PatrickJ

I'm rebooting the challenge for myself. I fell off the Wagon twice in Jan, but I keep telling myself the deals were too good to pass on. From this point forward I shall be nothing but disciplined (excluding a possible custom build bass for my 40th, but that's a gift and already declared OK in the rules).

That's all really interesting. Initially the idea of a custom build was a bit of an after thought but it's really grown on me. I really wanted to like AC guitars but the body shape designs didn't really do it for me. I guess I'm too conservative on that front. The Shuker series 2 on the other hand looked more appealing, it also looked as though a custom body design might be possible. I've sent an email to Mr. Shuker to start discussions but I definitely want to play some Series 2 basses to get a feel before committing to an order. Maybe he keeps some in his workshop?

My 'new' funk playlist that includes tracks from newly discovered funk bands https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7K9Hf9WFDHRNHPUu1lDHOV

I believe output is 500w, no idea on price

Gear4Music now have these listed on their website for £249. Estimated Delivery 9th Feb. https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Tech-21-SansAmp-Geddy-Lee-YYZ/2UA6?origin=product-ads&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhKviBRCNARIsAAGZ7Cd07T9UYyhxtylUhCucU3-Mb_NeI6015LiAAmmFRNCKAMtRceUiV9oaArJNEALw_wcB From personal experience I wouldn't trust their estimated delivery dates for pre-order items (actually that also applies for their in stock items too).

A few threads on BC already for this new Tech21/Geddy offering.

From the same list I've been listening to Orgone

That's a nice looking instrument.

Updated board for 2019 with the Q\Strip replacing the Mesa Subway pre-amp (for more EQ control). Pork n Pickle dropped for the Vintage Microtubes and compressor moved from start of chain to end (just before Q Strip).

Wow, this thread got a lot more of a response than I was expecting . Thanks for all the ideas. A lot of praise for ACG custom builds, I will look into those though in more detail, along with some of the others mentioned.

Thanks for the response @Tech21NYC I ended up purchasing the Q Strip last week.

I was really lucky in that I got to do a lot of travel in 2018, including New York and Florida. I really don't need a new bass, and as a non professional that sort of budget would have to be for something really special that I would not consider moving on. I love this idea, if I was in an originals or a covers band that did unique arrangements I'd go for this. Not something I'd consider for my dad rock pub band - perhaps for my 50th?

My basses at present are all Fender style; a 5 string J and 2 x 4 string PJs, my favourite being the Sandberg VT4. I've decided I want to move on the 5 string and stick to 4. I'd probably favour 2 * J or Soap Bar pickups, maybe a J + MM configuration. Interested in exploring non traditional / fender shapes. The Zon Sonus and Fodera Monarch strike me as nice looking guitars. I ask the question for ideas to go explore, I've not considered this price bracket previously. Can you get a custom build?

What would you buy? It's my 40th birthday this year, might treat myself.

Order status for mine says it will be delivered at somepoint between the 21st Jan to 18th Feb. We shall see.

https://funkatopia.com/funk-music-reviews/20-best-funk-albums-of-2018/ I'm looking forward to working through these.

I like the green!

I suspect it's protective, they probably didn't want the logo to pick up any scratches whilst in transit to sully his/her treasured amplifier 😀

Up until now I have gigged using a single fretted 5 string active J bass. It was supurbly flexible! The active EQ allowed for quick adjustments if I flipped between pick and fingers and for some old school Beatles covers I'd switch to passive mode and roll the tone off to get more of a vintage tone. I went 5 string so I didn't need to worry about retuning to drop D like the guitarists for certain songs. However, I've found the fiver feels like a battle to play at times, I have smaller hands and reaching round for the low B feels awkward. I recently picked up a 4 string which I felt was just so much more fun for me to play. So in future I think I will gig with 2x fretted Active PJ 4 strings, one with flats and one which might be in drop D tuning if needed for the set. I love the PJ pickup config and Active EQ for the range of tones I can get without having to adjust the amp's settings. I'm also thinking of something like a Radial Big Shot I/O (V2) for easy switching and balancing volume levels between the Instruments.

@Tech21NYC I assume this will be formally announced at Namm but any information on avaibility here in the UK?