sammybee

Most people when they buy an instrument want these things too, but they also want it to 'look' right and carry the right 'label' too. You're one of the lucky ones who don't and can save a boatload of cash

Lots of people when they buy basses/guitars/synths &/or other consumer items are heavily influenced by the 'aspirational' qualities of a product. To take the Skoda analogy further, this is why Audi sell basically the same cars slightly tweaked as Skoda for double the price, because Audi is an aspirational brand for many people. I'm not saying it's right or wrong, it's just marketing.

I would advocate going the Mac mini route. Especially as you can upgrade the memory in the 2018 onwards versions. Buy the smallest memory, smallest SSD, fastest processor you can afford then upgrade the memory yourself and hook up an external SSD for music projects. Once you've tasted Mac you'll never go back!

As I said before, they are great basses - like Skoda make great cars. But they're not aspirational products which might explain some of the turnover. You might be very happy with your Sire - but none of them are the sorts of instruments people lust over unlike other more established brands.

Great basses, but for some reason, almost everyone that buys one sells it on after a couple of months.

Yes, https://www.roland.com/us/products/vs-2000cd/ with the optional monitor board. But it's discontinued. I think if you're going to go to the trouble of sourcing one - why not just use a computer?

I've just got the Audient ID14 this afternoon after extensively searching the market for a replacement for my aging MOTU 828mk2 USB. The reason I plumped for the Audient, was the expandability - it is one of the cheapest good interfaces that you can plug an additional 8 inputs into via ADAT. I had it up and running on my Mac in about 5 mins flat, including setting up the additional 8 inputs. Sound wise it is very nice, build quality is very sturdy. I can now finally upgrade my Mac to Catalina. I have no experience of Focusrite interfaces, although I did used to own a couple of their pre-amp strips. I think there is probably very little difference between them (the Audient and the Focusrite) - just boils down to whether you would need/want the ADAT input.

I think if you went to Bass Direct, or somewhere like the Bass Gallery you would be better off than trying to score anywhere else. As long as you are aware, those places you will pay a significant premium on their 2nd hand gear just because they have it in their shop. Maybe there is a friendly Basschatter nearby that would accompany you?

Whether you plan to spend £150, or £1500 on your first bass.. it doesn't matter where on that scale your purchase is - find someone IRL who can help you test drive the bass. It is so easy, even on the marketplace here to get ripped off buying second hand. An experienced player with no vested interest in the transaction will be invaluable for spotting problems that you will miss as a beginner. Basses are very individual creatures, so try to buy the actual one you get to hold in the shop. But for your first (and hopefully your only bass for awhile) buy something that will inspire you to play. Make sure it is comfortable, suits you physically, a nice weight and looks the way YOU want it to look. I don't think that bass lives amongst the Harley Benton's of this world - but it might for you. A lot of GAS that people talk of is the result of people making compromises when they buy.... there is no real reason to go through the ladder of acquisition that so many speak of. Especially if you have a decent budget to start with.

ah never mind, seems to be the way with Sax teachers - all the decent ones are full or retired! £15/half hour is reasonable I think for music lessons. I'll take a look at Saxophone Cafe. Best of luck with your Sax journey!

10. Act Like You Know - Fat Larry's Band (the bass is from another track, that escapes me right now)

Mine are on stands, so I can play them. I do have an acoustic guitar in a case stored vertically in the corner - never gets played

How much does your mate/teacher charge for facetime lessons? I have a sax gathering dust & I'd like to give it a try ... cant find a local teacher here for love nor money.

Before I invested a penny in a bass, I'd find a local teacher or local player who could let you have a try out on their bass(s) first. Lots of bass players have multiple instruments, and most are friendly sorts who would gladly let you 'try before you buy'. You'll find a 1000 different opinions on the internet about which is the right starter bass - only you'll know what's right for you when you try it in person. A Squire precision might work for one person, but not necessarily the next. Don't discount bricks and mortar music shops (I like PMT and there are several of them dotted around the country), most of them will price match the internet and give you invaluable 'hands on advice'.

I've had a guitar and a drum machine from them, no problems whatsoever.

Great video - im sure far beyond my fretless abilities, but you make it look effortless.

It's a USA made, 1999 reissue of the 1975 Jazz bass as the name suggests. As far as I can tell, all features are period correct. 3 bolt neck, bullet truss rod, 1970's pickup spacing, ash body, maple neck and finger board with black block inlays. I traded this for a Marcus Miller (Jap) Jazz (and a tiny bit of cash) - which build wise, is a very similar bass a few years ago. It's my main recording bass now, and earned its place in my studio as I have thinned the herd to this and one other bass (Stingray). I also stumbled across one of the last (new) Badass Bridges and a East J-Retro Pre-amp which I fitted. These upgrades are non-destructive and you can just replace the originals if you want to resell. It's come full-circle, but I don't have to put up with that f-ugly MM scratch plate. What's it like to play? Well if you like to stand-up and play - forget it! It must weigh at least 11lbs and even with a nice MONO strap it get a bit uncomfortable after 10 mins! As I just use it for recording at home, it balances nicely sitting down. The neck is very comfortable with a poly finish, fairly slim - if you like/are used to Jazzes you'll get on well with one of these. What does it sound like ? Like a Marcus Miller, but on Steroids...with the J-retro East pickup fitted. The 1970's pickup spacing gives it that characteristic 70's jazz sound too. Sounds great in passive mode too. What does it feel like? Very high quality. The Japanese Marcus Miller I had was exceptionally well put together, but this raises it up another level. Everything on it fits perfectly, and it just feels right to play. What does it look like? It looks like it was stolen from Marcus Millers hands! Would I buy another? Yes! Although I could of saved a few quid by keeping my Marcus Miller (and ended up with a very similar flavoured bass), this is a 'forever' bass that will not leave me.

I'd recommend UPS via Interparcel, never had to make a claim on them though - but musical instruments are definitely covered. I would seriously avoid Parcelforce at the best of times. Especially now in these present times, as we are having loads of our parcels not delivered or seriously delayed - strange how none of the other couriers are affected like Royal Mail are.

I've got one of those TC Electronic Polytune clip ons. Works without fail everytime, although they are a bit pricy for what they are. Works great with a low B too.

I've always used UPS via interparcel with good results & they do insure instruments. Keenly priced too

Obviously you need separate power - but any interface worth it's salt needs separate power anyway, so it's not like it's an additional requirement

You can use just about any class compliant USB interface to link to an iPad.. You just need an adapter/cable that will reverse the gender of your lightning charge cable and your good to go...

Well there is the thing. The buyer raised the case, and in the space of 2 mouse clicks - escalated it to eBay. I think if it is more than 10 days over the expected delivery date they don't have to wait for the seller to respond. The item was delayed by eBay's global shipping hub ( we do about 15-20 ebay sales a day and ship the same day for all orders received before 5pm, next day for after)..All tracking details are automatic through the API