Chris2112

I'm GAS'ing too, although I've got around £1000 and I'm not sure what I want to buy! Probably something graphite and headless or a nice fretless.

I think if you're a dedicated covers band, covering something like Level 42 exclusively, you can get a minor following. Otherwise you'll just a covers band, and though you may get recommended by customers for functions, you'll never have a "fanbase" as such. I remember when I used to work in a hotel, there was one cover band worth watching, they were excellent (the bassist played a Pedulla Pentabuzz through an EA rig at one point too!). Although they played dreary covers, they were all fantastic musicians. However, there were reams and reams of other cover bands who you recognised but were either average or very poor.

I subscribe to Joe Satriani's school of thought, that you might as well use the full range of your instrument because you can get some fantastic results. I can see that if you were just wanting to plod along pumping 8ths in a rock band this idea might not work for you.

Yes, I think it has been a flavour of the month thing. I was very impressed when I first tried the gear and if I were looking for a head+cab combo and I couldn't afford something fantastic I'd quite happily go with TC Electronic. However, I soon bought an Ashdown MK500 Mark King combo which was quite frankly better than the TC Electronic stuff in every respect. I suppose it was the fact I'd played Trace Elliot exclusively for about 5 years that made me feel so astounded when I tried something new and light.

I suppose thats why these are basses you have to play before you die. After all, when I sat down with a couple of Sadowsky basses, which I had wanted to try for years, I found them stunningly average and hugely overrated. Well, I wouldn't have known had I not had a go on them!

Yes, I've discovered that trick! It's a neat little thing because when you're in that small band of "wah" space you can emulate envelope filter sounds by small tweaks of the controls!

Got a mobile number? A landline? Checked them out? Checked out the address? Facebooked the bloke? etc etc... Number one rule is that if anything feels dodgy or off putting at any point, walk away. There will be other basses.

I can't Believe they listed a Rickenbacker as the #1 choice. Aside from having a relatively fast neck I couldn't find much remarkable about them. It's just lazy journalism, especially when there are so many amazing basses around. Especially since I'm planning on buying another bass now!

[quote name='paul_5' post='1178588' date='Mar 27 2011, 06:55 PM']I only want one choice, this: [attachment=75900:Rainbowpics.jpg] Mmmmmmm.[/quote] Better go and find Les Claypool then!

In no particular oder... 1) a 1980's Status S2 with the proper graphite "paddle" through neck, because it's the ultimate iteration of what status have wanted to do outside of the Stealth bass. The Stealth is probably their best instrument but these old skool S2's have that classic 80's vibe. I can only imagine how futuristic they must have seemed at the time! 2) a Kubicki Ex Factor - The ultimate 1980's bass, a design so good it still feels ahead of it's time. Blending incredible looks, sound and feel they are about as good as basses get! The construction and innovation of these basses is enough to make them interesting, the fact they sound so incredible is what makes them unmissable. 3) A thru-neck ACG. My Harlot singlecut really changed the way I think about basses. The electronics are a real talking point as they so damn good. You've got that Wal-esque filter sound in a highly tweakable but far more useable package than you get in say, an Alembic. Alan's woodworking skills are also incredible, he is a true visionary of luthiery. I often say that ACG are the best basses being made in the UK today although I would be surprised if anyone can match them. Especially at the price point! 4) a Fodera - the birth of the "super studio" boutique bass began with Fodera and Ken Smith in the 80's, IMO. I've always prefered Fodera. You must play a Fodera to get a feel for this ideal of bass. There are many instruments that sound and feel as good or better, but none command the brand cache and mystique of Fodera, not even Alembic. 5) Warwick Thumb - the quintessential Warwick bass. Not a contender for a good boutique bass, but still a unique product. And it is because Warwick are so big, and have made such a brave move with this bass that I must recommend it. Yes, a Spector might be better but nothing Spector do is quite as outlandish and yet so useable as the Thumb. They are real love/hate basses, which furthers my reasoning for why you should play one. I had one and loved it.

My Kubicki and my ACG Harlot singlecut both have ebony fretboards. Yes, as far as wood goes it's definitely my favourite fretboard material!