dclaassen

This sounds good. In my past experience, we have a dozen or so bands all doing roughly the same thing. Playing in two bands at the same time was not seen as "cool" at all. I think I would love to sub some, and also play a bit of different music...

When I was gigging every weekend, we almost never practiced. I also used to sub a lot, because of my exposure to a lot of different types of music, and ability to read. I don't want to play a lot right now, as we have other interests as well, but would not mind doing more than I currently am.

Len, It does help, very much..thanks! The group I am currently playing with has not gigged and practices about twice a month. I am not sure where they are headed as I am new to the UK gigging scene and so want to keep a lower profile. I am looking forward to retirement in about 2 years or so, then will want to play a bit more, I think.

I have noticed that some of you fine folks are members of more than one group. When I last was actively gigging, you joined a band and played with them almost exclusively, unless you managed to sub with someone when your band was not booked. It was considered bad form to try to be a full-time member of more than one band. Please understand, I am coming from a Midwestern US perspective. So, how does it work to be with more than one group? How do you handle gig/rehearsal conflicts. Are you up front with everyone, or is it usually just left to you to work out the logistics?

Can I identify my race, ethnicity, and national origin as American? I can show you my birth certificate.... I also want to identify today as a beagle... (seriously folks, lighten up)

This is a great topic! Back in the 70s and 80s, are used a Music Man head and a 18 cab for rock/country. I now have a Hartke KB12, but have not yet gigged with it. Gotta admit that it feels weird not having a massive amp behind you, but one easy trip. from car to gig is nice. I do like the Rumble combos, and would probably be happy with the 200/15.

I agree about having a P Bass. It just works for any situation. I go from country to big band contemporary jazz, and, weirdly enough, am finding that I like a 5 when reading charts, but not when playing anything else. So, I guess 2 basses are enough for me, although I miss having a J bass for the faster neck.

American here, reside in the U.K… just got back from a fortnight in the US…OP is pretty accurate…definitely not offended…:)

I am currently at minus-one after selling my L 2000. I’m going to try to maintain. Do gig bags count?

As an old guy, I have played through a lot of rigs with a lot of nice basses. At this point, the tone has to be what is suited for the music you are playing. When doing Americana/country my P bass straight in to the amp with Brite Flats works. Same for rock. For Jazz, the rounds and active bass come out, unless I need an upright bass sound, then it's back to the P Bass. However, I just don't care for the sound of most active basses any more. I cannot even put my finger on why, except to say that they just sound artificial to me. Whatever works, though...

Picking nits… “compositional” (having to do with composing) and “playing” are really not terms to be used together, unless you are talking about improv, even then it’s a stretch. Not a really useful term to me….

You have a point there, Ricky. My tipping point regarding moving back to a 4 was when I started playing more, my right hand was not feeling good at all. Plus, I got along just fine for over 45 years with a 4. My decision rests on how much to do to the MPV. In my opinion, it’s giggable as is, and worth the price of a pretty nice USA Jazz Bass. We will see, though.

Normally, I would agree with this, but Pedulla basses came with proprietary Bartolini pickups and preamps. There is a decision as to whether to replace any preamp system with the original or, as has been suggested to me by Bartolini, use a newer version of the onboard preamp. If an owner wants it "as original", then that would be a deal-breaker. BTW, it sounds really good as is...just does not have good response from the bridge pickup (it's a PJ setup).

Okay, I have tried becoming a 5-string player, but, despite the advantages in some music, I do so much better with 4, especially jamming and gigging...it just feels better, and my hand tends to just move to where it needs to be. This does not happen with the 5. Here's the thing...I have my MPV-5 (blurry photo on my profile) that, despite being pretty beat up, is an outstanding instrument. I will eventually offer it up in trade for the right USA Jazz bass. I used to play a 63 jazz, and loved everything about that instrument. Okay-my question is, should I do the needed repairs and cosmetics to the bass now, and get more money, or let the next owner fix it up as they want it? It plays great as it is, but has dings on the neck, and needs some rewiring to be fully functional. I personally don't care about any of the dents, scratches, and neck dings. I look forward to hearing opinions...

Used to be very common to see a bass player fit a Jazz neck on a P. Been thinking of doing it myself.

Having once owned a 63 Jazz and a 68 P (don’t ever sell your stuff…), I would have to play different ones until one just works for you. The nice thing about Fender is that everyone plays them, so if you find one you really like, then do some research regarding strings, bridges, etc. I have a 2011 Mexican P bass. I hated it with the rounds it had on it. Switched to a string I know I liked and things got better med brite flats).

Pedulla MPV-5's have 19mm spacing option....

I find on passive basses (P or J), I run wide open. On any active bass I have owned, about halfway is a good place to start...the MPV sounds really happy at this setting, and not so much wide open.

If you wanted to go old-school..how about an acoustic rig with that 4x15 cab...or 2?

I use Elixer nanoweb Nickles 45-105, with a 125 B....

Totally depends on style and personal preference. I'm not a tapper or a slapper, so have sometimes opted for foam under the strings at the bridge to emulate an upright sound... I seem to remember that the old Electra Outlaw bass I owned (wish I still had it) that, along with plug-in sound modules, had adjustable mutes on the bridge.