lowregisterhead

+1 for the 55-02, does everything well, and great to play, although they can be a little inconsistent in my experience, so try before you buy. The older Korean ones have more 'heft' tonally, IMHO. Or a 55-94, which has the edge, if your budget can stretch to one... I've got one of each, a DJ5 and a 55-76, but I'm a greedy b*stard...

[quote name='martthebass' timestamp='1481817464' post='3195431'] Try a set of the Hot Wire 'Half Rounds'. I find the Hot Wire Rounds a bit aggressive and moved over to the halfs on my Streamline a few years back (40s - 100s). I find them a fair bit smoother but they still have plenty of top end. I've since put these on my MM with similar good results. [/quote] Thanks, I'll look into that.

[quote name='Passinwind' timestamp='1481351356' post='3191666'] Have you tried changing string type yet? I went through two pickup replacements and two aftermarket preamps plus one DIY one in a similar scenario (too dark in my case though) before I finally got around to trying that. The third preamp did help a lot, but the strings probably made even more difference, and starting there might have gotten me close enough to what I wanted to not bother trying all those other tweaks. [/quote] A very good point, and not one I had really considered. When I bought the bass, I just stuck on a set of my favourite make and gauge of strings - D'Addario EXL170-5 Nickels, 45/65/85/100/130. Status's own Hotwire string range doesn't even include Nickel strings, only steel. Perhaps I should try a set in a lighter gauge... [edit]... but I remember now trying some years ago when I had a headless and I didn't care for them, they felt rougher and much more 'grabby' than the D'Addarios.

I'm looking for a bit of general guidance on whether a different preamp will really be able to change the sonic character of a bass, in this case a Status S2 5-string thru-neck. The bass is lovely to play, sits really nicely, and I like the look and general ergonomics of the instrument. However, regardless of how I fiddle with the eq, it has a high-mid bark that I can't seem to dial out, and getting a clear, glassy top end out if it seems to be beyond the capabilities of the current preamp (an 18v 302 board). Is it worth fitting, say, a John East Uni-Pre (I've had several different East preamps and they've all been great) or would I be wasting my time & money? All advice gratefully received!

Lots of great advice, but one thing that hasn't been mentioned is what kind of characters the rest of the band are. The music can be great, the management can have all their ducks in a row, but if you don't get on with even one member of the band, living in each others pockets for long periods can be hell on earth. If you are already aware there are people in or directly involved with the band who exhibit 'the creative temperament' be prepared to factor that in. That said, if it all looks fairly decent in the main, do it. If you don't, you may regret it for the rest of your life.

I hadn't been in there in years, but I used to frequent it in the 80's... which puts me in mind of another workshop down the road in Kew, Roger Giffin. I always wanted one of his beautiful custom basses, like the one Felix Krish played with SFX, with the late great Alan Murphy et al. God I feel old.

I bought a Status S2 5-string from Taz, and the transaction was very smooth - great communication, photos of packing and immediate tracking info when the bass was sent, and the bass was every bit as good (and, to be honest even better) than described! A really friendly and helpful guy. Deal in confidence. Thanks Taz!

I was just browsing though stuff before leaving the house, and found this. Really enjoyed it, it's set me up nicely for the day ahead, thank you. I'm only over by Woking - let me know if you're doing any local gigs.

Sold Doug an audio interface. Prompt, very friendly communication, immediate payment. A pleasure to deal with.

Not to my taste aesthetically, but the pickups are interesting. Piezos in the bridge saddles, but is there a magnetic pickup hidden in the body somewhere too?

Certainly asking for quite a bit more than they usually go for... and from the description, it sounds like the seller may not exactly be an expert! Needs to be seen in the flesh, as there were a couple of dodgy Wals for sale recently on eBay. Might go for around £3000 if it's in good nick.

Ibanez Black Eagle. Forty years on, I finally have one. (OK, it's a reissue, but it's still fab).