mcnach

[quote name='LawrenceH' post='967845' date='Sep 25 2010, 06:04 PM']I find the black beauty coating very robust playing both fingerstyle and slap. It wears down on the bit that contacts the frets (which you don't see) but I haven't noticed any flaking and after a good 8 or 9 months I'm still happy with the feel and tone of them on my jazz, and I really don't like dead strings. A pick would probably be a bit much for them though.[/quote]

I used the black and the blue ones.
They wear out at the fret contacts very slightly only. Slowly. I found they wear out a lot more on the areas where I hit/pluck/pop strings (fingerstyle only) but it takes a while. However the strings retain brightness for longer than normal strings, so they stayed on for longer too. Those areas will not look luminous anymore, but I don't think it'd look bad.
No noticeable flaking.

bada-bump!

[quote name='Musicman20' post='966470' date='Sep 24 2010, 10:25 AM']It might be just me being picky. Im sure I can get used to it if I used a Jazz bass and nothing else for a few weeks.

At the moment im switching between 4s, 5s, and all different neck profiles.[/quote]


I think you would get used to it if you tried. You may still prefer other necks, but you can get to feel at home enough to play without problem.

I'm not a big guy either, and I started out on Jazz type basses... but then I moved to bigger necks, and especially my fat-profile Warwicks. Then I found a sweet Ibanez SR400 and I thought the neck was very nice, slim, sounded great... but after playing for a while i'd feel my hands getting uncomfortable. I'd rather play the warwick or a Stingray thana thin-necked SR400 or a Jazz... I also thought it was odd, as I assumed smaller hands meant a thin neck would be more comfy.

What I then noticed was that I was pressing too hard on the strings and had a strong grip. I think the fatter necks helped me with posture when pressing too hard, and the thinner necks revealed what I was doing.

I simply tried to use less strength, and relax my hands more, be smoother...
Whilst I still employ a grip-of-death if I'm tense or practicing something I have trouble with... in general I play with a softer grip, and that has helped me play better on any neck. Thin, fat, 4 or 5 string... I still prefer bigger necks, but I played on Wednesday a gig with my Jazz and it felt fine.

So, I'd say that switching basses frequently helps being "versatile", feeling at home soon with any kind of bass. But checking how much strength you're using and consciously working towards relaxing and not being to strong-gripped might be an important factor as well.

I've never seen you play, so I'm not saying this will apply to you, or anyone else, automatically... but it's just something I noticed about what I was doing. Maybe I'm not the only one.

single MM by the bridge...

or a twin J-bass type... mostly to use the bridge alone, and sometimes both together.

Well, received my Boss OC3 and the MXR BOD the same day.

First impressions... I love the look of the MXR. And anything with blue leds gets bonus points as far as I'm concerned

Plugging in... they're so different!!!!

I like the tweakability of the OC3, and the drive option can be very nice... although I can always use an overdrive plus standard octave for that... but nevertheless, it's nice. Tracking is not so great once you start going low. Ok for short notes, but if you sustain a low note... Still, it's a great sounding pedal and I like it like it like it. I came up with a couple of great riffs with this pedal already.

The MXR is less in your face, but tracks better and sounds more "organic". Can't tweak as much, but it gives you the right controls to create a good solid fat octave sound that cuts through. Oh, and it's blue... and has blue leds, did I mention that already?

Although perhaps less versatile, I think I'm leaning towards the MXR.
The OC3... I may keep, just because I can get a couple of fantastic sounds out of it and the drive option is quite cool... but at the same time Octave is not a type of effect I use a lot, so I might just sell it on to someone who would actually use it, and use the cash towards something more useful for me.

Hmmm... decisions, decisions... both have really cool sounds!

bumpityzzzrgggghhhhhwop!

and a 48h bump?

[quote name='krispn' post='963480' date='Sep 21 2010, 04:21 PM']Yeah I just saw a poster for the SeaBass Kid gig today up in Morningside and was wondering who they were. Strange coincidence that!


OK well if we can tie things up early at the WRB I might grab the band and hut Bannermans - we love a bit of Classic 90's!

Good luck with the gigs!

g[/quote]


Well, if you do make it to Bannermans, make sure you come over and say hi!

Have a good one!

[quote name='GarethFlatlands' post='963381' date='Sep 21 2010, 03:04 PM']Filling the slots with veneers and a setup too I think. I deleted the email as my MOT is coming up and the bass needs some more remedial work before I can use it again anyway.[/quote]


that's not bad. I'd happily pay that to not deal with the hassle and ensure it looks good in the end.

bumpity bump

[quote name='krispn' post='962617' date='Sep 20 2010, 07:34 PM']tell me about it!

had a guy very recently tell me that he wasn't micing the bass amp - a 65w monster- but that it was ok as none of the amps were mic'd.

