niceguyhomer

You guys are an inspiration - thanks, I feel better

I think I'm just on a bit of a downer about by my whole situation really. Never mind, hope to snap out of it soon.

I do have obligations to the rest of the band and I believe I fulfil them but that's not why I play. I get pleasure playing to audiences and only play/practice at home to be good enough to do that. During the last five years as a gigging guitarist, I never picked up my Strat between gigs and some of those were a month apart. In fact the rest of the (guitar) band used to have a standing joke about me that if I broke a string at the gig, it'd still be there - broken at the next gig.

[quote name='Crazykiwi' post='91890' date='Nov 20 2007, 10:55 PM']+1 *applauds* Shame about the band tho. Wouldn't you miss it?[/quote] I would Steve, I love playing live and TBH, it's the only reason I play an instrument but it isn't what it used to be. I just know if I'm not in a band doing gigs, I'd never pick a bass up again. I sometimes wonder if my constant equipment changes are really my way of sustaining interest.

We'll see and believe me, the decision won't be taken lightly but after nearly four decades of gigging, it's starting to wear a bit thin.

No Peter, I'm still full fat - I have a bad case of bursitis...ahem...housemaid's knee and no, I haven't been anywhere near one.

[quote name='GreeneKing' post='91762' date='Nov 20 2007, 07:55 PM']Alan You're more than welcome to try the Villex Bob Glaub. It may hit your desired sonic sweet spot (SSS). All the best, I can feel your anguish in your search for the perfect sound. Of course I understand that you can't get one off the shelf. Peter[/quote] Hello Peter, I will get up soon - I can't walk at the moment! I've just been dabbling with my EBS Microbass into the power stage of my GK1001RBII and it's hard to imagine a better sound but experience tells me that the sounds you get in your bedroom are nothing like you get at The Queens Loin on a Saturday night at gig volume [quote name='richy316' post='91771' date='Nov 20 2007, 08:02 PM']HOLY COCK THATS GORGEOUS![/quote] So's my holy cock...but thanks fella.

[quote name='BeLow' post='91698' date='Nov 20 2007, 07:00 PM']Retiring?[/quote] Gigs aren't what they used to be, half empty pubs / disinterested punters / venues disappearing / sound limiters and whinging neighbours. I can see the writing on the wall with the band too - never rehearse / no new songs / no communication between gigs etc etc and I've always said that when this band goes pear shaped, that's it. I don't think I'd have the stomach to start again with another band. Sad but true.

Thanks fellas, it really is a stunning bass but I find myself constantly twiddling the preamp to find an active sound I like. Then I end up switching it to passive and kaboom - tone heaven, BUT - with no tone control in passive mode which frustrates me. To be fair, others have tried to help but I'm utterly hopeless. I'm going to persist with the preamp for now and see how I feel about it after Christmas.

I've withdrawn this because it does the job very well and even if I got what I was asking for in these utterly depressing times, I'd still lose a wad. Probably be retiring soon anyway so bollox to it. Thanks and apologies to the people who showed interest and made offers.

I've decided to keep this outstanding bass and leave it as it is. Christmas is coming and I guess I'm going to have to break my '2 basses only' rule and buy the P I crave. Thanks for the offers that came.

May well end up doing just that Tom - I love the bass and probably will just take the J-Retro out and sell that.