mcnach

Nice watch, thanks for the heads up. A little too focused on a specific handful of guys/girls that I didn't relate much to particularly (except one or two), but it was still a very interesting and entertaining documentary.

They were initially branded as "Retro series", but that was dropped quickly. Because of that "Retro" name, I stayed away from them and tried other cabs, and spent quite a bit on other brands (I already had a couple of BF BB2 cabs that I was looking to replace). Eventually I tried a Two10, and I realised that the Retro name was doing the cabs a disservice. It is true that they don't have the very bright high treble some other cabs may have (usually with tweeters/horns). However, they cover a very wide range, in practice. They're able to reproduce a bright clanky Precision + pick type of sound, a great Jazz slap tone, or a fat and big classic 70s rock tone if your amp produces those tones... and many other sounds. The difference I found with the BB2, for example, was that with the BB2 I was playing with my EQ a lot more to get the sound I wanted, and I would have to be careful to avoid harsh treble, or overpowering nasal mids, or boomy low end: those things are beasts, and in the hands of someone with the time and inclination they can sound superbly. Me? I want to get a good sound quickly. I often don't have time for extended soundchecks and I need to work fast. I play various things in various bands, funk, ska/reggae and I'm even in a Rage Against The Machine tribute band with a lot of effects and overdrive etc [1]... and despite the variety of sounds required, I always get something very good very quickly, whether I use a Stingray or a Precision (or rarely a Jazz). Obviously, this is in great part because the sound I'm after is a sound these speakers can do very well, so your personal taste may differ... but the sounds in my head are pretty standard classic bass sounds, and with either a Mesa D800+ or a MarkBass LM3 (quite different heads) I get the right sound easily. [1] TimC appears to be using 10-series BF cabs these days, but I didn't choose mine based on that. It was just an interesting case of convergent evolution

It was the same for me regarding the 12" and their 'retro' 10" series. I actually owned a 2nd gen Compact first (15") and then two BB2. I liked them but I was never really crazy about them. They were great in that they were light, compact, and loud, and they sounded ok... but sound was where I didn't love them. I tried a Two10 and that changed everything. I now have two Two10, and a Mesa D800+ (I tried a D800 for a bit but the 'bright' switch on the D800+ and the HPF especially were worth the upgrade for me). The 'baked in' tone of the Two10 cabs (and I assume the OneTen and the others) is very nice to my ears. There's tons of treble if you want it, but it is hard to get it to sound brittle and ugly, and the bottom end is big and strong but tight and it doesn't get boomy easily. They're great for lazy people like me who wants to find a good sound quickly without much fuss. I've used the Mesa + Two10 combination (one or two cabs, depending) quite a bit by now, and they've never made me doubt my choice.

That's dirty? I won't show you mine then

I've used the Elacin ones, another similar ones by a brand I forget, I've got custom moulded ACS ones... but the ones I use 99% of the times are the Flare Isolates. On paper they were not convincing to me but my guitarist liked them and decided to have a go. They work best for me, especially in very loud environments.

I'm confused... my comments were based on my experience of a D800 I borrowed and a D800+ that I own: I already own a D800+! edit: I see, the comment wasn't for me! As you were...

[quote name='Woodinblack' timestamp='1510252774' post='3405102'] True, but luckily his money was safe in a tax haven, so he can raise awareness so that poorer people can pay for schools and hospitals [/quote] That's a bit like complaining that in a charity gig the band gets paid and they have the audacity to mention the charity and encouraging people to donate...

[quote name='Woodinblack' timestamp='1510218032' post='3404653'] Having to play some dreary blues in our set, are you *sure* he overrun and it didn't just feel like it? [/quote] !!!!!!!!

