Bass Gear

I've used all sorts of bits and bobs, different bunches of effects pedals, multi-effect units, wireless systems, fancy pants basses, hi-tech amplifiers and bollocks like that. It's not necessary, not necessary at all. What sounds good is a decent quality bass, with some decent quality strings, being played through a decent amplifier of some sort, preferably a valve one. I've scaled down what I use in amount, but not quality. There used to be twice as many amps and speakers behind me, but I don't need them now that I'm not playing 3000 seater venues. I probably didn't need all that when I was, but it looked great so who's going to argue? If I need to use effects I tend to just chuck a bit of chorus or delay on the sound, for a bit of polish or decoration as it were. Anyway, this is what I use and why, including the answer to the most nerdy question ever..."What strings do you use?"...to which the answer was always "Free ones." So reckless was I in those days I would have the strings changed every day on two basses and  have the old ones simply thrown into the bin. Ha ha ha, the excesses of being an endorsee.

Head
Hiwatt DR-103

Simply the finest amplifier in the world. I cannot enthuse enough about this bit of kit, so it gets a page all to itself.

Cabinet
Ampeg SVT-810E

The daddy of the bass cabinet world. The SVT-810-E has, as suggested in the name, eight ten inch speakers throwing noise at you from behind. They have a great full tone and don't throw the sound too far. You can stand in front and hear a big noise, but not be deafened by the top end 30 feet away, which is the problem I had using 4 x 12 cabs. 

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