mcgraham

I think if you've already got a Little Phatty as a dedicated bassist then I agree you'd have a hard time justifying another 450 or so for a dedicated bass module. That said, the Minitaur does what it does SO well it's more or less slated my lust for a more full-featured synth. I've mounted mine on a microphone stand using an ipad clamp, and I have my McMillen 12 step at my feet for controlling it. I do like using a keyboard with it, but generally it sounds best (to my ears) doing biiiiig held notes and tweaking the knobs to coax different timbres out of it, OR sequenced lines. While I've practiced playing sequenced lines using a keyboard, it's not quite as satisfying as using pre-prepared sequences and knob tweaking from there.

Sometime 2013, Google is your friend.

Yes. For bass, wholeheartedly. Nothing like it for its size. Beautiful bass sound. For general synth purposes, less so. It is range limited to C5 due to its voltage architecture. If you want big bass, no range limits, and a keyboard, you're better off with the new Sub Phatty.

I'd opt for one like the Novation Impulse keyboard range. You can use a USB to Mini-usb cable with (e.g.) an iPod plug to power the keyboard (it's powered via USB, normally only from a computer), run Midi to the Minitaur, then assign particular knobs/buttons on the controller to the underthehood features of the Minitaur. E.g. knobs assigned to external input level, beat frequency of VCO2, or buttons to provide tap tempo to the LFO, or turn note sync on/off, or set different buttons to different rhythmic values of the LFO frequency relative to the tempo. At the very least, you'll want extra knobs/buttons to access hidden functions.

Sonuus B2M would do it. I've not tried one myself but it would allow you to track the pitch of your bass and turn it into MIDI information, which can control the notes played by the Minitaur. Meant to be some tracking issues or latency though. You can also run your bass through the external input on the Minitaur, but you can only use the filter (not the filter envelope) and a note needs to have been triggered by something to open the filter for you. In short, you are probably better off getting an external keyboard.

[quote name='Dread Bass' timestamp='1362248256' post='1997585'] I can get a Precision sound from my ACGs fairly easily. My ACGs will always be my go to basses but i think its the simplicity of the the p bass I am drawn to. I have had a search about and i was surprised you cant get a lefty squier p bass. You can get one with a Jazz pickup at the bridge nut i don't want that. I think i am going to take a punt on one of those kits. [/quote] Simplicity for the one. This is what I love about my fretless W&T. Whilst it isn't a P-bass, having only one pickup forces you to get sounds just from the way you play the thing.

Thanks BRX. I don't see any keyboard/gear stands on there? Is it just a one-off custom order they do?

I'm doing some work on my rig for a conference gig, and am trying to work out a system to provide me with flexible access to my Minitaur. Basically it's a microphone stand with the boom at full extension and a panel on the end for the Minitaur to sit on. When I want it, I swing the boom over my pedalboard and foot controller for easy tweaking, when I don't want it I just pivot it off to one side. Brilliant! HOWEVER! Now I've started thinking about it, this also makes it mighty convenient for (e.g.) keyboards, computers, other devices, that as a guitarist or bassist you sometimes need unhindered access to, and other times it IS the thing causing the hindering. While the mic stand is strong enough/weighted right for a small module, it's not enough for all that other gear... So, my question is, does anyone know if a stand exists that is a like a freestanding pillar with a pivotable boom arm capable of taking a reasonable amount of weight. Kind of like those computer display pivots you get for work. Would LOVE to find out if this is possible, even if it's expensive, as it would make an exceptional live workstation for stuff I do.

After playing at church this AM and going with no effects but with my Minitaur and 12 step foot controller, it reminded me how much better a 'dry' bass sound cuts through, even if delay sounds wicked in isolation or in controlled environments. As such, I've dropped the TC Flashback from the bass effects board and downsized to my Pedaltrain Nano. [attachment=127953:BDVFjKvCQAEqQ4J.jpg-large.jpeg] Going to be giving Dan at the Gigrig a call to discuss a Quartermaster 4, as I don't like how even a few pedals seems to 'cloud' my clean direct tone. It WAS going to be a Midi8 for my Minitaur but I've solved a lot of questions there and so it'll likely be a Quartermaster for size and flexibility reasons.

REM - It's the end of the world as we know it (and I feel fine) Goo Goo Dolls - I don't want the world to see me Just a suggestion...

My Wood&tronics Klimt hasn't been out of its case for a gig, or even more than 10 minute noodle over my fretless Zoid for about 4 years. The Zoid is just that good, and I am that much of a one bass person. Both would work fine. I just prefer the fretless for everything I do.

Mostly good interactions here. Never had to wait long periods for anything when bought, and never had a situation where someone I truly expected to follow through on a purchase did not do so. Questions regarding items are expected, but like an earlier poster, I don't consider something sold til I have the readies. We all want to pretend we're mates on here, and to some extent some of us are, but fundamentally the only way the transaction will complete is if both parties part with something. Regarding people who ask things for layaway/on hold til payment, the answer is always no unless I have some good history with the person. Promises are easy. And (IMO) if you're serious enough to make a genuine promise you intend to follow through on, you should be serious enough to action it in a timely manner. The 'I'm a student, need 3 weeks'... response would be 'If it's still here in 3 weeks and you have the cash please do get in touch' Money where mouth is. Quid pro quo. All that stuff.

Yup. Songwriting is a lot of fun. I'm signed up to FAWM - February Album Writing Month - which involves writing 14 songs in 28 days/February. lots of fun! www.fawm.org I've also got a few blog articles on songwriting on my website, which are practical and easy to implement ways I've found that help to write better songs and become a more skilled songwriter - www.markjwgraham.co.uk/blog/articles