Cat Burrito

Yep, doing that already 👍

Already there 😎

Absolutely, and it's the opinion of not just her but bandmates & I too. The single coil Jazz is similar to something like a Burns Bison, to me at least. I still maintain that it must be possible to get a more meaty sound from a Jazz and there have been some interesting replies so far 😎

I've played some big stages and my wife has commented on the Jazz not sounding as good as my other basses (her Dad was a bass player and she's very musical so I do value her opinion). I take your point but this isn't the issue here.

I've used to trios (& now a duo as well) and the issue isn't there with my other basses. I think the answer lies more in me needing to change my settings, rather than someone else's settings (or messing with mine).

It's a good point. Certainly I can think of a couple of bands that used studio players to play bass parts and then had a key member mime on TV to a part they've never played. I think with it being fairly widespread it's unlikely to be the whole answer though.

I have used Ampeg in the past but I tend to use an Orange AD200B through a 4x10 Orange cab. It's in the practice amps too. Every amp I try. I take out any other bass (Hofner, Rickenbacker, Precision, Thunderbird) and the issue isn't there.

I like so many bands where the bassist uses a Jazz bass. I've owned a couple over the years and my latest one I've lived with for a few years is an American standard from 2008. My issue was always that on it's own, it sounded fantastic, in a small 3 piece arrangement there was a noticeable lack of bottom end. I strung mine with flats for a while which gave it a 60s Scott Walker type vibe and it sat nicely in the mix of a 2 guitar band but lately I wanted more of an 80s alternative sound so recently went back to roundwounds. I've found by rolling back both the tone and the bridge pickup slightly, I can keep that Jazz sound whilst getting a thicker sounding bass. I can't be the only bass player to feel this way. I don't have this issue with my other basses so don't think it's my playing but always find the Jazz suffers in a smaller band setup. I just wondered how others got the best from a Jazz. Did you perhaps not feel this was a problem, change your amp settings, play around with the controls on the bass or change the pickups. Or a combination. Interested in people's thoughts.

The Mission in Frome at the Cheese and Grain - third attempt to see them!

I've recorded with various studio rigs, my own rig, DI'd and blended signals of both. However, the revelation of the Tech 21 Sansamp VT bass pedal was a light bulb moment for me and I have done a few records / countless sessions with it. Unless I was told by the producer or the person who's project it was to do otherwise, it will always be my default.

I had an Ebony one and hands down, it was the heaviest bass I have ever owned. Sold it on purely for that reason. My Gibson Thunderbird is probably my lightest bass but whilst the Epi looked great with the black and chrome, I'm too close to 50 to be gigging a weight like that. Sounds like they do lighter ones so possibly one not to buy before you can try.

I've always worn long sleeves on stage. I don't think it matters. Whatever makes you feel comfortable. Certain bands obviously have a look and it might be a case of doing as you are told, but otherwise...

I came to the Ric at a time where I was mostly a fingers player. I had a bezel and a zero mod thumb rest fitted BUT in spite of all that, I tend to play mine almost exclusively with a pick. Most of my basses are quite different from one another and I find I need to rehearse with a bass in order to get used to it. Mine's a 4003s so I don't know if that makes it any easier but hands down it's probably my favourite bass. Certainly top 3.

I bought the Burns Bass VI and it came in desperate need of a setup. It's playable but clearly the shop selling didn't really know how to do it. It's due to go to my friend that sets up my basses and I am hopeful he can get it playing much better. Mine's just for recording so I have been a bit lazy sorting it out.

I think people like a physical product so perhaps a free download code with the CD. I find on the rock scene vinyl doesn't fair too well but when I play with more niche genres - rockabilly, Americana, goth, vinyl is really popular. Not part of a big study, just an observation with the bands I have played with. I think it depends on the demographic of your fan base. I don't really ever seem to play to young crowds so it's never been a problem.

I play in a couple of bands where the singer is named in the band name - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers type names. There is an assumption that you are just a pick up band. At my last gig I was asked if I played on the album that actually I co-produced, as well as played on. It doesn't massively bother me but my preference would be make it more of a band thing. The singer in my main band is very gracious so that helps but the other band it's a bit all about him so I may not be taking that forward longer term.

I actually use flats on my Jazz. I play in a Power Pop / punky New Wave band when I use that bass. I have rounds on my P-bass but I found the Jazz sounded great in isolation but rubbish in the band mix (it's a USA Fender model). I put the flats on it and it works well for me. It's confused a couple of soundmen on that scene because most bass players use distortion / overdrive and I sound more 60s but I like that tone.

I have a 2014 Gibson Thunderbird. It's brilliant. Being a gear geek over lockdown I did some a video sound comparison of all my basses (from Fenders to Hofner to Rickenbacker) and posted on my personal social media to all my friends (musicians & non-musicians alike). Nearly everyone agreed the Thunderbird was the best sounding bass. Make of that what you will. And to echo the comments made so far, they've cropped up in everything from Patti Smith Group, Kiss, The Cure, Black Crowes, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Who, Sisters of Mercy, New York Dolls and loads more. I've used mine in an Americana band and a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute. Surprisingly versatile.

Have you tried emailing them direct? Some bass companies have surprisingly good customer services. Admittedly some don't. I use these on a couple of my basses and am a fan. They always commented on when I play.

I think I have 5 bands that are in various stages of active. Simply put, I do "first come, first served". I've been playing in multiple bands for 15yrs and conflicts are surprisingly rare to the point that I can't recall ever having a problem.

Although associated with Leeds, Mission / ex-Sisters of Mercy guitarist / singer Wayne Hussey is from Bristol too.

Being from a small town in Wiltshire we have no real notable births from the world of rock / pop. Apparently Carl McCoy from Fields of the Nephilim lived here briefly after the initial successful period of the band, as did Pete Doherty. Oh and Mick & Keef popped in for tea once, a true story by all accounts.