Dan Dare

That's about all there is to it. Point the mic at the edge, not the centre of the speaker cone and at a slight angle.

Go shopping/auditioning. Ignore us. Buy what suits you.

[quote name='Al Krow' timestamp='1508089198' post='3389677'] Ouch! Definitely a wise warning to "try before you buy" when it comes to cabs (or any major piece of bass gear, I guess?). Out of interest how many of these cabs did you buy without having had a chance to first try out? Were you able to return any of them and get a refund? [/quote] Yep. Littlewing's post illustrates why the marketplace, eBay, etc, etc are full of recent or nearly new, high price/reputation kit being moved on. So many buy on the strength of reviews, or with only a cursory listen, or because someone they admire uses it.

Weren't drum machines supposed to spell the end of real drummers? Funny, but you don't see anyone using one these days, whereas drummers are alive and well. Afraid it's a bit of a silly question. Yes, you can programme all manner of stuff - drums, strings, bass, brass, etc, etc, but whilst playing a musical instrument remains fun, people will keep doing it.

Perhaps you should just beat out the rhythm on the back of his head with a claw-hammer whilst he plays...

[quote name='Heathy' timestamp='1507970348' post='3389025'] There is a guidebook called 'Home Truths - a Jaunt Around the Decaying Heart of England' that describes Braintree's inhabitants as "the ugliest collection of people in the UK outside Wales" and where "a good number of its female inhabitants resemble sea monsters". And no, I don't go out after dark. It's like an episode of Seventies-era Doctor Who. [/quote] Thanks for the heads up. Will order a copy. Sounds not dissimilar to "Crap Towns"

Speak to Watford Valves. They know their stuff an have very extensive stock. An amp with 2 EL84s is only going to be good for about 30w at most, so clean headroom is likely to be limited, whatever you do.

Good man. You're hired

I'm with the drummer. Can't stand people who over-complicate things just to look clever. It's pop music, not the bloody Mona Lisa. Now watch those comments roll in

Why does everyone posting here seem to be insisting theirs is the only right way? Some like to play for its own sake with a few pals, some like to play for a living, some like to do the occasional gig, etc, etc. So what? Different strokes for different folks. I've played as a hobby and for a part and full living. I'm currently back to being a hobbyist. I enjoy it. End of.

If you liked the AG500, why not try an AG700? I bought one after comparing with most of the current favourites. There's one in the marketplace at the moment (not mine - that's going nowhere).

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1507549106' post='3386204'] I've had lessons, and he really helped with my technique, which I think is pretty much ok (EDIT: it is now anyway, wasn't before!), and I've seen physios and specialists in the past, especially following a wrist injury in about 2009-2010. I think most of the issue with my hands is my day job, it's very keyboard/mouse heavy, but I love my job so I'm not willing to change that. I'm not a good bassist so a video might be embarrassing haha, but I'll see what I can do [/quote] I had some RSI in my right forearm some years back, when I was using Excel a lot. I worked out that it was because I was using my right arm far more than the left - number keys, mouse, etc. I taught myself to use the mouse left handed and it helped a lot. It's a bit of a brain scramble at first, but you soon get the hang of it.

John East?

Can't remember. It was well over 40 years ago and I was playing the fiddle, but that's it.

[quote name='super al' timestamp='1507485688' post='3385803'] Sorry, hat, waistcoat and a squier katana? On yer bike sonny! [/quote] And a dodgy moustache. Not only that, the bugger's PLAYING WITH A PICK. Bastard.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1507404668' post='3385321'] Get to a decent shop and try everything especially stuff you think might be unsuitable, something might just jump out at you. [/quote] +1. As usual, Pete is right. You simply must try before buying. Ignore reviews, etc, etc and go to a well stocked shop (not the local music shop that has a few odds and ends on the shelves, but a proper bass specialist), find what YOU like and buy it. If you're anywhere near the midlands, Bass Direct is the obvious choice. I've bought several things from them and have always been able to compare meaningfully because their stock is so extensive. I bought my current bass head (I won't say what, because I don't want to influence you with my choice) after comparing it with virtually all the alternatives. I'm in London, so it's a bit of a trek, but I've found it worth it because I don't get fed up and sell what I've bought on within a few months. Whatever you do, don't buy mail order and sight unseen. It's a sure-fire recipe for disappointment.

She's a bit good, isn't she? She does (or did) a mean version of Duffy's 'Mercy'. I always liked that song, but hated the wimpy computerised compressed backing track. Saw Lulu doing it with a proper band and giving it the beans and it was fab'.

[quote name='Twigman' timestamp='1506549879' post='3379557'] I'm now finding it works for camera lenses too. [/quote] And fishing rods.

Philc60 and Happy Jack are right. Until you have the money in your hands, it's all words. When people start asking about meeting, delivering inn person, etc, that's a turn-off for me. Apart from the inconvenience, you could arrive and find them waiting with a couple of mates, who take your kit and tell you to get lost. If I want something, I'll travel for it or pay postage and not argue about it. I expect everyone else to do likewise. Being "fair" doesn't come into it, imho.

He's been stirring paint with it

I sent the seller link to the Thomann website where they are advertising them new for about £110