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Glad it was helpful. Your story is similar to that of many of us. You buy something that, at the time, seems just the job and doesn't cost too much, but quickly outgrow it or become aware of its limitations. Then you buy something that's a little better (on paper, at any rate), outgrow that, etc, etc. Rinse and repeat and you end up with a pile of gear and none of it does the job for you. Had you bought what you really wanted in the first place, it would probably have cost about the same as all the stuff you've bought and you'd still be happy with it. One advantage of buying quality kit is that it retains some resale value, even if the initial expenditure hurts a bit. Stuff from firms such as Behringer et al never holds value. Why would people buy it used, with no guarantee or comeback if anything goes wrong, when they can buy it new and avoid the risk for not a lot more? If your headphones don't scratch the itch, I'd suggest selling your existing gear for whatever you can get for it (the money's already been spent and anything you can recoup is a bonus). Then ignore the local shops that don't have much by way of stock. Instead, hop in the car and have a day out at somewhere like Bass Direct (other shops are available, etc), try stuff and buy what you really like. Ignore reviews and other peoples' opinions and choose what you like. Being retired, you can go in the week when they're not busy, so you can take your time trying things and make the right decision.. I finally saw the light and did just that some years ago after I retired. I spent a chunk of money, which hurt, but I've had no wish to upgrade since. Buy once, cry once, etc.

Different basses hum worse than others. I had an 80’s Tokai which had it really bad even when going straight into a DI.

From the other side of the fence from someone who has used deps for their band, I'll repeat this because IMO it is worth repeating: If there is a dress code then follow it! While we didn't except our deps to go all out with full leathers (we were a garage punk/psychobilly band) although it would be nice if they had, we did think that a simple instruction to wear black with no obtrusive band or brand logos and no trainers for anyone other than the drummer would be easy to follow. However you'd be surprised by how many couldn't or wouldn't do this. Remember that for the night you are on stage you are part of the band and you are in part responsible for maintaining their reputation both sonically and often visually.

No More Tears - Ozzy

I enjoyed it also and thought his voice was pretty strong for his age.

Sorry, I should elaborate - I was getting a terrible hum, really standing out on a quiet part of the track. But wasn’t get it so much on my Ray, I put it down to single coil issues and home electrics, but then realised the culprit was in the chain and the different setting I use for each bass didn’t come into my mind at the time, doh 🙄 Ended up using the Ray anyway, but good to know as it’s been nearly a year since I gave my Jazz a good work out.

Crying To The Sky - Be Bop Deluxe

I ordered some too as the one I bought on BC stopped charging,😙

Looks absolutely class and Jon has built a couple of basses for me in the past, they were outstanding and both still going/gigging well

Bad sound or playing?

Interesting. What would you say is the main difference between the BF and the LfSys other than volume??

Only positive experiences with my dealings with Thomann.

Thanks Jerry. That looks very interesting indeed!

Just posted the bass transcription of Pino Palladino’s part in the live version of “New York Minute” by Don Henley.

They don’t seem particularly special when they were new but I guess the characteristics of the nitro finish come about with age.

Yes, of course, one can run that risk if not serious about what they do or deliver. But if one wants to be called up again, one makes sure they know all/most of the relevant, popular Bass lines to certain well-known songs, rather than just busking lines over changes and structures. Any regularly called up, depping musician, will have a vocabulary of 'learned' tunes stored in their brain that they need to know (or should do). That's why they get called back again, and again. Just busking over a set of chords might be okay if you get called at the last minute. In fact, some bands/MD's/leaders may well be thankful you helped out without any major disasters. However, you probably won't get the call again in favour of someone who knows the tunes/Bass lines. Or at least, you get asked to learn the tunes in advance. As 'Chris B' said further up thread, you want to do as good a job as the musician you are covering. Just busking the gig on its own, probably means you are just winging it. Successful, regular depping is an art. If you get called back regularly, it's probably because you are better than being 'just good enough'. You tend to do a lot of homework and become familiar with a lot of tunes. The only gigs I remember doing where just busking away was okay, were usually Jewish functions. A lot of the music was just solid one and five playing. Or on certain pub gigs, playing Jazz standards, or covers of soft rock/country tunes etc, but certainly still not to be taken lightly. Well, that's from my personal playing experience, along with working with excellent, reliable deps... And just as importantly, have enjoyed regularly working with them on a musical level. YMMV.

Anyone using two MarkBass MB58R cans stacked and how did they perform ? I have the 102 Energy cab and just ordered a matching cab to sit on top I guess sitting them on top sideways instead of a very tall rig is more sensible ? And safer ?

Defo man. I’ve even taken your advise with the yoga mat!