[quote name='Gazza 2905' timestamp='1320692784' post='1430156']
But what about if you go into a shop to try out a new bass then?
They'll probably be one or two customers, and the shopkeeper of course.
Surely you feel under a little pressure to play something impressive.
Or do you just noodle?..
[/quote]
I examine the bass and then play it unplugged. If I like it so far then I'll ask to amplify it. Then I play all the notes on each string to see it it plays evenly. Then I play it with right hand by the bridge, then right hand above pickup, then right hand over the end of neck, etc. I'm checking out the bass not performing for a load of onlookers.