Paddy Morris

The headroom on the preamp seems to drop away long before the battery light comes on, so it's always worth trying a new battery. Also make sure the input gain is set to the minimum.

Zak Victor does a good bridge wing pickup. I've found it to be less boomy than the J-tone and pretty feedback resistant. https://www.uprightbasspickups.com The best pickup I have is a Yamahiko mounted on the bridge of my carved bass. But they're pretty pricey by the time you've paid import duty from Japan, and you need to get a luthier to fit them properly. https://yamahiko.info/product/contrabass/ The most realistic and 'airy' thing I have is an Ischell contact mic. French, and also fairly expensive. Really captures the essence of the bass, but really prone to feedback.

Thanks. Yes, the site said that Barnes and Mullins were the UK distributor, but B&M replied to me that they hadn't been Shadow distributors for a few years. In the end I ordered a replacement to the address of a friend in NYC, and he's bringing it over with him when he visits in a few weeks.

No. Limiter not essential by any means. It's a really great setup for the money. You'll probably wind up only teasing in a very small amount of neck pickup anyway, as the bridge pickup also picks up a fair bit of slap.

I've somehow managed to lose the bridge wing pickup from my RB Pro setup. I'm using a Vics for the time being which sounds fine, but I'd like to get another Shadow one because it just sounded slightly nicer via their preamp. Any clues where I could order a replacement transducer, without having to shell out for a whole new kit? I can't see replacements listed anywhere

What about the PJB two four? It's tiny, and loud enough for a practice at home or an acoustic gig in a pub or café (without drums, obviously)

Silver slaps are lovely. Very low tension. They are a little squeaky under the fingers (like wound guitar strings) but very satisfying to play. They don't work for arco at all.

If you do end up buying a composite bass, would love to know what you think of it, and hear some sample recordings.

Have you tried those Global Gut Indian strings from Etsy? The E, A are too flappy to be of much use, but the D, G are great. They have a lovely tone and feel very satisfying under the fingers. And they're cheap enough that you can afford to buy something more expensive for the lower strings. But I mean, if you love Gamuts and can afford Gamuts, then get Gamuts. It's worth spending money on something that makes you enjoy your life, right?

You've been to a luthier twice, and your bridge doesn't adjust properly and your strings are buzzing. Sounds to me like you need a different luthier. Some luthiers can get a little snooty when they learn that you're not playing in an orchestra. I think you need to ask around and get the right guy for your bass and playing style.

Quick question. Should I change my G yet? It's about 5 years old and I've been trying to keep up with trimming off the odd strand of gut that peels off it using nail scissors, but I'm not great at it. I oil them infrequently when I remember to do it. It still sounds OK. Possibly not quite quite as good as new, but it's subjective and hard to tell, as I've changed amps, cabs and pickups many times since I put it on. It still sounds lovely and warm and loud acoustically. I have a spare I could put on now, but they tend to drift in pitch radically for the first week, and I've got 3 gigs and 2 practices over the bank holiday weekend. I really don't want to be re-tuning after every song (or worse, during every song!) What would the Bass-Chatters do?

Love this. My cat leaves the house whenever I pick up any instrument at all. Everyone's a critic.

Neal Heppleston in Mirfield, West Yorks - brilliant. John Marlow - Dewsbury, West Yorks, also very good for running repairs.

https://youtu.be/Y9LWfVjXXAU?si=1FCsZGmx0IEVrgpU

Define North England. Neal Heppleston in Mirfield, West Yorkshire is a legend.