PatrickJ

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?

+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.