discreet

That's annoying. Let's hope its just a one-off niggle and not an indication of wider issues.

I used Markbass LM amps a while back and though I liked them a lot, I thought they lacked character. I found I needed a preamp or soundshaper (SansAmp et al) to really warm them up and get them singing. Not that there's anything wrong with doing this - you can keep the amp and change your preamp if you want to experiment with your tone. Cheaper that way, too... in fact for a while I had a Crown power amp and used a succession of preamps and FX with it with varying results... got through most of the Zoom bass gear, a lot of Tech-21 and other stuff... interesting, but in the end came to prefer the simplicity of finding an amp I liked the sound of and plugging straight into it without bothering with any other bits and pieces. I'm happy with what I have now, but there's nothing wrong with trying other gear, of course...

Very nice bass, great pics too. You're a natural at this NBD lark!! Nicely done. Your new bass is officially real! However, I would have posted it in 'Bass Guitars' and called the thread 'NBD - Spector NS5H2', but these are mere details...

[quote name='EBS_freak' timestamp='1446076847' post='2896822'] You still get an ugly logo though! [/quote] I'm not a big fan either, but it wouldn't put me off buying the bass if I liked everything else about it.

[quote name='Machines' timestamp='1446064134' post='2896666'] They're good, but I can't ever like that headstock. [/quote] I don't mind it myself. I don't like the later G&L headstock much, though. The earlier one is cool. It's about what you're used to really. If you look at the Fender headstock objectively and compare it to more modern ones, it looks very paddle-like and unnecessarily large and clumsy. But I like it.

Belated welcome!

Happy Jack tried a D Lakin P at Bass Direct and said it was the business, so as I trust Jack's opinion I'd say 'probably up there with Fender, if not better'. Not a Jazz though, but it's not as if D Lakin is unknown and Lakland do have something of a track record, so I'd say go for it.

[quote name='spike' timestamp='1446042915' post='2896445'] I always make sure I have a spare pick at a wedding gig [/quote] Thinking for ages about how to say this. Glad you did it.

[quote name='Light Grenade' timestamp='1446031452' post='2896284'] The TH350 is an amazing little amp, the mid response is so lovely and smooth and it's literally not much heavier that a DVD case. The Tone Hammer series was my original choice before doing some in depth research and testing. [/quote] The mids really are where it's at in a band setting. Admit I've been intrigued by the THs for some time now. I must do something about it.

[quote name='Light Grenade' timestamp='1446029602' post='2896256'] I was an 'Ashdown MAG300 EVO II' head I had before hand. It really didn't agree with me, and neither has any Ashdown stuff that i've played through. Don't get me wrong, I still think they are great amps - I've seen a wealth of bass players achieve a great sound from them. They're just not for me, far too woolly. [/quote] Not sure where you (and lots of other people, by the way) get this 'Ashdown amps are woolly' thing from. My ABM is capable of great heft, punch and clarity. The Shape button has to be IN before the EQ comes alive (It gives a very scooped sound in its default [OUT] state) and you also have to have the input gain WAY up before the EQ and Drive will work. But hey, if it's not for you, it's not for you. Interestingly, this thread has given me huge GAS, not for the Warwick amps but for a Tech-21 VT500... however, going by what Lozz has said and the fact that I rate his opinion very highly on this and other matters, the GAS is being channelled into an Aguilar TH350... where will it all end, I ask myself?? Probably a G-K MB500, that's where. I've owned an MB200 and an MB500 Fusion and they were both very large-sounding amps with huge uncompressed lows and very punchy. I regret selling both!!

[quote name='alyctes' timestamp='1445984697' post='2896007'] ...who needs drumsticks? [/quote] Chickens.

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1445972085' post='2895842'] Did someone call..? [/quote] Dad! Finally you've come out of your shell... [quote name='Big_Stu' timestamp='1445971873' post='2895838'] What? Like celery? [/quote] Yes! Just like celery.

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1445953749' post='2895650'] Really? I use the Silver Flex 75s which I believe a the heavier versions. If I don't loose them they last less than a month before the point has become too rounded to give me the desired feel and sound when playing. [/quote] Yes. The 50s are, er... 0.50mm and I believe the 75s are... 0.75mm. So possibly the 50s are more flexible and wear less.

Oh, 'Live' in Brighton! I thought you mean, 'Live' in Brighton. Tsk.

GAS stalks the land like, er... a great big stalking thing.

I'm going to throw the G-K MB500 in there.

[quote name='phil.c60' timestamp='1445872678' post='2894879'] At least I didn't suggest that if a cloth Midget comes along I might put my hand up! [/quote] Wahey!

[quote name='phil.c60' timestamp='1445868899' post='2894838'] ...If a cloth Midget comes up at the right price I'd be interested... [/quote] Wow! Presumably that's some kind of puppet? But I think you have to say 'persons of restricted growth'. It's political correctness gone mad.

[quote name='CHW' timestamp='1445868149' post='2894832'] Playing gigs on my acoustic guitar a pick lasts about a set and a half before snapping... [/quote] Try a nylon pick, they never snap.

[quote name='drTStingray' timestamp='1445805587' post='2894420'] ...Guitarists and drummers wearing ear plugs are also bad news in my experience as well! [/quote] Agree with the majority of your post, but not this - everyone should be wearing ear protection when playing. Even if you think your band is quiet, it's still going to be loud enough to damage your hearing. I'm not usually sensible, but I really don't regret using plugs for the last four decades - some of my contemporaries did not and it's really not at all rock 'n' roll to be deaf or have debilitating tinnitus. /lecture

[quote name='ubit' timestamp='1445800166' post='2894341'] The op said he didn't want to go down this route and everyone still thinks kick him out, it's easy. [/quote] I still think 'kick him out', but I don't think it's easy. The alternatives are to make him see reason, put up with him, or leave the band in its current line-up. I still favour the idea of everyone leaving except him... pretty crap when he finds out of course, but that's life, if he doesn't want to get his act together and he doesn't mind irritating everyone else with his selfishness, then perhaps he deserves it.