessimism. Good luck to her for her career choice. We need them more than drummers, it has to be said.

The very bridge I have used myself. Doesn't have the makers name (oo-er) stamped onto it.

Especially if about to play a tango in Paris!!

Dr B May - sorry!!

You could always ask a certain Mr B May for assistance in home grown design and production.

I have swapped the bbot bridges on most of my basses, for Gotoh versions. That was mainly because the Gotoh bridges have the grub screws sitting in tracks. I work on the (theoretical) principle that they are held more firmly. On one occasion, I swapped a bbot for a Fender Hi Mass bridge and the acoustic volume and sustain of the bass were very markedly different. I cannot offer an explanation but can only report what my ears told me.

I've not come across a real Neanderthal (not quite true as I've been there) and haven't refused an offer to borrow my bass, up to now. I always carry a spare and have strings etc to accommodate pretty much any eventuality. Each to their own so my choice is purely mine. I can understand why others would be reluctant.

One gig earlier in my career (therefore my first ever gig), I forgot my bass - realised when I thought it was time to tune up. Luckily a 15 minute drive away. By its very definition, experience brings, well ... experience!

Palmer stuff is excellent, IMHO.

This is my live rack. Power conditioner, tuner, pair of amps and stereo graphic (one channel for each amp). Shown here atop the amp and Berg cab belonging to rumblefish. There's a Mike Hill mini hum eliminator in the back. that splits the output from the tuner into the two amps.

... and (wait for it) Mesa don't actually have their own valve factory. I feel cheated! 🙂

That sounds very reasonable to me. Conclusion? Bad drummer, or bad member of a rhythm section at the very least.

This isn't a criticism (although it'll sound like one) but I wonder to what extent you work with him onstage? Might he feel there's little feedback from you? Just giving something to think about. I know neither of you so can only speculate on reasons for it (which could be that's he's not very good, of course).

Calling @rumblefish. If this i8s a sudden volume drop, he had the same issue. One of the causes was to do with using non Mesa valves. Rob will probably be along to elaborate. Hope it's sorted soon.

Ah well. Good that you've got the bass you wanted. That's the important thing.

The OP detailed MIA and MIM. He may not have considered MIJ where, in my experience, build quality is consistently very high.

Quite true. Nothing so hilarious as ridiculing someone trying to help.