Skybone

If it's for recording, then I would agree that a digital solution may be better and potentially more versatile in the studio environment. Assuming that there is already one digital solution for the guitar to use, then adding another would be a good idea, if the plan is to record multiple sources (be it bass or another guitar). Something like a Helix Stomp/Headrush GigBoard/Kemper Profile Player would be ideal, especially if you have access to one of their full blown siblings. You could have a small practice amp kicking about as well. Big amps and small live rooms don't always get the right sounds for the job.

You could always remove the foam from any guitar stand, and replace them with strips of cloth (like a cut up old t-shirt or something). On one old stand I had, where the rubber had perished, I removed it and wrapped the arms in some old ties. Not ideal, but it was one way to get the stand back in use.

Hercules claim that the foam their stands use is nitrocellulose safe, though others on here have disputed this. Think if you search in this thread, you'll find something. I bought a Hercules stand dur to the claim that the foam is safe for cellulose finishes, but I don't tend to leave my bass on it for any length of time anyway.

Snowblind - Black Sabbath

Why not take your MB cabs to a rehearsal?

Stiff Little Fingers tribute to venomous lizards: "It's a Gila Monster" (Alternative Ulster).

Get in touch with ACS and buy some new filters. Used to use the Etymotic ER20S, but it seems as though you can't get them anymore. Bought some Auritech Music Earplugs which are pretty good: Auritech Music Earplugs (Amazon: Auritech Music Earplugs on Amazon). Bought some of those Alpine ones, and hated them, as IMO, they don't go into the ear canal far enough to totally filter the sound, and have come "dislodged" mid song letting the full volume in. They did that more than a few times, and I no longer "trust" them. Though I have finally bit the bullet, and ordered some custom fit ACS plugs.

Manic Frustration - Trouble

There's also: Bravado - Yorkshire Moving Pictures - Scotland

Thunderbirds Are Go! - Busted

My son was always interested in playing drums, so much so, we got him one of those "toy" drum kits one year. Not only did he "play" the heck out of it, he kept dismantling it (and losing bits as he went on!). Then he kind of lost interest. He got to about 10/11, and started taking a bit more interest in playing again. started playing bass, but was still hankering after a drum kit. When he was about 13, I managed to find an Alesis Nitro Mesh kit second hand, and not too far away. As it was near Christmas, I discussed it with him, and he decided to pool his Christmas money and get the kit. He's played it every day since then, and loves it (though he does really want a full acoustic kit!). He's started a college Music course, and is currently in 3 bands, and loves playing drums. A drum tutor would be good. Maybe scour Facebook marketplace/eBay/Gumtree/etc. for a cheap-ish second hand mesh kit (the Alesis Nitro Mesh is great). The mesh is a bit more responsive than the rubber pads. They aren't "silent", but they are a damn sight quieter than a full acoustic kit. You can get some smaller "desktop" pad units, with hi-hat & bass drum pedals that are inexpensive (IIRC, Yamaha did one). We managed to get one from either Aldi or Lidl one year when he was about 8 or so, but he quickly lost interest in that.

Sorted for E's & Wizz - Pulp

But the full on aggressive tones are just so satisfying. But yes, a very versatile beast indeed. Totally agree. You may find it'll just be very minor tweaks here and there, and getting the string balance right is pretty important too.

RIP

One thing that's not mentioned in the original post is your current set up. What sort of EQ do you have on the amp? Scooped or Boosted Mids? Low(ish)/High(ish) Gain? What sort of bass do you have, and what pickup height(s) do you have? Pick or Finger player? I've always found that if you have a sound with more boosted mids, it not only helps to cut through the guitar heavy mix, but can also add a bit of growl. Nudging the gain a touch can help (though not too much!), as well as having the pickups that little bit higher as well (though not to the detriment of the string balance). If you're a pick player, have you tried slightly heavier plectrums? If you're a finger player, have you tried moving your playing hand around? Maybe watch a few videos of your favourite players, and see how they approach things. If you are looking at pedals, then one to definitely look at would be the Behringer BDI 21 (SansAmp clone), as it's good value. Thankfully, there are tons more bass specific dirt pedals knocking about, depending on your budget. Though I'd recommend you play around with your current setup to try and get your sound "into the right ball park" first before adding pedals.

Got to say though, playing a Ric with a heavy hand does sound thoroughly great. IMO o'course.

Stunning piece of work.

If you want "bargain" strings, look at Warwick Red Label.

The Vintage Circuit push/pull pot was from 2006.

A 4003s then...

IIRC, there's only been 2 Ric bass variations that weren't maple through necks, the 4000 (set neck) and the 4080 (bolt neck). Though it would be interesting to see (hear) if there are any variations in sound between the standard 4003 and the 4003W.

Lovely bass Simon, the Walnut is a fabulous finish.

I'd love to have a Midnight Blue/Azureglo one sometime. Nice selection 12string.

Never tried the SD's in a 4003, I was tempted by them for a while when I had my first one, but I held off because it sounded so good. Same with the current one. If you like them, great.

Certainly one thing that I've found out, is that they are very sensitive about strings. If the bass is sounding dull or "not quite right", then try some different strings, be it a different brand or a different material (NPS/SS/etc.). IMO, D'Addario Pro Steels work really well on a 4003, but others find other brands work for them.