warwickhunt

Interesting news from Sadowsky! https://www.sadowsky.com/sadowsky-warwick-announcement/?fbclid=IwAR3TjU5rxZnfXHTN_UivMRLau3lcVxBApcblY7ykNDo01A0oDOvQOgRtigg

German made Streamer with JJ pups would indicate (initially) that you've played a Streamer Stage II (if it was a 4 string NT), which is top of the range stuff and I'm not surprised you were impressed. 'Personally' I'd stick with German made basses; 80's or 90's basses had slimmer necks than more recent models but chunky might be your thing. The Streamer LX range of BO basses can be had very cheap for what they are. As noted above nut MkII was pants but easily changed, jack sockets on most used basses will have been upgraded with Switchcraft or similar quality jack socket by now... if not change it (£5 - 15 minute DIY job)! I personally like the natural finishes because they can touched up and sanded/cleaned easier than paint finishes. I may also be in the minority that I find the MEC EQ great (2 band) and not dissimilar in the transparency of say EMG. If you're visiting near Newcastle, I've got a few basses of different config you can have a try of before making your decision and buying.

I've just left a band due to their wanting me to (unreasonably) commit to gigs that I couldn't do due to prior commitments with another band (which they knew I was in and NOT leaving and they were fine with when they approached me to join them). At the end of August I politely pointed out that they'd be better off with another bassist but that I'd do the next few gigs or until they got a bassist up to speed. Wrong line to take it transpired! The band didn't proactively recruit a new bassist and I ended up gigging for 10 more weeks (1-2 gigs a week). I eventually set a deadline that I'd not gig passed and stuck to it because I'd have still been gigging with them now (keyboard player is covering bass on some gigs even today)! I wouldn't dream of dropping a band in it if I was leaving them, however there is a point at which a band should have found a replacement or rescheduled gigs and setting deadlines/dates is good for everyone. In my case I had to ensure the band I was in 'first' could commit to gigs moving forward, which I couldn't do if I was still expected to be playing with the band I was leaving!

My guitarist just picked up a used pair of 1x15 RCF active speakers, small Mackie desk with all cables and stands for £550. A set of the smaller 12" RCFs with a similar desk should be easily achievable in your budget. I wouldn't skimp on £50 - £100 and buy a generic brand of active speakers, go for Mackie/RCF or similar. Sadly you get 'look-alikes' that quote massive spec but in fact the sound quality is poor and rarely lives up to the quoted outputs. Regarding desks - there are lots of good quality little mixers around and I'd opt for a 8 - 12 channel desk rather than a little 4 channel; 4 channels might sound like all you will need but you might want to put an electric piano, electro acoustic guitar or a couple of extra vocals through and nothing worse than struggling for channels. Plus you tend to get a little more in the way of on-board effects and EQ on slightly bigger desks (which aren't physically that much bigger than a little desk).

R Wood - If I'd seen/heard that down the Dog n Duck I'd have been disappointed,

Surely it's only a steal if nobody bids?

I've seen a few in that finish and every one has had a fault with the paint adhering, it invariably flakes off in slabs.

It's original finish but I'll bet the paint is flaking off in chunks! Price is steep, I've got several better 'W' basses for sale... for less money!

I've worn ear plugs for over 10 years; started with rubberised preformed ones (a step up from foam) but moved on about 6 years ago to proper moulded to my ear jobbies with attenuating filters. I've noticed recently that I'm perceiving that there seems to be a bit more volume getting through than I remember there being previously. I don't think the bands I'm playing with are getting louder and I'm not positioning myself any different, nor has any equipment changed significantly. I'm wondering if: 1) my brain is processing the sound differently as I've used them for so long. 2) my ear canal is changing in shape and letting sound pass. 3) the plug is deforming. 4) the attenuating part is deteriorating. Anyone else had this experience or could offer insight? I am considering getting fitted for new plugs btw.

I haven't quite reached Big Al's crunch point and I very much follow L Sklar's philosophy (I'd happily play to a large, appreciative audience for free if someone was setting up/stripping down all of my gear... and I wasn't hanging about for hours twiddling thumbs). However, I believe our view on this matter does change over time. In my youth I'd play anything, anywhere for any/no remuneration. Now though, I will be paid appropriately for my efforts and I hope that audiences will be appreciative but I'm prepared to put up with some rubbish because I'm being paid. Do I sometimes wish I hadn't bothered? Yes but when that becomes the norm, I'm out of it!

The difference is... £££

Newcastle based, I play in 2 bands. Band A - a rock covers 3 piece @ £250/£300. Band B - 70's specific 6 piece @ £450+. However, the type of pub/club we play doesn't have any crossover; Band B couldn't/wouldn't play for less money (but they also lug a lot more lights/sound etc), Band A smaller set up. I have to say each band has the same level of professionalism but different markets.

Up to 6 months ago (I used to check every week for new stock of used Warwick/Zon/esoteric basses) there were almost always 30 - 40 basses in the 4 string, £1000+ section inc 5-8 Warwick basses, I've been busy for the last 6 months and not had the inclination to check on their site. Hence I was a bit surprised when I checked back to see 14 basses in that section! The whole page of used basses on their site (of all values and string numbers) is less than there used to be for just the one section. If there FB page is taking over from the site and more easily and readily updated that might account for it.

I occasionally peruse the Bass Direct website to check out their used bass stock and the last few times I've looked, they've had less and less used bass stock. Anyone know if this is a conscious decision or simply that they haven't much new stock to replace sold basses?

On meeting folks from bands etc I always assume everyone else is an idiot and adjust my appraisal from there on. If an 'idiot' asks to borrow kit at a gig I've got to also assume said idiot didn't have the capacity to organise himself/his gear or cares so little that they think someone will sort stinky poo out for them in which case either way the answer is NO. As a young man I did a gig supporting a band who were over from Sweden. Bassist hadn't brought his bass and manager asked if he could use mine; I agreed and I watched in horror as at the end of the gig he took his frustration at not getting the adulation they expected by throwing my bass to the floor. I ended up punching him out and a ruck ensued between bands... it's only Rock N Roll. Feel sorry for the OP, hope all is sorted and a lesson for all.

I've learned in the last couple of years that ebay is now firmly in the 'If it isn't as described, you'll get a full refund' camp! There is the hassle of having to return something but the chances of coming unstuck via ebay/paypal (as a buyer) are slim. I take your point about sizing up the seller and I'd imagine quite useful in many cases.