Sparky

[quote name='ped' post='104390' date='Dec 14 2007, 04:56 PM']I think you are right to experiment with the rig - keep us up to date!
ped[/quote]

YEH Ped! GAS GAS GAS GAS GAS GAS!!!!!!!! broke.

I can't believe all you guys are pissing on my GAS bonfire!

...but fair enough - I'm actually starting to come round to the idea of putting any swaps or purchases on hold... for now!! haha! eek! I'll work with the frankenstein rig for a while - continune to tweak settings, e.q etc. and also test it with my new bass when i pick it up at christmas. i'm sure that'll put things into a different light anyhow... thanks everyone!

p.s. one thing ped, did it irritate you at all that the 3500 amp hangs off the back of the 210 by a good few inches?? it's stable enough so it doesn't Really matter... but still - just niggles a bit!

Cheddatom, Machine and BeLow, thank you for your responses. Food for thought although the thread is heading in an unexpected direction. I didn't intend for asthetics to become and issue when submitting my original post. I don't have a problem with how the rig looks - in fact, I quite like the 'frankenstein' facade (the trace was already de-badged when i bought it by the way). I do not need help from my backline to make me look good - I'd look great whatever amp I was using! Haha

The reason I'm asking for your opinions is just to get a better idea of the pros & cons of a Trace rig vs. Hartke. I've played through my HA3500 and a 4.5XL for the best part of 8 years and have always been very happy with the rig's sound and power. My initial reason for changing my setup was purely logistical - after years of it not being a problem, I found myself with nowhere to keep my rig and therefore needed to change the big 4.5 cab for something more portable - two 2x10's. ...and so the story begins... Because I've always been happy with my rig, I've never shown an interest in changing it; therefore I have very little knowledge of what's good, what's bad, what's dear, what's cheap and most important of all, what I like and what I don't! ...but now I HAVE to change it, and a new found enthusiasm (thanks to basschat) and exposure to a wealth of 2nd hand equipment I never knew existed, I've found myself in the market for a new, different rig. As other people have pointed out to me in previous posts, if I change my rig, it won't necessarily be better, just different. I understand that, but I AM up for a change - I just figure I'd start a thread asking what people thought - I'm interested to know.

Seriously though - it's not about the looks. I WILL inevitably be sticking with the frankenstein rig for a while but at some point, I probably will want to change to a coherent pair of cabs. The mismatch was only ever meant to be a temporary solution - needed to get rid of my 4.5 quickly but also needed to retain four 10" cones for gigs. Both the 2x10's came up for £100 a pop so I went for it. It's serving me fine for the moment but it just doesn't seem right - guess it might be all in my mind? The rig sounds good, but I can't help thinking that two cabinets designed, engineered and manufactured to work as part of the same range will perform better than a mismatch of two different brands??? any thoughts??? let's get back to sound and performance!

cheers, sparky.

[quote name='Merton' post='104244' date='Dec 14 2007, 11:45 AM']At the risk of annoying you, why not keep the set up you have, as you have a nice mix of "bright" and "round"?

I'd personally go with the Trace cabs coz I find Hartke cabs a bit harsh.[/quote]
YES Merton! Controversial! I'd like to hear other people's opinions re. mixing cabs. Is it common to do this? Pros, cons? Both current 2x10's are rated at same power & impedance.

Merton, you haven't annoyed me,.. although you may have angered the little red GAS Devil sat on my left shoulder! I'm sure we can strike a deal in another area!...guess if i sold my soul i could complete Both rigs!

[quote name='ped' post='104202' date='Dec 14 2007, 09:49 AM']I used to gig with a Hartke 3500 with a 410xl and a 210xl and it was just superb - quite often I used just the 210 by my side on stage as a monitor. I have never tried the Trace 210 you have but it might be harder to find one to match. Price wise the Hartke 210s are excellent value and weigh very little. You could even get a 410 if you think you can justify it!

Personally I liked the clean and transparent response from the Hartke cabs....[/quote]

Thanks Ped - wise words - although I'm not sure I'd use the phrase 'weigh very little' in the same sentance as Hartke XL - IMO the whole range are fairly 'solid'! I was surprised when I picked up the 210XL at its weight considering it's small dimensions! It's heavy! Mind you, my old cab was a heavy as a pregnant cow! - Re. getting a 4x10 - I've just sold a 4.5XL cause I couldn't get it up my stairs!!! - hence the move to two 2x10's... The 2x10 Trace is pretty heavy too but still more portable than a 4x10 - as long as I can physically get it up the stairs, I don't mind a short lug.

