itu

Sounds like an interesting chance to do some trials with nearly perfect units. If I lived closer I would certainly be interested in this kind of offer. Do not burn them, no!

I travelled a little bit and had a discussion with a Finnish luthier yesterday. An unlined fretless 5. Let's see... This will be a really different take on an ordinary low frequency instrument. Beware, few of his creations can be seen here: https://m.facebook.com/harjunpaabass/

I would start by tightening every screw and changing strings. There may be a defective string, or neck/bridge/saddle/something is loose.

Try Sky. They did some classical stuff with drums etc.

It is easy: Everybody needs bread(bin) and Christine.

Youtube is filled with soldering videos. Main points: - take your time - invest a little bit on a reasonable equipment (Weller, Metcal...) - buy some components, like capacitors, pots (for a bigger load), and something that is easy to ruin (i.e. includes melting plastics) - take care of the ventilation (a small blower near an open window) - do some trials and errors to understand the behaviour of your equipment and parts - and again, take your time

That Danish Hans Christian Mozarrt did some nice stuff in my youth... Tears of a clown is still really good song. Kraftwerk was something strange and clearly fun.

Basic voltage should be checked with some load to get real results. I suppose this battery has met its end even before it has started its work.

I put quite some effort on acting and behaving as a pro, although I am not one: read music, transcribe, try to be in time, helping others, study continually more... I wish I could be able to play only the right notes instead of all notes - this is probably the biggest difference between a real pro and me. Work continues...

https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=56683 I still think, that a bass is not a luxury item, rather a tool. But an interesting point of view to study.

My grandfather was playing an accordion in the 1920's in few bands. That Italian instrument cost yearly wages of a working man. He had to take a loan to acquire it. After he was partially burned in a fire, he had to sell his dear tool. I love to play good instruments. If the price has been somewhat higher, I have saved money for some time. And it is nice that a good electric bass is still pretty cheap compared to our classical sisters' and brothers' tools (don't forget the bow...): https://bishopstrings.com/ https://www.isbworldoffice.com/bass-sell.asp

Thank you sir, but I am in the middle of a negotiation with a skilled luthier.

OK. I play a 5-stringer that has 19 mm string spacing and 35" scale. My next bass is probably a similar fretless. What are my choices? It is not very easy to set a strict budget, if the offering happens to be very limited. 17 mm just does not work for me: I played one since early 90's. And then I found THE neck last year. How about a certain neck profile, that seriously differs from basic p or j? Options available? Shall I start from the price? Yes sure, there has to be some bugdet, but I am not always able to set it unrealistically low. I just want to play necks that suit me ergonomically. The instrument is always a certain type of compromise, but I cannot compromise certain details, because of my hands.

Is the question about money and costs so important? How about the suitability in terms of weight, playability, looks... My instruments have to be reliable. I do prefer lighter weight and functionality. It would be really complicated to compare my dear instruments better or worse just because they cost something.

Well, the first question is, that is the pickup height adjusted up high? Every fraction of an inch means a lot here. Magnetic forces change to the third power vs. distance. If you are able to raise both pickups, the output is changed. Press the strings to the frets at 20th (24th, whatever is the highest) and check the clearance to minimum so, that the strings do not touch the pickups while playing. Trial is easy and the balance between pickups or strings needs just some turns of a (quality) screwdriver.

When the text starts with the word "cheap"... Are you actually after decent parts, or just something that resemble functional alternatives? What might be the difference between "cheap" and decent price? Is there a good word for something which has a reasonable price/performace ratio?

Any idea to buy a set of humbuckers with 4 wires in each?

I see two ways, and how they differ: - drive the effects and then compress the result - compress your bass output and process it Both have pros and cons and I would test both ways. The second option can be a bit like a limiter: the comp sets the max output (depending on the ratio), no matter how hard you hit. It is up to you to make the choice. Very much depends on the settings of the comp and the other effects. Playing style has its effect, especially in the first option.

Eminence beta 12 seems to be available in 4, 8, and 16 ohms, if a Pro version suits your needs.

T. B. Schmit, L. Claypool, F. Saunders, Kate Davis...

It is possible to machine wash strings, or wash or boil them. Fairy, alcohol... ultrasonic, anyone? Longer shelf time gives a slightly longer use, but they still become dull pretty fast. Because the frets eat some of the string surface, the result is not very good. My choice has been a new set. I buy 5 to 10 sets at the time. Then I am able to discuss about the price in a local shop. Far better results than trying to wash them.

That was very functional! By the way, Natalie can not be single, can she?