Japhet

I've often used my £85 Harley Benton Precision copy in preference to my Stingray or other expensive basses. It plays a damn site better than some of the 70s American Fenders I've played too - and it did so straight out of the box too. King's new clothes and all that.

I've heard fantastic tone with a bass straight into an amp and great tone through a bunch of effects. I've also heard awful tone in the same situations. There's no right and wrong in this debate, just people who can get a good sound and people who can't.

Loving this today. Fabulous album from start to finish.

The Valeton FP10 is a cracking little pedal. I thought I was the only one to use it in a bass rig. I run mine with a TC Spectracomp and it chucks out a proper chunky sound.

This is the End - The Doors

I guess those are the type of things that show up in a loud amp at gig volume but nothing you can't address with a bit of twiddling I'd imagine.

Walk like an Egyptian - The Bangles

I've got one and love it. Great for practice and smaller gigs. Nice EQ section and well equipped to get a range of sounds. Light as a feather and goes pretty loud if you want. I'd like to try a 500 at a proper gig (if that ever happens again!).

Probably watched this a dozen or more times this week

Waterfront - Simple Minds

I believe that.

Much as I love Stevie Winwood, this eclipses the Spencer Davies version http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8vY3vAbAdQ

Will probably get pelters for saying it, but just about any cover of any Bob Dylan song. Edit; I'm obviously not including the appalling version of Knocking on Heaven's Door by that kilt wearing pillock.

Love a bit of Tom Petty on a Sunday morning.

I like the 3/1 headstock. Everything is within reach for tuning whereas a straight 4 configuration becomes a bit of a stretch for tuning (and I'm a tad under 6ft). A straight 5 headstock would mean I'd have to take the bass off an rest it on the floor in all liklihood. Not sure how short people would manage.

I don't like Fender 5 strings because the 4+1 headstock looks all wrong to me. Don't like tortoise shell scratchplates and don't like natural wood finishes either, especially with flambuoyant wood grains and fussy designs.

Ice Ice Baby - Some rapper geezer.

Pretty much, although it's all very subjective. Some manufacturers quote very high output watts but the amps don't deliver. You'll find a 200 watt valve amp can butcher many a 500 watt class d or solid state amp for sheer power. If you're hooking up to a single 8 ohm cab you'll most likely only be getting a bit over 50% of your amps power anyway since they mostly deliver full power at 4 ohms (2 cabs).

Hit the Road Jack - Ray Charles

I wouldn't call Rod Stewart a good singer either but what a great voice (especially with Jeff Beck and Python Lee Jackson).

Seventh Son - Willie Dixon (?)

Tom Petty.

Played there a handful of times. Great venue. RIP King Billy.

Message in a Bottle - the Police