Skybone

Custardglo

IMO, a pickup in the neck position helps, but also if you move your playing position towards the end of the neck really helps to achieve a nice "plummy" sound.

Hence the term "supposed to be". I needed a new stand, so took to the t'interweb to find something that was nitro-friendly for the Ric. The only one I could find that was reasonably priced was the Hercules.

IIRC, Hercules stands are supposed to not react with nitro-cellulose finishes.

Assault & Battery - Hawkwind

Time is Money (Bastard) - SWANS

I would say that you need to take a screwdriver (or two) to your next rehearsal, and adjust the pickup heights until you can hear each string clearly. Measurements are merely a "guide", then let your ears decide.

Loved my old Rockinbetter's, great necks.

Preacher Man - Fields of the Nephilim

Back in the 80's/90's, I used Rotosound RS66's, 40-90 IIRC, mainly because they were cheap, and readily available in most shops. The quality control was never that great, and they never seemed to last that long. They were cheap though. Tried Elites Stadiums for a while, they were alright, wasn't blown away. Fender Stainless Steels (7350?), were superb. Great sound, lasted for ages and were reasonably priced. Shame that they discontinued them. Warwick Red Label Stainless Steels. Rough and ready, lasted for ages and sounded decent. Cheap & cheerful. Dunlop Stainless Steel were great, on some basses, they sounded ace, on others, they sounded meh. D'Addario Pro Steels, current favourites. Sound ace on the Ric.

I did think that way with the first 4003 I had (which I regrettably had to sell), but this current one, it's already acquired quite a few knocks & scrapes before I bought it. Definitely "player grade" / "roadworn". Sounds immense though.

Love the shape of the Fortress.

Problem Child - AC/DC

(Only) The Dead Dreams of the Cold War Kid - Hawklords (aka Hawkwind)

Sounds like an impromptu Scotland Bass Bash.

Daytona Demon - Suzi Quatro

My thoughts exactly (exact-lee?).

It isn't. However, it is a "version" of one, including the black TRC.

No. Covers bands hopefully play music people want to hear, and venues will pay for them to perform in order to bring punters through the doors of their venues. Never been a fan of playing covers personally, and it looks like I'm not alone in that respect. However, if you do play covers, be prepared for the "you didn't play it like the original/my personal favourite version".

Walk This Way - Run DMC & Aerosmith

Them Bones - Alice in Chains

Enjoy your new bass. 👍

Ball of Molten Lead - Yob

Too Late Too Late - Motorhead