Bassfinger

Got about 40 seconds of it down messing about by ear last night while the Missus was out at a show. It's tedious, not my type of music and ear learning is so slow, particularly if I don't know the song, but I'll have another fiddle with it later. Its not difficult, it's just a dull process.

Holiday by Green Day. Took about 2 minutes to learn, its just a case of repeating it enough times that I don't need to think about it too much.

None of that is especially challenging on a technical level. The real issue is that there's a lot of it and much of it isn't repeated. I wouldn't foresee an issue there, beyond being able to find the sheet music for it (I can only find it for piano) so it'd be a long grind with the GB-10, and learning by ear is my least favourite method.

In terms of fit and finish they're an even match, although the Sire typically does so for less cash. That being the case it's going to come down to budget and your tonal preferences, and only you know where the needle lies on your own particular scale. You're going to have to try them, if you can. I personally use a Sire P5 and D5 as my tools for live work. Reasonable finish, the tone suits my needs, they each set up well, and if one got stolen or damaged it wouldn't be too painful to replace. A nice Goldilocks choice - just right,

Mark Knopflers playing is, to my ear, simply magical. I'm also a fan of Ricky Scaggs on guitar and mandolin, an incredible flat picker.

Not found a bass line yet that I couldn't master given sufficient time and determination, and that's with two fingers that don't work properly.

The worst bit is he, like Savile, was hiding in plain sight and most folk were suckered in.

I have advised Andertons that in the event of my death they must not let my wife sell my basses for what I told her id paid for them.

At least its unsinkable.

Usually in the second row on the left. This gives me a view of our rhythmist on my right, who is the main person I take my visual cues from, but also affords a view or the drummist in row three in the middle. It varies with venue, but that's how we usually arrange it. I also do backing and occasional dual-lead vocals, and it affords the crowd a view of my ugly mug. Exception is when I'm on mando. We often do Country Roads as an encore and, stage etc permitting, I will wander out into the crowd a little.

That's quite alright, don't sweat it.

People are quick to moan, but I also like to be quick to praise where it is due. All sorts of grief with the DHL (Damage Handling Loons) over the delivery of my new Fender Precision after a phone dall from DHL to tell me theyd damaged it. George at Andertons was cool, told me not to worry, they'd sort out any damage. Just get it delivered then make an assessment and let him know immediately and he'd sort it. Fortunately the hard case and bass within were fine, it was just the packaging that DHL had mullered. I phoned George back to advise the bass had arrived undamaged, and thanked him for his reassurance. I mentioned that G had been cut a little short and as I tried to tune it beyond F it just slipped round the capstan. Well, not 20 hours a later a full set of spanking new Fender 45's drop through my letter box, fortunately delivered by a different company who didn't manage to drive a forklift over it. I'd have been happy with the one string, but a new set was a very pleasant surprise. Even better as I actually quite like Fender rounds. So top marks to Andertons. Reassuring on the phone, poised and ready to help refund/replace if the bass or case had arrived damaged, and super generous with the strings when I only needed the one. Well done. If anyone from Anderton's is reading this, thank you. You'll be top of the list next time I get a tax rebate that the missus doesn't know about and I go bass shopping.

Indeed, you're right on the money. T'was a cheeky swipe at the outrage threads about neck shimming can incite. I was most definitely not being unkind to @Tobe in any way.

Oh my word, that's torn it! 🫣

Although not halfway in a straight line sense, Northampton is more midway in terms of likely journey time, A45/M45/M1 for you, M1 for them. My Wife's a Cov lass and my office used to be not that far from Watford, so I know first hand Northampton is the sensible journey-time mid point. In that vein, Stalkers is good, should be able to sort the gear you need. Audioworks not so well equipped, but is a nice place to be and has a lounge to chill in and the owner is a pleasant and helpful chap.