Dan Dare

It was always advised not to cut guitar strings (unless you bend them first), but on bass strings, the winding does not normally extend to the very end because if it did, it would be too fat to fit on or into the tuner. So they shouldn't be a problem. I never have trouble cutting mine and I have to with E and sometimes A strings or they won't fit on the tuner post.

I did it on several occasions, but always went back to the day job. Now I'm an old git, I'm glad I did as I've ended up with my own place and a pension.

Do you have a mixing desk? If so, you can plug the MP3 player or whatever and your bass into that and use headphones. It means you can practice at any time and not wake/annoy family or neighbours. Even a basic mixer will do the job fine.

Welcome. Are you an angler by any chance, with a name like that? If so, tight lines.

Tonehammer 700? I use the AG700. The TH is a thicker sounding preamp with the same power stage.

Impressive, especially doing it as a trio. Another Aussie covers band who do a fine SD cover:

I made no assumptions about peoples' skills and tastes. I also said it's a free country. People can like/dislike whatever they choose. I don't care. At least take issue with what I actually said.

Session will still repair/refurbish their amps. They're still going strong.

Thou doth protest too much

Paul Simon is a very fine guitar player. I saw S&G back in the day when they were up and coming and he's no slouch. As for songwriting, there is a technique to it. It ain't just "letting it all hang out, maaaan". A well crafted song is a well crafted song. I'm surprised you use Paul Simon as an example. He knows how to write a song. He isn't just tooling around. Listen to his stuff critically. It's very well put together.

There's a sort of defensiveness one encounters during discussions of this sort. It goes along the lines of "Ah yes, they may be great players, but it's soulless/instrumental widdling/lacking in cojones/high quality elevator music, etc, etc". If you don't like something, just say you don't like it. It's a free country. If you feel threatened by highly accomplished playing, work on your technique.

I'd quite like to be able to unsee it...

If it has a thick enough coat of varnish, yes.

Because he's equally terrible 🤣

See https://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Online_Resources/Learn_About_Guitar_Pickups_and_Electronics_and_Wiring/Understanding_Guitar_Wiring_I-4000_4.html. I'd ask the loom supplier for advice. Paul 5 posted the standard J bass wiring diagram above. Best to follow that.

I've never come across a bridge usage manual (my Gotohs didn't come with one). Adjustment is simple. Adjust the long bolts to correct intonation and the small grub screws in the saddles to raise or lower the action. That bridge needs strings that pass through the body. Does your instrument have that? If not, you will need to modify it. If in doubt, take it to a repairperson.

I think SD are wunnerful, but I don't expect others to. They are free to be wrong 😁

There's a cheaper way to get velcro cable wraps. Go to the haberdasher's and buy velcro off the roll. Cut into 2, 3 or 4 or whatever inch lengths depending on the size of cable you need it for. Job done.

When you play an open E string, you are hearing little of the fundamental. It's mostly harmonics and overtones (look at the frequency response of most drive units - few go down that low and those that do will not reproduce the note at volume). In a studio, you can do a lot to doctor the sound that you cannot do live, which is why it works on the recording. It's the laws of physics, Jim.

Exactly. Everyone builds on what went before and most allegedly "original" music is heavily derivative. Nothing wrong with it, but to stick one's nose in the air and claim that what one is doing is somehow superior because it's "original" is ridiculous.

Tears of a Clown. The reason I play bass. Bob Babitt's playing on the track made me want to do so.

Agreed. And what's wrong with wanting to earn a few bob doing so?

This. It's hardly a Strad'

Age does matter. I wouldn't apply to join a band of 20 or even 30 somethings, because they wouldn't want me and I wouldn't wish to put them in the embarrassing situation of having to say "Sorry, grandad". Given that I play as much for fun these days as anything else, I want to be able to relate to/get on with the people I play with. That means we need things in common and that means in most cases that we need to be of a broadly similar vintage. Music may be ageless, but musicians ain't.