Skybone

RIP Dave. Saw them not too long ago, brilliant band.

Someone had an X3 for sale on one of the Facebook buy/swap/sell groups, asking £95 IIRC.

The XT Live is still a good setup, although I would highly recommend the HD500x. I had a Zoom B3 for a while, and although it sounded good, I found it quite "limited", as you could only have 3 effects running (including amp sims). I then bought an XT Live, as I had an XT Bean since they came out, added the Bass Pack, and IMO, the sound quality of the sims were slightly better than the B3, plus you could have quite a few effects running. I compared it with the B3 for sound quality, with a view to selling one & keeping the other. The XT Live won. After a while, I got a bit frustrated with the XT Live, although the Amp/Cab sims were good, it was a bit "lacking", especially in the effects department. They were good with guitar, but a bit lacklustre with a bass. Did a lot of searching around, looking at alternatives, and although the Helix was recently out, only the "full fat" version was available, and therefore out of my price range. After some searching around, I settled on the HD500x, although the Bass pack was limited (3 amp models, with 2 variations of the same amp, and a couple of cab models). Again, there was little info available on how it sounded from a bass player's perspective, there was loads of very good reviews from guitarists. Bought one, then got the HD Bass pack. When it arrived, I compared it with the XT Live, and to be fair, the HD was head and shoulders above the XT in sound quality. Still using the HD, and loving it. The effects are brilliant, and there's plenty of scope for different sounds. It is now eclipsed by the Helix range of course, but it's still a great piece of kit IMO.

I had an L2000 Tribute for a while, it's a nice bass to play, quite a chunky P / MM StingRay style neck. Unfortunately, the only thing I didn't like about it was the sound. Couldn't find a usable sound in there unfortunately. Tried all the passive & active combinations, just didn't "sparkle" for me. I would certainly say try and look for a second hand MIM Fender Jazz, though any of the ones you mentioned should easily fit your brief. Good luck.

The Toneman stuff is pretty good if you're after Ashdown on a budget. Even better value is the AMP range from Muzik Produktiv. They're exactly the same, just different stores. PMT are doing the MAG range as well, same as the Toneman/AMP ranges.

Thomann Squier P/J: £198 https://www.thomann.de/gb/fender_squier_affinity_p_bass_pj_ilbk.htm Harley Benton Violin: £129 https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_beatbass.htm Hofner Ignition Violin: £259 https://www.thomann.de/gb/hoefner_ignition_beatles_bass_vsb.htm Have both a "modern" bass and a "classic" bass

The transformer's may well affect the weight on the strap.

If it's a studio bass, then I'd actually say you should look at something with a P/J setup. Squier do a few, as do quite a few other manufacturers. If you fell in love with the Violin style bass, then look for another one. The Harley Benton from Thomann would be a good start. Hofner do some very reasonably priced versions as well.

Alright Dave. Thankfully, there's a bit more common sense on here than on the other well known bass forum. 😉😀

To be fair, the OP hasn't posted since, and has only posted once. Troll perchance? Must admit, never heard that one. When practicing sat down, I don't use a strap, because it's too long, and will fall down, and become a distraction. That's not to say I have my bass Hooky style low on the strap, but comfortable for me low.

As with all companies, Rickenbacker changed the specs relatively regularly. I had a 4003 from 2005, which had a thinner neck than the current run of 4003's, it also didn't have the "Vintage" circuit, which came in 2006, along with the current thicker neck. A mid 90's to 2005 model would be a good place to start looking for one. Alternatively, you could try and find a 4001 from the 70's. However, it is known that the necks vary quite a bit, because they were all hand made, so no two 4001's are the same. You could try looking for a Faker, which have more consistent necks. I have 2 Rockinbetter's that are both over 10 years old (not the current crop of "Chinabackers"/"Chickenbackers". The neck is relatively thin, and feels great. You could try and find a 70's 4001 MIJ copy (Ibanez / Greco / Aria / etc.), but you will pay for them. The best piece of advice I can give regarding Ric's is that you really do need to "try before you buy", which I know is not the best advice in the current climate, but it is the only way to go with Ric's. They, more than any other brand seem to make instruments that "speak" to people, and unfortunately, you do have to try a few before one says "hello" back.

Well, to be fair, when you're sat down playing, you don't need to have the strap on. As there's no tension on the strap from the weight of the bass, it will slip off your shoulder. Simple solution... don't use your strap when you're sat down playing. Only use the strap when you stand up & play.

Ibanez Iceman IC400, set neck, mahogany body. I have 2, a 2004 & a 2005. I've owned a few IC's of different years, a 1978 IC200, a 1980 IC50, a mid 90's IC300. Along with a few Ibanez Artist's from the late 70's. I've also owned a few Tokai Love Rock's (Les Paul clones). The best was a '99 MIJ LS70F.

Anyone managed to get their hands on one yet?

Well... "The only way to feel the noise, is when it's good and loud"

Cheap strings? Warwick Red Label.

What about the SansAmp VT500 head? Juicy SVT sounds on tap, and a fraction of the weight. https://www.thomann.de/gb/tech_21_bass_vt_500.htm There's always the Ampeg PF500 as well. Or... Get a power amp and a Pre-amp pedal, like a SansAmp BDDI or VT Bass. If you want a bit of flexibility, maybe look at the Helix Stomp. EDIT: Just spotted in the For Sale section: a PF500

A little Overkill perhaps? I did see that advertised on the telly the other night, and wonder which song they should use... Stay Clean perhaps?

Find another late 80's StingRay.

Killing Joke are ace full stop. Still love the "Extremities" album. Killer bass sounds? Hawkwind: Space Ritual

Nice little series, and just goes to show what excellent craftspeople luthiers are in the attention to detail and all that. I was a little concerned when he started gouging out bits of the body, but that's his style, and both the Oak 'board & the flamed Sycamore neck looked fabulous.

The Duchess used to be a fantastic venue, saw many ace gigs there.