Mark_Bass

[quote name='walbassist' timestamp='1363872374' post='2018685'] That's true Oli, but they do say this: As a general rule, the substitutions we describe here should work well but there are exceptions and [b]we don't warranty[/b] any problems that result from trying mismatched tube types. [/quote] So in otherwords it "should" be ok to try different valves just don't coming crying to us if your amp goes bang IS this something that you guys would recommend doing? Not that im going to blindly follow your every words but id be interested to hear of any experiences users have had when trying this out.

Hiya, Forgive me if this question has been asked before. I own a Mesa Boogie Big Block 750, and i really like the amp but the one thing that I'm not too keen on is the gain section. I play active basses and i only need to set the gain at 9 o'clock before the valves start to get driven. Id prefer more control from my gain control so when i dig in the valves don't get driven so much. The Mesa OD form the valves is great sometimes gets a little to compressed that end up getting lost in the mix form time to time. So the question is would you recommend maybe attenuating the input? My older mesa had an active\passive inputs and i assume thats for this very reason. Or could this be the case of exploring different makes of pre-amp valves? How much does the pre-amp valve affect the tone of signal? Is there brand of valves that offer a brighter tone? The thought im having is that maybe i should return to playing M-pulse head which enabled me to have a slightly more modern sound cleaner sound whilst still being able to cool up a more valve tone when needed. I only changed the amp becuase i found this forum and wanted to try new amps and explore the option of having a simpler set-up. Or do i stick with the amp and explore a new choice of cab - i've changed my head several times last year but my cab has remained the same. Its an ampeg SVT 410hlf - and whilst this wont help my gain problem might help me with the Eq unhappiness. Thoughts? advise?

My band charges around £200-250 for pubs, £300 for parties and £500-£700 for weddings...id charge more but we're not really a wedding band and we don't really like doing them so we don't get asked often. Using your band funds for a PA is a sensible idea, also getting some form of easy set-up lighting is a good idea too, but after the PA.

Awesome vids...just heading to your site to bookmark the Slap basics

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1359590598' post='1957367'] is the tweeter working? as in is there a difference between turning it up and turning it down it could have blown. [/quote] I think the tweeters working....ill test ti at rehearsal tonight, if thats the case then its never worked since i brought it. :-S I'll check out the Bearfaced Cabs - Thanks

Howdy guys, Your thoughts please? I play through a Ampeg 410hlf 'classic' cab but i don't feel the cab has the brightness i want. Ive tried different amps and my strings on my bass are always changed regularly so having demoed my new amp on a different brand of cab i feel that could be where my problem is. Weight is no issue but don't really want to go any bigger than a 4x10 i'd happily consider a 2x10 & 1x15 rig. I play mainly rock & heavy metal with a 5-string Warwick through a Mesa Boogie Big Block 750. Any suggestions - I like matching rigs so i was thinking of going down the Mesa PowerHouse route but at the same time if there was an obvious brand i should try out let me know. If i can pick up something second-hand would be cool to save $ or 2.

Would the Auralex help? http://bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Auralex_Isolation_Risers.html

Spot on!

The Problem is, and lets be honest you can probably get 20 "fans" or friends to come along to a gig every so often but i at least find it hard to get many to each and every gig. If i get 5 im happy and as im getting older fewer folk are free and willing to come out and pay to see me play. I can understand that the promoter & venue has over heads to cover but then their job is to promote the night, big-up the bands and draw people to the venue. If you dont promote, if your venue is in the arse end of no-where (Bridge House 2 for example), difficult to get to via public transport then it doesn't matter if you do manage to bring 20 fans the chances of the other bands doing so is fairly slim. Then, and lets be honest this happens all the f***ing time, they'll probably only stick around to watch thier mates band then bugger off. Now for unsigned bands when your 16 or 18 its feesible and highly possible that you can fill a coach load every now and again full of young freinds with visions of you actually making it and having a claim to fame of knowing someone famous ina band, but when ya 30 onwards that is a big ask. Unfortunately in last year or so this kind of request for a minimum number of attendees has spilled over into pub covers gigs as well, and there are several venues in my area that have asked if we can bring a decent number of people to watch. Now hang on a second isn't that pretty pointless? If i wanted to play to my mates and our wags every week then i'd not bother going out to find gigs anywhere else but my local!

Hola guys & gals, I've just come back from Bass Gear in Twyford, Berkshire where I've had the most wonderful shopping experience and I just wanted to pass on how happy I was with buying from the guys there. I brought a bass amp and their no pressured approach gave me enough time to to play and try different amps and also indulge in trying out some really pricey basses! All the guys are very knowledgeable, very enthusiastic and are happy to chat. A very friendly atmosphere

I try to go midweek avoiding any lunch rush and never on the weekend If its a bass I'm looking at I play without the amp first, then through an amp that either know or something close to what I use. Normally standing up. If its an amp I bring my bass and cab, I'll play for no more than 5minutes first with the dials set to 12 o'clock have a tweak play for a bit more then try a different amp and then return to the amp I was looking to buy. Last time I did that I ended-up keeping my amp and part xing my cab for a different cab. And. I just try to play a few things I would normally play; I wouldn't worry about what it is as if you play metal with a pick demoing stuff with an all out slap fest won't give you a reflection of what you're gonna hear at rehearsal. Don't be shy to bring a tuner or ask for one 90% of basses seem to be out of tune in a store

ever looking on the glass as half full but I think that there are few songs on our coverset list I don't enjoy playing. if the band have energy the room has energy, but as soon as we reach a song the drummer doesn't like everything goes to sh*t because whilst the rest of the band are trying to get through the song and move on to better tracks the fat prick will literally moan before we start and will always try and finish the track early lol

the strings sit around my nuts but with heavy bands I will go a bit lower and he neck will be fairly angled. with covers band a smidge higher, as I generally play for longer sets and therefore prefer a smidge more comfort over style