zero9

Depends how much you want to spend. I like EMG's, and have a set of JVX in my Warmoth Jazz. They give plenty of bite and a punchy midrange. For more character look at Lindy Fralins. The EMG's are completely noise free, but do need a battery. I believe you can have some pickups 'overwound' to get more oomph, but this may be at the expense of clarity.

I don't see the problem with using a Status for any style of music. I agree that a lot of the Status sound is in the pickups and electronics, the graphite just helps to even out any dead / hot spots. I've used both a Strata and a fretless Kingbass in a function band, without effects. Yes, it may sound more 'trebly' compared to a Fender with flatwounds, however, the only one who will care about the bass sound is you, not the punters.

I slap on occasion and have my action similar to yours, from 7mm at the G end to 8mm. I use steel strings however, to still get a powerful pizz sound. I'm comfortable with this, but then again, my technique will be different to yours and I've adapted to a lowish action.

The band are ok, but I gave up with the vocals when it got to the beginning of the second track. I'm sure your input to the rythm section will improve the tightness and overall sound. To move this band forward requires the vocalist to really raise his game, or better still, a better singer (IMO of course).

Unless you change the arrangement, it will end up sounding the same. Even if you change to acoustic / DB / EUB, you'll need to change the arrangement or style of the piece. Play it more uptempo, swing, jazzy, anything to make it sound different. Another approach is to drop the bass altogether and play some percussion or something.

I concur with fatgoogle. Money is better spent getting your current bass the way you like it. Spending 800 is not a real improvement over what you have and you may end up with something that may still need work to suit your playing. You should also make allowance for setup costs and replacing strings if your going to buy another DB, just to be sure.

I spent a long time (about 17 years) in between my first band and my later bands just noodling around and playing along to tracks. Eventually you'll find likeminded individuals and start jamming, which can lead to a successful band. The fun is also in the journey. Just keep enjoying what you're doing.

You have to ask yourself why your doing this. I know from experience that it's hard to get gigs playing originals, and it will cost you to play a gig. If you're likely to get good exposure with a fair chance of getting more gigs, then it's worth doing imo. If it's just to fill a promoter's pub, I'd say you're wasting your time (at your own cost).

Great when man and bass meet like that. You also have a very sympathetic wife, which is great too

Stanley Clarke's "We supply" has a good Alembic riff at the start. Plenty of Alembics on Yootoob, including Stanley, Mark King and several impersonators

You might also want to consider the Ibanez P3110 or P5110 which fit your budget (Thomann). I don't have any experience of these, hopefully someone can chip in.

I use a small Mackie VLZ402 mixer for that purpose, however, it only has bass and treble controls. Not exactly cheap either, and you'll need a mixer which accepts DI. I think you'll find it difficult to find something with bass/middle/treble, headphone output and a 'clean' sound for low cost. This takes you into the bass headphone amp territory, none of which are cheap and some which add their own character, which you don't want. I also use a Phil Jones Bass Buddy, which again is clean sounding and has a 5 band graphic. These are unfortunately expensive nowadays. Hope someone can throw in some alternatives to consider.

1. Bassace - Upton and Bryant basses, Clarus amp and Crazy 8 speaker. 2. Owen - 5 string DB, NS5 EUB, Clarus/Acme rig, Fdeck/Berg rig and some bass uke things. 3. Zero9 - Gedo 'Blonde' 4/4 hybrid DB with Thomastik Solo strings, KK Rockabilly and AI Coda R combo

Some pickups also age better than others, a bit like a good wine. I find that no matter how clean or muddy a pickup sounds, it is still very good at picking up my mistakes

It's all black magic and electrickery. You could start here: http://www.casparwood.net/physics/communication/Guitar.pdf

As already suggested, set everything 'flat' to start. I'd suggest setting the level on the Fishman to about 50% whilst your amps input gain is at zero. Gradually increase your amps input gain until you get a satisfactory signal (keep master gain low for monitoring).

Bought a KK DB pickup system from Chris. Smooth transaction, speedy response and a pleasure to deal with.

Whatever works and is comfortable. I ended up playing thumb position without thinking about it. My style works best between position 1 and 2.

I'd recommend sticking to your budget and try and buy something second hand from the Basschat for sale section. Electro acoustic basses devalue quickly and buying second hand will mean you can usually get back what you've paid for it, and you'll get a better instrument for less money. They generally sound the same plugged in thus there is no real value in getting and expensive one. Acoustically, all electro acoustic basses sound weedy and won't keep up with an acoustic guitar volume-wise, but are fine for practicing or noodling at home. Just IMO. Good luck with the search.

Something like a TC Electronic BH250 ticks all the boxes I don't have any experience with them, but am seriously considering getting one as a backup, given the price.

Don't dismiss the Phil Jones C4 cabs, although slightly more pricey at 349 from Bassdirect.

I use an AI Contra R mkIII for rehearsals, which is fine. However, for gigs I need more oomph and use an AI Focus head with up to 4 PJB 4B's. Similar sound, just more headroom.

The Status graphite neck heels are hollow. The bottom of the heel is typically 6 to 7mm thick.