dannybuoy

Haussel perhaps? Saw a 4 string J set for sale that had pole pieces almost up to the edge of the case.

Their lacquer is different to most basses though, I saw a video review of a 4003 stating that the chemicals they use are strictly controlled, so they had a choice to change their instruments, change where they're built, or just build fewer of them, and they opted for the latter. Whether that means the finish is higher quality, or just more environmentally unfriendly and/or carcinogenic is anyone's guess!

I'd like to hear it, probably sounds closer to a Jazz than a typical Ric with those pickup positions.

Super hot pickups aren't always the way to go IMHO. A lot of the aggression you seek might be lost because overwound pickups have less top end, and a lot of overdrives/distortions sound too bloated/farty when fed too much low end. Look out for an Entwistle PBX or PBXN, the latter being discontinued, but with rather hot neodymium magnets, both very cheap! Or there's the Duncan SPB-3, their site says they're Alnico 5, but I was always under the impression they were ceramic? If you haven't got the bass yet I'd consider looking for a Yamaha BB414 or 424. Hot ceramic P pickup as standard, and an even hotter J pickup that sounds like a rock monster when paired together!

I've seen Om a couple of times too, the second of which they had just gone from a duo to a trio, the addition being Robert Lowe. I'd seen him play previously in a solo capacity supporting Explosions In The Sky, but I was racking my brain that night trying to remember where I'd seen him before! Judging by the thumbrest right by the neck, those pickup covers don't get in the way of his playing!

Awesome, surprised it's not green though! Is that going to be a production model? Impressive yogi beard too.

Fender also have a limited edition lightweight ash 7lb Jazz at the moment too btw!

Two amps, one cab?!

You're not alone, I would have been very tempted to get one of those black stain fanned fret models if they'd have come with Nord's instead. Doesn't make sense to fit such 'polite' pickups to a bass that would appeal to the metal fraternity!

And it's white and gold! Aren't these 16mm string spacing at the bridge rather than 18mm on modern 5 string BBs? That would probably be a deal breaker for me, OK for pick playing, but I prefer a bit more space otherwise.

Indeed they are. Most jam nights don't play jams though, they play songs!

This is why you should stick to passive basses Al. If I'm not happy with my preamp I just use a different pedal and don't have to concern myself with what will fit inside my bass!

How come? It's already an active bass so should have a decent sized cavity and battery compartment, and John's pres are pretty tiny. Unless the existing one is a tight fit and totally different shape of course.

That M set is very high tension by the way, you might prefer the FLs. There are tons of flats out there though, personally I prefer TIs over La Bella. But yes, flats sound like your bag for sure!

For £500 you could get two basses - a used Squier VM or CV Precision, and a used SBMM Ray4!

I've never even heard of this unit, but I expect it's in a similar class to the Helix? Anyway it's just had a bunch of bass stuff added including 3 amps and 8 distortions: https://www.musicradar.com/news/boss-adds-gt-1000-bass-guitar-support-new-footswitch-modes-and-more-in-v3-update

An issue with last week's updates.

Are you only interested in the clean tones? The EQ on it is rather unusual, but 'musical', in that it doesn't sound like most common EQ circuits, but it does sound good! The low gain overdrive sounds on it are amazing, high gain not so much. Great for motown style sounds with the mids flat or boosted, or Sansamp BDDI style grit with the mids scooped. Swapping without trying may or may not be a good idea. If I were you I'd try and pick up a used Tone Hammer, compare them then sell the loser!

Just found those, they do indeed look quite similar! One review saying they sounded better than the Beyers, but a few more that that saying they sound totally different and not as good. https://www.thomann.de/gb/superlux_hd660.htm

I think the newer ones no longer have the Ac Bs Pre, but they do have a dedicated HPF that might be good enough to use one instance of instead of two!

You can set it to true bypass or buffered bypass. True bypass wires the output jack directly to the input jack in bypass mode, buffered sends it through a transistor. A lot of pros and cons to both approaches, but generally it's good to have at least one always on buffer in your chain as it changes the impedance which reduces the signal/treble loss you get over long cable runs. Some badly designed buffers colour the sound though so many prefer true bypass.

Lol, the BSF went straight back to the shop after 5 minutes, but the Mojomojo is on my board!

The Ampeg Scrambler is similar to the BSF, but better to my ears.

I'm not a fan of those noiseless pickups, they sounded a bit dark and lifeless next to the more traditional ones in the American Professional. I'd recommend getting to a shop to try some out!