Skybone

I cheat and plug in to the Effects Return on an amp, bypassing the need to buy an FRFR (which will invariably be cheap & low end and therefore not much good for bass).

Wear ear plugs. Buy a Rickenbacker (they only get more expensive!).

Theoretically, the ABM500 will "only" be pushing 300-350w into an 8 ohm cab, and the full 500w into a 4 Ohm load (potentially 2x 8 Ohm cabs), where a valve amp will push all it's power into either. So the ABM into 1x 8 Ohm cab will be pretty much the same as the BTA200 (which is theoretically pushing 300w) into 1 or 2 cabs. You would potentially notice a difference between the two if you were running 2x cabs on both amps.

Agreed

Why break the habit of a lifetime?

Nowt as queer as folk

Jeff moves manically anyway, usually swearing a lot. Interesting news. Matamp are highly underrated IMO.

Maybe use a lighter pick for a softer "attack"?

Gumtree Local Facebook Music Groups Local connections Good old Ad's in Music Shop notice boards The latter is being killed off by social media, but it's still worth taking a bit of time to peruse the ad's in the local music shop(s). Even with social media, it still takes time and a fair deal of luck to find the "right" band / "right" people. Still worth doing though. Good luck!

Don't they do a replica of the Ovation Breadwinner? That would be cool as a bass IMO.

I know, all of the elements are there, but I still don't "get" them, they leave me somewhat cold. To be fair, I didn't say I "liked" the songwriting, but I appreciated it. Subtle difference, but difference nonetheless. I appreciate the skill that it takes to write and play songs that move around, switches time signatures & tempo, but I still don't get them. Hey ho.

I appreciate the musicianship and the songwriting, but no matter how much I try, I just don't 'get' Tool.

I was at the show that became Black Sabbath's 'Reunion' live album.

Keep rocking, keep looking for a band. Hang in there.

A sunburst Kay P bass. God, it was awful. Sold it to a friend from school & bought a Westone Raider I.

Bet you love going back there for a visit...

Long may that "feeling" continue! Good luck with the new band.

Have you looked around Doncaster? What about around Hull? Equally, it's around 45mins to Donny, but there certainly used to be a decent enough scene around there (well, especially when Electro was still open). Not sure if there are any music shops left around there these days (haven't been there in years). Looking at Hull might open even more doors. Just a suggestion. Good luck.

My main bass is my Rockinbetter RickenFaker (the one in the avatar). I bought it brand new, and it is my "go to" bass (though the Bass Collection Californian Faker is a close second). Would I swap it for a Ric 4003? Yes, but it'd have to be a good one.

What about a digital modeller? A Zoom B3 would be perfect, it has not only a DI XLR on the back, but it's also got a USB socket that you can use as a recording interface on your PC. If you play guitar as well, you could look at something like the Line6 HD500x. It also has DI outputs, but it also has the USB socket, and can be used for recording. You will need to buy the HD Bass pack, but it is a great all round tool for guitar & bass. Sounds good too (yes, I have one and use it mainly for the bass). The Boss GT-10B does the same thing, and there are others that are equally as capable.