After sound check and right before the gig I saw that the guitar amps were mic'd but not the bass amp nor was it D.I.'d and the sound man thought this was ok a 65w practice amp on stage with full drums, two guitar amps and all the rest.

Make ya wanna weep.

I'll be sure and bring the ampeg 410 to sneakys so I can be heard either way.

Cheers for the heads up and if you're in town come down and say hello or make it to the wee red bar on the 25th for cheap booze and some killer tunes from J!PA

G[/quote]


The question is not volume, the question is the guy just doesn't care about what you want... and has an attitude about it.

I won't make it to the Wee Red Bar, as I'm playing two gigs that night... first at cabaret Voltaire playing with Seabass Kid, and later at Bannermans with the Richt Hoat Chillis (RHCP tribute). Actually Bannermans should be quite cool as we're playing with Rage, a really good RATM tribute...

But I just might make it to the Sneaky Pete's one with other band mates, seeing whether as "civilians" we can contribute to the demise of the sound guy. It's a nice place if someone else runs the sound... time to rise and claim back our venues!!!


By the way... 65W, no DI, no mic... that's like being on Top of the pops! Miming!
I hope at least you used the opportunity to use your best poses for the photographs!

[quote name='danny-79' post='962536' date='Sep 20 2010, 06:57 PM']You say that you run yours on a single 9V how long do you get out of the battery compared to the stock pre amp ? and have you heard of anybody who runs them on 2 ? or is there no need, much work involved in fitting them ?
Really don't no that much (if anything) about them so as much info as you guys got much appreciated [/quote]

I forgot to reply about this!

I don't know how long the batterly lasts, on the JE, original, or the SD I have on one of my OLPs... they last months of regular use, for sure. I check it with a multimeter sometimes... I know that by the time it measures 8.4V on my Warwick Corvette $$ it sounds bad. But that's the thing, it does't sudenly die, you'll hear sound degradation, so you can change the battery before the bass is unusable. I tend to change battery every 6-8months just to be on the safe side (for a bass I use everyday... for others I may leave them on well over a year), although when I have a bypass switch (the Stingray now, and my Warwick) I don't worry so much, because in case of trouble I can get by in passive mode. If I have an important gig I'll probably change the battery if it's been already a few months, just to have peace of mind.

Batteries last a long time... and an 18V one won't last any longer, unless you hook the two 9V batteries in parallel... but then it's not 18V anymore, but 9V...
The choice between 18V and 9V will be based on sonic differences... if you can tell the difference. I'm happy with 9V.

The JE preamps are dead easy to fit. All the work has been done for you.

[quote name='danny-79' post='962536' date='Sep 20 2010, 06:57 PM']Hi
Just read through the linked posted and just to clarify, you put the JE pre into your EB Stingray not the OLP (pretty sure thats correct)
Out of the three pre-amps that are listed on the page on the link i put in the opening post which one did you chose and how did you decide ?
I no that a two band and a three band Ray both sound totally different and with them stock you cant get one out of the other but with the pre amp that I'm looking at (the four band, volume - treble - stacked mids - bass) it can bee tweaked to sound like either and possibly something else.

You say that you run yours on a single 9V how long do you get out of the battery compared to the stock pre amp ? and have you heard of anybody who runs them on 2 ? or is there no need, much work involved in fitting them ?
Really don't no that much (if anything) about them so as much info as you guys got much appreciated [/quote]


Yes, I installed it into my Stingray. Although I do have the very one you quote (4 knob) too, in my drawer... it was meant for an OLP, but with my imminent acquisition of a MM SUB5, I think it'll probablygo there instead.

As far as I can tell, all the SR preamps are the same... they're based on the 2EQ, plus a mid-sweep module if you go for the 3-band options. In other words, the JE 3-band is not like the Stingray's 3EQ and will not sound like it... it'll sound like a 2EQ with extra "tweakability". So the choice is purely how many knobs you want. I went for the 3 knob one because I didn't want to drill a side hole on my Stingray. I got the 4-knob one for my OLP because... that's the version I found for sale on the for-sale section of basschat!

Ah, there's another difference between teh 3 and 4 knob one... bear in mind I haven't yet installed the 4-knob one, but as far as I can tell, the 4-knob one have separate bass and treble controls, neither of which have a centre detent: like the original 2EQ. However the 3 knob version have stacked bass/treble, and that one DOES have centre detent positions, although they do not entirely correspond to a flat position (I asked JE to put a bypass switch too, so I was able to tell the difference).

On that thread quoted I went on about it enough so I won't repeat myself

I run mine on 9V.

The difference with a 3EQ is that with the mids set flat, the bass/treble are very very close to the 2EQ sound but -in my opinion- a bit more "tight" on the lows, less boomy. Then the mids are very useful because with the sweep frequency control you can home in the exact frequcny you need to boost or cut... simply boost or cut to max, and scan for the sweet/offending frequency, and readjust level of cut/boost knob as desired.

