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I've been doing a 50s Rock'n'Roll show and decided I wanted a 50s type p bass for the look. Obviously, the most afforable option is a Harley Benton PB50. I love it, very basic, but does exactly what it says on the can. Only snag is, of course, the headstock. So, having never done more than setting up the neck on a bass, I decided this might be the opportunity to pop my modding cherry. I had an extraordinary bit of luck when I discovered that my landlady had a scroll saw in her basement. So, here's a pic of the bass as is, the saw and my dry run attempts at cutting the headstock shape. Many thanks to @PaulThePlug for tips and the template of the headstock. Any tips before I jump in with the real thing would be much appreciated.

Psychedelic Faux Electro Dog Simulation Take 1 of a free improvisation with some minor post production edits in a simple Wav editor. Played on my 5 string Ibanez GSRM25 Mikro Bass, that I named "Mr. Growly - The Noodlemancer", tuned in G# standard tuning (as in one half step bellow the 4 upper strings of a 6 string bas in regular B standard tuning, plus a high E string), through my "amp-less" setup, directly into a hand held Zoom H4n recorder.

Here's my stone to the building. Just like you, I like flatwounds that almost sound like roundwounds, but for other reasons. I don't play with a plectrum, but I play fretless 99,99% of the time, so looking for the same overall feeling as you, but not for the same use. I've tried almost everything available, yes it cost me quite a lot, but I always managed to resell the sets I didn't like. I also have one question for you @dmc79 : Do you play in the higher register? It's important, because a lot of flatwounds sound weird past the octave, out of tune in fact, even with a perfectly set-up intonation and it's more obvious on the E and A strings (linked to the construction)... With that in mind, the best flatwound strings are the DR Legend, but they are a bit too dark for your liking, or the Dogal Hellborg Perfect Pitch Flat Wounds, but they are too floppy for your taste (and very expensive). To me, the Fender 9050 are the perfect flatwound strings for your needs (and mine) and their intonation has improved over the years, certainly thanks to more control and precision during the manufacturing process at the factory. Frankly, the Ernie Ball cobalts are as dull as possible. The D'Addario Chromes are so stiff you could tow a truck with them, just like the Rotosound 77's and absolutely not the kind of tone you're after. The Thomastik Infeld Jazz flatwounds are really good, very close to what you're asking, but the low tension is not a plus for you and sometimes the E sting may sound a bit dead to the ears, just like the LaBella Low Tension which are darker than the TI flatwounds. The LaBella Deep Talkin' Bass will not suit you as they are indeed the sound of Motown as @fretmeister said. You may also consider these Harley Benton flatwounds as they are close to the TI flatwounds sound wise, only stiffer and really cheap, worth a try even if the sanding process (to flatten the string) is not perfect, but won't be an issue with a fretted bass : https://www.thomann.co.uk/harley_benton_hqs_bass_45_100_flatwound.htm Good luck with your quest.

bit of a fun afternoon project

That puts it the right side of the 4kg limit (I have shoulder/neck issues), thanks for that.

24 hour party people - Happy Mondays

I’m a drummer (as well as a bassist) and unwanted snare wire buzz is something that I’m acutely aware of in band situations. For a lot of intros / endings I reach under the snare drum to mute. But also I pay a lot of attention to the tunings of the snare heads as well as the snare tension, particularly when it comes to avoiding this issue. Oh, one thing for your drummer to try, on the snare reso head, try loosening the lugs slightly either side of the snare bed which should help reduce sympathetic buzz.

All Tomorrow’s Parties - Velvet Underground & Nico

In all the bands and outfits Ive played in Ive never known any drummer to release his wires between songs....Extraordinary what you learn on here.

No personal attachment or interest, but if I were looking for a passive shortie …. https://bassbros.co.uk/product/atelier-z-baby-z-4j-vintage/

Yeah got that. It’s a lot to spend on an only effects processor though. You’re well into brand new HX territory there.

4kg / 8.8lbs - bathroom scales and I couldn't be arsed taking the leather strap off so make of that what you will.

At least, someone dare asking the right question...

You haven’t mentioned his age but I was just thinking that given the demographic of Basschatters and their bands, his hearing could be somewhere on the cream-crackered spectrum.

Not sure. If he is sitting there not playing, but there is a loud buzzing come from between his legs, id assume he would be aware of it. Judging by the other replies, drummers can hear this sort of thing on a quieter stage.