Skybone

Never tried the SD's in a 4003, I was tempted by them for a while when I had my first one, but I held off because it sounded so good. Same with the current one. If you like them, great.

Certainly one thing that I've found out, is that they are very sensitive about strings. If the bass is sounding dull or "not quite right", then try some different strings, be it a different brand or a different material (NPS/SS/etc.). IMO, D'Addario Pro Steels work really well on a 4003, but others find other brands work for them.

Bought some bits'n'bobs from them. No issues. Just had to do my first return with them, so we'll just have to wait & see.

You don't mention what string gauge you're currently using, I would make an assumption and say 45-105's. For D Standard, I don't think you'd need to go too much heavier. You could use the 45-105's but they may be a bit too loose for you. IIRC, Rotosound do a drop tune set, Dropzone 66 RS66LH 65-130, or there's the RS66LE 50-110 set. Or there's the DR DDT 45-105, designed for Drop Tuning, and should keep the tension. Not cheap though.

https://www.kemper-amps.com/products/uk/profiler-player.html

"Mind if I use your bass"

Did the keyboard player say this to just the OP, or was it in front of any other band members? Is it worth discussing at the next rehearsal session?

Peace Sells... But Who's Buying - MeagreDearth

Maybe it's my mind playing tricks on me. I think the speaker was an Electro Voice/EV or something like that, but definitely had a HUGE magnet, and more preamp valves than it had any right to have. Built in Attenuator as well.

Definitely a thing.

Clouds in My House - Voivod

The Ampeg VL-503. I had one those, mine was a 2x12 combo that came with casters because it weighed an absolute ton. I part-ex-ed it for a single channel JCM 800 2x12 combo (4211?). Though THE best guitar amp I had was a Matamp 1224 MkII, which was sounded fabulous. Pedals-wise, along with the Matamp, I had a few D*A*M pedals, the Sonic Titan and the Red Rooster, which were both superb sounding pedals. Bass-wise, obviously my current Ric (in the avatar) is probably one of the best I've heard. It's far from A1 nick, but it's fabulous.

That is a magnificent looking bass.

It was probably a way to stop it from being nicked I suppose, and if it did get nicked, it'd be a way to identify it.

That is rather nice.

I know you said that the POD Go seems a bit too complex, but it really isn't that hard to get your head around, especially if you use the POD Go Edit. Been using mine for a few years now, and absolutely love the sounds I get from it.

Ashdown teased a picture of a new OriginAl head (in black), so not sure what's happening there... more power? The OriginAl 300w combo 1x12 is 13kg, and the 2x10 is 14.5kg, the RM C210T 500 is 20kg, so maybe a bit heavy. IIRC, the Rumble 500 was something like 15kg. I keep looking at lighter combo's, but they do tend to be a tad expensive at the moment.

Seymour Duncan Custom Shop do a Ripper Bass pickup, don't know if that's anywhere near a Grabber pickup though. https://customshop.seymourduncan.com/ripper-bass/

Re. Paul Whitehouse, there was one episode of the Whitehouse & Mortimer Gone Fishing where they're talking to Fergal Sharkey, and Paul said he auditioned for That Petrol Emotion on guitar. OK, not bass.

Erase/Rewind - The Cardigans

Oooh, been GAS-ing for a semi for a good few years, but have never been tempted to part with any money as yet. Keep forgetting about the good old Aria TAB's, but the Warwick Star was top of the list for a long time (the Korean built ones were 34", where the Chinese RB's are 32" IIRC). Enjoy your new TAB.

I'd suggest the Hercules range as well, but someone said that they can still discolour nitro finishes. If you're leaving the guitar/bass on the hanger/stand all the time, then like @Lozz196 said, you could use a cut up t-shirt, I've used some old ties, or something similar as a "piece of mind" precaution. I have the tripod, but only use it as required.

I Want It All - Queen