Thanks again Ped - Roll up folks - that's one for more for Hartke XL's!

Morning All,

Out of necessity (and decisions tainted by GAS) I've ended up with a mismatched pair of 2x10 cabs to use with my Hartke HA3500 amp. Won't go into the details, but put it this way - I passed up a perfectly good opportunity to complete a pair just so that I could make my GAS hit last a bit longer and try out the different makes. Now I need to make a decision and decide what to keep and what to swap.

Right now I have a Hartke 210XL and a Trace Elliot 2103H (old - vinyl covering). As mentioned above - using both with a Hartke HA3500 head.

The aim is to achieve a 4x10 setup in two cabs so, I'll either sell the TE and buy a Hartke 2.5XL (to complete the Hartke setup). OR sell the Hartke and buy a TE 2103 (one without the horn) to complete the Trace setup.

If I opt for a TE cab setup, I'll be looking to replace the Hartke Head with a TE sometime in the future... but that's another issue (more GAS - whoop whoop!)

I've tried both cabs separately and find the Hartke brighter and more responsive, but the Trace rounder and warmer. I like both of them so need a bit of help to decide! I realise that my decision will ultimately have to be my own - after all, the topic is subjective, but if I could prompt some of you into discussion I may be swayed by the voices of experience and forum wisdom. BTW I've already been told, when I first raised the issue a couple of months back, that I should stick with Hartke so the XL's already have the upper hand. Trace buffs - defend your realm. Thanks in advance. Sparky.

P.S. I play a Fender Jazz right now but pretty soon will be the proud owner of a lovely P-bass also. My band plays rock music.

present: [attachment=4126:DSC00106.JPG]

which one? [attachment=4127:hartke_210_25stack.jpg] or [attachment=4128:TE_2103H_Stack.jpg] ???

i know what you're thinking and yes, i Do have too much time on my hands at work! Haha - Eek!

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='103395' date='Dec 12 2007, 05:04 PM']Sorry I wasn't a bit clearer! OBBM has identified the model that I had; 2103X 2x10" + 2x5" (many moons ago since I saw/used one so I thought they were 6") 200-watt, 8-ohm. I'd recommend that model as the 5"s add something but never sounded to brittle or harsh. I remember M King at the time was gigging with a rig consisting of multiples of this cab (we won't hold that against it )[/quote]
Thanks warwickhunt... just keeping an eye out at the moment.. like i said - still umming and ahhing about hartke xl cab setup vs. trace cab setup! thanks for your help! when i finally get it sorted i'll post again! - a lot of people have helped me on my journey (i joined basschat for the sole purpose of getting some advice on swapping from a 4x10 which was too big to two 2x10's... so i'm 3/4 way there - i have two 2x10's but they don't match!

Thanks a lot OBBM - so baiscally i'm looking for a 2103 or 2102 (no H)! cool! Thanks again. Sparky

my girlfriend is hopefully gonna get me the new gig bag I've asked her for... i'm gonna take the empty bag to meet santa on christmas eve and all going well will be returning home with it full!!!... i'm gonna play with my christmas present (to myself) all day on the 25th and then post pictures on the 'bass porn' forum on boxing day! i can't describe how excited i am about christmas this year!!!

[quote name='dangerboy' post='103328' date='Dec 12 2007, 03:59 PM']Is it safe to say you like the cab then, Sparky? ;-)[/quote]
oh ya, just used your original pics again - hope that's ok?!!

[quote name='dangerboy' post='103328' date='Dec 12 2007, 03:59 PM']Is it safe to say you like the cab then, Sparky? ;-)[/quote]
haha! there you are! yes steve! i like the cab! wasn't a problem carrying it up my stairs either! still umming and ahhing whether to complete a hartke cab setup with a 2.5XL or whether to complete a trace setup with another TE2x10 (but without the horn!)... this is how the rig looks right now!
[attachment=4105:DSC00106.JPG]
frankinstein rig! i'm still deciding which i like more... the hartke sounds bright and responsive (my hartke rig is all i've ever known - just sold the 4.5XL cause it was too big).. but the trace sounds smooth and warm! i might just have to wait and see which comes up first at the right price and let fate decide!

this is what i have already. did trace make a version without the horn during the same period? sorry if you've answered already warwickhunt and i've misunderstood your reply.
[attachment=4104:100Quid_TE_2103H.jpg]

Anyone know if Trace Elliot made a 2x10 cab equivalent to the 2103H but without the horn? Bought an old (think pre Gibson and Peavey - pimple textured vinyl covering) 2103H for £100 and might want a second one to pair with it (but maybe slightly smaller - without the horn?) for a similar price... anyone know what I'm looking for - model - how old etc? ta.

