Jazzman

I used Elites for years, until I noticed that they could actually lose their newness in just days if used regularly. I now use Warwick EMPs on my 5 string: 40-125 gauge. I like beign able to have a coated string without going to thick. They last 6 months of regular use easily. I've got some coloured DRs for my fretless as I don't mind going thicked on that one. I've ordered some 30-90 Rotosound Funkmasters for my 4 string to transform it into a slap machine. Wil see how they go...

[quote name='Higgie' post='981851' date='Oct 8 2010, 06:18 PM']+1 to all of this. I will be using an LS-2 I recently purchased in this exact fashion. 1. Plug loud bass into input, output to rest of pedals/amp. 2. Plug quieter bass into return A. 3. Set mode knob to A<->Bypass, so the pedal switches between bypass (loud 5 string) and Loop A (quiet fretless) going to the amp. 4. Set the level of your quiet fretless using the volume knob for channel A until equal with the 5 string. 5. When you switch basses hit the LS-2 and away you go![/quote] Brilliant! THanks a bunch. LS-2 is now on the christmas list!

[quote name='cheddatom' post='963527' date='Sep 21 2010, 04:49 PM']You can use it to just switch between different volume levels I think. But, if you wanted to you could plug each bass into a seperate effects return, set the level properly, and leave them plugged in.[/quote] Any chance you could elaborate on this for me? I'm very interested in the LS2 now, as it is substantially cheaper. Currently my set up is as follows: 2 basses into A/B switch. Into Multi FX pedalboard Into Amp I still need both basses to go through my pedalboard. How could I set up so that my fretless bass gets a volume boost? I don't have a lot of experience with pedals, so I need a bit of guidance. Thanks

I'm ideally looking to boost the volume of the quieter bass, even though I know this will be more expensive. A friend has suggested the Sansamp Bass Driver Deluxe. Any thoughts? Adjusting the volume on the instruments is not an option I'm prepared to consider. I always return the knobs to zero when putting a bass down, so finding the right volume on picking it up again would not be practical. Not to mention that I like to send the maximum signal strength from the instrument at all times.

[quote name='Gwilym' post='952512' date='Sep 11 2010, 09:59 AM']Are there output trim pots on the basses pre amps that you can adjust?[/quote] I've heard that there are on Warwick basses, but when I had a quick look once I couldn't find anything. I am completely incompetent at any form of electronics, so forget about doing anything with my AB box. It sounds like the Radal thingy is what I'[m after and will investigate immediately. Thanks for allthe replies

OK - let me try and explain the problem... I regularly use two basses at the same time, and need to do quick changes. I have both basses plugged in, with the leads fed into an AB10 box (in reverse) and on into my amp. The AB10 switches the channels for me and is great in theory. However, the difference in output level between my 5 string and my fretless is substantial. Both are active Warwicks, but the 5 string is incredibly loud (on my Markbass amp, I have to set the input level to 2 (out of 6) to prevent clipping). As a result I also have to resort to adjusting the volume on the amp at the same time, which is not very precise, and I can't always put it exactly whre it was when I switch back. What is the best solution to this problem? I would ideally like some kind of box, which can cut or boost each channel so that the signal sent to the amp is always the same, but I'm not aware that anything like that exists. I don't really wan to spend a lot of money on it if it's not necessary. Any suggestions very welcome. Thanks

[quote name='simon1964' post='98648' date='Dec 4 2007, 11:28 AM']Not many places in the Midlands I'm afraid. Fairdeal Music in Birmingham had several combos in stock when I was there last week. I got mine from Music Scene in Mansfield, at a very good price, but their stock is small so it would be worth checking before making a trip. Otherwise, your best bet is probably Electro Music in Doncaster - a bit of a trek if you're in the Midlands, but they hold a decent stock, and are a very helpful bunch. I used mine with my band at a rehearsal last night for the first time, and was hugely impressed. With a loud drummer (aren't they all!) and two guitarists, I never went above 10 o'clock on the master volume. And I got a great tone from my Stingray - something my Ashdown never really nailed.[/quote] I got mine from Electro. I usually shop at Promenade Music in Morecambe. They will do a very good price if you're just buying, but if you want to try it otu first you'll probably want to go somewhere closer.

I've got the 121P. I dallied for ages in the shop, trying to decide whether something so small and light could really be loud enough, and also whether I had the guts to stand in front of soemthing that comes up to my knees. Well, I just can't get the volume past 1/3. I've tried it, and there's no distortion (as long as the input gain is set properly), but there's just no need at even a medium sized venue. For rehearsals, I have trouble getting it quiet enough! I laugh at people now who hump around massive cabs - there's just no point anymore. If I ever need more grunt, I'll just another cab for it. It is louder than my 300W Trace Combo and it sounds better. And of course, I can lift it WITH ONE FINGER and carry all my gear at once.

I live in Huddersfield, and I'm playing in Hull, Loughborough and Dewsbury this weekend. That's 6 hours for 3 gigs. During the rest of december I've even further to go - London, Essex, Coventry, Cheltenham, Bristol, Walsall, Telford, Cornwall! And I work full time in an office too... It's ok if the money's right!

Thanks to all for the advice. I did a fair amount of research on the web, then headed on Electro in Doncaster, as they seemed to stock all the main bass amp manufacturers. Someone was using the Markbass stuff when I got there, so I tried out an Eden 2 x 10 combo. I wasn't impressed at first - it sounded much like my Trace. I fiddled around with the knobs A LOT, and had difficulty finding something I really liked. Decided it had no benefit over what I had, especially given its size. Went to the Markbass CMD121P combo. I was blown away straight away! Wonderful crisp tones with EQ on bass and amp set flat. Twiddled the VLE/VPF dials and got some incredible sounds. I couldn't believe all this was coming out of something that came up to my knees! I tried the 102P as well, and then another guy arrived checking them all aout, and I listened to him try the 3 x 10 and 6 x 10. By this point I had ruled out all other makes! The 102P was larger than I had hoped (expected), so I found myself leaning towards the 121P, but I was really struggling with the size. Surely it's too small to cope with a B string at high volume? I gave it a final test, giving it everything, at close to full volume, and it didn't distort. I bought it. I can lift the thing WITH ONE FINGER! I can't believe it. If I ever struggle for volume I can always pick up another cab, as the amp gives out 500W, which should always be enough for me. Not gigged it yet, but I will be able to test it live soon.