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For true portability I’d suggest something shorter scale. Personally I always found short scales a compromise, not always that much smaller and not as full sounding as a long scale, but not without charm. In this case I decided to try a half scale bass, which might not seem to make any sense, but bear with me. Being half scale you can use regular strings, normal tuning but an octave up, which sounds very full. You can always then add an octaver, which gives a really great sound, almost a signature sound on its own. I feel that sounds much better than a normally tuned short scale. Then it becomes a fun instrument in its own right, which opens up new ideas and ways of making basslines. They are made by a few companies and it seems lots of luthiers are open to the idea, too. Mine is a Wingbass (designed by the owner to fit into hand luggage) but I’ve seen some great looking ones on here from Stradi (see also his Facebook page), Sting was recently seen with a Mayones, but Mayones won’t tell me anything or even give me a response. Another advantage is that you keep the same spacing as a normal bass, same strings (think I went one sub level heavier, Elixir light instead of super light) and you won’t want to put it down. Worth considering perhaps - I’m sure a UK based company can rustle one up for you at a relatively low cost, it needn’t be too fancy but the temptation to fill it with gadgets was too great for me lol I’m in York if you’d like to try mine

I've used OSX since the beginning so for me it just feels more natural. Sometimes at work I have to use Windows 8 and I can't even find programmes or log off! I'd like to upgrade the hard drive in my iMac (2014) to an SSD but think it involves dismantling the screen.. it's OK once it's up and running but my Macbook Air just flies... I think most of the snootiness associated with Mac users is due to the fact that the cheapest Mac and the cheapest PC are worlds apart and often people are comparing a cheap PC to a much higher spec Mac. I'm sure spending the same money on a Windows machine is just as well spent, if you like the OS.

Welcome, you'll fit right in here! We have long term sufferers of DPAS, EPAS, OPAS and everything in between!

I like the picture on the wall

Hi there! Make sure you check out guitarchat.co.uk too!

If you get stopped do you get a fine for trying to sneak through on top of any tax you have to pay? If not then I suppose there's no harm in trying!!

That’s a Bassmute. You can switch the foam mutes to touch the strings at the flick of a switch and have two positions (one more tightly pressed than the other). They are great fun. It takes up a bit of room so wonder if a single piece bridge was chosen as it might take up less space. A two piece and the Bassmute might have interfered with the rear pickup position perhaps.

Lots of great designs to gawp at there, thanks!

You’ve got to try one! They’re great, so handy to have and they open up your playing in new ways. I reckon I play mine as much if not more than my big toys!

I don’t remember if I met him but all the guys in marketing and the amplifier design end have left. I’m not sure if there’s anything underhand happening, just that I think TC are closing the Aarhus factory/office I think so lots of guys who worked there are not willing to relocate and their jobs are basically up for grabs. I might be wrong but I think that’s what my friend said. I’ll ask him for more details.

Owned by behringer now. All the people I knew at TC have left over the last couple of years.

I can completely understand the feeling of wanting to give up with it - but often I find it's modifying/adjusting/fixing a bass which makes you feel closer to it in the end, and once sorted it will all be a distant memory. Try and forget about it for a week and come back to it fresh when you see Jon. At least he's agreed to have a look, it would be much worse if it was a custom from abroad and you face the endless 'dunno if I can sort that' sort of comment from so called repairers you might get in contact with (most of whom are qualified for no more than a re-string)

Tbh I think it’s just an automatic response bot

Thought I’d have a crack at asking Mayones about the bass. They’ve never once answered an email I’ve sent so I thought I’d try their super keen social media intern team:

So what do you use? What’s your routine? This is what I tend to use - Smith polish in my Smith bass as intended - I tried to get the partner wax for the untreated Morado fingerboard but can’t find it in the UK. Sadowsky said he uses the Planet Waves Hydrate on Morado so I’m going to give it a try next time I re-string. My Wingbass is a Tung Oil finish and only needs a wipe with a damp rag so that’s easy. The Vigier has a very worn lacquer finish which has gone satin in places. Dunlop 65 works well on it, it seems to go on smoother than the smith stuff. The fingerboard is cleaned with a bit of WD40 to make it shine (don’t worry it’s not wood!) So what do you use?

Well we know why he charge so much, to pay his lawyers! Honestly I think he’s worried people will try a faker and realise how much better quality they are. Its a real shame because by bullying people like us he only damages his company. Hopefully someone with more sense takes over soon.

Been there many times. When I was a teenager I got smashed on apple sours and threw up on the night bus home. Haven’t touched ‘em since.

I pictured you slowly screwing a silencer onto a pistol when saying that 🤭

Apart from the colour I think the Firebird X looks cool!! But then I’ve always liked basses with synth engines etc in them so there you go...

@charic you might like this 👍🏼