M@23

I turned 30 earlier in the week. I'd decided a while ago that I was going to ask for a bit of cash and part ex an old bass and get myself something (very) nice, 1) to mark the occasion and 2) it's now or never! I'd looked at everything that was out there, made my mind up and changed it several times over and then got the chance to play a Sadowsky. It was a 4 string and I was after a 5. But I really liked it and hours of research later decided it could be a good option. Some of the other options were Mayones and the new Fender Elite. So today I made the trip to Guitar Guitar in Epsom to try them all out. The Sadowsky was by a margin the most expensive, so it's not the fairest comparison. But in my hands it just felt better. It was the only one that was 'perfect'; the frets, neck pocket, balance, feel and sound. There was nothing I didn't like about it. So, I'm now the proud owner of a Sadowsky MV5. I've got 10 gigs over the next month and can't wait to get to know it better! Terrible mobile pics: [URL=http://s1240.photobucket.com/user/mattdigweed/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160525_180834_zpsodcgevgw.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg488/mattdigweed/Mobile%20Uploads/20160525_180834_zpsodcgevgw.jpg[/IMG][/URL]l [URL=http://s1240.photobucket.com/user/mattdigweed/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160525_180729_zps9qciex5w.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg488/mattdigweed/Mobile%20Uploads/20160525_180729_zps9qciex5w.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s1240.photobucket.com/user/mattdigweed/media/Mobile%20Uploads/Screenshot_20160525-180942_zps7b7ju1gh.png.html][IMG]http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg488/mattdigweed/Mobile%20Uploads/Screenshot_20160525-180942_zps7b7ju1gh.png[/IMG][/URL]

There are quite a few I've moved on and regretted at some point. Probably only two I'd buy back given the chance now though, a 2012 US Standard P bass in 3TS. It was light, resonant and beautifully finished. Just an awesome P bass. The other was another P bass; a 1996 Japanese Fender 50th anniversary model in shell pink. I'd put CTS pots in, a Custom Shop pickup and it had a tortie Bass Doc pickguard. It was simply the coolest bass I've owned.

Mesa gear always looks solid. Very manly looking rig you have there.

A tone pot that works in active mode is a cool idea, how does it work in practice? Does it respond in active as it does in passive? The 2k 5 string jazz market has so many great instruments to choose from.

Some flats sound better with use too. I like Fender flats, which come with some sort of coating, they always felt better after a month. Also, on a good Precision, Deep Talkin' Flats are something special.

These look so nice. BD have a pink Xotic, since selling my shell pink P bass, I've had a hankering for another outrageous coloured bass. How is the pre? I like all the options you can get for frequency selection.

I'm keen to try an Elite 5. Sounds like the N4 pickups are a genuine upgrade over the N3. They look great, hopefully the low B will be a good one.

It must be your gear that I was eyeing up on Instagram! All of it looks great. I just got a VdK 212. It's a very impressive cab.

I use Schallers as I wanted to be able to take the strap off easily when putting the bass into its case. I used Grolsch/Fender washers before that and do prefer them though.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1462613909' post='3044344'] Good call. Friends rave about them so I need to check them out deeper. [/quote] I think you'd like it. It is an effortlessly powerful cab and very even across the range. Really fills a room.

[quote name='markdavid' timestamp='1462396539' post='3042796'] Imo white is only an acceptable pickguard cover if the bass is all white , white pickguards on black basses just remind me of cheap starter basses [/quote] Yeah, me too. I dislike white pickguards, unless on white basses or reds, blues and green basses (probably a few other colours). Black/black/rosewood always looks classy though.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1462600114' post='3044234'] In the States it would be a learning experience.There's no contracts, no invoicing at the bar level. You play the 4 hours and you get an envelope of cash, your fee at the end of the night. Split up the cash and leave. The whole "trying out live music" out has always seemed shaky to me. If I could afford to be picky I would stay away from those places. I rarely see any of these places succeed. I like the bars that have done a good job establishing themselves as a music venue. The people that go there are going specifically to see live music. Blue [/quote] You're right, Blue. We were all of the understanding that this place was putting in the effort to become one of those places. Truth is, the whole set up is very confused and lots of people have wasted time trying to help them. Oh well, they were one of the few places that paid by bank transfer and have always taken liberties with paying late. In hindsight, it's not a problem. I've filled all the empty slots in the diary with new venues so I'm happy. My invoice for £100 has been accepted too ☺

I've just picked up a Vanderkley 212 MNT. I've not used another cab like it. It's brutal. Still early days, only two gigs in. But, it is quite impressive!

Well, I've invoiced for £100 for what would have been tomorrow's gig, to cover expenses. It is a fairly heavy rotation at this venue, but then they have music 4 or 5 nights a week. Oh well, 3 of the now free dates have already been re-booked elsewhere.

Just had a venue decide that live music is no longer part of their business plan... They have only been there about a year, cash flow is obviously a problem as they NEVER pay with 4 weeks and mine, and many other bands had lost patience. Long story short; they decided yesterday that they are cheaping out and going with DJs from now on. My band had 7 gigs booked for the remainder of the year, including this Saturday, plus however many other bands had. I'm invoicing for the full amount for this Saturday as 48 hours notice is unacceptable. Especially as I turned down a private function last week to honour the booking. I'm not expecting them to pay without a fight, and I'm considering invoicing a lesser amount to cover loss of earnings for the future bookings we had. Anyone have anything similar happen? Any advice on seeking payment? I'm not in the MU but am going to sign up. Although I don't have signed contracts to confirm these bookings I do have emails which prove that our services had been secured for these dates.