Buddster

Thanks for all the replies. So interesting comments and also a complete mixed bag. I agree that most store basses won't be set up to test properly anyway (they look like they haven't seen a screwdriver or allen key since being taken out of the box) and the thought of trying some show off slap or fancy jazz is a big no, so yes, taking plugin miniamp and headphones is a good idea. And a strap. PMT in Bristol used to have a small room you could have a tryout in (tbh they should stick the guitar buyers in there too, save us the suffering!) I can see that if you prefer say, a jazz, that buying blind would be fine as you know what you should get. But how do you know you like a jazz without trying a jazz first? Or a Stingray, or an Ibanez. So I bought a Squier jazz to see and now I know, but it was a gamble. I've also an SR which I bought because I love the look and thankfully love playing. So thats 2 for 2. I should have gone to the SW bass bash!

Can't think what you mean..... 🤪. 🥕

Knights of the Round Table.. The Knights of Camalot

If it's any consolation I had to do exactly this on a brand new Squier.

I'm not a great shopper in general. I find it difficult, after having the attention of the shop assistant, to not feel some guilt when saying "no it's not what I'm after thanks" and walk out. Hence I will tend to go to a shop only when I know what I want. I love online shopping though! So imagine the pressure of looking for a new bass. I know roughly what I'm after but would like to try loads of basses to feel the difference and find 'the one' (or at least 'the one manufacturer'). I'd love a Sandberg but I'm obviously not going to give over £2000 without trying one. Or perhaps the neck curve on a MM fits just right. Can I go to Bass Direct and say 'hi, can I spend a few hours trying your different bass? I might not buy one or I can get it cheaper 2nd hand or somewhere else, but you're the only place with loads of basses available to try, give us a go. Pleeeaaase'. So, How do you buy yours? Or how do you even try different bass? Are you guilt free and just walk in, ask to try and walk out with no intention of buying? Or do you buy one, try it and sell it on if you don't like it? Perhaps buy it with a returns policy (and hope you don't scratch it!)?

He's not heavily, he's my brother. The Hollies

Aunt Flo. Bod

Tumbling Down. Cockney Rebel

The Sun. Maroon 5

B1tch. Meradith Brooks. (silly content advisor)

Dune Tune. Mr King

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! Some dudes from Sweden, can't place the name

Born Free. Matt Monro

Scrooge. The Muppets

Harvest for the world. Isley Bros

Hanging around Stranglers

Ernie, the fastest milkman in the West. Our Bennie

Call Me. Blondie

FIRE! Kasabian

Things I'd like manufacturers to do.... Read this thread

Sandberg. Please don't make me wait 12 months if i order a bass from you

I fell in love with a female plumber from Harlesden NW10.. Spoldge

😂 That's a new one, I'll have to tease him about that next time

It's an HK Audio active system and in this instance we were using 1 sub/2 tops per side which is more than enough for a venue up to 120 people. Slightly larger venue, we'd use 2 subs and 4 tops. It's the drummers kit and he and I have used it/hired it out at outdoor festivals with 4 subs/4 tops per side and they are bloody loud! And clear. They are brilliant. I've done a lot of live sound and they are easily the best system I've used. The drummer uses V drums and we run everything through FOH, having a fairly quiet stage (and I'm not hiden away behind a big top unit). They can more than handle this, and have used them with rock bands, reggae and even a Bangra beat band. Didnt even break sweat. They weren't cheap, all though in his over enthusiasm he bought too many units and we hardly ever have to use more than 2 subs /side. Definitely recommend inline pa systems, but would advise a pre purchase testing session with reference music you know.