Daz39

Newcastle used to have 7 or 8 gear shops: Sound Control, Sounds Live, Windows, Jake's Bass Place, the vintage shop near the fire station, one at Eldon Square (the street not the mall)...

Ibanez Portamento is very nice.

Cool!

I had an RBX 370? (something like that) and a 765A. Both super-nice to play, not too heavy, good sound and quality.

Yes - it is possible to be mentally ill and still be a supreme bellend. Mr West is living proof. It's tricky isn't it - on the one hand, he does and says some fairly daft and maddening things, but he does appear to suffer (possibly because of all the fame and illusory greatness he surrounds himself with.)

Well - given that Angels or Let Me Entertain You are inevitable entries in dire pub karaoke nights - I reckon it has affected our culture.

Currently binging on early albums after for years only listening to Monster onwards. Great tunes, although the smash albums are hit and miss for me.

Jinkies. I recall seeing 18" Trace Cabs back when I bought my 15" in the 90s. I was staggered by the physical size - and weight. Amazing that you can now have them far more portable. Still a bulk though - if you're not careful your band mates will actually prefer unloading the drummer's gear...

I second This and That for great curry

Yep - reverse auctions are good, some real giveaways. Sadly - as Drew has said: he has lowered some prices towards Trade and still not being snapped up. The used market and the fall in currency combine to make a lot of new gear too pricey for people worried about splashing out. Regardless of value for money - £1.5k on a shiny bass or amp/cab is a lot of money for almost anyone.

They are held up by several people, wearing lumbar support!

I do like STS. Great noodling, much more melody and interplay than just aimless shred.

Yeah - but does she know which bass is best for Metal? Eh? Srsly, polymaths. Hate 'em ;

Eric Johnson is famed for his OCD tuning between every song on stage. I can get that it would be annoying. Depends how much string bending you do I guess. You can do it quickly enough with a clip on or floor tuner - half your strings will be in tune anyway!

I've tried the 5 through a markbass head and was sorely tempted.

Gah. It's vile!!

I have a tuner - don't need one in an amp. More to go wrong!

I last went to Skegness in about 1982 where I won 2nd? prize in a Dad and his Lad competition - a novelty soap shaped like a foaming tankard of ale and some chocolate. That week the monorail broke down and a few dozen people were stuck for several hours in mid-air. Happy times!!

I know what you mean. I only play at home and got rid of my TE 250 watt amp. I really don't need this. *sits on twitchy hands*

I was in a band very briefly at Uni - last millennium - but I've never gigged. I don't think I could do it, I'm anxious just thinking about it!!

I think the technical answer to the switching was on talkbass. Unless it's here and I have forgotten: the cable requirements for three way would have meant you couldn't just use any lead for the foot switch if you turned up to play without one. Also cost I guess. If you really want to switch distortion you might need to keep one of the pedals and have that on your loop...