Paul S

Just use your ears! That's what I did and I am a complete technophobe.

Look forward to a full review with interest, please!

I ran a Berlingo multispace for 7 years when I changed from needing a small van for work to something more versatile and car-like. Fold the back seats up (a 5 second job) and the load space is immense and VERY accessible - took drummer and guitarist to a gig in London one night with all my Trace rig, guitarists stack, 2 x guitars each and ALL the drum kit. The extra headroom means you can pack in a huge amount of gear. When you are done another 5 seconds sees the seats back to how they were and it is a family car again. On the downside it does look like an ice cream van, not that it was an issue for me, handles like one, too - was absolute sh*te in the snow and ice and it did start to develop some expensive faults after 60,000 miles. I now have a Skoda Yeti which beats it hands down in every way except the load space, which I miss, although the seats actually come out in the Yeti really easily to free up more space.

Warren - just out of interest who are you depping with? Anyone I'd like to see?

I play in 2 covers bands - one is light pop rock stuff, the other heavy classic rock - in pubs and small halls. Both are 2 x guitars, drums bass. I use a Barefaced compact on it's own with a TC Electronic Classic 450 - this rig is more than adequate, loads of headroom, beautiful clarity of sound. I went from a 'classic' Trace Elliot rig to this and prefer it in pretty well every way. Especially putting it in the boot. A slight finesse might be adding a Midget but I am pleased enough as is. Probably the only change I would make is swapping the Classic 450 for the RH450 so I could use the presets accessed via the footswitch.

I used Kent Armstrong - much the same price - on a split coil P-bass type bass and they were pretty good, really. But as has been said, if there is no rush you could hold out for secondhand - I just got a Seymour Duncan SPB3 for same sort of money.

I go over to Holland every June or July for a few days - I stay near Utrecht but drive about all over while I am there - go by Eurostar or the ferry. If that corresponds to anybody's time frame I am happy to transport it.

Just seen that - and it IS my choice of colour. not my choice of weight, though.. At the BIN it is a bargain, it may go for lower!

Sensible justification aside, if you a/ want more than one b/ can afford more than one c/ have room to keep more than one and d/ are not going to get into bother with any significant other by having more than one then I don't see it as an issue.

I don't think I wrote that clearly - I meant 'taking a hit' as in 'losing money by selling my Classic 450 almost immediately' then shelling out more for the RH450. At the time I didn't think it through and couldn't foresee a use for all the extra toys. Now I can see the benefit of it!

I recently bought the Classic 450 and am considering taking the hit on it and getting this - I would use it all the time!

You may possibly find the other band members feel the same. Whichever one it is that you get on best with, meet him one night and explain how you feel. It might be they are all pissed off with Mr Negativity, in which case HE should be the one to go. If not, and they are happy with him, then you have your other options to consider. But worth a try before burning your bridges?

Lightweight rock/pop covers band - 11 gigs by the end of this year. We had a change of drummer from a youngish girl drummer who was very popular but never available to a middle aged guy like the rest of us who is always available - so next year hopefully we will have many more. Heavy rock covers band - frustratingly only 3 or 4 gigs. A real roller coaster with guitarist 'Hokey Cokey' for some months - he was in, he was out, in, out. Now rehearsing with a new guy so hopefully onwards and upwards. I prefer this band - we play music I love to a higher standard. On a personal level my playing continues to improve and I have more of a clue what I am doing with my gear and what I want. Still on the steep learning curve, though. Biggest change is that I have upgraded from 'occasional bad back' to 'chronic back' which has affected most facets of my life over this past year. My work has slowed down, which I don't mind as my wife has just retired.

Look in the mirror. Worked with me - it is why I don't have one anymore.

My mid-80s Fender Power Jazz Bass Special. Rock monster!

Bought some leads from Stan - he even delivered them! I know where to go if I need to tow a lorry anywhere - just get these leads out. Cheers Stan.

Bought a pup from Neil - good price, good comms, good packaging, speedy delivery. Nice one!

Thanks guys, appreciate the input. I've had a fiddle and actually settled on wah>fuzz>chorus!... for now, anyway... Cheers

again, ta all. Not had a chance to fiddle yet but am looking forward to getting it sorted.