Skybone

Alright Dave. Thankfully, there's a bit more common sense on here than on the other well known bass forum. 😉😀

To be fair, the OP hasn't posted since, and has only posted once. Troll perchance? Must admit, never heard that one. When practicing sat down, I don't use a strap, because it's too long, and will fall down, and become a distraction. That's not to say I have my bass Hooky style low on the strap, but comfortable for me low.

As with all companies, Rickenbacker changed the specs relatively regularly. I had a 4003 from 2005, which had a thinner neck than the current run of 4003's, it also didn't have the "Vintage" circuit, which came in 2006, along with the current thicker neck. A mid 90's to 2005 model would be a good place to start looking for one. Alternatively, you could try and find a 4001 from the 70's. However, it is known that the necks vary quite a bit, because they were all hand made, so no two 4001's are the same. You could try looking for a Faker, which have more consistent necks. I have 2 Rockinbetter's that are both over 10 years old (not the current crop of "Chinabackers"/"Chickenbackers". The neck is relatively thin, and feels great. You could try and find a 70's 4001 MIJ copy (Ibanez / Greco / Aria / etc.), but you will pay for them. The best piece of advice I can give regarding Ric's is that you really do need to "try before you buy", which I know is not the best advice in the current climate, but it is the only way to go with Ric's. They, more than any other brand seem to make instruments that "speak" to people, and unfortunately, you do have to try a few before one says "hello" back.

Well, to be fair, when you're sat down playing, you don't need to have the strap on. As there's no tension on the strap from the weight of the bass, it will slip off your shoulder. Simple solution... don't use your strap when you're sat down playing. Only use the strap when you stand up & play.

Ibanez Iceman IC400, set neck, mahogany body. I have 2, a 2004 & a 2005. I've owned a few IC's of different years, a 1978 IC200, a 1980 IC50, a mid 90's IC300. Along with a few Ibanez Artist's from the late 70's. I've also owned a few Tokai Love Rock's (Les Paul clones). The best was a '99 MIJ LS70F.

Anyone managed to get their hands on one yet?

Well... "The only way to feel the noise, is when it's good and loud"

Cheap strings? Warwick Red Label.

What about the SansAmp VT500 head? Juicy SVT sounds on tap, and a fraction of the weight. https://www.thomann.de/gb/tech_21_bass_vt_500.htm There's always the Ampeg PF500 as well. Or... Get a power amp and a Pre-amp pedal, like a SansAmp BDDI or VT Bass. If you want a bit of flexibility, maybe look at the Helix Stomp. EDIT: Just spotted in the For Sale section: a PF500

A little Overkill perhaps? I did see that advertised on the telly the other night, and wonder which song they should use... Stay Clean perhaps?

Find another late 80's StingRay.

Killing Joke are ace full stop. Still love the "Extremities" album. Killer bass sounds? Hawkwind: Space Ritual

Nice little series, and just goes to show what excellent craftspeople luthiers are in the attention to detail and all that. I was a little concerned when he started gouging out bits of the body, but that's his style, and both the Oak 'board & the flamed Sycamore neck looked fabulous.

The Duchess used to be a fantastic venue, saw many ace gigs there.

I compared my old Pod XT Live with the HD500X, no contest at all. I'd imagine that comparing an XT against a Helix would be like chalk & cheese.

Nearly bought one a few months back, talked myself out of it.

Caveat alert: IME, I never managed to get a decent sound out of the BOSS pedals & multi's I've owned (but that is going back some time!), where I have managed to get some great sounds from Line6 products. If you don't want to go the expense of buying a Helix, then have a look for a good second hand POD HD500X. Make sure you then buy yourself the HD Bass pack. It's a thoroughly underrated device, great sounds, etc. The downside is, it's no longer being developed (in favour of Helix), and the bass amp/cab sims are limited, however, at around £200-250 for a second hand model, it's well worth a punt. I've been using mine for 2-3 years now, love it. Use it for everything, put it into the FX Return of my amp (bypass the amps pre-amp), and bypassed the amp for recording. Saying that, I would consider getting the Helix LT (there's one in the Effects For Sale), but I can't afford one, and am really happy with the sounds I get from the HD500X.

I had a 4003, built in 2005, and that didn't have the "full width" inlays either. They started doing the full width inlays again around 2006 when they started adding the "Vintage Circuit" as standard as well. And Paul Boyer's book is a good resource too. Geddy's Big Beautiful Book of Bass is good for doing rabbit hole research.

I've owned a few D*A*M Tone Bender's, as well as a couple of Colorsound Wah pedals. IMO, they're superb. The D*A*M one's were simply excellent, they went from subtle drive to outright fuzzy fuzz.

Still do. My personal favourite is "Lord of Light". Superb song, superb bass line.