Dan Dare

There's a clean looking 50w Hartke combo in the Marketplace at the moment (not mine or belonging to anyone I know). It's in Norfolk, so may not be easy to pick up, but if you're out that way, it would do the job and probably suffice for the time when she joins her first band.

Good suggestion. You can also connect to the active instrument input if your amp has one (many do). Start with the input gain at minimum and go from there.

Isn't that what the rhythm section is supposed to do?

I agree with Phil. Why bother to replace both amp and driver in a small budget combo? Wouldn't it be simpler to just sell it and get a suitable cabinet to go with the Markbass head? If you don't want to build one, you could buy a used one and replace the driver if you prefer. It shouldn't be much more expensive and you'll get a much better result.

I think Bunion has hit the nail on the head. Action on a fretless can be lower than on a fretted (it needs to be if you want the 'mwah', which is caused by the string buzzing slightly against the fingerboard), so you can use a softer touch. Your fingering doesn't have to be quite as precise, because you can slide/micro-correct if your intonation is a little out.

I bought a 15" bass driver with a HEAVY magnet and frame from a well known supplier. It arrived in a thin cardboard box with no padding, bubble wrap or protection of any kind. Thankfully, it was unscathed, so props to Royal Mail.

A cajon bag/backpack might do the trick.

Have a look at a Toyota Avensis estate or hatch. Roomy, comfortable and bulletproof as far as reliability goes. Older Toyotas are ULEZ friendly (I have a 2003 Camry, which is fine). Not the cheapest option, but excellent in the long run.

This. Save your money for now.

Spot on. When I'm setting up in a smaller venue where I am not DI'd into the PA, I go for a wander, using wireless or a long lead, during soundcheck to see how the bass integrates with the rest of the band sound. It can be a bit of an eye/ear opener. That fat juicy bass sound you hear close to your rig can easily sound like boomy mush in the room. I often have to thin it down and accentuate the mids to the point where it takes on that nasal quality. Not the nicest to listen to close to the rig, but it works in the room, which is what matters. Makes a bit of a mockery of all the striving for "my sound"...

Exactly. To each his/her own. When I went to festivals (a long time ago), it was the experience I enjoyed. Heard some good music (and some bad), but that was almost by the bye. Now I'm ancient and don't fancy going, I'm certainly not going to moan or snark about the whole thing. Live and let live.

A piece of 400 or 600 wet and dry paper does the job. A sheet will last for ages

Depends how accurately you can work with wood. The neck ideally wants to be a snug fit in the pocket and you will need to ensure the sides of the pocket sit flush against it with no gaps. How are your woodworking skills?

It would have helped had you stated at the outset that you play guitar, not bass. This is a bass forum and we advise people on bass matters (many of us play guitar, too, but that isn't the point). You are asking in the wrong place. Seek guidance on guitar forums or go to a decent shop and take their advice. There's little point in asking repeated questions on here, especially as you don't give us any useful information about your needs (see Happy Jack's post above).

A piece cut from one of these

"Bob Daisley whom is Heavy Rocks most distinguished and respected of all Bass Players and Songwriters"? Never come across a band called Heavy Rocks. Are they any good?

So true. A guy I used to work with did exactly that. When a customer was difficult, he charged them more. His motto was "Don't get upset. Take their money".

No. They are no better or worse than any other amp. Have a look at film of your favourite rock/metal bands performing. The bass players will be using many different brands. Wasn't it you who was asking about EBS recently? I note you are talking about returning the combo you bought. I and others tried to warn you at the time not to buy gear without trying it first. However, there is something far more important for you to consider. No 30 watt amp will be adequate for rock and heavy metal, once you add a drummer to the mix. Please don't waste your money buying small, low powered practice combos and hoping they will serve your purpose. They won't. They are not designed to do what you want them to do and they are nowhere near powerful enough.

I think it could be more a case of the other man's grass being greener. Fenders and Gibsons are the common or garden home grown US brands, so they hanker for something different. We have traditionally looked to the US for inspiration when it comes to pop music and that includes their instruments.

Don't waste your money on Auralex and similar. They work, but they are massively expensive for what they are. Get a few of those heavy duty rubber tiles/mats that are used in playgrounds to prevent the kids from injuring themselves when they fall from the swings or the ones used in gyms, which will withstand weightlifters dropping weights on them. Google 'Rubber flooring for playgrounds/gyms' and you'll find plenty.

I'd be cautious, as Paul suggests. Behringer have likely fitted a 4 ohm driver to maximise the output (the fact that there is no extension speaker jack suggests this to be the case), so adding another could be risky. If there is a preamp out, run that into a power amp and drive an additional speaker with that,

Thanks. It's fun when someone says "Nice sounding p bass" and then looks at the decal. Usually gets a smile. I made it with good parts and it actually does the Jamerson thang perfectly with a set of worn out La Bellas. I originally intended to put a 'Hotpoint' or 'Electrolux' logo on it (it is an electrical appliance after all. You can get decals from firms who supply repairers/refurbishers), but the body is red, so the red Dinky logo matched it better. If I build another, it will be a Hotpoint 😁.

You worked with Buddy? I envy you. He's a tremendous player. I love his remark, too and it's spot on. I enjoy taking the p over branding. I made a Bitsa P bass and put a 'Dinky Toys' decal on the headstock.

Exactly and I feel the same way. But there are quite a few who do chase the spectre of FRFR. I tried running my bass, via a channel strip/preamp, through my PA, which is pretty clean and powerful (Fohhn). It sounded fat, smooth and rather characterless. I prefer the sound of it through my bass amp and cabs.