Skybone

Played a local "Battle of the Bands" heat last night, the venue puts on loads of bands, but the soundman was crap (had trouble DI'ing the bass FFS!) and the provided equipment was more than crap. As expected, there were the usual shenanigans from the other 2 bands playing, jostling for position on the bill, rent-a-crowd, "buy our EP"/listen to us on Spotify etc., guess we're just going to have to play that game as well. TBH, we did go into it as more of an "experience" thing, it was only our second gig as a band, and the singers second ever "proper" gig. We were on first, so loads of sound problems to start off with as the winning band got the soundcheck. Had a couple of false starts, as the sound was chronic (no bass!). I went DI instead of their provided amp, after much faffing, there was bass, but then we re-started, and the bass magically disappeared. Ended up plugging my HD500x into the return loop on the amp, hey presto, bass. Anyway, the songs went down well, but obviously not well enough to please rent-a-crowd.

We were asked to do a 20 minute set, 4 original songs, second act on out of four.

The las band that made me go "wow" was Maggot Heart's "Show Them Your Teeth". Wonderfully dark, but without conforming to the cliché's of "heavy" music. https://youtu.be/dxs-iqW7kOM

First gig with this band, and first ever "proper" gig for the singer. Small pub with a regular clientele. We only did 4 songs, went by in a flash, "on stage" sound was non-existent (I went direct into the board, no monitors, and I could barely hear the guitar), thankfully I was next to the PA, so I could hear the bass, drums (un-mic'ed) & vocals. Made a few mistakes, and I can tell I haven't played in a while! Overall, we had loads of good feedback from folk, so it can't have been too bad! Next gig is next week.

Wondered what sort of bass Bedders was using, great find anzoid.

Beautiful looking bass, I too saw it on FB, and again it was a bit too expensive for me (given the time of year etc.). Enjoy it.

More like a Harley Davidson. They do the same thing as other motorcycles, but they have a loyal following (maybe too loyal in some cases?). Each to their own.

Helix Effects (HX-FX)? I suppose a lot would depend on whether you want the amp/cab modelling facilities, or just the effects. If you want to recreate amp dynamics as well as effects, then a Helix or Helix LT would be ideal. If you just want to use your current amp, and just add effects, then the Helix Stomp would be ideal. Very tempted by a Helix LT myself, but I'm currently using a HD500x, which more than meets my requirements, and would makes moving to a Helix an extravagance. Maybe one day I can justify buying one, at the moment, I can't really (still want one though! ).

Borrowed one of these from a friend for some recording many, many moons ago. Great sounding amps & cabs.

The only downside to wall hangers is that if your instrument is finished in nitrocellulose lacquer, as the rubber on the hangers reacts with the lacquer. Used to have mine hung up in one of the old houses, can't do it here though unfortunately.

Used Roto 66's from the late 80's to the late 90's when I started experimenting with other brands, both nickel & stainless. Now Fender have stopped making stainless steel round's, I have to find some to replace them. Tried Elites in the past, trying some again (got some new old stock ones cheap). Tried Warwick Red's in the past too, good long lasting strings, but a bit rough. Very good price though. Tempted by Picato's if I can get some for the right price, or going back to Roto 66's. Dunno.

Only took me the best part of 20 years of prevaricating before I bought one. Superb bass, congrats on your purchase and enjoy it. Though I would consider changing where you play it slightly. Instead of playing near the bridge, start playing by the neck pickup.

My Christmas pressie to me... :)

Well worth a punt

Wonder if the Bass Gallery or the Bass Centre could help here???

Sennheiser are a good place to start, especially the HD range.

Someone's selling a Line6 HD400 on here, maybe try that? Get the HD Bass pack, edit your patches on the PC, expression pedal built in, and a whole bunch of effects to play with.

RIP.

The black Russian Big Muff was a big box of nastiness. Loads of fun!

What about the Ampeg BA210? It's a "competitor" of the Rumble 500's, but it also has the "cut out" at the back to turn it into a wedge monitor. Not quite as light as the Rumble, but not far off.

I'd say a Mono Betty/GS1 strap. The padding's not too thick, but they are grippy and comfy. Amazon were doing them for £35 (cheapest in the UK). Those nylon webbing straps are only OK when you have an instrument that's well balanced anyway.

And to be fair, the Melvins are generally a 3 piece of guitar, bass & drums.

The lead singer's the drummer