ezbass

I'd try using an octaver during the solos to add another note, or maybe a harmoniser to give a fifth, like the Fishman Powerchord http://www.fishman.com/product/fission-bass-powerchord-fx-pedal. If you want to also add a drive, head over to the a Drive Shoot Out elsewhere in the effects forum and pick the sound of your favourite http://basschat.co.uk/topic/271402-drive-pedal-shootout-7-pedals-for-starters/page__fromsearch__1

Rush, both Presto and Roll the Bones.

Very close between the B3K, BDDI and VT for me and it varied dependent on the style being played. However, outside of the clips, because the VT has more EQ control, I plumped for that one.

Yes, it is the marvellous Guy Pratt, playing 'Betsy'. @1:50 http://youtu.be/DCR6R4Hpb-0

Sandberg Basic VM. Just select the P pickup and it sounds, well, like a P bass. However, you also get the MM style pickup in the bridge position (this makes it sound like a meaty J pickup rather than a 'Ray) for those moments when you want to add some bite to your tone. Quirky styling, but with very good balance, make it something a bit different. [URL=http://s308.photobucket.com/user/ezbass/media/PB090001.jpg.html][IMG]http://i308.photobucket.com/albums/kk344/ezbass/PB090001.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

DUDE! Sorry to hear of your troubles Pete, addictions take a heavy toll I'm glad that you're well on the way to turning it round and admitting to your problem/troubles in such a public way is certainly a big step it getting back on track; kudos. Positive vibes from Ez Towers.

[quote name='Andyjr1515' timestamp='1445617011' post='2892885'] [/quote] Oh my!

[quote name='Thunderpaws' timestamp='1445971719' post='2895834'] Can you describe his pick technique for a mere mortal. [/quote]Not really, as I can't do it right. There's a lot ghost noting where he's strumming the rhythm whilst letting the required notes 'speak' through. It's a lot like funk rhythm guitar as far as I can tell. Looks simple, but then again the hardest things often do.

I'm guessing it has a good crunch tone.

He is a unique player. I've tried his pick technique and it's not easy. To make matters worse he also excels at fingerstyle, slap and chordal work. On top of that he comes over as a top fella. I hate him

I did my first two recently. The first one was to contribute something to an owners' group and practice a song I had to learn for a wedding (the potential ridicule of unkind souls concentrates the mind wonderfully) and the second one was to demonstrate the sound of a customised guitar to a far flung friend.

[quote name='Beedster' timestamp='1445891793' post='2895161'] There's two issues here, the bass itself, and the electrics. You'll need to know you get on with both before committing to an expensive instrument, so a custom build strikes me as a risky way of doing things. Personally I'd be looking to find a fretless instrument that I like and then sourcing the appropriate circuit once I'm 100% sure I like the bass. Buying used instruments (and pre-amps) means you can try things and move them on with little loss if you don't find them to your liking. Ordering a custom build is a sure fire way of losing money unless you really know what you want, which is why I've never ordered a custom build, but have - after years and years of trial and error - found myself with a fretless Wal that probably didn't cost much more than the average custom build. [/quote] [quote name='Beedster' timestamp='1445933383' post='2895421'] Should have added to the above post that, in my opinion, a fretless bass really needs to speak to you, to respond to your fingers in accordance with the sound in your head, and to feel 'right' in your hands. I strongly believe that you have to do a lot of trial an error to find the right instrument (I've had over 20). Not sure where you're based but getting along to one of the BC Bass Bash events and playing a load of different instruments, some of which may also be for sale at much lower prices than you'll pay in any shop, is a good start. [/quote] Sage words.

[quote name='Paulhauser' timestamp='1445766272' post='2893910'] Ibanez Gary Willis GWB35. Light, narrow spacing, lined, active, thin neck and has very strong mids. i speak from experience. Even new its within your budget. [/quote]And there's one in the for sale section right now (yeah, it's mine ). However, why not try an outboard active circuit with the VM fretless already owned? No 'aggravation' fitting an onboard one, much reduced outlay and an easier sell if it doesn't suit. Someone (not me) is selling a Sadowsky one right now http://basschat.co.uk/topic/271601-sadowsky-pre-amp-pedal-with-the-di-output/page__fromsearch__1 you may find that an active fretless really isn't what your ears are craving.

[quote name='Beedster' timestamp='1445681601' post='2893328'] My two, '83 and '86 [URL=http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/2015-10-24%2011.07.03_zpsbut5afap.jpg.html][IMG]http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j199/Beedster/2015-10-24%2011.07.03_zpsbut5afap.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [/quote]A fretless, 4 string Wal is the only thing I have GAS for these days and, IIRC, I've never played one.

[quote name='peteb' timestamp='1445620832' post='2892923'] Another vote for JPJ & Bonham but amongst those I've seen Roscoe Beck / Tom Brechtlein (Robben Ford) and Muzz Skillings / Will Calhoun (Living Colour) comes to mind. [/quote]Good call on Beck/Brechtlein, puts me in mind of Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton.

Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson

[quote name='Japhet' timestamp='1445540985' post='2892326'] Best? Too subjective, but I'll lob in Francis Rocco Prestia and David Garibaldi (Tower of Power). [/quote]+1 for Prestia and Garibaldi, I'd add Chuck Rainey and Bernard Purdie.

[quote name='leschirons' timestamp='1445358998' post='2890898'] Didn't he use the little cricket bat type? Can't remember, he's brilliant though. Funnily enough, I've wanted one since I saw Leslie West use one years ago. [/quote]He's used both.

45-100 are my 'go to' strings on fretted. I use D'Addarios on my guitars too.