Conan

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1433232484' post='2789042'] Looks like one of those magic eye pictures from the 90s... [/quote] Yes, it does a bit! It's really just a purple version of tortoiseshell, but it has a real depth to the pattern. It sets off the surf green too... I got it made up by these guys - http://www.originalscratchplates.com/

Just added this to my surf green J&D jazz bass. I think it looks rather nice! [attachment=193411:20150601_172955.jpg]

[quote name='Fisheth' timestamp='1433190505' post='2788812'] Up to about 700, ideally less. The Super Midget looks cool too, very portable. [/quote] Your money will go a lot further if you use the ads on this site Some very good cabs around at decent prices - although not all offer shipping (there is a very nice TKS 1156 that falls into that category). BTW, if you don't think a Barefaced Retro 210 will be loud enough (which I would question) then it is unlikely that a Super Midget would suit you (other than its portability). I see that you are Newcastle-based? There are several of us in the area who would probably be more than happy to let you try some of our cabs...

[quote name='Dazzlebrush' timestamp='1433169420' post='2788486'] Thanks for the Advice guys, Seperates would be nice but a Ashdown Electric Blue 180 - 15" combo has come up at £125. Any good? [/quote] You can't go far wrong at that price - but it will be very heavy and a pain in the butt to get about. Not a problem if you are just going to leave it in one place though. Some people don't like the "Ashdown sound", but I quite like their gear.

[quote name='Dazzlebrush' timestamp='1433162890' post='2788396'] It will be mostly Alt Country / Folk styles so nothing loud really, the last band I was in our base player (upright Bass) only used a very small Eden amp no matter what size gig (some times lined throught the PA but not always) although this was a bluegrass band so no loud drums to get over. [/quote] That's useful to know. It's still a good idea to have power in reserve though (or "headroom") as it will allow you to keep a clean sound at higher volume levels (like when playing bigger rooms). Bass frequencies need a lot of power to amplify, so a small amp can sound weedy if you like a "bassy" sound. There are lots of threads on here where people have asked similar questions, so try doing a bit of a search and see what has already been written on the subject

[quote name='geoham' timestamp='1433161232' post='2788360'] Not all lightweight cabs are overly expensive. [/quote] True. But there is lightweight and lightweight! The very lightest cabs can be very expensive... but if weight is not an issue for the OP then there is a lot more available at more "sensible" prices However, we still don't know what the OP's budget actually is! His idea of a "low" budget may not be the same as other people on here. Anything less than £250 and it will be difficult to get much unless it is pretty old and a bit on the rubbish side... Still, there are bargains to be had if you know what to look for.

[quote name='Dazzlebrush' timestamp='1433158046' post='2788303'] Budget is low. [/quote] [quote name='Horizontalste' timestamp='1433158202' post='2788306']if you want modular a nice class d head & lightweight cab or two work wonders. [/quote]Difficult on a small budget though... Lightweight cabs usually mean heavyweight prices. As long as the OP is relatively fit and healthy, weight shouldn't be too much of a problem - which opens up much cheaper options like Peavey, Trace Elliot, Hartke and such. Much more bang for buck. For example - [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/261386-hartke-410-xl-l130-collected/"]http://basschat.co.u...l130-collected/[/url] and http://basschat.co.uk/topic/262734-trace-elliot-ah150-7/ And used/second-hand is definitely the way to go if budget is tight.

[quote name='tonewheels' timestamp='1432764816' post='2784859'] I'm easy on active or passive but I suspect that I have active tendencies for the added punch. 4 strings definitely Probably more of a 70s sound [/quote] Try getting your hands on a CIJ Marcus Miller signature Jazz. Then add a John East Retro preamp. That would certainly tick all of your boxes!

[quote name='Roger2611' timestamp='1432145922' post='2778647'] Curtley Ambrose (the famous West Indian fast bowler) was on Radio 5 this afternoon, he admitted his current favourite pastime is playing bass in a reggae band...respect! [/quote] Brett Lee (recently retired Australian fast bowler) is also a bass player [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_%26_Out"]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_%26_Out[/url]

[quote name='ras52' timestamp='1432297136' post='2780137'] But is that through 10s, 12s or 15s? [/quote] All of 'em! 18s too!

