Clarky

Don met me at a typically BC strange place, under the watchful gaze of Holly Willoughby's security guard, to buy my JMJ Mustang. The whole deal was transacted smoothly and in a thoroughly friendly manner. Can't wish for more than that! Enjoy the bass, Don!

I felt very similarly during lockdown and again after May 2022, when my main band went on an extended hiatus for various health/other reasons (not me, for clarity). I have reinvigorated myself - and started buying/selling basses again, haha - by joining a band from a different genre that I am used to (goth/post punk) but which I have fond memories of from my youth. Found them on "Joinmyband" website. Maybe a short break is in order and then check out the 'musician wanted' sites and try something a little different, Andy?

My main band leader over the last 10-15 years, Wily Bo Walker, has something of the Tom Waits about his gravelly vocals. We even recorded a cover of TW's "Yesterday is Here" a few years back, with yours truly on double bass. Enjoy (I hope); https://wilybo.bandcamp.com/track/yesterday-is-here-its-been-a-wonderful-life-reprise

https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2023/10/04/ashdown-introduces-the-pro-di-pedal/ The webpage from Ashdown: https://ashdownmusic.com/products/ashdown-pro-di-1 Its on 3 week pre-order at Bax for £239. Its entering a pretty crowded space but that price seems competitive (more so than the £299 on Ashdown website)

I was thinking the K&K Pure Archtop and with foam f hole inserts it could be the answer? However, I do realise it would be riskier than a regular electric pickup and you may end up with some expensive parts to move on if feedback remains an issue

The best approximation I have had to a DB sonically was with Rob Allen basses which have a piezo pickup in the bridge and La Bella black nylon strings. Maybe a quality piezo is what you need, rather than a regular electric pickup?

Thats my kind of EQ - simple to set and forget. I can't do the weight (so I have the just-over-30-pounds Handbox WB valve amp) but I bet that sounds glorious!

This one in a nice Torino red/competition stripes finish has been up FS for ages, I assume (1) as its been modded for a P pickup and (2) as its a bit overpriced. The modding might not bother you, given you were happy to mod your 60s Mustang, perhaps? And I bet they would take a significantly lower offer, given how long its been sitting there. Edit: the link doesn't take you directly to the bass but if you scroll down to the one FS at Guitarzilla, that's the one. https://reverb.com/uk/p/fender-mb-98-slash-mb-sd-mustang-bass-reissue-mij

The closest in neck profile and feel (albeit with a standard Mustang pickup) to your #1 would be one of the CIJ reissue basses. They have 1.5" nut width and skinnier neck than all currently manufactured Mustangs, including the JMJ. Upu could pick up a s/h one in Fiesta red for maybe £850 ish?

Marty bought a nice Broughton preamp pedal from me and all was fine and dandy! Enjoy the pedal Marty 🙂

Fender Marcus Miller Jazz (sorry to give a straight answer)