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I don't know if age has that much to do with it. Younger millennials and gen z don't tend to use forums at all, outside of maybe Reddit (which doesn't really qualify as much of a forum any more), but from what I know about under 40's (I spend most of my working life amongst them), their opinions would probably be surprisingly similar to the variety of opinions expressed here. Some would say it's not ok, some would say it's ok if it's handled carefully, others wouldn't care. The only real difference would be that not many under 40s musicians would be outraged that they were being asked a question like this, and pretty much none of them use Facebook / tabloid terms like 'virtue signalling' or 'woke'. But their opinions would be equally varied.

I have a “vintage” Matsumoko Aria Pro ll TSB 650 from 1979. Impressive build quality, quite light, very easy to play, makes very nice noises using short scale TI Jazz Flats. Found it in 2022 for under £500.

Or June 10 🤣

Sorry for a kind of cryptic subject line. I've been down a bit of a chatgpt rabbit hole trying to figure out what's going on here, but I don't know if I can trust what it's telling me. Think I need some human input on this one! Problem: I get a loud pop when turning my pedals on or off. This is only on one particular bass. Likely cause (according to chatgpt): Output coupling capacitor is likely leaky or failing, causing DC leakage and popping. BUT My bass has nothing that looks like the replacement capacitor I found online (e.g. https://ebay.us/m/62aZgK). It's a Cort B4 Plus AS (wiring schematic here: https://www.cortguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cort-b4-plus-as-basses-schematic.pdf). My questions for the wise heads of basschat: Based on the tests I've done (listed below), is the capacitor likely the problem or is chatgpt hallucinating? If not, what else could I try? If I can't see a capacitor, does that mean it's likely build into the circuit board of the active electronics module? And if so, is that something I could realistically fix myself with basic soldering skills? Tests I've done to identify the cause of the problem (summary by chatgpt): Measured DC voltage at output jack: ~1.75-2.0 V DC present with battery, 0 V without battery (confirms DC leakage). Battery voltage verified healthy. Output jack switching continuity: Functioning as expected, switches battery ground on connection. Push-pull active/passive switch continuity tested: Switch behaves correctly on both positions. Pickup resistance measured at circuit board inputs: Neck pickup ~3.25kΩ, bridge pickup ~9.2kΩ (normal ranges). Output coupling capacitor tested for DC leakage with multimeter: Resistance readings 0.3 MΩ and 0.046 MΩ, lower than ideal for a blocking capacitor, suggesting leakage. Battery connected vs disconnected test: DC leakage present only with battery connected, consistent with capacitor leakage causing DC to output.

I think the best idea would be for anyone who has a suggestion for a location - such as those above - should check out availability, cost, parking and interior facilities, e.g. available space, power supply, tea/coffee facilities, separate area for presentations, basic stage set-up (? - in very much ideal circs, I realise), and then post the results here - then we can organise a poll or choose by consensus. I suggest we aim for a date in the spring, late March/early April, but I'm not sure why. Maybe because it give us plenty of time to organise, advertise and generally get our sh*t together in good time. How's that?

If others are volunteering to organise in Derby then I'll let them. Otherwise the hall I know of appears to be available on 20th June and I'll ask about the cost.

Yust? I am not volunteering to organise this but I will support anyone who does. I will make enquiries locally (Spondon Village) to see if we have a venue with good parking. The village hall is good but for the fact that the car park is often full. I have two more possibilities to ask about. I will report back early in the week. Thanks for suggesting Derby It's close to the A38 and the area contains a good chunk of heritage. Maybe compare notes in the coming week?

Same.

I love my Warwick star bass, I'm always keeping an eye out for medium scales but then realise I don't need another bass as this does everything I need.