tom.android

This is pretty much what I was getting at. If you buy something used that’s already depreciated, maybe a couple of minor dings already then it’s likely to be break even when you come to sell it in a couple of years. Savings accounts interest rates are useless, why not temporarily convert some money into a bass for a while instead?

If the question were rephrased to ‘a bit posh’ then I guess my answer would be about £1.5k used £2k new

What about a cheap bass that requires upgrades to be properly useable? Or that requires a lot of expensive work from a tech etc? What about a bass that costs £2k, gets used for a bunch of paid gigs, then you break even selling it later adjusted for inflation? Was that expensive or was it basically free? Or a mid priced bass that warps or the truss rod breaks or whatever - that’s the one that feels the most ‘expensive’ in the long run to me.

Like Mikey I’ve owned or played most of them. The 434 would be perfect for the mix of styles you describe. It’s sound is very neutral - it basically sounds like a good Fender. my personal favourites were the 414 and 1024. 414 for the highly playable slim neck profile, 1024 slightly edged it on sound and lovely ergonomic thumb rest shaped p-pickup. Ended up keeping the 414. You can’t really go wrong.

Practicing and playing are different things. If you can hear what’s not right with your playing, you can fix it. I’m sure you’re doing great but you might do better with some assistance from a properly qualified and experienced tutor. Where are you based? I bet there’s someone within half an hour’s drive who can sort you out in 6 months. Don’t buy any gear this year, get lessons instead.

PLEK is more like a computer-assisted fret levelling and nut cutting tool. I’d really like to play a BB434, 734 and P34 back to back to directly compare. I think the main difference is going to be in playing feel rather than sound. I’ve done this with 434 & 734 quite a few times and in a lot of ways I prefer the 434.

Ander sold me a Yamaha THR30 amp. Absolutely perfect all round. Cheers! Tom

Raising the bridge pickup closer to the strings or lowering the other two should help level out the volumes a bit?

As an avid/pathological watcher of the used bass market I’ve been wondering: Why am I seeing BB615s for sale all the time but almost never BB415s? Did not many sell when they were new or is everyone who has one just holding into it? Thoughts on a postcard

1024x has a thicker neck profile front to back. Slightly classier finish but it’s quite marginal. Fantastic alnico pickups. Like Andy, the 414 is the one I still own.

Sounds like you want to loosen the truss rod, no? If it’s maxed it’s tightened fully, usually. Loosen it to allow the strings to pull it forward slightly more.

Just bought Lee’s Octamizer. All was smooth and speedy. Cheers!

You say you switched strings from flats to rounds - but which ones? There’s a huge variance in tone from different string types and brands. Loads of punch and growl? Give good old Roto 66s a go.

True and wise. Something else to consider might be a preamp feeding some IEMs so you can get some clarity in your ears without changing sound to FOH.

Strings, strings, strings. Still want flats but less boomy-y with loads more mids and upper mids? - TI jazz flats. Then there’s rounds but heaps of difference here. My favourite ‘dark’ sounding ones are GHS Blanced Nickles. Or go all the way up to steels and discover that your tone knob actually does something. Steel wounds on a P works for Lee Sklar, right? I’m really into the idea of matching the right bass / pickups combination with the right strings. Getting your low end under control onstage is another part of the equation, mind.

As others have said, Sadowsky Metroline sounds like what you’re after. Possibly a Will Lee if you like skinnier necks. Also Maruszczyk are probably worth a look. Excellent value used. Bacchus, too.

Absolutely superb. Bit lighter than the ‘posher’ models and the ceramic pickups sound great. Can’t go wrong.

Catching up on some Glastonbury sets on iPlayer and spotted Fat White Family’s bass player on a black BB414

Sold the body of a BBG5 to Mick. Great communication, swift payment. A breeze. Deal with confidence.

Also possibly a worthwhile question: Are you playing sat down or standing? If standing how long is your strap set? Try shortening it to bring the bass a little higher up. Was just trying an exercise like the one you mentioned with a slightly longer strap length and my thumb was having to come around with the rest of my hand when trying to use my little finger on 4th string 15th fret and above. Physics has its limits! Also don’t those Nordstrand Acinonyx basses have narrow string spacing and skinny necks / shorter scale?

Tried these myself. Too heavy on the rest of the strings! I’d do 42 60 80 110 for drop C#/Dflat. Or just try adding a single 105/110 to what you’ve already got. I really like the D’Addario EXL170BT for a ready made set

Ah, I’m familiar with similar technical exercises. The point of doing them is just that, technique. Your bass has a very ‘medium’ neck on it and shouldn’t pose an issue. Focus on wrist position, hand placement etc. I actually wouldn’t really recommend these types of exercises for beginners. One octave scale pattern are probably sufficient for the time being. Very rarely when playing will you actually need to play 4th string above 12th. Occasionally but rarely.