PatrickJ

True, but remember - this is not just a bass place, it's a SAFE bass place. You can say what you like on here!

I adore JF's playing, I didn't mind Josh, there were plenty of good tracks on his RHCP albums, but John was the reason I first picked up a guitar. I do wonder how this will go though- He seems to have ongoing issues with performing live with that band and I thought that was a big reason why he quit second time round and why it all fell apart the first time. I'm sure I read that he just doesn't enjoy the playing live (something I can relate too).

Ended up posting her le by mistake. Apologies, not sure how it happened.

^^ this, I've never been a fan of multi effects before and I hated the Zoom B3 - I found it so difficult to use. I sold it and invested in a few good pedals, MXR, Darkglass etc. But recently on a semi-whim I picked up a Helix FX on a black Friday offer and have been mighty impressed. I'm now selling my individual pedals because it's covering what I used plus a heap more. There are a few Helix options, the FX and Stomp run around the £400 mark - which is about the same as 3-4 dedicated pedals (depending on what you go for). The stomp has amp / cab aims which would be useful if you're going straight to a desk or FOH. I went for the FX as it had more foot switches and if I need DI I'll take it from the amp head.

Doesn't look like Santa is bringing me a new Shuker for Christmas :(, at least not 2019

I've never been in a proper gigging band, where we go out regularly and get paid for doing so. Makes me wonder why contracts are not more common place. For me once you start gigging, and your paid it's more than just a hobby. I've also seen member of some bands clubbing together for PA's and Lighting rigs. Seems to me that it is not uncommon for things to fall apart and one band member getting screwed out of a paying gig (that's lost income) or losing their share of joint owned equipment. If I ever do get back into bands and we start gigging for money, I'll want some assurances.

Thanks @jack, good to hear as he's doing the pickups for my Shuker Custom Build

And look how it turned out for those losers 😕

What was the band called?

I'm going to keep a look out for one of these, they look interesting, as does the JJB 500. I love my little Stubby, I'm considering moving on my Markbass LMT500 rig in favour of another Ashdown setup. I'm a definite convert and their customer service (and the fact I regularly see them post here) is fantastic. I've seen a couple of posts from there here recently where they've teased some new products for Jan.. Curious to see what they release.

This is true. Actually I'm a flats guy, the VT4 is strung with Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats and the VS4 with Ernie Ball Group III flats. On the VT4 I've tried Chromes, Labella's, Pyramid and Rotosound flats and the Ernie Balls have gotten me much closer to the tone I'm looking for. Though I've been some what tempted to try Dunlop's Flat Wounds. It is, but this close the Christmas it's understandable that anything custom wound is not going to be available.

Really did like the look of these, and look good value too. Just annoying I couldn't ask Santa for one due to wait times.

Feels a bit wrong to put a Fender pup into a Fender clone bass

Man this seems cruel, if they want to fire you surely they can't expect you to play the Jan gig? I wasn't totally clear from your post above, but do I assume that because you didn't tell them to fork off there and then you agreed to doing it? I'm not sure I would have, any enjoyment I may have taken from performing would be too over shadowed by this negative experience. I certainly wouldn't want to be around those people again. Really sorry for you! I hope the new year brings you better things.

I'm pretty new to the world of Precision style bass ownership, but over the past twelve months I've ended up with 2 Sandberg California II's, a VS4 and a VT4 (I just need a VM4 to achieve the holy trinity). The VT4 has been my go-to bass since I got it but I've recently strung the VS4 with some traditional flats and have been taking it out for some blues jams. The only thing I'm not loving is the original Sandberg pickup; the oversized poles are not doing it for me so I want to put something more traditional in it. But fork me there are a lot of P Bass pickup options out there and I'm looking for some advice from the Basschat community on which way to go. Question 1 would be what are the tonal differences in the P Bass era's; a lot of the pickup brands seem to offer 50's, 60's and 70's voiced options? Question 2 general recommendations for a p bass swap ? - Custom wound in the UK? - The Creamery, Monty's Guitars, Bare Knuckle Pickups and Aaron Armstrong all come up as options. Any experiences with any of these? - High End mass produced Bass Direct stock a range of Delano, Aguilar & Nordstrand options? I like the Aguilar's in my J bass, Nordstrands seem to be very popular here. Delano are obviously come in a lot of Sandbergs (incl. my VT4). - Seymour Duncan SD offer a large range of options. Any advice greatly appreciated

I think you need to play it - I reckon you'll get a feel for if it is an instrument you'll fall back in love within a few minutes.

Maybe I could just set up a bass players support group

That's a shame, I've been wondering whether to post something on JMB as I'm looking to move to a new area on the near future. might be a nice way to meet some new crazies when I get there.