Boodang

I now use flats exclusively on all my basses but even more than rounds, there's a lot difference in the sound and feel between them. They don't have to be too 'thuddy', my TI flats and Galli Synthesis are quite lively, plus the tension on them is low (the Synthesis are like rubber bands!). I use nylons for a completely different sound and feel, the Bellas are quite dull but the D'adarrio's are actually quite bright. And don't forget tension. A friend of mine put on the Steve Harris signature flats and they're like stair rods! If you're experimenting with the sound, take 2 basses to the gig and try both to get a direct comparison.

... and yet you're blaming parcelforce! I've got some sympathy, the economics of shipping something like a Squier is difficult but that doesn't make the bass any less delicate. I do like the idea of taking off the neck, haven't thought of that before, would make all the difference.

You sent it in a cardboard box!!!

I think you've answered your own question.... main rehearsal and performance bass. Just take that.

I don't use a bass amp as I get the sound I need from my pedalboard, but on the board i most definitely use fx loops. Two types of loops; 'aby' loopers and a 3 channel switchable parallel mixer pedal. The aby just switches in a send & return loop, no gain or phase but does have the ability to have channel A, channel B or both. The trimixer is a different deal, up to 3 channels in parallel. The main benefit for me with this is the ability to control the send and return gain and phase. I've got some pedals which are easy to overload the input, but with the trimixer I can control the gain structure and make sure it's not too hot a signal, and likewise on the return. FX loops definitely helps you keep your signal under control.

Every 'stock' bass I have or have ever owned, have replacement custom wound pickups on them. I buy a bass for the way it plays and I'll change the pickups / electronics to get the sound I want. My Squier VM fretless just feels great but the stock pickups were not to my liking but I've never worried about things like that, I just threw them in the bin (literally) and ordered a custom set (alnico2 bridge, alinco5 neck), a stacked volume/tone preamp and hey presto a bass I wouldn't part with and way way cheaper than a custom. Hardware is another issue, probably won't make much difference sound wise, but if I like a bass enough I'll swap out for better quality if it's really needed.

Right on straps every time.

Have you tried guitar chat?!

TC Electronic Spectradrive. DI, drive, comp and 4 band eq. Plus the toneprints give you access to tons of drive types, and comps, so it's very flexible.

If it's reverb you're primarily after then the Slo pedal is probably not the best choice, but if it's bonkers reverb then it'll hit the spot and some. The Slo is a modulated reverb and i would say it's not on the subtle side. Took me a little while to find the sweet spot for me, but now it's got a permanent spot on the board.

https://www.walrusaudio.com/collections/all-effect-pedals Walrus are doing some cool stuff at the moment. The Slo pedal is bonkers.

For small pedal boards I now use skateboards with funky artwork! Without the trucks obviously.

Mackie DLM series is also nice and compact. Not the cheapest though.

Seriously did this for years with a band back in the 90s. We had this depressed indie vibe that could clear a pub by set 2. In the end we just started announcing songs as if they were an obscure cover by The Cure or such like, and everyone loved it.

PS these strings are super delicate! Once they're strung they're fine and I've never had one break on me but be v careful when stringing them.

Best strings I've ever used. My DB has strings with a nylon synthetic core so these appealed to me. I use the Synthesis flats on my fretless and they have a sublime buttery soft feel to them (they are the opposite of a stiff string). Sound wise similar to TI flats. But as mentioned, takes quite a few days to settle in but so do the nylon cores on my DB.... the price you pay for a synthetic core.

Just tell venues you're a covers band and then turn up and do your own music. When they say they didn't recognize any numbers just tell them they're obscure songs no one remembers and you're keeping the flame alive.

In price order; Zoom B1x - cheap, cheerful and good enough Zoom B6 - even better TC Electronic Plethora X5 - simpler operation, and tc's toneprints are fantastic

With bright onion you can choose the colour of the pedal, the writing and each led. Awesome pedals.

...oh, it has a phase switch, how handy is that!

Sacre bleu!! Jaco will never forgive you... oh wait, it's fender he should never forgive for producing the thing in the first place.

...yet!

To be less disappointed, try a, now discontinued, Squier VM jazz fretless. S/h should only cost you a few hundred.

No phase switch!