Skybone

Or you could always turn up with your upright bass if you wanted to something "different" into the mix, especially if you're more comfortable playing it than a bass guitar. If they are playing "dark, melodic rock", then it could well fit in quite nicely (and be something novel at a gig - people will remember the rock band with the upright bass).

I've spent most of the 30-odd years I've been playing, doing original material. The times I had played covers in new bands, I've always found I got very bored, very quickly, especially when one or more of the other band members criticise it at the end because a couple of notes weren't nuanced as the original. Sort of joined a local covers band after a number of years away from being in a band. Lo and behold, it was excruciatingly dull. Been working on getting an originals band going. Far more gratifying and fun.

The nickel wound ones are available in 5 string sets.

Fender 7350's on eBay: [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-Set-of-Fender-7350-Stainless-Steel-Bass-Strings-7350ML-7350M-Available-/332151995303?var=&hash=item4d55cd3ba7:m:mLCYWWfeDm16mh5FAGmJNPw"]http://www.ebay.co.u...Dm16mh5FAGmJNPw[/url] £13.65 a set.

I use Warwick Red Label Stainless Steels for a while. They were good, lasted well, but for a 34" scale set of strings, the taper on the lower strings started before the nut. I started using Fender 7350M Stainless when they were cheaper than the Red Labels. IIRC, the last set(s) I bought were something like £13 each. They sound good, last well and I think they're serious value for money. I have used more expensive strings in the past Ernie Ball, Roto's, Elites, the Fender's are at least as good as. You may notice some difference if you're used to some of the higher end brands, but I think that the Fender's are pretty good.

I like the Rockinbetter's, but the only thing that they have in common with Tokai was the UK importer. I did like the Thunderbird when I tried one, the Jazz & P were nice too. The MIJ Love Rock's were superb though. Kind of wish I still had mine.

[ur][url="http://www.shirtysomething.com/"]http://www.shirtysomething.com/[/url][/url] Shirtysomething in Nottingham are ace, and run by a bass player too.

I went with MusicGuard.

I could never remember the words at rehearsals, and had to rely on the old music stand, then mess up the music cos I was concentrating on getting the words right. The best thing I found for remembering the words and the music was recording them separately, that way, you can concentrate on each part, with the benefit of learning them as you go. Worked for me anyway.

So far, it's been 3 years, 3 bands, no gigs. Band 1: Good bunch of lads, good results, rehearsed once a fortnight, but one guitarist (band instigator) left because he had to relocate for work. Band disintegrated after. Band 2: Guitarist 2 from Band 1 & I started again, new guitarist, drummer & vocals. Rehearsed fortnightly again, but rehearsals descended into chaos, singer couldn't sing, drummer (although talented) wanted to play guitar (plus didn't have transport, so I was the taxi), guitarist wanted to play bass, everyone else wanted to play covers. Guitarist 2 & I quit. Band 3: Guitarist 2 from Band 1 & I regrouped, spent time writing new songs etc. Took our time advertising & selecting people, found a drummer who's not only a bloody good drummer, but a sound bloke. Found a second guitarist who was good but couldn't commit. Working on songs & looking for other people to get involved, probably looking for a singer next (will free up the guitarist). Looking at starting gigging later in the year.

I've had mine for nearly a year now, and I still think it's an amazing piece of kit. Like Noir, I'm not using an overly overdriven/distorted sound, but I do have a few patches with a fair bit more drive. Overly distorted sounds can get mushy, and will get lost in a band mix, but the same will happen with a "real" pedal and a "real" amp. I don't have many octave/harmony sounds setup, but the ones I do sound great. I do have a 5th up harmony patch, and that sounds great, and tracks really well. Again, I've not played with the envelope filters too much, I should really experiment with them a bit more. The Wah pedals sound great, but I have experienced a "drop" in volume when switched on. I'm looking into how I can boost the signal so I can use the wah more, though an envelope filter might be a better idea. TBH, I haven't used the 4 Cable Method, I completely bypass the amps pre-amp, and send the POD straight into the power amp. The amp I use at the rehearsal room has a "Power Amp In" socket, but you could use the Effects Return socket. Sounds good to me.

[url][url="http://www.originalscratchplates.com/"]http://www.originalscratchplates.com/[/url][/url]

I'd say Helix, but I use a POD HD, so I guess I'm biased.

Welcome.

What like Lowhead? Hi and welcome.

Kay basses Macgregor amps

A comfort strap would be a good idea if you're struggling with the weight. I have a plain 3" wide strap for mine, works well.

To misquote a film: "This is my bass, there are many like it but this one is mine"

Because they have to pay royalties to Spandau Ballet

If they ask for your NI number, ask them about the Work Place Pension. A Pub Landlord doesn't need to know about you or your bands NI details. He's employing you as a Sub-Contractor to provide musical services to entertain the punters. As a Sub-Contractor, he pays you direct, and it's up to you to declare your income from providing your services.

If you're aiming to join a Stoner Rock band, it might be better looking at passive basses.

I've owned a few guitars where neck dive was a problem, but never on a bass

[quote name='Bolo' timestamp='1487852799' post='3243521'] More traditional? Bring an upright. In thrash metal anything is used that tickles your fancy, from lethal spikey b.c. rich to firewood fenders, steinberger paddles to rics. [/quote] I remember watching a very technical death metal band at a gig, where the bassist impressed me massively, by not only being very good, but also by playing technical death metal very well using a double bass.