TJ Spicer

I've sent things all over Europe since being a Basschat member - In fact I've sold more in Europe than has remained in the UK. Interparcel.com. I usually use UPS but have had success with DPD in recent weeks. I have an amplifier on its way to Poland as we speak with DPD. I haven't ever insured, as, as others have said, most companies won't insure over a certain amount if it's an instrument anyway. I don't think any bass builders or shops that I know send insured anyway. Packing it well and securely is your insurance!

Sounds awesome! I also use a PT Nano and Cioks for my fly board - best PSU I've used to date - supreme stuff! Enjoy!

No worries! I love my Sadowskys, that pre gives me my sound more than anything else out there...

There’s an SBP1 on FB marketplace at the minute - don’t know if you’ve clocked that already or if the size is too big? 

I do both. I find engineers are increasingly less fussy about gear but I try and stay traditional. Having it set up well for you and intonated is a must. If anything gets commented on frequently, it's tuning. 

Certain songs will demand a 5, or it will have been used on the demo and they really want those low notes, so keep a 5 on you. I personally find a PJ5 will get me through anything and always start there. I will bring a Fender P with flats and a Jazz too, but 9/10 times I'll start with the PJ5 and everyone will be happy with that. 

I have a small tube amp I often bring along, but most of the time it's direct to save spill to the drums, and I run an amp sim from my Helix or VT Bass DI alongside a clean Avalon U5 or Warm Audio WA12. 

Most important is to bring a good vibe to the room, and try and get things done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Make sure you know the arrangement and anything else you need to know before you sit down to track the parts, whether that's live multitrack, or just you in the control room with a producer. Give them some takes that are rock solid and sound great. if you've got those down but hear something in playback that you think you could add something special, don't be afraid to let them know - it may be wanted or it may not. Let your ideas flow and come across, but also be aware that sometimes, they're not wanted or not in their vision for the track.

Most of all, have gear that works, is reliable, you know, and doesn't hinder your playing. Make their tracks sound as good as you can, and try and sprinkle in that moment of brilliance that they didn't know they were missing - you won't be forgotten in a hurry!

Thank you for the offers everyone - it’s been sorted! I’ll keep any numbers people have given me handy for deps in future - much rather be someone from basschat than search on the Facebook bun fight for gigs! 

Helix is a great tool to have around no matter how you use it!

If you don't mind it being gritty it may do the job. You probably want more like a 50w amp to not sweat about it though. T

I found both the Original 60 and 50s very comfy. If I hadn't been comparing the OR60s to a Custom Shop 59 in my preferred Fiesta Red at the time, I would definitely have been taking it home instead of the CS! Great, great feeling basses, I hope they stay around in the Fender lineup for a long time to come! 

I think they're awesome, totally dig the huge necks on them, right up my street in credentials for a top P bass...

@ZilchWoolham, I’m assuming/hoping you mean a clone in the nature of the Warm Audio stuff, or Peluso? Otherwise, maybe you are better off with the KM84 etc.

I LOVE their low tension flats. I hope they live up to your expectations! 

I would go with the U87, no question. It’s an industry standard, and in most situations a great vocal is going to be more important than and great acoustic sound, particularly bearing in mind where those are going to sit relative to each other in the mix. Whilst it may not be the right mic for every vocal, of course, it’s going to work for a lot of them. The U87 sounds great to good on most sources and a LDC is going it give you far more options for use than the KM. Head straight for that clone, Sir!