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Challenge lurks in the phrase 'the louder we get'. Not insurmountable, but high stage volume + DB + mic = higher chance of feedback. There are ways around it of course but all veer in the direction of complexity and expense. I would perhaps try to get a different sound by blending and separately EQing two on-board PUPs? I got close to the sound I wanted at volume with a Realist and a Nadine mic through a Grace Felix, but the louder the stage volume the more I had to bias the settings in favour of the Realist to the point that often the Nadine was almost gone. Another approach was a Heil PR40 on a low mic stand in front of the bass which allowed me to manage volume and feedback by pivoting the bass (which was not possible with an H-Clamp as I found at one awful gig), but while it sounded OK, there are easier ways

Smiths always have a great B string, pickup placement really allows the punch of the note to shine through too

Yes, like that - this was the type I got https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006198188772.html I still keep an eye out for programmable ones, but they are the other side of £100 to do logos and band name etc.

http://www.catswhiskerpickups.co.uk/

Like most of us here, I have been through way too much kit. I only realised after the fact that much of what is out there does the same thing. Especially once the guitarmageddon kicks in and any subtlety is steamrollered. One preamp which did something different was the "Z" (impedance) switch on an Audere preamp I had and, foolishly, sold because the next thing caught my attention. I have never followed it up because Audere became unavailable in the UK. I have just read that they are closing down and this got me wondering. Is a standalone Z switch possible? Would it go before a preamp? Who would make one? Does anyone make one? When I activated it things got gruntier, and it was good grunt. Obviously I had turned the internal pot full on becuause that is what they are for. I have now reached the end of my technical expertise. Any ideas?

Main gig is with a modern jazz quartet - I generally join the mic'd piano in going through the PA along with my own backline, but the louder we get at larger venues, the less I like the bass sound. Would introducing an additional mic be worth looking at? Either blended with Realist / or replacing? Trawled previous threads and not much recent activity. All ideas welcomed. Current set up is Realist copperhead > fishman platinum > TH500 > 12 inch cab. DI from the fishman.

I`ve stayed on friendly terms with everyone I`ve been in bands with, might not see them for years but when bump into them still get on fine. A couple of times individuals have really annoyed me to the point of wanting to leave but I`ve stayed, more out of loyalty to the rest who weren`t being donkeybacksides, and it`s always been the right decision, act with haste, repent at leisure not really being my thing. Similarly I`ve never been in a band where someone has left and had the raging hump with any of the rest of the band.

Typically, this sort of thing... cheap enough not to worry about being ripped off, but I haven't been (yet). https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008052686848.html?algo_exp_id=f349a06c-7271-443d-8abd-ed25e12716bd-2&pdp_ext_f={"order"%3A"14"%2C"eval"%3A"1"}&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch|query_from%3A|x_object_id%3A1005008052686848|_p_origin_prod%3A

What do you call those big, black, triangular Gibson plectrums ? I haven't used a plectrum for decades, but when I did I liked these. Haven't seen any recently either.....

I'm nicking that for the next time a colleague thinks it's funny to ask if they can play tambourine in my band!

G;ad a mutually OK route was found. I hope you are able to find a positive way to keep gigging.

I am a total fanboy for Dingwalls so am going to big them up, however that is BECAUSE of the B string. For clarity and harmonics, I think nothing beats them.

The very best sounding B string for me is on my Ken Smiths. Then my Warwick Streamer S2. I play both over the neck pickup 90% of the time. There's a lot of variables in the answer to your question though, scale length, setup, strings, pickups. Take up Bassdirect on their offer.

I can’t be bothered anymore. Sadly it’s unraveling as expected. Inflation picking up and right wing tosspots being elected by the financially illiterate.

'Cause he can't finger 😁 Or sell a bass within six months...

Understandable seeing the current climate. Costs are up, prices are rising and businesses are constantly struggling. I will now hand it over to our self proclaimed finance advisor, @tegs07 .

Which reminds me, I was going to do a NBD report on the Hartwood Satellite bass. I will get round to it soon, complete with photos but immediate impressions are favourable. The neck is really good for a budget bass: pretty well what Bass the World’s Gregor said. Good fret finishing, nice roast maple neck, heel wheel truss rod adjustment, even the laurel fret board is OK, although a little dry, which was easily fixed with a some lemon oil. I took it to my local luthier for a new bass inspection and he recut the nut, which was too high and did a few tweaks to truss rod and saddles. It plays great now. It balances OK on a strap, although mine are all grippy, so other mileage might be different. Certainly nothing like as bad as say a Squier Jaguar H. The pickup is a bit odd: less output on the bottom string but strong on the two middle strings (low mids centric like Gregor said). Slightly disappointing, so I have ordered a Tone Rider Duke. More to follow, when I have time to do the NBD report.

Not something to brag about. It's just BC management acknowledging you are a veteran of a certain age. A bit like reaching the pension age, but without having the financial package to go with it. Personally, I would have preferred a set of strings rather than badges. But hey ho, that's just me.

This has to be BS. You could be an influencer with a story like that. 😁

Do you want a medal ?

As usual, I was first out. Probably be the same next year, knowing Line 6. Waiting for Helix Stadium

S'what I just posted, dumpling..! ...

What is a "best answer"?

Do you have a link?