Skybone

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?

Bill Drummond & Jimmy Cauty's book, "The Manual, How to Have a Number One Hit The Easy Way".

Kevin help us...

Kind of in a similar situation as well. I have an old Hartke head & a 2x10 cab, but been thinking about getting a Class D combo (half the weight & just 1 trip to load in!). Current faves are either an Ampeg BA210 combo, a Fender Rumble 500 or the new Hartke HD500 combo. Also been looking at the PF350 head as well & keep my existing cab as it's reasonably light (one hand carry). Main criteria is having an effects loop, as I'd be bypassing the pre-amp (using a HD500x as a pre). Unfortunately, my budget says 'keep the Hartke'.

Have you looked at the Hotone Nano heads? Or then there's the Ampeg PF20 & PF50 valve heads. Matamp still do the Minimat, head, though it is more of a guitar head, they will adapt it for bass use. Remember though, valve 15 - 30w is still louder than Solid State 15 - 30w. It may be wise to invest in an attenuator as well (or find a head that has one incorporated into it already). An attenuator will make it easier to use cranked, however, you still need to let enough power through to power the speakers so the don't "crap out".

TBH, I think the first port of call for finding out about the bass would be to head over to the Wal website. http://walbasses.co.uk/