chris_b

Maybe the best use of your cash would be to invest in a preamp pedal. A Sadowsky or Aguilar preamp pedal would elevate your tone to boutique levels. You won't lose any cash modding the bass and you can easily change the preamp if you want.

I am not surprised that 30 watts isn't loud enough. If you have to have a valve amp then 100 watts is the lowest you want (there is one in the for sale section), or a 500 watt SS or D class. You can run 2 rigs by daisy chaining the amps via the send and return. That gives you a pre/power amp from the first rig and the second just the power amp. I did this with 2 TH500's. You'll have to check if you used different amps.

I saw that, and the same comments from another bass retailer. At the time these comments seemed irrelevant and rather unnecessary.

IMO technique is all about suggestions. Try everything out. If you find something works then keep doing it, if it doesn't, do it differently. Good technique gets you to the notes you want to play in the easiest and most effective way. It's not good technique if you are having to fight it or it makes you feel uncomfortable. Always be open to adapting techniques to make them better for you.

IMO the healthiest option would be to keep your thumb and hand moving when fingering the notes. Let your thumb position itself where it is comfortable.

Usually water (no ice), or maybe a ginger beer.

Great story.

Richard Briers said of acting: If you want to be an actor. . . . really, really want to be an actor. . . . don't, but if you have to act then give it a try. Most of the professional musicians I know, the ones paying mortgages from music, are also teaching. It also helps to have a partner who is in a good paying job!!

When I discovered the Aguilar TH500, about 10 years ago, it sounded so good I bought another as a backup.

Very sad news.

Any chance of changing the monitor to one that has a better sound?

GRAMMA pad. Beer crate. Move the monitor to a different position.

IMO the best way of improving a working relationship with the drummer is picking the right guy, then gigging. I play with some great drummers. Guys who listen. No show-offs, just a professional attitude, a brain, a good pair of ears and a desire to make the rhythm section fizz.

Never mind roadies. . . . I was shown how to look after cables by an electrician, so it's always option A. My Whirlwind instrument cable has celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Those Bergs and the SL112 would probably make me stop looking at the classifieds. My only suggestion would be to sell the SL and Ampeg and replace both with the SC, but as you say, "you're well cabbed".

Of the cabs I've used in the last 30 years, the best is Barefaced, followed by Bergantino and Mesa Boogie, with Ampeg a long way in the distance. I've heard others playing Aguilar cabs, and while they sound great, they are way too heavy to be of interest to me. If you can find a used Barefaced Super Compact in good condition I'd grab it. IMO these cabs can redefine your experience of playing bass. Only an hour away? Go and listen to it. Take the cash because it will be coming home with you.

Successful gig. . . . the audience and promoter have to be happy. Everything else is a nice to have.

Me, in various bands, headlining each night on the Pyramid stage.

IMO you need to change the balance point by extending the button on the upper horn. Replace the screw with one double the length and add a spacer to move the strap button nearer the 12th fret.

All amps can sound clean. . . . if you run them at half power. You want loud and clean? That's what 1000 watt amps are for.

Combinations that have worked the best for me in the last 20 years: Aguilar TH500 and Bergantino 12" cabs. All Aguilar amps and Barefaced 12" cabs. Thunderfunk amps and Bergantino and Barefaced cabs.

Do your homework, have fun and start filling that diary up with more gigs.

Hi Alan, yep, switch impedance selector to 2.67 and daisy chain the cabs. Excellent rig by the way.

I'd get a Barefaced Super Compact or the Compact T. I've used mine for the last 8 years. It's a small, light weight cab with a big sound and lots of volume. Also sounds good at a whisper.