[quote name='Beedster' post='103071' date='Dec 12 2007, 09:02 AM']Sparky old chap. I have the Zoom in question and as I've just upgraded I'm likely to let it go. Let me know if you want me to bring it when we meet in a couple of weeks.
Chris[/quote]
Haha - Mr. Beedster! No Way! Which model zoom is it Chris? The one with the 'expression' pedal (B2.1) or the one without (B2)? Think I'd probably be after the more basic pedal - B2 - just want a 'fun stomp box' to mess about with really.. if there are 50 effects available, that's already 45 more than i want!.. oh, and need it to tune on stage. How do you rate the tuner function and what do you think of it in general?? How much would you be looking to let it go for... pm me if you like. cheers mate - sparky.

thank you guys. have had a quick look at all the units you mentioned. was probably more than what I was looking for but didn't realise that i'd be able to get so much for my money - the boss pedals that most guitar shops tend to stock are £60+ and only do 1 thing each so to get a whole multi-effects processor for less is pretty exciting! thanks for your suggestions and I'll keep a look out in the basschat marketplace after christmas for some bargains! thanks again. sparky

Calling all effect users. I've never owed a pedal of any sort in the 15 or so years I've been playing bass. I joined basschat for a bit of advice to help me replace my cab setup and in the few months since doing so have developed serious GAS for (what seems) eveything bass - it's killing me!

anyway - i've needed a pedal tuner for yonks and have just never bothered to invest. now, almost as a GAS side-effect, i've decided to go ahead and buy one, BUT, a tuner on its own is not only IMO expensive (TU-2 £60) but also, boringly pragmatic! so I'm thinking that maybe I could get something a little more exciting and hopefully by including the tuner as part of another unit, get better value for money. I don't want anything complicated or extravagant but I wouldn't mind a little boost (don't know the difference between gain, fuzz & overdrive - all types of distortion??? or means to achieve a distortion???) now and then and maybe a couple more basic tools that I could experiment with.

So, can anyone recommend a compact, sturdy pedal with a few functions (including a tuner and some kind of boost - for those 'drop' moments) that would suit me? just as a guideline, looking to spend up to £150... i guess... but right now am just assesing what's out there and how much it costs. Picking up a new bass just before xmas so this particular GAS remedy is gonna have to wait until early next year!

Thanks in advance. sparky.

i've been in bands for the best part of 15 years and my individual playing hasn't really improved that whole time! the band's good, but i aint. oh well, however simple the bass line, playing toight with the drummer always feels nice!

only in the past couple of months have i actually started 'practicing'... depending on the amount of time i have spare, that consists of 10-20mins working through my book and 10-20mins trying to learn stevie wonder bass lines

[quote name='Musky' post='100934' date='Dec 7 2007, 02:54 PM']Dot inlays = 62 RI. It shoud also have a square metal plate with four bolts on on the back of the bass to secure the neck.

A 75 will have a rounded triangular shaped plate with just three bolts doing the same job.[/quote]

Thanks a lot Musky. The metal plate is square. It's a 62RI. So, if I'm gonna order a new scratch plate for the bass, what do I order?
[url="http://www.wdmusic.co.uk/category/Pickguards/Fender_Basses"]http://www.wdmusic.co.uk/category/Pickguards/Fender_Basses[/url]
Fender Jazz Bass US Vintage, Jazz Bass Mexican or Jazz Bass US Standard? My bass doesn't fall into any of these categories, it's Japanese - but would it be a vintage shape (cause it's a RI) or a standard shape? All the pickguards on this site range between £15-30...
alternatively, this place is selling them for a fiver, but there's no choice in shape. All I want is a 3 ply black white black for my jazz!!!
[url="http://www.highlystrung.co.uk/acatalog/Pickguards__electric_guitar.html"]http://www.highlystrung.co.uk/acatalog/Pic...ric_guitar.html[/url]
what do you rekon? does more expensive = better?

you can get a nice bass for £400! fender? or not fender? if you want fender, jazz bass neck is thinnier, but p-bass has a 'thumpier' tone... and only has 2 knobs rather than 3... jazz doesn't stand up straight cause it's got a wonky butt but that probably shouldn't be a deciding factor. good luck - post pics when you get whatever you get. wollop.

