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I've been reading this thread with interest... I've been using a Headrush MX5 for a few months now which is the same "form factor" as the GX10 and also has a touch screen. I'm really impressed with it, mainly for the touch screen and how easy it is to create and edit patches. I will probably sell it and replace with a GX10 purely because I prefer the Boss bass amp simulations. This would mean that my ME-90B is going too. I'd be ok with that, while I really enjoy the ME-90B for it's simplicity I hadn't experienced touch screen digital effects. A GX10 will cover me for guitar and bass. I've also got the Headrush on a small pedalboard so I can have my wireless and vocal FX mounted with it, a GX10 would just slot in as a direct replacement...

I'm going to try to do gear abstinence next year, so I thought I'd have one final swatch at FB marketplace. I was instantly reminded how dangerous it is when this bad boy appeared for a very keen price (complete with a Hiscox Liteflite hard case) and on the right side of England for my purposes. I decided to carpe that diem. 9 hour round trip, but it was definitely worth it. Basically unusued, the only issues were that it was a bit dusty in places, and there was some goop on the headstock where a clearly disintegrating stand had been cradling. Managed to get that cleaned off - it hadn't stained the finish, yay! Gave it a fret polish and oiled the fingerboard and gave it a good old setup. So, how is the "Stingray killer"? Good, as far as I can tell in headphones. My favourite finish for these basses would be Soda Blue, but this natural one is growing on me in its elegant simplicity, and the black pickguard suits it very well. But that's it! No more! I will be striving to make 2026 a fallow year in the gear acquisition stakes, so I guess I was getting one final hit in before the lockdown. FYI - no Stingrays were harmed in the making of this. Merry Christmas to me (and everyone else!)

Next Sunday (28th Dec) at 7-15pm. Jah Wobble talks about bass, bass and bass. Sounds good to me. BBC Radio 4 - Illuminated, Bass Notes https://share.google/mAXXaQY45g9XE5spg

Good advice Pete

The BL of the first regular gigging band with a following that I played with, once said to me 'buy right and pay a little more in the first place and it will save you a lot of money in the long run'. He was quite right and I've followed his advice (in the main part) ever since. Whenever I haven't, I've always regretted it! You don't need to spend big on a bass that will cover every gig that you are likely to get called for. If people were to ask me for advice, I would say these days to buy a s/h Fender American Std Jazz Bass if you need a 4 string bass. You can pick them up for a grand (give or take) these days, and no BL or sound engineer is going to be less than happy if you turn up on a gig with one. You will still be gigging it in 30 year's time and it will justify the additional spend if you we originally looking to spend a bit less many times over. You should note that things change over time - ten years ago I would have advised people to pick up a s/h Stingray, which were really good value at the time and look at what they go for these days!

The Sherlocks atvthe jolly brewer in Lincoln. My daughter introduced me to them and is a huge fan. i have to say, great band, really strong songs, and a great way with the fans. They come off stage after playing and chat with people which means a huge amount to young fans like my daughter. saw them at rock city and have to say it was a surprise to see what I think of as a big band in such a small venue. Loved it though.

I think the quality is fine. They don’t make these anymore do they? Out of interest, how many cabs are you running? What’s the need for this over an abm 600? If I remember rightly the 900 has two of the power stages from the 600, meaning you can run 4 x 8 ohms cabs. If you don’t need to, save yourself the weight of this and get a 600.

System of a Dawn

System Of A Town.

Probably £1000. However these things are all relative. If you had asked 5 years ago £500 as I had less disposable income. Some people could easily justify £3000. Still cheap compared to a lot of work tools or hobby equipment.

In answer to the OP, Here's Ned Steinberger's latest: https://thinkns.com/instrument/ns-design-fin-electric-bass-guitar/

A guy I know is a pro bass player, who paid £3k for a CS P bass. For him, the requirement was for the best possible bass that will work for any gigs that he is going to get called for and that meant a high spec P bass. I've played it and it is a great bass and his reasons for buying it make complete sense. A mate of mine did pick up an Alembic for a very reasonable price and that's great as well. But a P bass is probably going to be more suitable for more gigs for a jobbing pro bass player.

let's give it a 14mm string spacing, a "coffee table" top, ramp, slap slot, kaoss pad, 27.54v electronics, exotic tonewood combination mixed with plastic and ten control knobs - we might just manage to upset every "bassist" 😂

Played there many times and it’s a shame it’s closing. We’re losing too many music venues as they just can’t make it work.

"They'll be dancin' in the streets of Lauder tonight'. (Substitute any other Border enclave to suit). Well done sir.

I'd say anything beyond £1500 is expensive in my view. Although I have basses costing more, none do a significantly 'better' job. Simples.

Yes, it is. Maybe we're all tuned to different frequencies of said sonic hole..? I always remember a regular bass player at a Jam Session where I was house bass player some years ago, who used to go on and on about adding mids. What he never realized was that yes, adding a bucket load of mid frequency helps you hear yourself very clearly, but in turn always sounds nasty and harsh to the audience. I'm sure there's a balance lurking around somewhere!