JD1

GK1001 well loud even into 8 ohms.

+1 on Mark's comments. You need to try a few as the different woods really make a difference. My experience is that sometimes it is the less bling one sitting in the corner not attracting too much attention that can sound the best. They all feel and play great. They usually have a few there you can try. They are top blokes and know their stuff.

Sold Phil a Schroeder cab. Absolutely great chap to deal with - went like clockwork.

I've had H and HH variations over the years. HH was [u]much[/u] more versatile. If you are a slapper there's not much room because of the neck pup placement though. I still might go for a Sterling 5 at some point and if I do it will probably be an HS as there is a tad more room. Build quality on every one I've had has been superb - bomb proof and the natural finish on the back of the neck is ace. Great basses.

Put a straight edge on the fingerboard at the dusty end of the neck. Often the truss rod doesnt work much past 12th fret. The neck might have too much relief up there in which case you might need some work on the frets.

Could you not borrow a Line 6 Variax - I tried one a couple of years ago and the upright model sounded very good. Failing that then flats.

One of my heroes and a big influence when I was learning.

Its a Legend if its the same one I tried. Was in there before Christmas trying out a GK Fusion and it was the only 5 they had in so I used it. It needed setting up a bit - but looked and sounded great. A lot of bass for the money.

Steve - I've tried the PM5 lots of times. It sounds great and has a good tight P vibe going on if desired. I also tried out the Sadowsky M5 they have in recently and it sounded brilliant. Great P vibe from the neck pup in passive, great burp from the bridge pup and awesome slap tone from both in active mode. Neck was a joy to play as well. I just think they seem very expensive for what you get... Yep I remember the orange Ray they had in - it stood out! I've got GAS for a Sterling 5 but nobody seems to have any in yet.

Hey Stevie Is your Sandborg the one the GuitarGuitar had in for a while? Tried that one a few times and I really liked it. The Bubinga PM5 they have in sounds good as well but its a bit bling. WOT - meant to say I was on the same bill as the Caffs a few weeks ago at Durham Gala Theatre - shame you weren't on it or we could have hooked up. Regards John

Sorry I couldn't make it guys. Keep me posted for the next one. John

Don't just get one on spec. Try a few out in the shop. Which one works best for you will depend on your voice and you'll hear it staight away.

PM sent.

I've tried a few when I've been over in Carlisle chatting with Chris and co. You really do need to try one as they have their own sound and feel depending on the woods used. Whilst they are all the same design and have the same circuitry and pups, they do have subtle differences. As far as the generic sound goes I agree it is fairly "middle ground" but thats not necessarily a bad thing for sitting in the mix, and no different to many other basses I've tried - e.g. Yamahas. I think the circuit is designed not to be too extreme and enhance the natural tone. Generally I've always found them to have a very clear sound with a sweet top end.

Hopefully I'll be able to get there. I'm in Shipley that day but will strive for, nay insist on an early finish. Still want to try that Thunderfunk... Can bring my GK1001RBII (but you know what they sound like) and my EPI UL310 (ditto) and the Pentabuzz.

+1 on the GK. Haven't Hartke just released a 2 x 10 Hy-Drive wedge combo?

He was still whacking the bloody s$$t out of his (new headstocked) Status's (should that be Stati) the other night at Newcastle City Hall. Great gig.

I'd love to hear what these are like compared with my GK1001RBII.

Exactly same thing happened to me when I was about 16. Rehearsal at Newcastle Poly Coach Lane Campus. Was moving two mic stands with my bass round my neck. I had a hold of the mic in my left hand and the mic stand in my right hand touched the strings on my bass with the stand. My hands just locked, couldn't let go, couldn't speak - just heard an awful humming noise and felt my chest geting tighter. I fell backwards off the stage and remember thinking that's it as I was curling up into a ball. One of the guys ran over and saved my life by switching my amp off and eventually I could let go. I still have one of the burn scars on my finger 27 years later - it was down to the bone. Glad you're still here mate!

I've just done a production of Jesus Christ Superstar and used a Warwick FNA Jazzman. I found it nice and versatile. The well voiced mid control gave me more definition and honk in the busy stuff like "What's the Buzz", I switched to both pick ups and boosted the treble a bit for the slap passages in the Overture and "Heaven On Their Minds", and I backed off the mid and treble for stuff like "I Don't Know How To Love Him". It also has a passive / active switch.