[quote name='Al Krow' timestamp='1510190628' post='3404598'] The EQ on the D800+ does look amazing and it's clearly a step up from the D800 (which is reflected in the D800 being 20% cheaper). But does the D800 series come anywhere close to capturing the gorgeous Mesa 'sound' epitomised by their MX-Carbine series? If it does, then this model (together with the Trickfish Bulhead 1K and Genzler Magellan 800) definitely needs to be added to a 'best of' shortlist. [/quote] I'm not familiar with the Carbine amps, but over at TalkBass some seem to think it gets close enough. The D800 is a little 'dark' by default. The D800+ has a bright switch that I always have engaged. I find it sounds nicer if I end up cutting some high end either at my bass or amp's EQ than trying to boost things using the D800. I've had many positive comments from sound people while using the D800+, both DI'd and when using the Barefaced Two10 cabs. Our trombone player loves bass and the first time I showed up with the D800+ plus Two10s he kept looking back at the amp and at one point he was playing with his back to the audience right in front of my amp, immersed in bass and looking happy He was later asking me what I did different to other times because he was absolutely loving the bass (He's very experienced, been around in many bands since the early 80s. He was in the Dexys Midnight Runners back in the day and has stayed playing live since... so he's heard his share of bass amps)

[quote name='CameronJ' timestamp='1509789271' post='3401610'] And the Maruszczyks are (IMO) much better looking and potentially better made! That Warwick bag is comedy pricing at its finest. [/quote] Agreed. When it comes to gig bags, I prefer something like the Fusion F1 or Urban. All the comfort of a good rucksack, but with tons of protection for your instrument and pockets for cables, accessories etc. They're something like £130-40 but well worth it in my opinion. Very well made.

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1509788879' post='3401599'] A recently engaged friend has asked me to recommend a band for their wedding. He says that the ones they have checked out online are quite cheesy, citing Bruno Mars as the apparent benchmark for cheese. The couple are more into the indie band thing (he's also partial to a bit of reggae/ska), but still want the place to feel like a party. Nottingham area DJ already booked Not sure whether PA is provided, but I'm assuming not Any guidance/suggestions please? [/quote] There must be quite a few bands in the area that meet the criteria. I'd also choose a 'normal' band over a 'wedding band' at my wedding as I'd like it to be more a party than a night down at the pub... Both my main bands (one originals ska/funk/somethingoranother, and another 50/50 originals/covers ska/reggae) have played similar wedding parties and a few stag/hen parties too. I'd volunteer as we're no strangers to travelling but I am sure you will find other bands closer to you that you can check out live well in advance to make sure they're a good fit. It depends a lot on what kind of party they want. If it's mostly family with no particular interest in live music, then a classic wedding band would be more fun FOR THEM but if you have a good amount of friends with whom I presume you do share a love for parties and live music, then a party band sounds like a great idea

[quote name='Al Krow' timestamp='1509784088' post='3401555'] But with due respect to Alex, he's unlikely to be recommending a Berg, TKS or Vanderkley I suspect I'm sure you'll have already seen the [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/308403-vanderkley-are-better-than-barefaced-cabs-right/"]BF vs VK thread[/url] and some very useful comments in that also. [/quote] That was an interesting read, but there was no comparison to the BF "Ten" series which I think should not be ignored. I personally prefer the BF Two10 (or a pair of them) to the 12" speaker based offerings (owned a pair of BB2 at one point, plus tried the supermidget and owned a Compact too for a couple of years) or the VdK 210s or the TKS 1226 cabs I also used to own. I like their sound first, and size/weight are just a bonus.

a pair of BF Two10... Very easy to carry, loud and great sound.

Yes: my 2002 MM Stingray.

[quote name='EBS_freak' timestamp='1509630547' post='3400434'] Yes - they went to Paul at the Custom IEM Company - he deals with it all and they get reshelled in good ole Florida at Inearz. They have done a great job and the whole process was hassle free. [/quote] Very tempted to get mine done. I find getting the right tips for fit and isolation is crucial, and can't get better fit than going for a reshell I guess.

Best: Mesa D800+ with a pair of Barefaced Two10 cabs. I love that amplifier. I love those cabs. Together they're fantastic. Worse: Boss CEB-3 chorus It just sounds so weak and meh...

Play the harmonic, then press string down and slide. On fretless the harmonic 'character' is preserved very well, on a fretted bass you lose most of it but can still hear it... however it's nothing as clear as the way it sounds on a fretless.

[quote name='SpondonBassed' timestamp='1509126285' post='3396890'] [attachment=256364:SetListOct17.png] ...in no particular order. [/quote] You've got "I wish", "Sir Duke", "Roxanne" and "Dancing in the moonlight" (Thin Lizzy's I hope?)... I'm happy.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1509294075' post='3397858'] [url="https://m.facebook.com/LegacyLichfield/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=1"]https://m.facebook.c...ternal&mt_nav=1[/url] Bit of double bass fun! [/quote] that looks fun indeed!

