Dan Dare

I get requests from others for earplugs when I sing..

Terrible (my string bending). She's handy.

I enjoy function gigs - doing a job this eve. Can't fathom the comments here about "sh*t music", "hate wearing a tie/clean shoes", etc. It's good money (sometimes very good - a damn sight more than some poor buggers earn for half a week of graft) for playing music. Even if you don't like the songs, you can look at it as paid practice/rehearsal time - keeping the fingers in trim. As others say, I've played with some great musicians in nice places and been well paid over the years. What's not to like? Beats shovelling sh*t any day of the week. A certain amount of snobbery in some posts here, I feel. Well that's OK. More well paid functions for yours truly if others don't want them

I know schlepping a DB around shops is a bit of a drag but you really need to try a few with your instrument/pickup.

What Phil says. Smaller cabs have good shop appeal - they appear to do the job well at demo volumes. A different story in a larger space.

JapanAxe you are so right about tweeters

Strings Direct do single bass strings. You won't find them listed on their site but if you Google single bass guitar strings, you get some links.

I have the same combination of cabs as mingsta. I do love the sound of the 15 and don't find it "slow". I think that's marketing hype to persuade us all to buy modern neo shoe boxes

If your budget allows the larger Rumble, do consider it. You might outgrow the 100 and end up selling and buying a bigger one, which always costs more.

Sorry. Never replied to your question. Was a briefcase I tried.

1 would be fun as they sound like me. Already have gigging bands, so not fussed about lack of gigs and would try it. Have played country music for years (am a fiddle player, too), so 2 would suit. Will pass on 3 and 4.

Be wary of selling to people overseas. Once the instrument's left your hands, you have no proof it's arrived safely. Make sure you are paid by a secure, non returnable method. I'd advise against accepting PayPal payment. They will allow a payment to be clawed back in disputes and tend heavily to favour the buyer. You can be left with no instrument or money. Just my five penn'orth.

Went to a jam last night. In house rig was a small SWR head and a single Epifani 1x12 cab. Was initially a bit sceptical but ended up extremely impressed - real old school fat creamy tone and more than enough poke to compete with drums, 2 guitars and keys. 2 of them would be seriously good, I feel. How do they compare with other lightweight cabs? Nowhere I know where I can compare.

I'd second the suggestion to use your existing amp (provided you're happy with it) to drive a PA power amp. Connect to the line out on your amp. Get one that can be bridged and it will drive the additional cab on its own. Cheap, too - I just picked up a Crown XLS 202 for £40 on the Bay. Ample power with 400w bridged into 8 ohms.

Took mine to LA, but used a full flightcase with properly fitting foam. Heavy, but balances OK - handle's in the right place. Worth the aggro for peace of mind.

Large wheels much better on uneven surfaces. I use a Preston Innovations anglers trolley - being an angler, it serves 2 purposes. Around £60, but takes apart, so fits in the car easily.

Many happies. Were I in your shoes, think I'd start visiting shops, trade shows, etc and just see what took my fancy, rather than deciding by name, reputation, lust and so on. When I found something that did it for me, I'd go for THAT instrument, not the same make/model. You know how variable bits of wood can be. Good hunting.

I tried one once and was a bit underwhelmed. Fabulously clean tones, light/easy to lift, smart looking, but the sound seemed a bit lacking in oomph. If you're thinking of spending that kind of money, I'd look at AER.

If you like the sound of it, why not get an additional power amp and speaker? As others say, your amp may struggle with an extra speaker at high volume. Power amps are cheap - I just picked up a Crown 202 (400w in bridged mode) for £40 on the 'Bay.

I almost envy you, JapanAxe. Many treats in store.

I think never leaving stuff in the car/van is the only answer. Unloading's a drag when you get back late and tired, but losing your stuff is worse. The only time I did, Iost a power amp and had to replace a broken window.

Nah.

Re. Ray's suggestion (which is good), if they have it, don't say it's yours. Tell them you're interested and you'll think about it and return with the Old Bill. Otherwise it will vanish (they know stuff's nicked)

My old AH350 was the best sounding bass head I ever owned. Have spent a load trying to get that sound in a lighter package. My have to admit defeat and buy another TE.