danhkr

I know they used to make the SVT classic head in the USA before shifting production to Korea (and/or maybe Vietnam?), but I was told they've gone back to making them in the states. Anyone know if this is true, doesn't seem to say where they're built on the ampeg site (which usually smacks of far-eastern build to be honest)?

[quote name='crez5150' post='1035902' date='Nov 25 2010, 10:05 AM']K&M or the Beyer badged version... GST 400 or GST 500 (extended boom) are what most Toursound companies use as they are fairly indestructible and you can buy all spare parts too.[/quote]

+1 on that. K&M's are a million times better than bog standard mic stands even stuff like quik lok. Pricey but as long as you dont leave it at a gig, you'll never need to replace it.

Very similar to the highway 1 series but with a gloss finish and standard bridge. I think the HW1's are an acquired taste with the satin finish and usa standards have got really expensive, I guess the specials are fender's reaction to these two factors. Wouldn't surprise me if the HW1s are discontinued soon.

Worth at least a look if he's local I'd say.

[quote name='danhkr' post='1310045' date='Jul 20 2011, 10:32 AM']It [i]is[/i] a musicman! Seriously keep it and use it, it's cool as fcuk [/quote]

Ha. Says the guy who's just sold his! Moral of the story is, don't listen to anything I say.

Good luck with the sale, these are brilliant brilliant basses and at this sort of price, as cheap as they're ever gonna be.

You just enquiring or actually dealing with them direct? Only asking because normally they just deal with stores.

I use an Ashdown ABM500 Evo III and I think it's a great sounding amp. I used SWR Workingpro stuff before I got it and the Ashdown just opened up a whole new world of 'tone' in comparison. I've got the ABM610 cab and it's got tonnes of head room and sounds really punchy. My only criticism is they dont make a cover for it! I've also got MAG 410 and 210 cabs and to be honest the amp sounds pretty-much as good through those even though they're cheaper cabs.

I've tried mag heads and combos, and whilst I think they're a brilliant option for the price, there's a big jump in tone when going to ABM, but I guess at around £300 difference, you'd probably expect that.

Pictures aren't great, but something tells me this isn't a squier. Could be great for the money or could be an absolute dog. I'd say play it safe and look for a second-hand squier affinity, I doubt you'd pay more than that but at least you know it'll be a decent bog-standard guitar.

His main live rig for the last 10 years...wonder when it was last re-valved

Now on hold pending the usual.

Tried some of the new Fenders recently. Very good - definitely better than they were, apparently now made by D'Addario and still only £12-£15!

Still love Elixirs though.

[quote name='oldslapper' post='1344267' date='Aug 18 2011, 12:38 PM']I keep seeing BigASSS whenever I see the title.
Have a disappointment bump

Having said all that, I've heard these are mucho flexible basses. Best wishes with the sale.[/quote]

Well they do have a sizeable bottom-end

[quote name='Prime_BASS' post='1344140' date='Aug 18 2011, 10:43 AM']Did this not sell on eBay for just shy of £1000[/quote]

Yeah, as I said, the winning bidder pulled out , hence why it's still available.

Now sold, thanks for all the interest.

[quote name='Ou7shined' post='1339999' date='Aug 14 2011, 08:26 PM']Blimey.
At least it sold. [/quote]

Actually, it didn't it was mine and the seller pulled out. To be fair to him he had a genuine reason to do so and was very honest. In a way it's not too bad for me as although I need the money, I was hoping it might have fetched a bit more.

I guess stuff just isn't really moving at the minute and as amazing as the Big Al is, it probably doesn't have the commercial appeal that certain other models do.

Easiest way to tell is from the front of the headstock which he/she has ingeniously decided not to photograph. The little anniversary label on the back (60th I think) suggests it's from the late 90's so I doubt it'll be Japanese unless it's some sort of special edition.

[quote name='bassman7755' post='1324668' date='Aug 2 2011, 06:43 PM']The thing that doesnt add up in my mind is that, given that what you say is probably true ... how do all these specialist bass shops stocked to the gills with all this gear, and the various custom bass builders stay in business ?.[/quote]

There aren't that many 'boutique' dealers though, so fewer stores take up that part of the business. Also selling one £2500 amp would probably make them as much money as a 'cheaper' shop selling maybe 8 ashdown electric blues.

