grumpyguts

Thanks for the replies. Strings are replaced regularly - currently on Flex Steels, was Rotosound steel. I will go for a set up; other than my efforts setting string height and rod it's never been touched.

For the past 18 months I have been having lessons, this is after around 25 years of bass inactivity. I have a Westone Thunder 1a - brought new in 1985. Apart from a Sue Ryder bass I picked up a few months ago to modify the Westone is the only bass I have played. I know no better. The problem is this.... I love my old Westone and will never part with it, however when I listen to recordings of my lessons the slap tone I get lacks the top end clarity my teacher gets with his Stingray or Overwater. I am obviously aware it's a bit unrealistic to compare my inexpensive old thing with high end stuff. The question is what to do about it. Modify the Westone? Add a bridge pickup, this should extend the range of tone available and find up a bit more top end. This will allow me to remain faithful to the old girl. Buy a new bass? I will try a few but I have in my mind an Ibanez SR500 would perhaps do ok. I am not sure I want a new bass that I will have to look after and worry about scratches dents etc. The Westone already has enough of these for this to no longer be a concern. Should I expect a new £500 bass to offer significant playability and tonal advantages over a modified Westone? Any thoughts greatly appreciated

Back in the mid 80's I started playing bass; got in a band, played a few gigs of original material - had a laugh. This all stopped when I went off to Uni in 1987. I was self taught, didn't read music and apart from knowing the blues scale was musically illiterate. I think what made me useful at the time was a good sense of groove and possibly a reasonable ear; people who heard me play thought I was ok. For over 25 years my poor old Westone Thunder 1a was rather abandoned by me while marriage, kid etc took over. However for the past 18 months I have been having lessons and think that perhaps I am ready to expose my lack of ability to others. What is the best way to get back to playing in a group situation? Initially just informal stuff - no pressure. What would I need to know to hold my end up?