Maybe it's true... [url="http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/morpeth-mourns-loss-auctioneer-louis-4407532"]http://www.thejourna...r-louis-4407532[/url]

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1432293932' post='2780084'] See? I disagreed before you even said it. [/quote]

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1432293862' post='2780081'] It can't be replicated by using the bridge pickup on a Jazz - [/quote] Replicated, no. Approximated - yes (IMO)

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1432293188' post='2780071'] I don't agree that a Jazz bass can sound like a Precision. [/quote] Maybe not [i][b]exactly[/b][/i] like a P - but within a band mix at volume, I think most bass players would struggle to tell the difference with their ears. Very few punters could and the vast majority wouldn't give a monkeys anyway! With a bit of judicious EQ, I can make my J basses sound enough like Ps (to me) that I don't need a P bass. That's why I no longer have any P basses! Precision connoisseurs will disagree of course, but to my reasonably discerning ears it is close enough

I've hardly tried MB gear (a few minutes on Matt P's F1) - but you guys are making me more and more interested in the brand!

[quote name='Bill Fitzmaurice' timestamp='1431607112' post='2773102'] I ...not immodestly would put my chops and ears up against [i]anyone[/i] elses. [/quote] [quote name='vailbass' timestamp='1432246126' post='2779766'] oh, this is gonna be great! Please, please Bill post some of your best bass playing clips; I can't wait!! :-) [/quote] [quote name='machinehead' timestamp='1432252441' post='2779817'] That comes across as a bit personal. Is there some history of conflict here?[/quote]I think there certainly is now! To be fair, BFM's comment about being as good as "anybody" was a bit inflammatory given the present company... But this is turing into a bit of a willy-waving contest, isn't it?

[quote name='charic' timestamp='1432279305' post='2779883'] It's worth noting that being a pro doesn't automatically make you better [/quote] Not in music maybe (where creativity and individuality are valued - unless you are a certain type of session player!) but in pretty much every other field, the pros are significantly better than the talented amateurs - which is why people are prepared to [b][i]pay[/i][/b] for their services!

[quote name='Old Man Riva' timestamp='1432284172' post='2779944'] Bobby Vega makes me want to give up, btw! [/quote]I know! He makes everything look so bloody easy!

Oh no!! Really? Damn that's sad news...

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1432280101' post='2779895'] Don't understand where this 'thin sound' criticism is coming from! A Jazz can be hefty as feck if you want it to be. [/quote] Indeed! There is a lot of bollox talked about J basses (IMO) A J can (pretty much) do what a P can do (sound-wise), but the reverse is certainly not true. I get the ergonomics thing though. Some players just prefer the shape/size/feel of a P. Horses for courses!

I find them very versatile, and I just love the necks! I even have big hands, whereas a lot of people who dislike the slimness of the necks think it's because of the size of their hands... Great rock basses too(and not just Geddy Lee!). Two examples off the top of my head... [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lhyJVEtiN4[/media] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfXL2aOu9ME[/media] And this is just tonal heaven for me - as demonstrated by one of the best... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFSPXbyA8go

[quote name='vailbass' timestamp='1432215505' post='2779282']... that pro you're talking about didn't start out on the big stage; he went through far more club/ bar/ basement gigs that you and has already done the legwork necessary to understand how to get a great sound for every size room you can think of at every volume level. He probably still plays in small rooms in his town when he's off the road and maintains up- to- date knowledge of all the new developments in amp- world. [/quote]Yes - there is that as well!

It might sound daft, but listening to the radio a lot can be helpful! Many function bands update their sets regularly with what is currently popular, so at least if you hear the songs a lot and have a good ear, it makes it easier and quicker to learn/busk them.

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1432105993' post='2778103'] How about we look at what actually happened and formulate a proportional and appropriate response. Before going 'nuclear'.. [/quote]Easy to say when you are not personally involved and have the benefit of collective hindsight... For someone who has plenty to say about what [i][b]other[/b][/i] people think, you seem to have a lot to say about this "incident" yourself! I'm not sure you are changing anyone's minds or perceptions.