BassBod

If its an ongoing thing, and you're not happy, then re-negotiate. There's a risk they'll stop using you...but there's also the risk that they are getting more than a "fair share" of your time and skills. Balance it up and see how you feel about it. I'd be happy with regular guaranteed fee and little long term comitment...but if I was certain they were getting a lot more I'd be talking to the organiser about having the regular fee and no expenses - so I'd be asking for my travel costs to each gig to be covered. They'll either agree (and probably still be better off) or use someone else. Be prepared for a brush off and silence.

Sad to hear that....always enjoyed his music.

Tosser...

Listen to the good players (Mark Schatz, Todd Phillips, Edgar Meyer (!)) they can all play...but keep it simple 98% of the time. Go back to the early recordings and listen to how to all fits together. Time is all - even on root/fifth, a fast tune can be a real workout. Think of the bass as a 'tuned drum' and it makes a lot more sense. Think about strings, softer floppy strings can give you a warmer tone and make life easier for percussive styles, but are acoustically quieter and have to be adapted to. Learn all the banjo jokes you can...there's never enough.

Stick a Sansamp VT in front of your existing amp...you may be very pleased with the sound. I've used the old bass driver or a VT or a SFT clone to good effect in front of very clean amps (SWR and Euphonic/Acoustic Image). I know plenty will say its not the same..you need toobs etc etc but just try it for yourself. Just ignore the Sansamp manuals that show full blend all the time - I never need more than 30% to get my sounds. There is newer VT pedal on the way (soon?) that has the DI and blend features in a small pedal format.

If you won't enjoy it..don't do it. But don't give up on dep work as an option- you can work at many levels, have a lot of fun (with little commitment beyond the job at hand) and make some money. You always learn something..even if that is "say no next time".

Try setting up for current Thumb as "high five" E-C? You'll either love it...or find you get bored of it and prefer the low B. Not as much fun as new bass, but I'm feeling poor and sensible today. I hope neither lasts too long.

Have you got a mains tester thing (three lights on a plug). I'd be looking at the earthing in your room, then the amp...and I'd make sure there is an RCD on the amp's plug until I'd had it checked out.

I've been using one for over ten years with no issues, but I have heard they have a lifespan (more than a year!). Before giving up on it check your bridge fit - I had a new one last year that sounded weak and feeble, but once the bridge feet had been properly fitted to the top it was every bit as good as my old one. PM me (today if possible) and I can suggest someone who has repaired them, and I would trust to repair mine?

I'm not usually that interested in valve amps...but that Twin combo looks like a very handy little amp, and in good condition (compared to lot of the TE stuff that's still around)

I opted for the Hiscox after getting fed up of carting a heavy full flight case around airports/carparks/shuttle busses etc. I view the Hiscox as almost a disposable option - it won't last as long, but it will protect the bass very well from most rough handling and I can keep it with me easily when travelling. The flight case always gets left in the van. I like the idea of the SKB bass safe, (bass lives in gig bag, inside hard case) but they had a reputation for coming apart if the latches weren't tight? Anyone got any recent experience?

Flightcase or Hiscox...and I'd suggest a graphite or bolt on neck, if you're got one? You may get away with carry on and gig bag, but there is no way to be sure until you get on the plane. I've found a Hiscox is the least stress option, but you can expect some damage to the case after a couple of flights (or even the first one).

Met him briefly last year whilst busking...seemed like a nice bloke, and he was interested in the bass I was playing, so a confirmed bass-spotter like many of us!

SWR used to be pretty good at helping (even when Fender owned) but there are interweb rumours that they might not be long for this (corporate) world...see talk bass.

Thats useful - I've got an AH150 that makes some horrible noises (not all caused by me) one day I'll get it in for repair.

No idea...get it to a good tech - mine have commented on how well they are put together (meaning they are very fixable!) I might even have a circuit plan somewhere - PM me if you think it would help?

Contego is way ahead. The Thomann bag is good for the money, but the plastic leather material isn't that durable (mine has a few cracks at stress points after two years of light use) and the zip isn't that great. Two things about the Contego - its fairly large (but easy to use as a backpack) and the zip seems a bit feeble compared to the overall design. Edit: My age must be showing - had a look just now and can't see any cracks in the plastic leather material - either they are self repairing, or my eyesight is going..or my memory!

Curlycabletastic......that must have been at the workshop?

Funny you should say that! I emailed them a while ago, and their response was send it back and we'll replace it - very helpful, and impressive for them to be so generous without any prompting. But, I bought the bag used here on BassChat so I didn't feel that was fair to the company. I had bought a similar bag new and direct from them a few years earlier, and I didn't want the two to be confused. Not had a reply since I explained that last bit..but that's no big surprise.

Compact is the obvious choice...or Midget/Compact combined as a modular (expensive) option. But if you're already a W'ick endorser, why not try the smaller Hellborg cabs? Are they stupid heavy? They used to do a co-axial 1x15" that would be worth a go.

Well, mine is on an expensive Overwater/Harvest bag. Apart from the dodgy zip its on great condition!