Skybone

I suppose the question is do you want effects or effects AND amp modelling? If it's just effects, there's a few to choose from, BOSS GT-B's have a good reputation, as do the ME-B's, the Line6 M series are well thought of too. If you can stretch your budget, the HXFX will be well worth investing in. If you're after effects AND amp modelling, then you could consider the Helix, Headrush or the AxeFX, though they are big bucks just now, so potentially out of the budget. There's the HX Stomp and the Headrush Gigboard, which will give you all of the processing power of their high end siblings, but limited connectivity. If you're willing to drop back a generation, then the Line6 HD500x is well worth a look (run one myself - big fan). Yes, there are compromises, "only" 5 amp models if you buy the HD Bass pack (essential), and only a handful of cab models, and the effects are more guitar oriented, but they are really good and sound great. Second hand, you can pick up one in really good condition for around £250. The Boss GT10-B is worth looking at too (never used one, so can't comment). Both the HD & the GT10-B will give you plenty of effects to play with, as well as having a built in expression pedal. There are also the Tech21 Bass FlyRig's, which have a SansAmp plus a few effects, inc. a Compressor. I'm running the HD into the Effects Return of my amp, bypassing the preamp. Works for me.

Politically, I'd tell them #1. Because it is a relatively small and incestuous scene, this may be better for any potential future projects... However... Follow it up with #5 (or a version of #5 without mentioning the singist).

Do what feels right for you.

Again, IMO, you are probably best to leave the Thunder 1A alone, and either sell it, or buy a fretless (or both?). I wouldn't say that Thunder 1A's were "desirable", but they appeal to those of us of a certain age, who recall the Thunder range as either their first "proper" bass, or remember loads of people using them at the time. I had one, and it was probably up there as one of the best basses I've ever had (even though it weighed a ton! ). Cheap or mid-price instruments are so much better these days, so it may be cheaper in the long run to buy a reasonably priced fretless, and upgrade that, than to "modify" a classic.

Grinds my gears... Non synchromesh gearboxes.

I know that the older EHX pedals were not "True Bypass" (as they are today), I certainly had a few issues with some of my EHX pedals "back in the day" with "artefacts" coming through when the pedals were switched off. I had a Black Russian Muff, as well as the Black Small Stone, Black Small Clone (all of which suffered from not being "true bypass"), as well as a few other NYC EHX pedals which were the same. IIRC, they changed to True Bypass around 2005-ish, to compete with all of the new "boutique" pedal manufacturer's who were doing their own interpretations of EHX pedals, but with True Bypass switches added. Speak to your local musical instrument electronics person at your local friendly music shop to see if they will fit and wire up True Bypass in your pedals. Or it could just be a dodgy connection.

I for one am hoping that they are going to have more "songs" on this one, and less of the "atmospheric" tracks (filler). Still can't listen to 10,000 Days without skipping through the majority of the album. Anyway, the teaser track sounds interesting.

And it's exactly how I feel about the HD500x.

Always used to lust after the Thunder II & III back in the day, great looking basses and rare as hens teeth, them and Aria Pro II SB & RSB's. To this day, one of the best basses I ever owned was a Thunder 1A (even though it weighed a ton!).

I only joined the "other" site, because I can't access BC at work ( I suspect that the company's security system assumes that the "B" in "BassChat" is silent! ). It certainly doesn't feel as "inclusive" as BC, but there again, it's a far bigger site. But is it the best forum for metal? 🙄

If the sound from your bass is too "fuzzy", maybe your pickups are too high up. Simple fix, drop your pickup heights a little, play, if it still sounds fuzzy, drop them a wee bit more. When it stops, stop adjusting. All you need is a small screwdriver. Fret-buzz may well need a trip to an experienced technician who can set up your bass for you. Whether you "need" to change your bass is up to you, however, I agree that you need to exercise your feet, and visit as many guitar shops as you can, and simply try out as many basses as you can, and see which one "feels" best for you. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a Squier Affinity if it feels and sounds right for you.

Stainless Steels. Like Dunlop's or something. A lot of people recommend Warwick Red Stainless, because at around £9.00 per set, they're not only great value for money, but they last a while, and you can buy a load of them and change as needed without breaking the bank.

Check out the Ashdown AMP 210T 300 from Musik Produktiv (www.musik-productive.co.uk). Not the lightest, at around 24kg, but easily loud enough for gigs and rehearsals, as it's based on the ABM Evo III and is obviously a 2x10, and it's all enclosed in a Rootmaster enclosure. The best bit, it's about £350 delivered. https://www.musik-produktiv.com/gb/ashdown-amp-c210-300.html The downside is, it is a bit heavy, compared to the Class D amps with neo speakers, but they're a lot more expensive, and it doesn't have a headphone out. Definitely worth considering.

All of the above

Hello fellow Highlands resident!

I'd vote for an LT over a Stomp.

Just wish they'd do a twin pickup version.

You're just being Passive Aggressive...

What about a combo? Not the lightest, but ideal for a Rock band. The Ashdown Musik Produktiv C210-300: https://www.musik-produktiv.com/gb/ashdown-amp-c210-300.html The amp is a ABM Evo III, in a Rootmaster 2x10 cabinet, solid, reliable and most of all, reasonably priced. You don't have to keep borrowing your friends cab, but if it's an 8 Ohm cab, then you can use it to get the full 300w.

Is Active or Passive better for playing metal?

And isn't that Kirsty McColl in the hat?

Favourite Rotosound endorsee? Has to be Geddy Lee. Why? Cos he's a a fantastic player, superb musician, and all round gent. Write a good book too.