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It's funny you say that, because the other day I watching some footage of MK/Level 42 where he was playing a King bass with what looked like the Parametrix EQ on it and it sounded like an Alembic. It had that extended, glassy top-end and super-deep punch you associate with a full-spec Alembic. It made me wish Status were still making graphite basses so I could buy another one. For me, MK's first solo album, Influences, is his best work. I remember when it came out in the summer of 1984. It really shows what he can do, and that his talents go well beyond the slap show pony tricks that really don't appeal to me. Tracks like Clocks Go Forward and the title track show the depth and subtleties of his style, and the slapping is super,-tight and appropriate where he uses it. Everything on that album sounds good to me.

Yes, I was quite impressed to see their UK range

No, simply an optical illusion I've tried a few multiscale basses, all really nice stuff, but I'm not sure that the fanned frets really makes enough of a difference to me at least. The physics behind it all makes perfect sense, but when it comes to actually just playing, I'm not sure it worth all the hassle. Being a bit of a short arse, and having played a 36" bass for a few years, I just prefer to be able to play without having to worry about the impact on my body. 31.5" just fits me perfectly with no real compromises. The low B at 31.5" work is great with good strings, helped massively by luthier voodoo from Alan at AC Guitars, and everything above that seems all the better for the shorter scale. It has the weight and added low end you get from a short scale, with a bit more clarity and definition, and the G and C strings are super sweet and full sounding. Can you tell I love it?

Conveniently enough, it's also the 50th anniversary of the Corvette Stingray. Missed a trick there.

If the thickness of the base impedes setting a low action, a card shim at the back of the neck pocket should help. Assuming a bolt-on neck of course!

No rehearsals in sight for the Glam band. Last gig Hogmanay and next one end Feb. Gonna be a bit rusty. Only 11 gigs booked this year compared to 24 last year. On the lookout for something new/else to get out and gig more but its finding something i enjoy and that will fit in around the Glam band. A few have come up but they want a full time bassist. Dave

It could just be a bit of an illusion, but is the Sona slightly multiscale?

Looks like it a has a mid para EQ with is great news if it does. I have a couple of mid settings on my Microbass 3 that I use for different things. Would be great to have these programmed in.

It’s been done to death I know… But, talk to me about strings. What are we all using that’s relatively hard wearing and retains its goodness even after lots of use? I currently use cheap Fender rounds on my Gretsch which gets gigged heavily in the hot (sweaty) summer months and I change strings every month or so. I have pretty decent care routine (wipe all down after every show etc) But, although I’d say I probably prefer the worn in sound, I hate the feel of old rounds…. So, thinking of trying flats. I’d like a ‘brighter’ flat that can take a bit of abuse… initial thoughts are D’addario Chromes, are these a relatively ‘bright’ flat or would i better looking at something like cobalts? I’m not adverse to trying a more hard wearing round if anyone can recommend something that last a bit longer. In honesty, I’ve always just bought cheap strings and then changed them but it’s getting quite expensive now as they don’t appear to be lasting 😅

Staring Through The Eyes Of The Dead - Cannibal Corpse

Aria are releasing a 40th anniversary Sb bass to honour Cliff Bet it will steep price wise but id love to give one of these a go

Garbage covers?

It's a belter. You remember those 'Rock Family Trees' things? I often thought it would be a blast to have one with this band's history on it.

I think for this pedal if it’s around £300 new hopefully it will be a great choice and one I would jump at I’m more interested in the drive, EQ. Chorus, compressor, blend and having multiple programmable channels would be perfect for a gigging bassist Definitely will get one when they hit the stores

- This is Swindon. My suspicions about the BL started when after our first meet up, I happen to see that same evening the BL had placed an advert in JMB (Wilts) offering his services to bands with the exact same spec as the one we'd just attended! That told me instantly - this BL is.. as Lozz196 says "Said BL sounds as mad as cheese." - I knew from then on to be on guard. As martthebass says "...no more time wasted on histrionics" - telling self, forget, move forward with new crew So far Allan (the instigator) has a "little black book" longer than a Christmas supermarket till recipt! (musician contacts) As Beedster says "That was your cunning plan all along wasn't it! Beautifully executed in a marvellously Machiavellian way" - excellent 😂 I like the maths, got me thinking (which is the fun): hmm.. Booliean would be the option for modelling this...

Yeah, but there's a market for stuff like this £719 3 knob Walrus Audio Preamp (analog). Sometimes the good but limited sounds and simple form factor and build quality are more important to people than having lots of features.

Some Jack Bruce today from 1980; the complete performance of the tune 'Heart Of The Matter' from the 1980 Jon Anderson album, 'Song Of Seven'. A favourite from that era. https://bilbosbassbites.co.uk/heart-of-the-matter-jon-anderson/

In the 15" camp and requiring a crane to go anywhere else 😅

Some of these prejudices can be quite deep.