jonnybass

One of my favourite groups, but not for everyone. There are songs with space, clearer tone etc, all depends what era of Rush you are listening too. My favourite thing about them is they sound like Rush and no one else does. Even when they change their style (slightly) i.e. less wizards, more other stuff.. Jonny

Tricky topic, but i always start with strings. Then my thoughts are different if the bass is a keeper or not. If its a keeper then I'd be less worried out making "destructive" changes so pickup shape, pre amp knob count, switches etc can all be different. If I wasnt sure if it was a keeper Id want any changes to be "non destructive" so no change to pickup shape etc. I'd then look in my spares bag and second hand, and whatever came up first for the best price is what I'd go for. If it improves the sound but not fully, I'd look at changing the next component. If it does, I'd stop. Did that with my Sire V7, didnt like the sound, went with Custom Newtone strings, I preferred it, but still lacking. Had a spare Fender pre amp in a bag, changed it. I now have a bass with a sound Im happy with.

Personally, I think everyone plays so differently what works for one person doesnt work for another. On my five string basses I use Newtone Custom guage nickel wrapped roundcore strings 50-130. They work really well on my ACG and ok on my Sire, at my next string change on the Sire I'll try something else, but it will still be nickel wrapped steel. My thought process is always material, feel (stiffness), sound I like Nickel as its more forgiving on my fingers, and produces (for me) less string noise. The strings need to have quite a loose feel, I hate strings that are too rigid. Then they need to sound fairly bright and growly. I usually use trial and error after that.

Just picked up a Zoom B6, so far (in the house) I'm impressed, does everything I need a multi effects to do, easy to create or adjust sounds, nothing lacking for me. Practicing with the band this weekend which will be the next test. Then a gig in a couple of weeks.

Very true @ped

I find especially with BD's website not being great I call if i want to buy something from them. Shouldnt have to, but for me its not a bad experience.

I think you mean for you, some people might not feel the same, due to personal preference or medical conditions. I don't mind the phone for some things, but I generally call prepared with a pad and pencil to write stuff down.

I can only go on my experience, I called bass direct last week to purchase a zoom b6. Before the call had ended I had my email receipt, invoice and shipping email.

I love my V7 Gen 2 five string. Didnt really enjoy the pre-amp, so swapped that out for a Fender one I had lying about, now very happy with it. I think this is one to slowly mod over time into a great gigging bass. Jonny

That is easily my favourite colour of stingray. Lovely bass

Chatted it through with the Guitarist, he had already signed us up for the gig, putting himself under a big bit of pressure. I didn't know the gig was definite, so I apologised, he thinks he told me, I cant recall that. Told him how it was handled made me feel disposable and I'll do the gig as I won't leave him or the band hanging, but Im not sure about going forward. I'll be keeping an eye during the practices and after. I'm either an employee of the band leader and will happily do as Im told and get paid for my work or I'm an equal member and get a say, or they can find someone else...all depending on how the vibe is with a new guitarist that is.. Cheers for the input guys....bands eh, who needs them??? Never fall out with backing tracks

that is lovely, by far my favourite overwater design. I'd love to hear how it sounds jonny

True, and as mentioned if I was unavailable for the gig, or asked privately I would have felt differently. But maybe it’s me being too sensitive

I've used deps and been a dep, totally happy with that, never seen or been in a band where the person themselves isnt asked and everyone else in the band is. If I wasnt able to make the gig (which i can) and he'd have taken me aside and said "how would you feel about a dep for the gig?" thats different from the proposal of since you dont agree with me we will look at the solution of getting a stand in, at least I think it is or am i being too sensitive?

I use all of those formats, spotify is good to get a taster of bands etc or learning covers, I stream and buy through bandcamp and I buy Vinyl from small indy stores or bandcamp too. Jonny