Skybone

IIRC, it was a reaction to the stricter controls on Rosewood, and the use of certified timber from known sources. It pre-dates the CITES Regs, but they knew it was coming and had to come up with a viable solution.

Line6 HD500x. Preamp, MultiFX, sounds great and a fraction of the cost of a Helix second hand.

If you're not interested in the Amp Modelling technology, then the HX FX would be the best option IMO. One of the benefits is that you can keep your current set up, and just use the HX FX for effects, as you've been using the Zoom. Another benefit is that the list of modeled effects is still growing, so if you keep the unit updated with the latest firmware, then you should have a relatively limitless supply of effects on tap to play with. If that's something of a "Sledgehammer to crack a nut" approach, then maybe look at something like the Zoom B3/B3n, the Line6 M5/9/13, or something like a Boss GT-10B. Older technology, but they still work.

Hello & welcome.

Thomann's budget hard cases are pretty good, though at around £40, they aren't the cheapest. Had a Thomann gig bag for a Thunderbird I bought a while back, and that was pretty good. Not the best, but durable, and looks like it would take a beating. Have a Thomann bag for my MultiFX, and that's really good.

Outline, you could use an electric jigsaw. However, for pickup holes, it may be an idea to use a coping saw or similar fine toothed saw after having made a hold first. I've "made" a few scratchplates in the past, with varied success, using a Dremel and a Jigsaw. The best results were achieved with the Jigsaw, however, I made an derrière of the pickup hole, which was a real shame. The Jigsaw is that little bit too big for the pickup hole, and a Dremel is just not right for the job. Most important thing to remember is to take your time, and realize that you may need to make multiple scratchplates before you're happy.

Unfortunately not IIRC.

It might be a case of trying to find a band that does original stuff rather than a covers band. Whether you stay with the covers band is up to you, but it does sound like you're missing the creativity you get from playing original material. Yes, it's a limited market place these days, especially if you're "older". But on the other hand, there must be other people like yourself, of a similar age group who have played original material over the years, and who have ended up playing covers, which they don't particularly enjoy. Also, yes, being in an originals band takes time, a lot of time. Time to write, time to get a stable line up, time to build a reputation etc., and it is very frustrating, especially if other members are trying to push forward or hold things back. Being of a "similar vintage" to Linus27, and having been in numerous originals bands, I personally can't abide playing covers. I don't have the patience, and I don't find it enjoyable. Plus the experience has been spoiled by various other former band members commenting on my performance of the cover in question (You're not playing it right, you missed that pause, but I need to play this F# minor Sus 9 chord, and you're breathing is putting me off, etc.).

Last Christmas, Lidl did a small, portable electronic drum "kit" thingy. My wife bought it for our son. I was dubious, but, it's actually pretty good for the money. Decent sounds, has foot pedals for Bass & Hi-Hats, 3 tom pads, 1 snare pad & 2 cymbal "stands". All in one handy "table top" package, and reasonably priced. Worthwhile checking Lidl or Aldi in the run up to Christmas.

TBH, I prefer the UniTune to the PolyTune.

That's cool

Maybe a set of vintage flavoured P/J pickups in the Yamaha would be an option? IIRC, the Yamaha's pickups have Ceramic magnets, which tend to sound a bit "colder" than pickups with Alnico magnets. You could spend a fair bit on some hand-wound pickups, or a more reasonable amount for the "known" manufacturer's (Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, Fender, etc.). Depends on how much you're willing to spend I suppose. Still cheaper than buying a new bass. Keep the old pickups, and swap them back in if you ever decide to sell, then sell the pickups separately.

I would expect that after 6 years, the filter would deteriorate. You should be able to get new filters though. Or just retire them, and get some new ones made.

One of my favourite albums features very prominent basslines... Hawkwind: Space Ritual Lord of Light is a particular highlight.

Really like the shape & build of the Viking, just wish they'd make a passive version. Would like to find a 4 string one to try it out.

Just like Wossie being the best TV Chat Show Host ever...

I would argue that you need to figure out your pedals & pedal order before building a pedal board. Are you going to be using a power supply, or batteries? Where do you place the PSU? Do you want the board to have a slope? Will the PSU connectors reach the pedals? Will you be adding other pedals to your "essential" pedals? What sort of patch leads are you using? How big are your feet, this could determine the space you need between each pedal? How big are your pedals? Will your board have a "lip" on the base, or will the base be flat? Is it worthwhile looking at a commercially available alternative? Etc. I had one custom built for my guitar rig years back, it was 600 x 300mm, I was running 5 pedals from a 5 output PSU. It was big and heavy, but it was sturdy and didn't move on the stage. Before that I used an EHX Pedal Bag, which was actually seriously good (should have kept it!).

Yup, preferably "Try before you buy", but the last few basses I've bought have been unseen off of t'interweb, so don't listen to me. Thankfully, all but 1 were great.

Or..... A reasonably priced amp (Ashdown 300 2x10 combo, for example), and an amp modeling preamp.

The 6550 is an 8 pin base power valve, similar (but not the same as) an EL34.

In reality, it's between A & C. IMO, B is a non-starter, as if no one knows you at that venue, headlining isn't really going to draw too many people in. You would hope it would, but in reality, unless it's a Friday or Saturday, not many people will be out. That leaves A or C. A is the "easy option". You could theoretically do this any time if it's "local", you're known to the venue, and you know you can pull a decent crowd. Excellent stuff, you can use these gigs to build your confidence as a band, and develop stage craft, whilst having the advantage of being in a venue you like near home. However, C is the gig that will build a fanbase outside your area. You know the headline band, so it could be possible that, if they are local to you, both bands can share a van, reducing costs, as well as playing a short set to a crowd who aren't familiar with your band. If you have any merch/demo's/download or website info cards etc., take them along, you'll get some people interested, and develop a fan base outside your area.

I've had a few Love Rock guitars in the past (all MIJ though), and they were excellent, so it's great to see an LR bass.

An old drummer I worked with had a JayDee Flying V, that I set up for him. Gorgeous guitar, seriously well made, and once it was cleaned up and set up, it played and sounded brilliant. Congrats on the new T'bird, if it's anywhere near the V, it'll be ace.

The Rumble 500 combo will be plenty (unless the guitarists insist on bringing their 100w stacks along, and playing them at full volume!). Even something like an Ashdown ABM/MAG 300 will be plenty. But if you're happy with the Rumble 100, then go with the 500, and add the cab at a later date as and when you need it. Definitely check out the second hand market though. You can get some pretty good deals on gear.

Personal favourite of mine is the EHX Small Clone (steel box version) always coupled with a Small Stone (also the steel box version). Uses? Early 80's Alternative Rock/Goth (when the Roland JC120 was the amp to go for!)