[quote name='SpondonBassed' timestamp='1509122078' post='3396854'] Okay. But if you start garnishing it with stuff like toasted quinoa or owt like that you're out on your ear. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBYjZTdrJlA[/media] [/quote] You've got a deal then. What's the set list?

[quote name='SpondonBassed' timestamp='1509082611' post='3396453'] If you come with your own nutmeg grater, sure. Heeheehee [size=3](Don't tell them on the [i]Join My Band[/i] topic but I've just re-subscribed to that service and will be recruiting soon)[/size] [/quote] ugh... nutmeg... Hmmm... would you take black pepper? I don't do blues or nutmeg... unless the pay is very good, then I do (almost) anything

[quote name='Woodinblack' timestamp='1509055241' post='3396405'] Also an audition works both ways, its not just for the group to decide if the auditioned is good enough / right fit, its also for the auditioner to check out the band. If a guitarist decides the band are not good enough for them, that is just as much of a good outcome. Certainly if I went to an audition and they thought I overplayed, then it would be good to be knocked back as I wouldn't want to be in a group where I was being pushed down, I would never be a good fit. But if you aren't accepted or kicked out, then leave it and move on to the next thing! [/quote] Exactly. I've been to auditions where I got offered the part and I declined. Not necessarily because they weren't good enough, but because either I got a personal vibe that I didn't like, or I just didn't think it was what I wanted to play after all... so I didn't think they were suitable for me, I declined, and that's it... we both keep looking, nobody dies, no big deal.

[quote name='Beedster' timestamp='1509045610' post='3396322'] Possibly, I think it's an issue of 'technically good' versus 'musically good', but that's another story of course [/quote] That's another thing that sometimes happens. I have a friend who can play very complicated things on his guitar. But when it comes to joining others, he just can't do it. He sounds contrived and mechanical... but the thing is the guy knows a lot, and has the technical ability, but I think he is just used to copying other people's work without really absorbing the material. I've tried to encourage him to just join bands, as I think once he loosens up he could potentially be very good... but he's not comfortable and prefers to just play at home.

[quote name='SpondonBassed' timestamp='1509025120' post='3396124'] Microwave popcorn? Feck that! In my band we pop corn over nicely overdriven valve heads in lidded pans with a little peanut oil and serve with melted butter and a touch of nutmeg while the guitarist tunes all five of his axes and arranges his pedals in a pretty daisy chain. That's got to be on my rider before I'll even look at your band. [/quote] Oh! can *I* join your band then???

[quote name='EliasMooseblaster' timestamp='1509021797' post='3396088'] His name isn't the same as a geographical feature which might be found above a beach or coastline, is it? Yeah, the Ian Siegal story should be taken with a pinch of salt as I got it second-hand from a friend, who'd was already hanging around the London blues jam circuit back when Ian was still hosting one of the more popular ones. Apparently this guitarist (let's call him Geographical Feature) was a regular and notorious over-player at this jam. One night, Ian put a new punter up to play guitar alongside Geographical, and the new punter assumed that the other players might be as polite as he was, and would solo for one or two turnarounds before passing over to somebody else. Not Geographical. In the time it took for the V7 chord to resolve to the root, his face apparently went from full-on lead guitar gurn to shocked and appalled as this greenhorn started to play - didn't he realise that Geographical was entitled to at least four turnarounds to fully express his musical vision? After the set, Geographical dragged this poor chap outside to remonstrate with him. Word got around to Ian that things seemed to be kicking off, and he thought it best to come to the new punter's aid. My friend happened to be near the door when Ian stormed back in. "You will not BELIEVE what that ***** said to me." Ian fumed to him. My friend invited Ian to indulge his curiosity. "He said, 'all these new people are just tourists. I'm a bluesman.'" Geographical nipped back in, avoiding any eye contact, packed up his guitar and scarpered. My friend believed that Ian had told the guy to sling his hook before he thumped him. So yeah, even though I wasn't there to witness things first-hand, I found myself on Ian's side too. Especially any time I bumped into Geographical playing at another blues jam. [/quote] oh wait... you mean first name or surname? The surname might just fit! Can't be... 5 letter first name, 6 letter surname?