chrismuzz

Not tried either of those.. But there is a programmable sansamp for sale at the moment on here. If you don't mind the mid scoop its very useable for tone shaping, adding tubey warmth, and is more than capable of overdriven tones too! The blend knob is probably what made me choose it over the VT bass which doesn't have one. Being able to save a few settings is incredibly useful too!

Even cosmetically the cab is more important, that's what everyone sees most of the time

Definately! If you don't like your tone it's very off-putting... Or maybe I'm a fussy git

Stickers can look good on a painted bass, not a natural finish one!

Interesting!

Definately the cab! You can dial in most sounds on most heads but if your cab isn't up to scratch you're stuck

Nice! I'm liking the Sue Ryder with the MM bridge pickup too!

More wise words from a true bass guru! I've really let the technical side of my playing slip back a bit while i focus on being able to groove a bit more. Playing one note for 5 minutes and making it sound interesting is more important that playing a hundred notes in 5 seconds and it being boring

I always have put compression before all my effects, but experimenting to see what results you get is the best way

The headstock looks great on the 4 stringers. Looks rank on the others though!

[quote name='JTUK' post='1349661' date='Aug 23 2011, 10:52 PM']Was recently watching a gig when a precious gtr broke 2 strings on 2 gtrs on 2 songs. He said over the mic that this sh** shouldn't be happening and they needed a break to get things together.... whence his girlfriend came over and restrung both guitars taking the best part of an hours break. We rolled up laughing..... should have taken 5 mins max.... but I don't think the gtr felt he should have to do that sort of thing. The rest of the band brought all his gear in as well...so he doesn't feel that need either Still makes me chuckle now[/quote] Clearly destined for stardom

[quote name='bassman7755' post='1349628' date='Aug 23 2011, 10:28 PM']No matter what musical solution you chose to bluff your way out NEVER start making accusatory faces or look sheepish and mouthing sorry to fellow band mates. Save it till after gig. IMO nothing looks worse and more amateurish that the "oh dear" faces when people are playing. The point being that audience will generally not notice the musical error even if its pretty bad - only your guilty face. I watched a band recently that I used to play in and so know their song pretty intimately was only able to tell they messed up a couple of things by the guilty/accusatory face syndrome. Sorry to go on a bit but it really gets my goat.[/quote] Top advice! I see this all the time. EDIT: In fact, at a gig recently, the vocalist made a miniature speech apologising in advance for a part in the song where his voice almost always breaks... He might have got away with it being intentional if he didn't make this mistake!

[quote name='Green Alsatian' post='1349562' date='Aug 23 2011, 09:42 PM']I remember the words to one of our songs completely exiting my head at one gig, after the first line. I stayed at the mic and said (in character for the song) "You know, I do believe I've forgotten what I was going to say. I blame all these dashed pretty girls putting me off".[/quote] Brilliant! That does sound intentional too

[quote name='Doddy' post='1349564' date='Aug 23 2011, 09:44 PM']Idiot.[/quote] I think that was the last time they ever played in Northampton, and it wouldnt surprise me if they sacked the guy either!

[quote name='Pete Academy' post='1349497' date='Aug 23 2011, 09:13 PM']c) Throw your hands up and admit defeat.[/quote] Slightly off topic, but I once attended a gig where the bassist broke a string mid song. He didn't quite throw his hands up and admit defeat... What he actually did was to shout "F*CK!!!" into the mic and storm offstage cue the entire band stopping the song and the vocalist awkwardly mumbling "Erm... has anyone got a spare bass?" True story!

Fiddle around in the key, or just do a slide to buy some time

They look ace, sound great too! I also love the name

[quote name='chris_b' post='1349091' date='Aug 23 2011, 03:44 PM']Music used to be crafted and recorded as a piece of “work” but these days it’s purpose just seems to be noisy wallpaper, and not really meant to be listened to in any detail.[/quote] I like this. A lot! Think I shall steal it for my sig

I have an aggressive attack plus I downtune so I need heavier, custom gauges. on a 4 in standard tuning I use 45-105 though

You'll need heavier gauges for sure, the B string is usually .125 or .130 so I reckon just buying 5 sets would be easier and maybe cheaper than singles. You'll need to set the truss rod and the intonation aswell

What are the makes/models of your current two basses? There are plenty of options in that price bracket