casapete

I use bronze wound strings on mine, but even though they're quite bright they're not enough to cut through unamplified. There's generally not a lot of love on here for acoustic/electric basses, some of which is well founded. Most people seem to agree that they need to be amplified, which makes them sound less 'acoustic' and thus makes them a tad unnecessary over a standard electric bass guitar other than appearance. I use mine straight into a small Yamaha / Bose PA system in a smallish pub, doing a weekly 'acoustic' session with a guitarist. Without the PA it wouldn't be possible! Best you see if you can get to try an acoustic bass out in a shop and see what you think of the level they produce.

Auto-renewal is nearly always dearer than swapping companies. Just lately though I've noticed a trend for the auto-renewal quote to be quite favourable for the first time, and then ( once they have your confidence) they assume you won't check the deal the next time and hit you with a massive price hike. Price comparison sites are your friend.

Yup, got a Washburn AB20 which I've had a long time. Played a lot of others too! IMO all the ones I've tried would struggle unamplified with anything other than quiet rehearsal level. May be best to consider factoring in a small combo - the Fender Rumble stuff is pretty good and very light/compact - so you're able to be heard properly. S/h is your best option for a bass - just saw a Washburn like mine go for £150, and others worth a look are models by Tanglewood and Takamine, both of which come up for sale quite often. Over your budget, but the recently introduced Taylor GS mini bass is an amazing thing, and it's guitar sized dimensions would be very pub friendly too. https://www.gak.co.uk/en/taylor-gs-mini-e-bass/904810?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqY7i2uyL2AIVCDPTCh0szwZiEAQYASABEgIqv_D_BwE Good luck!

Sounds like a plan ^^^^ Incidentally, whilst Speakon connections are undoubtedly a vast improvement on 1/4 " jacks, before they were around we did somehow manage to use our SVT rigs etc

Mine did. Asked whether being a musician is my main source of income ( I sometimes can’t believe that either ) and if I have any other employment.

+1 for OBBM's stuff. £17 for a cable with speakon & jack connectors that will last a lifetime. http://bassic-bits.co.uk/

Maybe a refusal is based on driving history, whereas a decline to quote is down to other stuff like ooccupation / age etc?

Interesting point. I have been down as a musician on my car insurance for over 40 years ( semi pro and pro ) ,and during that time have had companies change their stance on whether to insure musicians or not, sometimes to decide at a later date they do want my custom after all. I was with the AA for a few years who then out of the blue hiked up my payment to a stupidly high amount, something like six times higher than usual. Think it was their way of saying they didn’t want to insure a musician , without actually refusing to cover me. These days there are quite a few different choices when entering ‘musician’ in the occupation box. I’m down as one who plays ‘popular music’ , other options being classical, teacher and some more I can’t remember.

It's got my interest now then.

Interesting, thanks for the comments. Can you update when you've tried it at gig kind of levels please?

My experience of Elixirs is that they feel a bit dead from the off, but then don’t get any worse for ages, which I guess is inevitable with the coating and the general design brief for longer lasting strings. Was just wondering if the EXP’s feel brighter at all and manage to retain this. Going to give them a bash I think. Will report back, may be some time though ?

Thanks Adam. I've been using EXL 170's for years, but will give the EXP's a go. Didn't like the feel of Elixirs so hope these manage to feel less 'coated'. Cheers.

Thanks for the heads up. Just to clarify, the programme is on Vintage TV (channel 82 on Freeview) at 5pm on Sunday 10th December I'll be watching.

Are P-basses all that Kevin will allow?

where he could well be my Blue Kevin. ( Bit creepy, sorry )

I understand he doesn't want a hearse for the funeral, so Kevin's in the backseat of my Cadillac....

Anyone seen / played one of these yet? Certainly look interesting. http://www.epiphone.com/Products/Electrics/Bass/Masterbilt-De-Luxe-Classic-4-String.aspx

On the contrary, Kevin helps us all....

Aah, so then Kevin knows I’m miserable now?

I had a LM2 for a while and now use an MB 800. Agree with Lozz -nowt wrong with the LM, but just prefer the character of the GK.

In my experience, January sales with the larger music shops are pretty much like any others - deals on stock that hasn’t shifted, and stuff bought in to sell cheaply to promote this. You may get lucky and find what you want/need, but chances are you will do just as well negotiating over exactly what you’re after at any other time, especially if your needs are very specific regarding the spec of a particular bass.

I drive the tour bus. The band call me ‘Petenav’ although I do occasionally take a wrong turn.

Roll ups using Drum?

https://reverb.com/shop/manis-store

Good call, me too. Couldn't have kept up with the drinking antics though.....