Machines

No, didn't see a single mask in 2 days. I think it's marketing for the event, lack of consultation with the bass community (e.g. Basschat), a lack of buy in for exhibitors, possibly due to apprehension at a new location and the attendees list not looking too hot.

As someone who spent 2 days on the the Bass Direct stand, I can confirm this. Other than an apx 2 hour period on Saturday afternoon (which was bordering on very busy), it was mostly quiet (average 1-2 public in the 20m stand, peaking at 6-8 plus staff). Speaking to the other bass exhibitors, it appears the organisation and marketing for the event was rather lacklustre. There was a very well attended drum show next door, but in another building 5 mins walk away, when there were 2 empty aircraft hangar sized adjacent to the 'bass room'. Putting them together would have made sense and increased footfall for both events. The bass room was a mixed bag of small solo exhibitors, and large distributors, with some random guitar stalls/education types. 3 of the guitar stalls packed up Saturday PM and didn't come back for Sunday. That said. On the BD stand we had some great players turn up and had the time to talk to them, and let them try stuff out without time limits. As someone not invested in the event, I thought it was good fun - caught up with some old faces, met some new - plus got to try out some amazing equipment at my own whim. The Saturday night party was fun, saw Yolanda Charles play a very good set. We were all invited to jam if we wanted - but the setlist was too unfamiliar for me and I didn't want to look like the amateur that I am in front of a very skilled & educated crowd of peers. We packed up an hour early (and were the last doing so) and got home a couple of hours ago. I think if I had paid, I would feel quite put out. P.s the Dingwall in this photo is no longer available 👀

Check this out too: https://theukbassandguitarshow.com/exhibitors/. Not that many 'bass only' stands, but a few that could be hybrids (e.g. Musicman / Ibanez). No map of the hall yet which would be the best indicator. As long as it's headphones only (or at least quiet periods) it should be bearable, but i'm taking my ER-20s regardless.

I'll be there tomorrow setting up with BassDirect - so should be able to give a sitrep of the other stands in place. The live stage very much looks bass focussed though.

Odd pickup choice with the passive J's (as the battery just for the lights !) when nearly all RBXs are humbuckers, but i'd have one (white, not black). If I find one for a decent price (they were clearance at about £350) then i'll go for it. Caveat - I am an RBX fan anyway.

I've for the most part had matching head/cab, the reasons for this have always been aesthetics.

I am in a similar circumstance. What I have does everything I need, and everything I want. Part of playing for me has always been looking for the next shiny thing to covet (hence the 60+ instruments in 20 years). There's one bass I MIGHT shift, but it needs a bit more time to see if it's excess to requirements, and another I might change the preamp in. Other than that, happy.

I've seen some top of the range fairly new £1k Corts struggle to sell for £500.

My current collection is so pleasing I am disappointed I won't want to sell any of them to buy something else I don't need.

Nothing - I always have a huge meal beforehand and don't fancy anything at 1am.

I have one fretless bass. It came with frets 🛠️.

What percentage of bassists have or play a fretless ? I would imagine it's <10%, if not much less. Ibanez do some specific fretless models, which I imagine they think covers that arena, but for every model to have a fretless option (produced in advance) may see a lot not sold.

That's better. Multiple playing styles, a range of octaves, in the mix.

Personally, i watch your reviews with both the sound, and my pants, off.

I just called him too. He said that the RM is not a silent amp designed for home practise, but designed for stage use - so the fan runs permanently. However, it is possible to add a thermal switch to the fan circuit, so it only runs when it gets to a certain temperature - which is unlikely to happen at home. A superb solution.

Having just joined an originals band after zero gigs for 2 years, I have 4 in the diary already in the next 3 months. I haven't gigged original music in over 15 years, so it's quite exciting.

Sounds like he's rolled a few too many if that's his observation of metal bass tones.

Bridge pickups for metal ? Yes. Sure.

Every Cort demo, ever. Let me beat that though, with this chap that they found outside the studio:

For me - it's knowing that even if I can get past the brand name, most won't. And as someone who generally owns basses in a transient fashion, I would know i'd take a big hit when selling if I bought one new. As such, even though these instruments are well above their price tag in comparison to 'big brands', I wouldn't take the risk.

£1149, probably £1249 for the fiver. https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/product/220113379527008--cort-gb-modern-4-open-pore-charcoal-grey

Evo 1 500w. Absolutely fine outside house as other sound will nullify it, but makes using it for home practice a bit annoying unless cranked.

Let me know what they say please, as I just listened to yours and it's the same as mine 😂.

I think any 34" scale instrument will struggle here, especially if you want a defined tone.

This is where I go. Decent gear and always clean and tidy, I'll be there tomorrow night!