PatrickJ

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?

+1 , so I've always felt that aesthetically bass amplification is lacking someway behind whats available for guitarists.

The Little Mark Vintage amp looks to be their most aesthetically pleasing amp to-date IMO, granted that's not saying much given the bench. I really like my LMT, I assume it won't be too different tonally and the addition of the foot switchable mute is very welcome.

Ooh, I'd been thinking about a VT Bass for some classic rock tones for the covers band. Think I'll hold off a while and have a look at these when they are released.

I have to say I didn't think the Bass line on Lovefool was that bad. I've played worse with my covers band; sex on fire, teenage kicks, you've really got me (kinks original) all spring to mind. And if you're in a covers band that opt for one of these songs there's always an opportunity to make it your own as they say ... this chap does a good job of spicing it up: Does it serve the song as well though ?

My personal goal was to not spend money. I'm still on track as long as I stick to selling before buying. Now I reckon if I sell my favourite kid on the black market I could probably raise enough for a Fodera, maybe just enough for a Squier selling one of the others.

What broke you this time?

I recently sold an amp head to Al. Great guy to deal with, no hassle agreeing price followed by prompt payment. Would absolutely deal with Al again in the future. Cheers

I'm cashing in the 'thought occurred in 2018' pass! Gear4music had a good offer for a open box Q\Strip that I didn't want to pass up. I'm declaring myself still in!

The Motet have a new album being released this month, this is the first song made available. Update: album was released Jan 25th - sounds great. I really like Garrett Sayers playing!!

I do not need that kind of temptation, damn you guitarguitar

Hey Guys, Does anyone know of some good transcriptions for the following two songs? - Get Up Ofta Thing - James Brown (Will Lee) - Fever In The Funk House - James Jamerson Thanks

I had a similar problems with my 5 string J Bass with the B string. Though I had the same issue with D'addario Chromes so it's not solely an EB issue. I also noticed a ton of creaking and I'm not sure if it is related but the D string snapped when I was adjusting the tuning I didn't have the same issue when I put some on my 4 string PJ bass so I guess it was a defective string. I really love them on the PJ more so than I did on the J.

This is what I'm really working on right now. For about 30 mins a day I've got a playlist of some super simple rock songs and I'm playing along, trying to figure out the key center and chord progression as quickly as I can. Then I start to play along and just improvising. Really simple for now, just roots and fifths but I'm just starting to play with some pentatonics for fills.

Eden Glow Plug. I've not tried one myself but I believe it's designed to-do what you are looking for, add tube warmth to Solid State amps via a real tube in a stomp box sized pedal. There's a review here http://www.bass-pedals.com/eden-glowplug-bass-tube-warmer-review/ I think the biggest issue with it is that it requires a 15v power supply.

Lovely guitars - I massively regret selling my 44-01.

That's a fabulous looking bass ..

Apologies for resurrecting an old thread but it seemed a better idea than starting a new one. :). I'm seriously considering adding a parametric EQ pedal to my setup. @Dood's review on the Q\Strip is excellent but does anyone have any thoughts / experience in comparing it with the Empress ParaEQ I don't necessarily need the DI features of the Q\Strip just the EQ.