The bass/treble controls on a 3EQ are set differently from a 2EQ, as far as I can tell... so they sound different. No better, no worse, just different.

I agree about the pickup thing.

If you wanted to max your return, you might do better if you source some Squier pickups on eBay (very cheap!) and sell the bass with them, and then the SD pickups separately. Although the difference may not be that huge and you may think it's too much hassle...

[quote name='EskimoBassist' post='962462' date='Sep 20 2010, 05:39 PM']I own the BSW and the OC-3 and have tried out the MXR. I think you'll find you might prefer the MXR, although I'm a strong supporter of the OC-3. Although I barely use it, the drive function is quite nice. It's just a good, precise digital pedal, much more control than the BSW. Tbh though, bang for buck, it's hard to beat the BSW![/quote]

I'll report back what I prefer (and the non-winner will be up for grabs )

I agree, the BSW is a great pedal. It does a lot of crazy yet useful sounds... and have you tried it with guitar? I love it! In fact I had the guitar version too and sold it because I prefer the bass one on guitar!

[quote name='hagguy' post='962331' date='Sep 20 2010, 04:02 PM']Can't believe a warwick $$ is at
the £ 400 mark I've got a jazzman coming
tomorrow or I'd be after this shame it doesn't have frets
though, my esp has an ebony board and its quality
bet this is more of the same, if your open to trades I've loads of gear you can take your pick from.[/quote]


If I weren't getting this MM SUB5 next week, the Warwick would be mine. I have a fretted Corvette $$ and would love a fretless. I can't believe nobody has snatched it yet!

beauty.

in excellent condition, light home use. I just have no use for it.

Two synth types plus auto-wah. The synth types are more of the fat/distorted types (think Muse-ish) than electronic/dance type of synth noises.

Looking for £50

[quote name='krispn' post='954311' date='Sep 13 2010, 07:45 AM']Greetings!

The elusive Jump: Press A are playing as part of the Freshers week programme in Edinburgh Uni this Tuesday, 14th September at 11pm.

If you have friends or family at Ed Uni let them know Edinburgh 'Angry Pop' exponents will be bringing it for their listening and dancing pleasure.

Our world tour of Edinburgh continues with the following dates:

25 Sep 2010 20:00 - Wee Red Bar Edinburgh

15 Oct 2010 19:00 - Sneaky Pete's Edinburgh

31 Oct 2010 19:30 - Cabaret Voltaire Edinburgh



Read more: [url="http://www.myspace.com/jumppressa"]http://www.myspace.com/jumppressa[/url][/quote]


whilst you are at Sneaky Pete's, please kick the "sound man"s arse for me, please...

or... nah... just wait until you're there and you'd want to do it for yourself. Single most arrogant useless piece of **** (fill in with your favourite filth) in the sound engineer business. He is utterly useless. I've seen him tellin off the bass player in one band during sound check because he dared change the amp settings...
This is sound check... he's dialling the sound he wanted for the gig (the cab mas mic'd)... he ended up playing with the sound the UP* had selected in the amp before his arrival. what makes it worse is his tone.
I can't believe the same guy is still there, I keep hearing stories...

It's a pity, because it's a nice little venue.

[quote name='Sharkfinger' post='869103' date='Jun 16 2010, 02:51 PM']Firstly, I had no idea what the problem was when I sent it in. Clearly, it was not obvious from looking at it so it couldn't have had that much spilt on it.[/quote]

maybe not


[quote name='Sharkfinger' post='869103' date='Jun 16 2010, 02:51 PM']Secondly, I wanted to post this as a warning to others of what to expect should a spillage occur, which I think is par for the course when gigging.[/quote]

yes, and no.
Yes, when gigging in most small venues, and pubs etc... there's often "liquid refreshment" around. It can get to your pedals. Maybe. It is *your* responsibility to take care of your own gear, however.

I have suffered spillage on my pedalboard once. And it was my fault because I was not careful enough. I don't allow drinks on my amp or near my electronic gear. If anybody has a problem with that they can pay me a deposit for the full cost of replacement of my gear... or put their drinks elsewhere.
Accidents do occur, I accept that. But having beer spilled onstage should not be a norm, rather a very odd exception. If it is the norm... then I'm not playing there... or I'll play my cheapest bass direct into the cheapest amp that'll do the job and no more.

It's your responsibility to look after your own stuff.


[quote name='Sharkfinger' post='869103' date='Jun 16 2010, 02:51 PM']Thirdly and most importantly, I expect something I've paid good money for to be able to cope with the environment for which it was made, which I don't think is an unfair expectation. It's by no means the cheapest floor tuner out there.[/quote]

I expect it to withstand heavy stomping. Which it does very well.
I do not agree about the beer being part of the "environment", as I stated above.


