Dan Dare

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

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=squier%20dreadnought&rt=nc&LH_ItemCondition=4&_trksid=p2045573.m1684 God loves a trier. £450 used when they are £120ish new? You could get one of the cheaper Martins for what he's asking...

[quote name='Raslee' timestamp='1506275702' post='3377534'] There is a switch on the back of the Orange Terror Bass 500 watt amplifier that’s switches between 4 & 8 ohm. Orange claim the speaker will get 500 watts in either setting. I wonder how that works ? [/quote] Probably rated at 500w into 8 ohm and the 4ohm switch limits power to 500w to prevent overdriving the output stage. My Carvin head employs a similar trick.

A few slightly geeky questions that I've been wondering about. Does port shape make any difference - slot/rectangle, circular, triangular (at the corners of the baffle board), etc? Also location - is distance from cabinet walls/drivers relevant. Are several smaller ones better than one large one? Or is it purely down to length and area?

Like the little girl in the nursery rhyme, when it was good, it was very, very good, but when it was bad, it was horrid.

[quote name='Earbrass' timestamp='1506761548' post='3380909'] Please tell me I'm not the only one to have misread this thread title! [/quote] Deliberately or not?

Two pints of IPA. No more, no less. Enough to feel relaxed, but not enough to destroy coordination. Job done

Adjust to suit, using your ears, not your eyes. Every amp reflects its designer's preference (and many are engineered to sound good at low/showroom levels to encourage you to buy). There is no universal "flat" setting, whatever the position of the knobs says.

[quote name='Bill Fitzmaurice' timestamp='1506696630' post='3380515'] You use phantom power with mics that need it, typically condenser mics. SM58s aren't condenser mics. Most DIs aren't bothered being hooked up to phantom power anyway, since it's assumed that will be the case in many instances. The DI owners manual will say. BTW, I can't imagine using a DI on a guitar amp, and I don't recommend them for bass either. DIs don't capture the sound of the speaker. [/quote] Bill's right about DI for bass not capturing the tone of your rig. However, I find it can be handy to add a little bass to the PA via the DI. It fattens the sound out front and gives a bit more weight to the sound from your rig on the stage. In larger venues and with a bigger PA, just mic up the cab.