Musicman20

[quote name='Truckstop' post='1251273' date='May 31 2011, 11:37 AM']Nordstrands look quite good. A bit expensive though! Truckstop[/quote] Agreed. Lovely looking, very very expensive though.

No matter what I try to do, I end up knowing that I actually want more than one Precision, hence I am currently on the way of acquiring another American Standard. Part of me thinks its time to start looking at a vintage P bass, because as much as I love my Stingrays, the simplicity of a P bass and the way it ALWAYS fits in a mix just seems to work for me. Its almost like I can see myself just collecting P's, despite the fact they are all very similar. I think ive approached this subject before, but apart from a true vintage P bass, what else is there that can trump a well made American Standard? Ive tried a Lakland, and didnt like it. Ive tried a few other basses with different P pickups, I didnt gel with them.

I think anywhere near £600 is far too steep! Nice looking basses though

My drummer wanted to pick up some hi-hats and my guitarist wanted to check out the electro-acoustics. I had no intention of buying but I thought Id see what bass gear they had in. Around 3 years ago or less, they had a full floor dedicated to bass. Lots of Markbass gear, lots of different Fenders/Musicmans and a few more unusual basses. Now, virtually nothing. It's been combined into 1/4 of the area where the guitars are. They had a few Markbass amps/cabs, and about 2 basses that would have interested me, but the rest was budget gear and second hand. Has the internet really affected stores this badly?!

I had the same issue. The one I tried felt very uncomfortable, which was a shame.

I think the lack of voltage switching and other extras is what puts Markbass behind, despite the fact they used to be Market leaders.

Both great, but to be honest the 450 is a damn bargain right now, so I'd opt for that. Both are very loud so no issues there!

They are an absolute bargain for the new price.

Its just automatic with TC....indeed, clever

Thanks guys. Yeah, I was just having a look at them, but If I ever went down that route it would be the HR for the smaller size.

Crazy. I sold mine on here for a fair price at the time, but now this? Well, I guess it's just how technology moves, just like mobile phones.

The TC amps are the same as the Genz in respect of being able to switch voltages.

I've just seen one of these in the flesh, and it looks as well built as a Berg cabinet! It is also tiny for a 4x10. Has anyone tried one out? Apparently only 56lbs.

www.bassmerchant.com Darren will match UK prices. (edit)

[quote name='NickH' post='1247759' date='May 27 2011, 11:57 PM']Doesn't matter if you love the gigging or it's just a grind to you - you're providing a skilled service to an establishment who are in business to make a profit, and you're helping them add to that profit. I love my day job of banking and accountancy, but I wouldn't go along to a random drinking establishment and help a landlord I didn't know with his tax return for free... ... cause if I did, and enough others did, the other accountants who needed to make a living by doing pub accounts would be squeezed out of the market and end up getting screwed.[/quote] Exactly. This applies to why originals bands are having a hard time. Playing in a band is quite a popular past time now the popular music scene is less dance music based, so there are always bands who will play their own music for free, hence every other original band suffers.

[quote name='Spike Vincent' post='1247574' date='May 27 2011, 08:50 PM']Ermmmm..... Why?[/quote] Because they should. IMO you are providing for the crowd, which is slightly different to an originals band.

Amazing collection.

Lfalex - I was in a very similar position. Probably for around a year or so, then I jumped on a chance to rejoin my old band which was even more depressing as their new recruits were plain idiots. The main 'talent' has left (not to be too arrogant, but myself, the drummer and the old guitarist MADE the band so tight it was unreal) apart from the drummer. That went terribly wrong and I had to fall out with people id known for 16+ years over something so stupid like a band, that will never make it, never get anywhere, and isnt that important. Luckily, the guy I fell out with apologised and we are ok now, but I wont trust them again. But, I felt wasted with them...they didnt like a prominent bass player, and that's what their music needed...so that was pretty weird. Anyway, I've FINALLY, after 14+ months, found a decent paid band. Not only that, they appreciate me and always shake my hand/give me a positive comment when I nail the tracks live after such a short time of rehearsing. Basically, they were going before I came along, they were just guitar/drums and the guitarist sang. It was all acoustic, and is now apart from me playing elec bass. I did 3 rehearsals and played a huge gig. Massive massive adrenaline rush, got paid, free booze, lots of audience reaction, and basically a great time. It was exactly what I needed. Id go as far to say my recent 6-8 months of feeling pretty rubbish was down to not playing live or playing with people who 'got' what a decent bassist is for. I say dont ever give up...its a drug to me and I have to do it. But, when you find it again, you will feel much more positive. I know I do. Good luck! Advertise like mad and find a band that pays. They do exist.

IMO everyone needs to see if a P bass is for them at some point. I definitely know a P bass is my go-to as well as a Ray.

[quote name='Bilbo' post='1246891' date='May 27 2011, 12:03 PM']Function bands, though. Its £100 or I don't even load the car!! I'd rather stay in and practice PS originals bands should get paid at least expenses also. If a venue hears your maerial and thinks you will appeal to its core audience, it should at least meet you at that level. You should share the risk as equal partners, not carry the venue.[/quote] +1 wise words. I actually get quite passionate when it comes to my ranting about originals bands getting such a bad deal in this current climate. My ex-band didnt care though, and I did, so it ended up being awkward. I wasnt out to make a profit, I wanted to help the entire band pay for expenses, that's it. What most original bands fail to see is that SOMEONE is making money out of them playing, most of the time. Hence when this occurs I piped up, but they thought I was being a little too business-like.

[quote name='Prime_BASS' post='1246874' date='May 27 2011, 11:55 AM']I'm just wondering what a 4000pund bass provides that a 1000pund bass doesn't. This has been covered before, but I've played a shuker jazz since then and IMO it was no better built than a 1000pund stingray, except for personal preference I sound and looks I don't think there is much in it. Except a W&T. Also if you are having a wait time of 15 months, isn't it time to hire some help?[/quote] I can see where you are coming from. Wals look and sound fantastic, but I'd rather have 3-4 of the mote readily available instruments rather than sink everything into one. This might change as I get older, who knows. I would still like a NYC Sadowsky, despite the fact I think the sound may not be 100% me.

[quote name='Prime_BASS' post='1246399' date='May 26 2011, 10:51 PM']I would say something but I dont want to open a can of worms.[/quote] Go for it happy to answer. I've not earnt real money in a band since I was 16/17, and I'm 30 now. I've played in mainly underground hardcore punk and progressive indie bands since then putting in everything for nowt. This new project is brilliant, free practices, nice lads, good musicians. Nope, it's not helped much to pay for what I spend on gear but it helps