[quote name='TheBigBeefChief' post='100878' date='Dec 7 2007, 01:40 PM']Sparky, its actually an old pic I had knocking around. The sad thing is I took in one friday evening when I was home alone for no other reason than to amuse myself. If you look closely you can see my bare arse reflected in the window behind me. However, I do often play bass naked whilst wearing a wrestling mask. Habit I suppose.[/quote]
dude, i aint gonna look closely at your pic so i can see your bare arse reflection... that sh*t aint my bag!!! what's the story with the wrestling mask? apart from concealing your true identity (understandable when you're a top chief with major operations going down in the smoke), does it makes you play meaner, rock harder when you're on stage?.. or is it just a 'thing' like the edwina curry 'thing'> yeh, that's right man - i saw that!

[quote name='Musky' post='100827' date='Dec 7 2007, 12:26 PM']If it's got block inlays, bound neck and bullet truss rod it'll be a 75 RI. If it has dot inlays and a 4 bolt neck it'll be a 62 RI.

Edit: Bear in mind that the RI's weren't exact copies of the originals, and there's certainly a difference in pickup spacing on the 62 RI and the original, so make sure you get a guard appropriate for a reissue.[/quote]
Thanks Musky. It's got dot inlays but I don't know what a 4 bolt neck is. It has a piece of copper wire running from the bridge pickup to under the bridge - earthing wire? and the headstock looks like this:
[attachment=4006:800px_Fe...eadstock.jpeg]
...62 RI??

[quote name='TheBigBeefChief' post='100817' date='Dec 7 2007, 12:15 PM']Not sure if anyone here is an Angler, but tackle shops seem to be exactly the same as Music shops. There are a few decent, friendly and informative stores but also plenty of shops owned/ran by people who obviously have an interst in music/fishing but no interst in retailing and customer service. I think a lot of this is because stores are opened by people who like the idea of opening a shop surrounded my their hobby, but don't want to deal with the hassles (such as customers) that come with it.

It always annoys me when you go into a store and realise that your surrounded by the owner, a shop assistant and about 5 of their friends sitting round drinking tea and cracking "in jokes" - often at your expense.

As someone who is relatively new to bass playing, its not a particularly welcoming atmosphere.

Having said that, I'm lucky in that my local store is pretty friendly, although massively overpriced. Also, as I refuse to use ebay, it really cuts down the options of shopping online.[/quote]
BigBeefChief - just one question - did you have your avatar pic taken specially for this forum and for the amusement of its users? I can't imagine why else you'd have a photo of yourself dressed (or undressed) up like that. Good effort mate. Muschos Rrrespect.

[quote name='john_the_bass' post='100771' date='Dec 7 2007, 11:17 AM']go [url="http://www.fender.com/support/japanese_instruments.php"][u]here[/u][/url] and you should find all you need to know about the age. There was a dating resource I found that allows you to type in the serial number, but i think the database it looks at is just the same as the fender site.

In theory the pickguards should be the same across the range, but there's only one way to find out.[/quote]

Thanks John. That looks like a useful site. Thing is, I already know how old the bass is - 1996 - cause it's printed on the anniversary sticker stuck on the back of the headstock, and it's when I bought is (new). I'd just be interested to find out which model it's a reissue of ie. 60's or 70's & the exact year. Maybe I could just post pics and one of the BC 'Fender-heads' will be able to tell me straight away Exactly what it is?!

That's good to know that the scratchplates should be standard, I'll go ahead and order one as soon as I have the time.

[quote]neepheid Posted Today, 11:20 AM
I had a great experience with WD Music[/quote]

Again, thanks for the tip Neepheid. I've just checked them out and seems there's more choice than I'd invisaged. I probably Will need to find out my model - they're offering plates for 3 different shaped jazz's! I'll get on the case! thanks again. sparky

Does anyone know if there's an online resource where I can type in the serial number of my MIJ Jazz to find out what model it is? It's a relitively inexpensive reissue from 1996 but I don't know of which model. Just be interested to find out. Also, would like to replace the scratch-plate and am wondering whether all jazz's are standard shapes - I can't imagine they are? ...and if that's the case and there are different shapes, I need to know the model so I can order the right plate.

suggestions anyone? thanks in advance. sparky.

[quote name='Hit&Run' post='100453' date='Dec 6 2007, 07:21 PM']I wonder if there's any north/south divide regarding shopworker friendliness?[/quote]
Let's not even go there!!! I'm a southerner living up north and all that sh*t does my nut! There's the same percentage of friendly and unfriendly people everywhere. Fact. ...and besides, sparky loves everyone!