malcolm.mcintyre

...are you using both of the Shadow pick-ups? Might be worth trying unplugging each in turn from the Shadow pre-amp while playing. I was amazed how much the sound improved when I unplugged the E-string bridge foot.

Thanks. The Shadow comes with a little battery powered pre-amp attached to the bass strings below the bridge. Would you take the output from that to a better pre-amp, or actually replace it?

I am new to DB playing, but already have some gig work on the horizon, so need to amplify. Have fitted a Shadow piezo p/u under the bridge. Firstly, I found it sounded much better with just one of the transducers in place (under the bridge's G string foot). With a piezo under both feet the sound was more nasal, almost like a phase cancelling effect. The sound from the p/u will do, but I'm sure could be much improved. The DB is an old no-name east european thing which I picked up for 35 quid in a junk shop. I've had it; fingerboard skimmed, set up and a new bridge made by the great Roger Dawson. New d'Addario strings. It's accoustic tone is pretty restrained and lacking sustain on the lower strings, which I suspect is due to my poor technique and instrument quality in equal measure. Is there a processor, e.g. SansAmp or something, which might extract a nice amplified acoustic DB sound for me? I am using a Little Mark III and Mark Bass 1x12 for portability 'cos the bass fills up the rest of my car!

[quote name='BurritoBass' post='1114145' date='Feb 3 2011, 05:06 PM']I too would go for a MIJ / CIJ 62RI. I wouldn't say they are necessarily better than the US but the quality is comparable BUT at a fraction of the price.[/quote] Thanks, that would mean direct import from Japan?

A life-long (well since 1980) pre-EB Stingray player, I have succumbed to the attractions (i.e. regular good gigs) of playing in a 60's Stax tribute band. So, I need some authentic P-bass (or possibly J-bass) looks and sounds now. I like a quality instrument so willing to spend what it takes to get a good one, but remained unconvinced by paying huge sums for a genuine 60's instument. So, looking for a top-flight clone e.g. Lakland, Sadowsky, Fender Custom Shop. But all these require importing from the US with the resulting import and tax penalties. Would you go for a UK builder and if so who?

Has anyone here bought a USA Lakland direct and had it sent to the UK? How were Lakland to deal with? How long did it take? Did Lakland sort out the carriage? Did Customs charge you, and how much? Very tempted to go down this route, but would like a bit of reassurance from someone who has done it. thanks

I completely endorse what was said before about the SVT-3 needing to see 4 Ohms in the speakers. Used one for years and it just sounds congested and restrained into 8 Ohms, but exeptional into 4 Ohms. Loudness is, of course, determined by the efficiency of the speaker, not their impedance, but the amp can deliver more when seeing a lower impedance.

I have used an SVT-3 Pro for years. My main advice would be to go for a 4 Ohm cab if you want a one cab option, as this amp really sounds a lot better into the lower impedance, (as well as being louder). The best sounding 2x10 that I have found is the Eden D 210 XLT. Quite weighty, but up to almost any size of venue with proper low bass sound.

Wow, spoilt for choice. Thanks for the advice guys. I must try to get better at using the search function, never seems to work for me.

Anybody know of a place willing to make one-off covers for cabs?

My stage amp is an Aguilar DB751, but I don't like carting that upstairs much either. For rehearsal I use an Ampeg SVT 3, but again could go for a Fisher Price, sorry I mean Markbass, tiny thing for rehearsal only.

My aching back and a change to a rehearsal room upstairs with no lift, has forced me to reluctantly look at lightweight cabs. I wasn't using monsters anyway, just a pair of Eden D210 XLTs, which I considered pretty modest, but they weigh in at 68lbs each, which is too much up a twisty staircase, with no room for two people. I'll continue to use them for gigs though, mainly because they both fit in my convertible car, and changing cars wastes more money than changing cabs, and they sound pretty good to me even on a big stage. Just for rehearsal I was thinking of going really small, like a 1x12. MarkBass seem to make the lightest 1x12, but I'm surprised to see no real support for them here, even though they were early into the mini-rig scene. What's wrong with MarkBass?

there has been a bit of talk about carrying guitars undeclared through Customs and avoiding duty. I know the penalty if stopped is an extra 100 percent of the duty owing, but I was told they can confiscate the bass as well? Even if the duty is avoided "by accident" by the importer, they can still impose a penalty of about 50 percent extra duty.

[quote name='Musicman20' post='922361' date='Aug 12 2010, 09:37 AM']They will deal with you direct for USA models. [/quote] Thanks for that. I'm in Florida for the next few weeks, so hopefully can try a few there, then order what I want when I get back. I have bought a guitar in the USA and flown it back with me, but found it quite a bit of bother for not a great saving (unless you plan to sneak through Customs, which I was too cowardly to try).

My pre EB (natural finish/maple neck) has a quiet G, but you just learn to hit it harder, or use the other strings more. Also, as suggested above, use at least a 45 on the G (if you can find one to fit the length).

Well I can't find a dealer in the UK that stocks any USA Laklands, so I doubt if I'll ever see one of these in the flesh. Anyone know of a dealer with USA Laklands?

Now that we can expect a rash of Stingray Classics with through-body stringing, I hope we might see increased availability of stings which fit. I have always ( well since 1980) used a pre-Ernie Stingray, but finding the right length stings has been difficult. For example Rotosound longs are too short (unless you trim the silk), but extra-longs are too long. I have been using d'Addario XLR extra-longs, which fit fine, but they have discontinued may favoured 45-105s, so I have had to move to lighter 45-100s. Lets hope Ernie's new Classics sell enough for the string manufactures to get interested.