machinehead

I have built up a decent collection of basses over the years including a few US Jazz, US Precision, a rare US Jaguar, a 51 reissue Precision, Warwick Streamer, US Musicman SUB, etc. Since I bought my Flea Jazz in 2020, (bought used) it's been by far my most gigged bass. They are simply superb to play and sound brilliant. I'm taking it to the recording studio on Wednesday as a first choice. Enjoy yours. Frank.

I've been taking my Steinberger Spirit away in my campervan for years. Cheap to buy, especially used, solidly built, stay in tune for months. They pack away in a small gig bag (supplied with the bass) and I've actually gigged mine and it's excellent. The extension on the bottom of the body makes it easy to play sitting down too. I take mine to gigs as a backup - fortunately, I've never needed it. There's some useful information on them in this old thread. Frank.

What a stunning looking bass! These are in the top 3 of my favourite sounding bass guitars. Enjoy it. (I know you will.) Frank.

These are brilliant cabs. I bought one back when Alex was a one man business. I've since moved to a pair of One10s, A BB2 and a Super Midget. Total overkill I know. Frank.

I have one of my early designs left (not much different to the later ones) that you can have. You might have to file a little bit to make it fit over the existing strap button, but it's easily done. It is the same length as the later ones so should balance the bass well. Frank.

Getting the bass to Belfast is absolutely no problem as we're part of the UK. Anyway, I hope it gets to you asap. If it doesn't work out with your friend, hopefully I can help. Many thanks for the kind offer of a visit. It's always good to meet fellow musicians. We're in France for almost 6 weeks and very much looking forward to it. Frank.

I'm going to France in my campervan in August. I'd be happy to bring your bass. The only thing is you'd need to have it delivered to me in Belfast. I'll be sailing from Dublin to Cherbourg, then heading south after a few days in Brittany, depending on the weather. Frank.

The BB2 is deeper and fuller sounding to my ears. The SM is less deep, but deep enough, and sounds better when pushed a little. Both are very loud. In smaller venues the SM is more than adequate and sounds far better than it's size would suggest. It sounds a bit more "angry" than the BB2. I've owned these cabs for 9 years now and they have handled every situation I've gigged in. (I've used Barefaced cabs since the beginning in 2009ish?) The combination of the two is as much as anyone could need. (in my opinion.) Frank.

I still have my parlour size 6 string acoustic guitar that was a gift from my uncle in 1968. He had just restored it back then so I suspect it might date from the 1950s. It sounds good and plays well. Frank.

I use a BB2 and a Super Midget. That gives me a choice of three rigs. For most gigs it's the BB2 on its own. Frank.

WAL Mk 1 fretless. Passed on for £200 in 1989. It still causes me nightmares. Frank.

I find having a pair of One10s very handy. Just one cab is fine for rehearsals and small gigs and both for bigger gigs. The other point is I never have to carry more than about 7.5kg. This is important when you have a hernia. 😉 Frank.

I first heard a HB PB50 at a blues jam. It sounded simply amazing. The only thing that puts me off slightly is the weight. A couple of years ago a Fender 51 RI appeared in a music shop in Belfast. I'd owned one years ago that I gave to my son. It now resides in New Zealand. I always missed it since giving it to him. You can see it here. Anyway, after sleeping on it I bought the new Fender 51RI and that put the HB PB50 out of my mind. They are definitely superb basses though. Frank.