Skybone

Basses: 3x RickenFakers (2x Rockinbetter's, 1x Bass Collection Californian) Effects: Line6 HD500x Amp: Hartke HA4000 (only used it a handful of times since I bought it) Cab: RedSub 2x10 (ditto) Other Stuff: Fender leads, Mono GS1 straps, Schaller strap locks, Fender 7350m strings The three musketeers: No.2 Rockinbetter, No.3 Bass Collection Californian, No.1 Rockinbetter

What sort of powered speaker do you use? Is that just for 'on stages monitoring? I've been through a Zoom B3, a PODxt Live, and now use a POD HD500x (the B3 & HD500 have xlr outs). The HD is my favourite so far, great sounds, but not exactly a low cost option, even second hand (bought mine second hand). You should be able to find a pretty decent Zoom B3 second hand for a reasonable price. The only downside to the HD is the 'lack' of amp & cab models. However, the ones that are on it sound pretty darn good IMO.

They sound more like audio / log pots than linear ones.

All parts UK, WD MusicUK, Guitarparts, StringsDirect, HotRox

It is a family show... Good job the wall hangers aren't up then...

We avoided places like Las Ramblas when we were there last year, and I hear it is bad around there. We went there a few years back, and you certainly had to keep your wits about you. As in many large cities, there's plenty of people on the streets trying to sell you tat. We were there around Easter, so not really a real Tourist-y time of year, and we only did a bit of a whistle stop tour of certain bits (mainly the tourist bus routes). We were with the kids, so weren't really going to many of the "big" tourist areas.

Another one lurking in the spare room & the cupboard in the spare room. Used to have them on the wall of our old house, can't do that now, because of shelves & other stuff. Having them out on show certainly made me pick them up more.

Nice

I've not seen any of these "in the flesh", but have been seriously considering either the 420 or 620. I've owned a couple of late 70's 2619's in the past (same specs), which were real LP Killers, fantastic guitars, and with the addition of the Tri-Sound switches, they add some really useful, and easily accessible sounds. The 2619's pre-dated the "AR" range (even though they were "Artist"), and the specs are slightly different, the "AR"s tend to have thicker bodies, more like those of the LP / Yamaha SG, where the 26** series had thinner bodies. Some of the previous reissues of their 70's/80's range guitars have been superb, so I wouldn't expect anything less from these.

Did you use some buttah?

Yup, Ric 4004Cii. There was an interview with him a while back in BGM (can't remember his name... Andy ?).

Got a Thomann pedal bag when I got my HD500x, extra large pocket on the front, so leads, PSU & other stuff goes in there. Sorted.

Bizarrely enough, I've just bought a Mono Betty strap from Amazon for £35, including free postage. Bargain, seeing as they're about £42 everywhere else.

Yup, can totally agree with that, but I could do with a decent amp as well. Maybe some other stuff... Dunno, I quite fancy another bike as well. It's your money, do what you will with it, and enjoy.

Can't remember which song it was, but one of the Sia songs, the backing track was samples of her voice. Thought that was brilliant and creative.

Get the info up on the many UK Instrument groups on Facebook. Usually a pretty good way of letting people know, and the thieves will probably try to flog them via Facebook.

The miming was one of the best bits of Top of the Pops

Can any one recommend a good, reasonably priced online string retailer? Looked at all the usual suspects, like Stringbusters, Strings Direct, eBay, etc., but are there any others out there that folk use and can recommend? All this talk of string brands, and the qualities of the different lines makes me want investigate various options.

Always used to find Stadium Elites quite bright, and stayed bright for quite a while. I'll also second Lozz & SH's recommendation of Roto RS66's. Fender Stainless Steel's stay pretty bright too.

Every MB4 as well.

Is there a bass somewhere that doesn't play like a dream? I think I've owned quite a few of them over the years!

Good to hear a positive Ric owner story! Welcome!

Tha reet cocker? Welcome!

Always liked Elites & Roto's, but I'm sticking with my Fender's just now.