Conan

[quote name='bassman2790' timestamp='1332494507' post='1588990'] On paper, this rig should be more than ample for my requirements but, as with previous rigs, I find it lacking and have to have the output control on about 5 or 6 (about as loud as it'll go) to provide enough body for the four piece outfit I'm with.. [/quote] I think the fact that you have had this issue with a few different rigs (decent quality) suggests that it is the tone you select that reduces your ability to "cut through". Too much bass and not enough middle!

[quote name='bassman2790' timestamp='1332498651' post='1589073'] Like I say, It's loud, very loud and produces enough low end to physically flap your trousers and (at the last gig) shake my eyballs. Maybe it is down to tone.[/quote] Try cutting back on the "bass" frequencies and add a lot more mid-range. On it's own it will sounds really "shouty" and unmusical, but you should find that it makes you far more audible within the band mix. I use a BF Vintage now and although it's great, your Trace gear is good too. Unless there has been actual physical damage done to the speakers (which is possible at the volume you appear to be using) then they should cope fine. Watch out for you ears too!

[quote name='Stacker' timestamp='1332410400' post='1587786']Th guy out of Love Affair on Everlasting Love[/quote] [quote name='christhammer666' timestamp='1332425502' post='1588151']anything by pete trewavas on the whirlwind[/quote] These two!! Also, Mannfred Mann's "Blinded by the Light", and two Supertramp tracks... "School" and "Goodbye Stranger". No idea who played them, and I don't care. Lovely tone. Oh, and John Deacon on Queen's "Dragon Attack". Nice.

[quote name='mercuryl' timestamp='1332421054' post='1588022'] I believe the inimatable Mr Lifeson is also in there. [/quote] He sho' is!

Cue comments about drummers at wrong gigs - but I can't find any other references to this band on here! [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj4_YxaKu4I"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj4_YxaKu4I[/url]

[quote name='eude' timestamp='1332414840' post='1587874'] Hot damn, these are meant to be very good basses... [/quote] It would certainly seem to tick a lot of the OP's boxes...

How about one of these? [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/166546-fsft-fender-roscoe-beck-v/page__p__1541570__hl__roscoe%20beck__fromsearch__1#entry1541570"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/166546-fsft-fender-roscoe-beck-v/page__p__1541570__hl__roscoe%20beck__fromsearch__1#entry1541570[/url]

[quote name='ahpook' timestamp='1332334457' post='1586762'] bass like face, not like ass [/quote] My face like ass.

[quote name='yorks5stringer' timestamp='1332326285' post='1586571'] What? [/quote] Yes. What.

[quote name='steve-bbb' timestamp='1332328080' post='1586604'] do you find the skinny strings on guitars cause more probs than bass strings though? - bass strings is fine with me but as soon as i start noodling around on my old 6string acoustic it does start to take its toll in very little time at all [/quote] I guess the physics would say that it's down to pressure (force) per unit area. Skinny strings = smaller contact area so greater force per unit area = more pain!! Bass strings are thicker, but also rougher in texture (unless you use flats) - so friction is a bigger factor, especially when moving up and down strings. Swings and roundabouts I suppose.

I like to "dig in" as well, and have had problems with blisters over the years when I've had a few weeks with little practice or playing time. I found that trying to incorporate a third finger also helps - so instead of just first and second fingers I can take the pressure off a bit (literally and figuratively) by using combinations of fingers 1, 2 and 3. Picks as well, obviously. Funnily enough, I think I tend to play harder at home as I often can't be bothered to plug into an amp and play acoustically. At rehearsals or gigs I can turn the amp up...

[quote name='yorks5stringer' timestamp='1332274078' post='1586005'] Would it be wrong of me (and pedantic) to point out the original post title should be "What is Hip?"....... [/quote] It would, if the OP was actually a statement "What is hip". Letting us know that the word "What" is actually cool and groovy. Which it is.

[quote name='BigBeefChief' timestamp='1237844737' post='443160'] Chuck Norris makes strings now? [/quote]

[quote name='The Bass Doc' timestamp='1332315821' post='1586384'] Offset contour body [/quote]

Define "authentic".

[quote name='gafbass02' timestamp='1332165734' post='1584107'] So I do it and remain glad that they like seeing me do it.[/quote] At least [i]you're[/i] appreciated...

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1332163575' post='1584061'] They are all concentrating at a level that BC'ers can only dream of! [/quote] Yeah, I guess it could be that. I forgot that Jazz isn't a very "visual" medium.

[quote name='dlloyd' timestamp='1332161758' post='1584018'] He looks bored, as does his band. [/quote] Much as I love MM's playing, I have to agree with this. I just think that the tempo is too fast to allow much in the way of feel, nuance or dynamics. To me, soul is more about the spaces in the music and this all sounds a bit frantic and rushed. Impressive but not enjoyable. Sorry Pete!

You sound like a very loyal person. This is good. But you are letting your loyalty to your bandmates get in the way. You like to play bass for fun, but your band is not fun. It seems pretty clear-cut to me. Be honest with them about what you want. It sounds like you have already done that. If they can't accommodate your wishes then you should leave. This is a hobby after all.

[quote name='Geek99' timestamp='1332059742' post='1582551'] Yes lots on google- cheapest place I found is soundslive in newcastle [/quote] You see... fortune is leading you to Newcastle!!!! PM'ed.