Skybone

What about a cheap fretless from Harley Benton / Gear4Music / Vintage?

My son bought some Hi Hats from Thomann, and they took over a week and a half to arrive due to the DHL "black hole". I ordered him some new sticks as part of his Christmas present from a UK supplier, but despatched via DHL, same thing, nearly 2 weeks to arrive, a phone call to DHL, and a few days later, they miraculously turned up. Did the same with his Thomann order (and advised him to contact Thomann as well), again, miraculously they turn up a few days later. The irony is, he works part-time in the warehouse of one of the local couriers that DHL sub-contract out to.

The Rockinbetter circuit was completely different to that of a Ric, where it "replicated" the layout of a Les Paul rather than a Ric. IIRC: Switch up was the neck pickup, switch down was the bridge pickup, middle is obviously both. The top row of knobs is Volume & Tone for the neck pickup, bottom row of knobs is Volume & Tone for the bridge. Again, IIRC, there was little variation in tone from 0 to around 60-70%, then it was a noticeable lift in treble. The ones that I had were always set with full volume and tone on the bridge pickup, around 75% volume and full tone for the neck, both pickups selected. Although it doesn't quite sound like a Ric, it gets most of the way there, and the necks are pretty much dead on. Have fond memories of my old Rockinbetter's. Enjoy.

There's a Bass Fly Rig for sale in the Effects, that has both the BDDI and VTDI on separate channels (from what I'm lead to believe from the blurb), as well as a compressor, chorus, and a filter.

Down in a Hole - Alice in Chains

Children of the Grave - Black Sabbath

Bought a couple of Ric's with unbelievably smelly cases. Couldn't get rid of the stink no matter what I tried, so the basses got re-housed in new cases, and the old ones are in the garage. As has been suggested, if it's a cordura style case, stick it in the washing machine, a couple of pods and loads of fabric conditioner.

I originally ordered the 20dB filters, but they were too effective, and I couldn't hear conversation, bought a pair of the 17dB filters, and they're spot on. Again, I had the moulds done at a branch of Boots, very professional.

If you want really good ear protection, then ACS Custom earplugs are the way to go. Not cheap, but well worth it, and last for years.

Definitely the one to go for if you want that Geddy Lee growl.

Need to hear if this project is even going to get off the ground, let alone anything else first! From what I can see, the "go to" gauge for 5's is around 130/135. Can get a 5 string set of Warwick Red's for less than £15, so that'll probably be the starting point, and work from there. If the project gets off the ground... Cheers all. 👍

Yes.

Another vote for a refinish.

Don't Pay the Ferryman - Chris de Burgh

I agree