Skybone

Don't believe everything you read on the internet. If you get the opportunity to try one (or more than one), try it and then make up your mind. I'd always liked them, but put trying one off for years. I did try one that was seriously beaten up early in my playing 'career', as it was all I could afford at the time. It was good, but the condition put me off (turns out it was an early 70's checker bound 4001). Many years later, and many basses later, I tried out a 4003 simply because it was there. I was blown away and bought it, kept it for 5 or 6 years. I regret selling it, but needs must.

I'm actually using an HD500x instead of a Helix. At rehearsals, the room has an old Peavey head with 2x 4x10's. The Peavey has a "Power Amp" in socket on the front panel, so I just tend to use that. The band I'm in hasn't gigged yet, but we're going to do a demo in the new year & try and get some gigs off the back of that. I do have a Hartke HA4000 & an unmatched 2x10 that I can plug the HD into, but I was wondering whether I should just get an FRFR / Powered PA Speaker instead.

Anyone have any experience with the 'lower end' FR powered PA speakers? Had a look at some today, the Mackie Thump looks good, as does the Behringer and the Alto ones.

I saw Rush at the NEC on the 'Hold Your Fire' tour, don't remember a support band, don't think Primus existed then, Les was in Blind Illusion & Larry was still with Possessed.

Currently have an HA4000 head & an unmatched 4 ohm cab that sounds ace. It's the first Hartke I've had, but very impressed with it. Tried an LH500 and an HA2500 at the same time, but I was more impressed with the 4000, so it was the one I brought home. Tried them all with a Hartke ally cone 2x10, and none of the amps suited it to my ears. The only criticism of the 4000 I have is the weight. Liking the look of the new HD500 class D combo, even though it doesn't appear to be available in the UK.

Try using nylons. They do flex, so have a slightly softer attack, but they don't click. I used to use the Dunlop 0.73's, maybe should have gone up to the 1mm instead. Prefer to use my fingers these days.

Hawkwind, 1972 at the Stadium, Liverpool (the recording of Space Ritual). Rush, mid 70's to the early 80's. Voivod at any point in their career (though especially with Jasonic on bass). The Prong, Corrosion of Conformity & The Obsessed gig in Manchester 1995 I missed because of my finals. A whole host of others...

I've never played a Spector, and tbh, but I have played a few Ric's, and owned a 4003 for a few years (had to sell it thanks to the recession ☹ ). Anyway, Ric's are versatile, have plenty of bottom end, and since the mid 90's, have been pretty consistent quality wise (the one's I've played anyway). From 2006 they all come with the Vintage Circuit on board. Yes, some people find them awkward to play and can't get on with the ergonomics of them. You do have to adjust your playing style slightly to get the most from them, and most hate the bridge pickup cover. I like them, and would love another. If you don't want to give any money to the company, buy a second hand one. Have you considered a 4004? More modern looks, humbuckers, Schaller bridge, more rounded edges front & back. Worth tracking down. Definitely try one before you think about buying one.

Ooooh, now that's more like it! Wonder if he'd build one?

Push those mids up, and add a touch reverb.

You could always add an EQ pedal for some songs, or maybe boost your mids on the amp. New strings would certainly help, I'm a fan of stainless steel's, they stay brighter for longer, and the skin on my fingers doesn't start peeling (reaction to the nickel). I prefer Fender 7350m's, but Roto's & Stadium Elites are a very good choice. As for effects, maybe look at finding an old Zoom B3 or the latest B3n, it will give you a really wide choice of effects, from compressors to EQ's to delays & distortions to play with. There's a Boss ME-6B for sale in the Effects for Sale just now.

Back when they were built in Huddersfield by Matamp.

I know it's not a short scale, but the Sacramento is very cool.

There goes most of my suggestions then. ?

The Tangenitals

Mastodon: Emperor of Sand

Definitely. I've always preferred to play original songs, it's certainly more interesting than playing covers, especially when people berate you for not playing it exactly like the album version (usually the guitarist!).

What sort of music? Classic-ish / Heavy-ish Rock, all original songs. I know, there's loads of suggestions out there, but it's more a case of everyone agreeing on one that suits the band (all but the drummer are over 40, and he's not far off), and suits the music. It's frustrating. Back to the drawing board I suppose.

It's great and he is seriously talented... but when it comes to making a video... make it look like you're enjoying yourself.

Have a look at the Ampeg BA210, as well the Fender Rumble 500. Both look like seriously good amps, relatively light (around 17-18kg), with the added bonus that you don't have to buy a cab (unless you want to use the full wattage). The new Hartke HD500 combo looks very interesting indeed as well. Similar concept to the Ampeg & Rumble, 2x10, Class D combo, 17-18kg, but it's priced about £50 cheaper than the other two. The downside is, that I haven't seen any for sale from any UK sellers yet, but Thomann and other German retailers have them. They do look like a good alternative to the other two. Like the look of any of the three, preference is leaning towards the Ampeg, but both the Fender and the Hartke have some really good features... Pity I'm skint.

Thought so. That Taranis looks like a monster, and not too far from us as well.

It looks like we now have a singer on board, and the last couple of practices have gone seriously well. However, that age old problem is looming it's head... choosing a band name. We've been back & forth, around the houses, off on tangents, and the only thing that we can agree on is names we don't like. There have been numerous rude & very tongue in cheek names suggested, some innocent suggestions that some of the rest of the band found highly amusing due to their innuendo factor (and embarrassment when the mirth was explained). But the age old problem is still sat there, waiting to be resolved... very frustrating.

Didn't he work for Matamp for a short while?