Guys,
as JE is my main influence I do it his way. I have never learned to slap thumbstyle. So instead of the thumb I use my first finger in typewriter-style slapping strongly in combination with my small finger for the pops. Surely not the classic style but 100% JE style.
 
Oliver (Spyderman)

Don't slap at all.  Never 'got' it, got tired of the inept wearing it out in ALL the wrong places, never played a lot of tunes that needed it. If I do like it, it's usually when it's worked in smoothly, like Marcus Miller.
 
I do use a pick, and between that and my fingers, it gives me two sounds that cover it all for me.  It's old school in a way, but a lot of people never hear a pick away from aggressive styles.  Works great for country or pop or light jazz.
 
J o e y

. . . although I did have a friend in Texas who played 'RoundAbout' note for note like Squire's part on the original, all thumb slap and finger pulls, and it was just perfect ! !
But then again, it was certainly in the neighborhood of Squire's tone.
 
J o e y

The new marcus Miller DVD (which is superb and highly recommended btw) has him playing 'Teen Town' entirely slapped as one of the bonus tracks. Naturally it sounds much more aggressive than Jacos' original version but it's still absolutely brilliant.
 
Graeme

New Marcus Miller DVD

'Master of all trades' - it's new to me anyway - don't think it's been out in the UK for more than a couple of months.
 
Graeme

Yes, I just ran across it.  Region 2, so I'll have to wait.  Also, a bit steep at $40!
 
I also just ran across this interesting little thing; LEGENDS- LIVE AT MONTREUX 1997.
Eric Clapton, guitar, vocals; David Sanborn, sax; Joe Sample, keys; Marcus Miller, bass; and Steve Gadd, drums.

Well spotted dave - just ordered via 101cd for ?9.99. I'll let you know how it looks.
 
Graeme