[quote name='icastle' post='1096867' date='Jan 20 2011, 09:47 PM']I filter out all of the non starters before I start trying - there are body shapes, colours and manufacturers that I just won't entertain - I don't care if it's fantastic, I am not buying a bright pink bass shaped like a lightning bolt!
I ignore the inevitable masturbatory slap demo and do my best to appear appreciative and interested.
I set the amp flat and try out the tones available on the instrument - I'm not interested in buying the amp after all...
Recently, with the addition of inbuilt effects and modelling, this has become harder to achieve so I've taken to insisting on a plain amp which doesn't always go down too well.
I'll pay close attention to my LH - am I stretching to reach notes? If so is it a stretch that I can sustain over a period of time?
Am I struggling to find the strings with my RH?
Does the neck profile fit my hand nicely even at the 'dusty end'?
I'll always insist on playing it standing up AND sitting down - does it feel comfortable or does it feel like I'm sat there with an Ikea coffee table in my lap? Does the bass stay put or do you have to hold it in place when you play standing up?
Weight doesn't matter that much to me but I'll mention it here just to make a complete set because one day I will inevitably become weak and feeble... [/quote]
I think you just about got it covered here but from someone who IS weak and feeble, weight definitely comes higher on my list.