JD1

I've just changed from a GK NEO410 to two NEO 210's. Absolutely rock all to do with helmholtz passive radiator standing wave waffle sprocket dispersion. Easier to carry, easier to handle, more flexible configurations (including one or both as wedges e.g. for theatre work) and if I stack vertically then I can hear better. And to my ears sound as good if not better than the 410. God knows what the punters are hearing (DI or not) - but that's always been the case. I've not had any complaints.

At one point I owned both a GK1001RBll and a SWR750X. GK beat it hands down in all departments.

I've tried Elixirs and EB coated (in fact all coated strings). My experience is Elixirs last longer than all the others. Not expensive when you consider how long they last.

Not sure about the "not a great bass player" bit. Was listening to Miss You on Radio 2 the other day. What a great bassline - and sound! Never really noticed it before.

I had problems with one Stingray 5. The bowing however was from just past the 12th fret upwards so some of the higher notes were choking - especially when bending the strings up there. Because of where the bowing was the truss rod was largely ineffective. I asked Chris May at Overwater about it. They dressed the frets at the top end of the neck, so it was quite playable but there wasn't much could be done about the bowing. Chris put it down to a weaker piece of timber having been used for the neck and that he had seen it from time to time (not necessarily just on MusicMans) - and why Overwater and others such as Fender strengthened the neck there with carbon rods or similar. Your bowing problem might not be the same - but it could be that the neck is "weak" or the truss rod isn't working properly. Certainly don't over tighten it. I'd get a luthier to have a look at it - and as you've done, in the meantime string it with a lighter gauge.

I was once allowed to check in my bass as hand luggage (it was in a gig bag) only to be told when boarding it would have to go in the hold. One smashed bass on arrival. I'm due to play in the States next month so I think I'll be using a hard case.

I sometimes pair my MBE combo (which has one 12 and no horn) with my GK Neo 210. Generally stack these vertically. Sounds great and easily keeps up with loud drums and guitar. The Micro Bass combo is only rated at 150w into 4 ohms with the extension cab but I've found over the years that GK stuff tends to be conservatively rated in terms of watts v volume.

I'm with Chris 2112. Janek and some of the other guys mentioned in this thread are supposed to be the "top" players - operating on a different level to mere mortals like me. They've found their "voice" etc. (don't get me started on the beanie hats and the ramps though). But none of them are really making a massive impact or raising the bar and making a benchmark recording. I've not heard his latest album and I don't intend to - but an improvised jam???? Come on Janek (and the others) lets have a proper statement worthy of your talent.

The two bands I'm involved with at the moment are: [b]DeeExpus[/b] - modern prog rock with Porcupine Tree / Dream Theatre influences. Just realeased an album called the King of Number 33 and currently in rehearsals for a few UK gigs this month (Durham, Maltby and Kingston) and a festival in the US (Rosfest) early next month. http://deeexpus.com/live.aspx [b]Russ Tippins Electric Band[/b] - blues / classic rock originals and covers. Mainly north east based although we have a few gigs further afield this year including the Hebden Bridge and Maryport Blues festivals. http://russtippins.com