BassBod

Non T Midget for me (bass guitar and EUB) - been using it since last year, and not missed the tweeter yet.

From memory, it was first designed to be headless...and then re-designed with a headstock. I know which version I'd play!

Sorry to be the voice of doom..but I had a lovely 98 Thumb (may even be the same one, if you got it here). There was really no cure for the neck dive/weight issue..its part and parcel of the design. A good wide strap, with a rough suede backing helps a lot, but I could never get comfortable with it. Hope you have better luck!

So...not really a happy ending. Thanks for keeping us informed. I guess his customer service is never going to improve much (lets hope his neck construction does!).

So you've sold the Ken Smith and the Wal then?

I've always found J types work best for fretless - EMG's are very good, especially near the bridge (but not too close!). I wouldn't worry about a circuit - see how it comes out, and add one later if it needs it?

I did this a few years ago - EMGs and an Aguilar 2 band circuit. It was an improvement..but still kept the original "sound" to a large extent. If I did it again I'd go radical and put some old style DiMarzios in with the same Aguilar circuit for something a bit more passive/aggressive! In the end I moved the bass on - It just wasn't "warm" sounding enough for me.

You've got to watch that Wes - he's quick with the belt sander........

Well, what a result! I'm very impressed with the Kolstein - I'm assuming they are pricey? I'm doing up a Zeller at the moment with the intention of "going acoustic whenver practical" .....but that's got me thinking!

Orchid electronics - a bit over your budget, but very good DI's (and popular with folkies!). Also think about the muting version - again more expensive, but the muting option is very useful for tuning and unplugging.

Looks like they ran out scratchplates.....but still had Pro bass circuits to use up....

From memory...the pickups join the circuit boards with a multi-pin plug - a push on plastic block. Gently, see if you can unplug/push it back on. Could be something loose or slightly dirty. Also, gently tap the pickup to see if the A string comes back. The pickups have quite a few separate coils inside (and joins) so it could be internal to the pickup, but still only affect one string. Nothing that can't be sorted....even if it means a trip to Paul Herman.

Stripping and re-finishing a neck isn't that much work - mask off the headstock face to keep the original logo, and its less work. I'd have it "professionally" re-fretted and then home-rattle-can (nitro) refinished, but only if it set up and played well.

Off topic - but you actually got in touch with Fred H? I thought Darkstars were a thing of the past (well, obviously they were...but you know what I mean..) and he'd disappeared....

From memory, the drivers are Eminence. Someone here put a replacement 10" in my old CXL 1x10 and was happy with the results - may be worth a search both here and under repairs? The CXL series drivers do seem to need replacing after a few years....hopefully they've improved things in later designs?

In that case - do it! Don't think there's much risk of it not working for you (unless you play very very loud...with no PA support).

I'd consider a 1x12" plus 1x15" combination - not much difference in size or weight?

I explored this years ago for my Clifton EUB - the only option was a rectangular flightcase/wardrobe! Its big, but not really very heavy...has wheels at one end, so it can dragged along behind quite easily. There are some advantages - being square makes it easy to stack in vans, so it doesn't get knocked around...its plenty big enough for "baggage handlers" to not even think about throwing it (much). Down side is it attracts interest from customs..and can be fun in airport x-ray scanners and revolving doors. Its flown a couple of times and worked well - leave the flightcase at the hotel, and do local travel with gig bag. But its also been great for touring in vans of all sorts. Currently lives under the stairs.