I saw Band of Friends get the length of their set doubled when Geno Washington was called away for a family issue. They were told a couple of songs from what would have been the end. Didn't miss a beat.
I've fitted the Warman PUP to my MB-5. Also shielded the control cavity swapped out one volume control for a 4-way switch to give bridge winding, series, parallel and neck settings.
Works, but have to wait until the morning to test at volume.
Ernie Ball with gain for max volume and 'min' for, well, minimum.
https://www.andertons.co.uk/guitar-dept/guitar-pedals/volume-expression-pedals/ernie-ball-mvp-6182-volume-pedal-with-gain-boost
It only takes 2 or 3 threads for the thread of a nut/screw to be stronger than the core strength of the screw.
The insert length is much more to do with ensuring there is enough to grip the wood securely.
Indeed. But it was reflecting on some of your thoughts that made me choose a 4R 2x12. I knew that two 2x12 8R cabs would be twice as powerful, but also that a single 8R 2x12 would be half as powerful (more or less).
I had the sense to realise that if I was ever in the situation of needing two cabs then that would only be because there was a big pa which would make big backline redundant anyway.
The extra headroom/power offered by 4R wasn't really needed (or so I thought) but in practice has opened the door to a greater choice of options as I can use lower power amps.
I would also say speaker efficiency trumps everything. A quality speaker that has a good wide range response and is 8 to 10 dB more efficient will be louder and more flexible with more headroom than any practical increase in amp power. And probably mord reliable as you won't have to work it so hard.
A professional offered someone I know ssome mentoring. The main message was don't wait to 'hone your skills' or 'write better songs'. Get out there and do what you are good at now.
The other advice I'd give from ehat I've seen of pros and ex pros - take it seriously, be lucky but be prepared to make your own luck. And get on with people.
Get a pair of these and stuff some change in your pocket. Will happily double as stereo party speakers, near-field stage monitors and even a no-drums gig PA
https://www.pmtonline.co.uk/hh-hpx108-active-moulded-speaker-300w?gclid=CjwKCAiA76-dBhByEiwAA0_s9aXjh7Tpq7Yj22bSEUu2-ow9PFDwX3_7J_1M2KvqMTWZBoKSQeCI_RoCX_oQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds