prowla

I've just bought one of those - thanks! (On offer at £11.99.)

Incidentally, if you ever need a third hand soldering two wires together, I bought one of these; expensive, but saves a load of frustration... https://www.amazon.co.uk/iFixit-Soldering-Splint-Wire-Holder/dp/B0D5ZKWR8T/ref=sr_1_42

FYI, I have a really nice Hakko temperature controlled one... ...it's great for precision work but no good for guitars, as it won't do the blobs of solder on pot casings.

Careful or you might get your fingers burned...

RIC did that mod for a short time (though the screws were further towards the edges). The new V2 unit is a different thing; it has a separate string anchor block which screws to the body and the chromed end of the tailpiece is just a hollow cover which sits over it. However, I've got one on a Ric and am going to revert it, as the saddles won't adjust low enough to get the action where it should be. So far, every alternative bridge I've tried on a Ric has had its own issues (Badass, Hipshot, Allparts, V2), so I've gone back to the original one.

I've had several pedal power supplies. The CIOKS DC7 is the one I'd buy again.

I haven't clicked on the link, but is it the Cologne clickbaiter?

Which jack socket are you plugging into?

When buying a bass, I would suggest getting a decent one used; it'll hold its value so if you decide to sell it you'll recoup your money and so it'll be a zero-cost item. Of course, you'll get recommendation for a variety of instruments; I'd suggest looking at what your favourite musicians play and letting that steer your choice. As far as playing goes, if you've done a bit of guitar, then you'll implicitly know where the notes are (ie. a 4-string bass is like the botton 4 strings of a guitar an octave lower). A small clip-on tuner is a handy thing to have around (I have a Rotosound one, but there are plenty of brands about).

I'm not a fan of the Hipshot bridge, but each to their own.

I've got a few real ones and none of them sound quite the same!

Some bands use synth bass pedals to add things; you can do strings, choir, orchestral sounds and suchlike. An octave pedal like a Mosaic can do things too. You can run the sounds to separate amps or the PA to make them distinct. And they don't have to be on all the time; they can even just add points of interest during songs. Rush are probably the best example of that approach. Alternatively don't overthink it and just be a 3-piece. Budgie are a good example of that (and are not dissimilar to Rush when you listen). Robin Trower's work (Bridge Of Sighs & Long Misty Days) doesn't sound empty.