Skybone

Congrats to being in the enviable position where you only need 1 bass.

It doesn't help that the Ric pickups are all wound in the same direction, and therefore not naturally hum-cancelling, as a split coil "P" type pickup is naturally. You can get RWRP replacement pickups, but you could lose the "Ric-ness" of the sound. There is a way to reverse the polarity of the bridge pickup if you are electrically competent on TalkBass, but again, it's up to you whether you want to look at that as a solution. Unfortunately, if you throw too much gain at a Ric, it can get a bit noisy, but they do sound awesome when they're just subtly overdriven.

Two: Yes, if you plug your pre-amp into the FX Return of the amp, it will bypass the amps pre-amp and go straight into the power amp section. I've been using this for quite a while with an Ashdown combo. I like the results, but its not everyones cup of tea. Three: It's not the bass amp that will colour the sound, it's the cab. The colouration of the sound will depend on the cab you're using, but it will give you a good approximation of the sound you're after. You can always tweak the settings on the pre-amp to try and work around this.

Trapped Under Ice - Metallica

Now there's an idea!

Very tempted by one of the Epi Thunderbird Pro's (an Ebony one). Personally, I wish Gibson/Epiphone would reissue the Victory series.

I was asking our drummer about double pedals, as boyo was after one. Turns out he had a spare one, and so sold it to my son. Actually works really well on the Nitro kit Kick pad.

Noticed that, but you might also think that they might actually get involved in a discussion about T'birds.

Always had a hankering for a T'bird, but never scratched that itch, though that itch has been surpassed by one for the Dingwall D-Roc. Owned a Tokai T'bird briefly. Does anyone else find it a bit odd that the OP hasn't replied as yet? 🤔

Skid Row (Downtown) - Little Shop of Horrors

The Top 10 of Top 10 Lists voted by Top 10 Lists

Vote With A Bullet - Corrosion of Conformity

As with everything, a lot will depend on how much you have to spend on a case. As has been said, modern, padded gig-bags are a really good investment. Even the low-mid end bags available should be pretty good. If you want a hard case, then there is a good selection available, some can be pretty heavy on top of the weight of the bass, but will give you piece of mind when travelling with it. Do some research/web searches before you buy anything.

Son of a Preacher Man - Dusty Springfield

Not learning more theory and spending time practicing. Turning that offer down to audition for that name band. Selling that Westone Thunder 1A. Being left with no option but to sell that 4003.

Shut Up and Dance - Walk the Moon

I do believe that it is a thing, especially with the singers that I've worked with. Though as it's been said, they're the one's with the cajones to be the "focal point" of the band, so it does kind of take someone with a certain kind of ego to do it (and/or narcissistic tendencies).

Ramblin' Man - Allman Brothers

Obviously a little bit of everything.

My set up certainly won't set other bass player's hearts-a-flutter, but it works for me.

We Care A Lot - Faith No More

Hitting the nail on the head.

Monster player.