Skybone

There are also things like the Zoom B1 & B3, the old PODxt, PODx3 & newer HD range (the xt & HD will need add on "expansion" packs), as well as pre-amp pedals like the SansAmp. IMO, a PJ bass would be ideal, especially if it has 2 volume knobs, as you can roll back the volume on the P pickup.

EHX Small Stone

I had an '89 blonde 2EQ StingRay that sounded amazing, I stupidly sold, & later bought a mid/late 90's 2EQ StingRay to replace it. It didn't get anywhere near the sound of the '89, in fact I struggled to get a good sound out of it at all. Moved it on.

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1479892646' post='3180022'] Yes, it is a shame. I was hoping to take a trip at some point early next year as I'm fairly (ish) local. [/quote] I was hoping to nip in there next time we're down that way

To be fair though, they endorse those products, and have done extensive work with the manufacturers in order to acheive the instruments they use regularly.

Such a shame that they're calling it a day.

Shame about losing touch with your old drummer, do you have his mobile no. or email? Other than that, all I can suggest is to look for another project more to your liking. The local Gumtree pages or local music pages on Facebook are worth a look, or the good old ad in the local music shop. Still works.

Like a few others, I've always stretched new strings after putting them on. Put them on, tune to standard, give them a good stretch, tune up again, stretch again, tune up again. Is it beneficial? Good question. I think it is beneficial, tuning stability is achieved almost immediately, great if you're on the road or in the studio. Does it effect your "tone"? I've never noticed any detrimental effects from doing it, so no.

Do you do any stretching/warm up exercises before you play? Might be worth getting into the habit of warming up your fingers before you play. You can also try one of those finger exercisers you can get at music shops. Has your GP sent you for X-rays? Is the finger worse in the cold? It could be the onset of arthritis (I have it in my wrist & knee because of an RTC), Ibuprofen & Paracetomol help, exercising and building up your muscle tone is better.

I used a Zoom G5 bag. Got one off eBay for a reasonable price, it fitted the B3, psu, expression pedal & leads comfortably.

Real shame.

Looks like a relatively recent PE to me. Less than 10 years old I think.

I loved my Tokai Love Rock's. I had a Gibson LP Studio, and bought one as a backup, it was soon relegated to the backup, and spent more time in the case. So I sold it & bought another, and kept that one for over 10 years. Saying that, I love my Rockinbetter Fakers too. I'd still like a real Ric, after I had to sell my old 4003, but if I do, I'll still use my Fakers.

Did you have a good relationship with your old drummer? Might be worthwhile getting in touch with him and seeing if he was up to getting something going again. It does take some time to find the right people to play music with, and a lot of trial and error

How about a Multi FX?

The good news is that the rehearsal went well. He's a very good drummer and seems like a nice bloke, and seemed into what we're trying to do. Spent most of the session working on one song, but by the end of it, we'd got it sorted. Took my wee Tascam along and the result was sounding pretty good (more bass needed though! ). My first finger is raw and sore, but I don't mind after a good rehearsal. Feeling quite positive about it. Meeting up with the guitarist next week for another writing session.

Must resist buying analogue pedals... Yeah right...

Cheers. Have a good one for Monday.

Not gigging, but it's the first rehearsal with our new drummer... finger's crossed!

The "new" Rockinbetter's that are making an appearance on the market now aren't quite as good as the ones that were on the market 4-5 years ago (when they started to peter out), some of the detailing isn't quite there, but the hardware appears to be the same, and they are at least through necks, not the "Chinabacker" set neck versions.

1. Rockinbetter Rickenfaker 2. Rockinbetter Rickenfaker

That would be excellent kodiakblair, cheers! Do you know anything about it? I'll no doubt get it in the neck if another bass turns up unannounced...

I wouldn't say precious per se, but I do like to look after my gear as best I can. Yes, usually a bit gutted if they get damaged in anyway, but it happens.