BassBod

I would applaud the use of the word Heft....quite appropriate for describing the indescribable essence of a big old heavyweight amp, valve or otherwise. For me there is only one real disadvantage to these modern lightweights - getting them fixed. While in production most manufactures seem pretty happy to replace circuit cards/most internal modules - but after those parts are no longer current stock, most likely your amp is heading to the tip. I've got 25 year old amps that are still mostly fixable..even if some components are harder to source or relatively costly. The thought of an expensive five year old amp being written off as unfixable due to its construction concerns me. Especially as they do all appear to be pretty similar. Having said that, I'm very happy with the Aguilar TH500 and TKS S112 and its a joy to gig with, given the usual awkward load ins/ car sharing / crap parking situations I often work with.

Also look for Edifier H850's - they make the PJB branded ones, and can be found on-line significantly cheaper. No way of knowing if they are very different....but worth a look.

You won't notice much difference - Groove Tubes were neighbours to the original SWR factory, and branded valves rather than manufactured. I suspect reliable supply (and reliable specs) were most important. Any modern 12ax7/Ecc83 should sound fine.

Another recommendation for Andy Manners.

Gibson -> Peavey....shame..

Low frequency energy is something to avoid anywhere close to this sort of bass. The K&K will be fine, but run it into a really good external preamp, with a high pass filter if possible. The headway should be fine, but also look at the Fdeck design..very simple but effective. Flat wound strings will help get an warm sound, the Thomastiks are great (higher action will sound better and make them less floppy) as are the black plastic ones. Also a cover on the sound hole can help reduce proximity feedback from an amp. Really, it's as little monitoring as you can work with close by, and get the sound through whatever PA is available. My favourites have been a PJB Cub (limited volume, but a great monitor) and a Mambo jazz guitar amp (think modern Polytone..simple but works).

Not tried one, but I've got some very similar Mo Clifton basses. It really depends on the nature of your condition, but a headless bass (with body) on a good strap would be well worth trying. Comfort straps or the Levy's neoprene version are also a good idea, even with lighter basses. Looks like a great design. The tone will be moe modern/active, but you can adjust that with settings and strings.

Great pickups too..

I just try and keep the gig bag nearby and put the bass in that. Its not that I don't trust stands..more that I can't be arsed to carry anything else from the car.

Yes, they will....but they don't go really low in their response - plenty of impact but not a real sub thump. I actually prefer the lighter response, as it doesn't mess up the front of house so much. I've had a pair for a few months and only used two cabs for one gig. Within one song the front of house engineer was asking for a little less stage volume (Blues rock, with an Aguilar Tone Hammer 500, set to approx 25% on the master volume). They are very good - voiced, but very musical and not extreme in any way.

My former Renaissance fretless is still for sale at Bass Gear near Reading - go try it! Lovely bass and I'd still have it if I wasn't playing Double so much.

Depends how you will be using it - probably not acoustic! Godin is a good bet, but look at the current Warwick options. Also worth looking at the Sigma range, very good for the money. Then do a search on here and you'll find plenty of string discussions...I'l say flats now, just to save time!

I've bought used Levy's canvas bags and they are fine seven or eight years later - careful but constant use. The Rock Bags are terribly made, in my experience.

Might have to flog mine then...its nice but....

Looks fine to me. Double basses usually have the relief (clearance) carved into the fingerboard, not adjusted by a truss rod. The amount of relief, and the shape of the curve depends on the player and the choice of strings. Probably best to take it to a double bass luthier and let them check it out. If you are settled on a particular string type and finding a problem (excessive rattle, or strings requiring a lot of strength to sound cleanly) then it might need re-profiling to work better for you.

Alembic pickups don't really have a sound - they are very low output, wide frequency response...then the electronics take over. Two options come to mind, get something similar made (Aaron is excellent) and use a John East filter style preamp - pretty expensive and not really sensible for a Squire. Or get the flatest response EMG's that will fit in the bass - they use the same idea as Alembic, but put the (simpler) micro preamp in the pickup moulding.

Look at headlessusa.com - the hardshell case may fit, or the gig bag is probably a good quality one.

Makes a change from bass gear..🤓

Colin Hodgkinson - look up Back Door. I found a cassette in a Manchester library sometime in the mid 80's...wow...

I found mine to be very useable, but you can't escape the MK connection from other musos...they always seem to notice. Mind you, anything that isn't a Fender or MM seems to be frowned on these days!