chris_b

There is an Xotic XJPro in the classifieds

The sound is over budget as well. These basses redefine your expectations. I bought my Sadowsky Metro and with in 6 weeks had sold off 4 great basses.

So far I have never needed a spare bass on a gig. Never broken a string either. I still take both basses to each gig and have 2 sets of spare stings in the case.

The biggest difference/improvement happened in the 90's, when I bought my first digital tuner. Instant, accurate and silent tuning.

I'm not in the amp-less era and doubt I ever will be. I want to stand in front of my amp and feel my sound when I play.

. . . . and some band leaders may also put their 2p worth in!!! Then again a different set of rules apply if you join a tribute band.

We should realise that our basses only have an interest for us and no one else. Everyone else is only interested in what we play. I could get by with a £50 bass, but I don't have to. Instead I have bought 2 basses that are amongst the best I have played. None of my bands care a jot about that. They do appreciate the lightweight cabs though. I've been complimented on those many times at 1 am.

I am not very knowledgable in this area, but would the latest pedal of interest be the HPF? Is that an "effect"? HPF seems to be a subject in the spot light these days.

Primark's demographic probably doesn't adhere to closely to normal definitions of sense and judgement.

Better quality is not a perception, it's a real thing. Whether it matters is a personal decision. When making our daily choices, most of us regularly disregard the cheapest. Bass gear is no different.

I drove Vic mad one afternoon, playing 3 of their Foderas. All 3 were the best feeling and sounding basses I've held. One was my favourite, can't remember which model, but it was over £6000, which was a deal killer for me. IMO that bass was worth every penny. Playing it was a highlight moment in my bass life.

The single cuts have been around as NYC models for several years. Not my cup of tea but I bet they are a great bass all the same.

I've owned Sadowsky and Wal 5 string basses, each with a superb 34" low B. So 35" isn't always a prerequisite for a good B string.

We can all reel off names of our favourite players, but who were the guitarists who actually changed guitar playing, rather than just being very good. My list would include Les Paul, Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Robert Johnson, Jimmy Page. Any more?

It's a crowded field, but I've vote for Peter Green. In the early days he could make time stand still.

IME 2 cabs always sound better than 1. I will take 2 cabs for even quiet gigs, for just that reason. My amps have very effective volume controls.

Two cabs will combine. The sound will enlarge and improve. If you added a second cab I'd be re EQing the rig. Changes will occur in your sound so it would be best to revisit the EQ. At £480 my suggestion is to buy the cab, gig/rehearse it a few times and make your mind up. You could easily sell it on BC if you decide you don't want to keep it.

For me light is anything under 9lbs. How light are you looking for?

Two cabs will always sound better than one. That was true of my Bergantino's and now my BF's.

I don't know Hellborg cabs, but when I used an RH750 it was with 2 and then 3 Bergantino AE112's. Great sound. Then I decided to go even lighter and changed everything up to Aguilar amps and Barefaced cabs. A move from 30lbs a carry to 21lbs a carry and IMO an even better sound. What's your budget?

Apparently the problem is that the guy Warwick sends to China every 2 weeks to monitor quality, wasn't able to get there during lockdown. So while the Chinese can put astronauts into space and get them back again, it seems they can't make a bass unless someone is looking over their shoulder!

Ricky, I didn't really dissect the sound. I liked both players and thought they had a nice flow to their playing. I liked the bass line. The basses sounded like Precision basses, so all good. I guess the rosewood guy had a slightly warmer sound, but nothing an eq couldn't equal out. I'd choose rosewood because I don't like the way maple marks with playing. Sorry, that's as far as my analysis went.

I'd be happy with either. Both good sounding Precision basses, but not different enough for me to pick one over the other.