Skybone

IMO, the HD500x makes the B3 sound processed, it is a step on again. Again, IMO, the Helix seems a bit overkill for my needs, as much as I'd like to have a shot on one, I don't think I could justify the cost. Before I bought the HD, I looked at all the units available, and the HD seemed to offer me everything I wanted. I compared the B3 against the PODxt Live, and the B3 for me, didn't sound as good as the POD. When I got the HD, I compared it against the PODxt Live, and again, the HD sounded far superior to my ears.

Been doing some research around this for a while. I've been split as to whether to upgrade my amp to a more modern, Class D amp, new cab / new speakers, dedicated bass combo, or an FRFR set-up. For the time being, I decided I'm going to stick with my amp & cab, but just use the Effects Return socketinstead of plugging my pre-amp setup into the amp's pre-amp. It does work, and sounds pretty good too. I'm currently using a Line6 POD HD500x. I've owned a B3, an MS60B, a PODxt, and a PODxt Live. I liked the B3, but didn't like the fact that after using the amp sim, I only had 2 spaces left, add in a Compressor or EQ, that left 1 space for another effect. Pretty limiting. Never really used the MS60B, bought as a backup for the B3. I already had a bean PODxt, so I bought a PODxt Live, more scope for effects, sound was slightly better than the B3 (despite being an older device), but to my ears, the effects were a bit too subtle, so I sold it. Bought the HD500x, very happy with it, sounds great, and you can get some great deals on them now that everyone seems to be upgrading to Helix.

Dependant upon the make and age of the basses, but, if they are finished in nitrocellulose lacquer, the rubber of the hangers will affect the finish. Not sure if you can get hangers that have a non-rubber coating/padding on the hangers, but maybe wrapping some inert material, like crepe bandages, around the rubber might help keep the finish in good nick.

What like pal. Welcome.

About time Blackstar had some bass amps.

The pickups remind me of the old Les Paul Recording.

JHS's Vintage basses?

Congrats on the new band.

Welcome.

Welcome!

Jack of All Trades 4 string bass? Got to be a Precision or a P/J hasn't it. Or a Jazz... or a Ric... or a (insert name here)...

I've owned & played many J bass inspired basses with the 38mm nut, and they've been good basses. However, my favourite instruments have always had the wider P bass style nut width. No idea why, it just feels more comfortable to my hands. And before anyone pipes up that "you can't tell the difference, it's only a few millimetres", yes you can feel the difference, and it does make a difference when you're playing.

Bass heaven: Tight grooves with the rest of the band (whether other bands or my own) Bass hell: YouTube soloists

Have a look at what Thomann have. They're usually cheaper than anything in the UK, even with the 10€ surcharge.

Welcome!

Just saw a Line6 video on Facebook with Billy Sheehan talking about the Helix model of his old Pearce pre-amp.

Usually always on the E, but it has happened on all the other strings as well. The 12th harmonic (or the fretted 12th) does get around it. I'm finding the Unitune to be excellent, as you don't have that issue.

From what little I know, the Turbo Rat seems to be a more modernised version of the Rat. It does seem to have been in production for quite a while, so the "rarity" issue would appear to be clutching at straws (to me anyway!). Many years ago, I had a "Vintage Rat", which was a reissue of the original circuit by ProCo. It did have the LM308 in it, but how accurate (accu-RAT?) it was I have no idea. I do wish I'd kept it, they only seem to have produced it for a few years in the mid-late 90's, and finding another one is testing (and expensive). There would seem to be more readily available "replica" Rats by the myriad boutique pedal makers, at various price points.

Very nice acquisitions indeed! Going to have to Google Chris Boult now!

Very swish, get you!

Another vote for the TC Electronic Polytune Clip, though TBH, sometimes it goes into polytune mode when you're trying to tune a single string, which is a tad annoying, especially on bass. However, the new(ish) TC Electronic Unitune Clip is fantastic (and cheaper). The Unitune doesn't have the. polytune mode. Both are incredibly accurate too.

I would think you'd be better changing your pre-amp first before changing the pickups on an active.

Seriously considering importing a bass from the US, even with the postage & import duty, it's still working out cheaper than buying one in the UK.