[quote name='Sharkfinger' post='869103' date='Jun 16 2010, 02:51 PM']Stylon Pilson and Dubs, in my defence you don't know the tone the news was relayed to me in. I'm a pretty laid back guy and it takes a lot for me to have a moan like this. In fact, I've never given a bad review for anything.

Yes; they did fix it so I'm grateful I don't have to shell out for a new tuner but it was made very clear that it was done begrudgingly and that's what set me off. I remind you I had to draw their attention to the 3 year warranty period they clearly advertise in the first place.[/quote]


Re: tone... I'd be with you. There's never an excuse for treating the customer badly.
But regarding the warranty... any warranty assumes a minimum of care from the owner... if I run over it with a tank I will not get a replacement even if it still has 3 years minus one day warranty left. Pedals are not water proof, unless stated so (any?) Some may be more resistant than others due to their design. I'd imaginemost are pretty durable unless you actualy submerge them... but that's not what they're designed for. I don't think their position was unreasonable, and you are lucky they repaired it for you.

Also, if we want to be picky, any electronic bit of equipment I buy comes with a boring leaflet/page I never read anymore, stating it should not be operated in damp conditions, the temperature limits etc etc... so if they wanted to they'd use that to declare warranty void without having to claim negligence on your part.

Bottom line: beer and electronics don't mix - look after your own equipment 'cos nobody else will!

neck/body pocket fit is one issue.

The 20/21 fret thing, may not be an issue at all 'though. Sometimes the necks are pretty much identical, just that the fingreboard is slightly longer to acommodate the extra fret... If that's teh case, your only concern is that the neck fits well into the existing body pocket.

[quote name='pandathe3' post='957833' date='Sep 15 2010, 11:10 PM']Hi there, for my next project i plan to purchase an OLP MM2 and change out the internals.

The planned pickup thats going in there is a kent armstrong.

Do you think i could fit a small preamp in that cavity or would i need too route it out? Id be looking at maybe those sabre remakes on the 'bay or kentarmstrong. It would also be 2eq.

If not, what sort of options do i have passively?

I dont want the option of coil splitting, but just a Master volume, push/pull pot for series/parrallel.

But what after this? Just a tone control, too roll off highs?

Is the any way i could CUT a certain frequency of choice (400/800hz) via a 2way switch?

Cheers![/quote]


You may be able to fit a preamp in the cavity, but they tend to be pretty tight so you *may* need to shave off a bit of wood from the sides of the cavity.
You won't be able to fit the battery inside 'though, so you'll have to create a cavity for it. It would be relatively simple to carve some wood under the scratchplate to fit it there (they last months and months, so no need to have easy access) or best to route a small cavity on the back, and use something like the 9V battery boxes from Gotoh (same ones fitted on Stingrays, at least on my 2002 one!), because they work well, and ou don't need to be very careful: the edge of teh box will cover 2-3mm around the edge hiding the cut edge.

I like the John East preamps a lot. They'll be an easy fit too. Not the cheapest 'though.
I also have a Seymour Duncan 3-band one which is quite good too.

The 2EQ ones you can sometimes find on eBay are supposed to be pretty good (like the original). Or you can build your own. Check out the Talkbass forum for a thread discussing the ins and outs. Cheap. You may be able to get a printed board there, so all you'd need would be the cheap components. I have a board from that thread, I just haven't got around to build it.

[quote name='pete.young' post='952515' date='Sep 11 2010, 10:00 AM']+1 to that, I had one which tracked at least as well as my EBS, though it sounded ... different.[/quote]


I have a Digitech SynthWah and I quite like the octave effect, although as far as octave pedals go, it's pretty limited. Great pedal, overall, 'though.

Because I wanted something more, I just bought a Boss OC3 and the more recent MXR 288, so I can compare them side by side... we'll see.

[quote name='billphreets' post='959573' date='Sep 17 2010, 03:45 PM']but its digital![/quote]


when all the argument presented is this... there's no more argument


I can't care less about what technology is being used. If a pedal is made of potatoes and it sounds good... then it sounds good. Even if they're digital potatoes.

[quote name='King Tut' post='954267' date='Sep 13 2010, 01:44 AM']I get on well with the Digitech Bass Synth Wah. I use setting 2 (sub envelope follower I think). Alien on here(effects moderator) likes the sound of it!

Col[/quote]


I love the Digitech Synthwah, although as an envelope filter is a bit "meh", I feel. But then again I didn't get along with the DOD FX-25B I once had.

I own two envelope filters at the moment: an EHX micro Q-tron, and a MXR auto-Q. I like the auto-Q most of all. It's very versatile and it has this other "shimmering" effect you can blend which can be pretty cool.