[quote name='Chris2112' post='1324681' date='Aug 2 2011, 06:49 PM']Of course you're not going to see great gear down the Dog and Bollock public house, where a P bass will do and your amp is resting on a beer crate. But then, the good gear has to turn up somewhere right? When I worked at a hotel we'd get lots of bands coming in for functions and weddings (my department). Some of these were content to just turn up and slog it out with a P bass or a Jazz bass but there were many bands who took a lot of pride in their performance and brought better gear with them.

Of the few I can remember quickly; there was a bloke who played for a jazz ensemble who had two 5 string Overwaters. An Asian bloke who played for a covers band with a Yamaha TRB. The bassist for the Newcastle University Jazz band used to play a green Warwick Streamer Jazzman. Another bassist who played for a covers band used a Warwick Thumb and a Trace Elliot amp - his tone was great. Another covers band bassist played a Pentabuzz and a 5 string Spector (which ended up for sale at Guitar Guitar). He was a real gent and let me try his basses too, how cool! And then there was one very professional band (with their own stage, lighting rig and soundboard) whose bassist played a Fodera Emperor through a Glockenklang amp.

It's out there! When I used to play live I would take my first Kubicki among other things![/quote]

Hmmm, I actually prefer a good P or Jazz to any of those other basses you mention both in sound and playability. I'm not saying they're better basses, just different and it's each to their own.

Having said that the vast majority of non-pro/semi-pro bassists I've seen who use 'boutique' guitars and amps haven't particularly impressed me with their sound or playing which is what 'taking pride in your performance' is all about. Nothing to do with having expensive 'labels' on stage.

[quote name='bassman7755' post='1322364' date='Jul 31 2011, 07:03 PM']It strikes me as odd that, given all the boutique gear begin discussed on here, and on parade in the specialist outlets, I never actually see any of it in use when I'm out watching a local (wiltshire/avon area) band.

All I see is endless parades of precision/jazz copies going though commodity gear (peavey/behringer etc, maybe trace or ashdown on a good day). Makes you wonder how aware people are of all this high end gear.[/quote]

It's not odd at all though is it. The 'endless parades of precision/jazz copies going though commodity gear' is simply down to the fact that the vast majority of people simply don't a spare couple of grand plus to buy top end stuff. Why do you think there's a thousand times more fords/vauxhalls on the road than mercs/jags?

[quote name='Prime_BASS' post='1315296' date='Jul 25 2011, 12:24 AM']I wish I could turn up and play roots and fithes with a pick and a bit of distortion, but it's not interesting enough for me at all and I'll just give up playing.[/quote]

Whilst constantly pushing yourself is never a bad thing, you do sound a little bit like a frustrated guitarist being made to play bass. Suggesting you may even 'go back to guitar' further suggests this.

[i]Just try keeping it simple, lock in with the drummer, don't see bass playing as some ego trip to impress people[/i]; all these things and more have been said in this thread and this is a massive +1 on that from me.

It's great when someone comes up to you and compliments your playing, but your main priority should be doing what's best for the band and the song. I really hope you take on board what a lot of people are saying here and start having fun again.

[quote name='steve-bbb' post='1319206' date='Jul 28 2011, 12:21 PM']dirtyloops is good but just a couple of odd occasions where it seems like theyre throwing in just that little bit too much syncopation and trying to be too clever - and nobody likes a smarty pants do they[/quote]

I agree. The melody of the song (that's what it is is, yeah?) is lost trying to fit it round all the syncopation. It grooves, but a bit w*anky for my liking and sounds a bit like a flashy demo on a posh keyboard.

Lifted mine a bit recently after some hand/wrist pain to keep my left wrist straight rather than bent up all the time. I don't have it as high as if I was sat though.

Hi, can anyone tell me what the neck profile is like on the Freeman please? I've played a classic vibe 60's p which is supposed to be a similar bass, but not sure if the neck is. Ta.

[quote name='Prime_BASS' post='1308914' date='Jul 19 2011, 11:01 AM']Still here.
Listening to sensible offers, lightweight gear, [b]musicman basses[/b].[/quote]

It [i]is[/i] a musicman! Seriously keep it and use it, it's cool as fcuk