geoffbyrne

It'll only take a couple of hour's playing to get over the 'wrong string' syndrome. Concentrate on playing across the fretboard instead of up & down. I start at the 5th fret if I'm playing in E (for example) and that allows mo to go across without shifting up or down. G.

If you move to a (new) Schaller 3D bridge, they come with a plastic baseplate which raises the whole thing by 3mm. G.

Remember - you are *widening* the slot - don't make it deeper (assuming all was previously OK!!). G.

I have a Mk1 TRB5 that's absolutely terrific once you understand the pre-amp. I also have a fretless BBG5 with RBX375 pickups - amazing sound for an inexpensive instrument. And I had a BB415 fitted with a John East U-retro that was an absolute tone monster. I like Yamahas!!!!!!!!!!!!!! G.

Never had blister probs with bass - I use the flats of my fingers rather than the tips, but when I regularly played guitar I had callouses on which I could stub out cigarettes - and did for a party trick. Don't have right hand probs either. G.

Go & knock on his door - he's in the North of Leicester.

[quote name='sirmuppet' timestamp='1429453292' post='2751483'] Thanks guys. I compared the out put to one of my strats and it's still lower than that. That was also after raising the pickup height as much as I could. I thought the strangle switch only cut the bottom end out but not affecting the output? [/quote] No, dependant on your amp settings, it can cut the volume quite substantially. I mostly use my VI as a bass, but sometimes it takes lead and I have a pedalboard set up with an MXR 80+ to give a volume boost and lead tone at the end of the FX chain, so I never really touch the strangle switch. G.

Yamaha TRB5? G.

I leave the bass & treble flat and boost my low mids set to around 180 - 220 Hz. This give 'bassiness' without the muddy lows. Boosting around 2 - 4 Khz will give bite. Cutting around 800Hz will remove honk. Experiment. G.

You should get a very nice second hand Yamaha TRB for your budget. G.

All the ESPs I've picked up have been impressive. G.

I've got one of those - I get a terrible ground-buzz from it. Hope yours is better. G.

Haven't played a Hohner VI B Bass, but owned a B Bass V for a while. There's a lot of love for these on here and I found the B V pretty decent in every respect. The only thing folk tend to say is that the pre amp is a bit of an oddity, being (on mine) a small metal matchbox-sized unit. pretty effective, though - treble & bass boost. Having said that, I've been deeply impressed with every LTD I've played. No help, then. G.

I sold a Yamaha BB350 (P bass) on here a few months ago that was A notably light bass. Maybe keep your eyes open? G.

Had a Mighty Mite neck on a bitsa a few years ago. Excellent. G.

Hardy Laurels? <<I'll get me coat....>> G.

How about your aforesaid graphic equaliser into a good power amp? G.

I paid £80 for mine in mediocre nick. Keep your Fender. Look up Ebay for completed sales for the BB G5A. G.

You can do everything on a 5 that you can do on a 4, so you don't need the 4's. G.

Funky Blues - Coco Montoya, Gary BB Coleman. G.

I'm just flabberghasted at seeing 'funky', 'blues' and 'Sex on Fire' in the same sentence. I'm off to lie in a dark room and a rub down with the Radio Times! G.

You're mad!!!!!!!!! G.

I'd probably replace the signed plate & keep it safe for if & when the day comes to part with it. G.

Yamaha BB425 G.

I've come across 'bands' that aren't actually bothered if they gig or not not & seem happy just to get together once a week & play. G.