FourStrung

Seams like there are a few ways of getting around the problem without another amp, as there are a few pedals/DI boxes that cold do the job. I now have and Aphex Xciter after some advice on here and it can serve as a back-up option if needed through the DI. But guess the price of many solutions may be similar to a 2nd hand amp, but a pedal or DI box is small enough not to notice you are carrying more gear.

Ok, we have gone from a 4 piece to a 3 piece and everything has shifted! But we are looking for another guitarist or harmonica player or both! if we are that lucky. Anyway, after a rehearsal last week it was all sounding a bit thin minus one guitar. So up went the volume on the bass amp, as you can imagine I was more than happy, and hell did it sound good! They never liked the bass being as loud before so this is a break through that I am loving. As suggested I didnt play loud, but the increase volume made a great difference to the overall sound. It just felt like it brought it all together. I played my recently acquired active Jazz that grunts when wanted which was nice to hear. May try the PJ Squier this week to see how that works out. But so far so good. EQ-wise I have been cutting the bottom end a touch and boosting the mids, leaving the treble pretty much flat, no effects just pure bass + amp. Now that was with a little Ampeg BA115 which doesn't come close to the preferred Kustom head with 210 +115, so may just have to load the car to the hilt this week and have some fun

I started off with a MAG Evo II 115 300 combo and liked the sound from the 15 so I bought a 115 Deep cab to get the full power from the amp. While I liked the sound from the 2 x 15s it wasnt doing the job in the band and I think it was missing some mids mainly maybe a bit of top, but I dont like too bright a sound playing blues rock. I grabbed a 210T deep which now fills out the sound much better. The 210 on its own sounds fine but with the 115 it just has a depth that is very nice. Thinking of getting a base on wheels to make moving it all about easier though

[quote name='51m0n' timestamp='1339596159' post='1691147'] You're looking for the wrong solution to the problem IMO. You dont [i]need[/i] fx, I've played that set list too, and only used a compressor because as the resident BC compressor fetishist I'd never live it down if anyone here ever saw me play without one (or saw me play actually, but I digress). The answer is not really more fx, a good fat sound is a matter of eq, and technique. Not wildly pushed bass, just a dab (3dB) of low mid (at 250Hz ish) will fatten up any sound - careful you dont descend into mud though. Play more gently, but turn the amp up, this will lower the ratio of the transient spike level at the beginning of each note in relation to the rest of the note, alot like a compressor can, giving you a far warmer, fuller sound. you can also use a touch of well set up compression to give your bass a bit more impact when playing like this, and get a really punchy weighty sound, but this isnt really necessary. Filling the gaps effectively when the guitarist goes toward the dusty ended flights of fancy that are his want are more about the [i]arrangement[/i] and the rhythm section as a whole working together to keep the groove fat and and underpinning the guitarist. Also study the rhythm guitar part and modify your bass line at those points that "Captain Finger Lickin Good" wanders off on his own to incorporate some of what the guitar had about it - rhythmically, or a double stop chord or two thrown in, it doesnt have to be alot, or even more notes than before, just a hint of what is now gone. You will be amazed at how far a couple of licks from the rhythm part can go toward reminding the punters (and guitarist) of what was there. Just dotn lose the groove at that point! [/quote]I thought I had read all the posts - must have missed this! I like what you say and it appeals to my idea of what should be and think I have already started up this road, But thanks I will continue to tweek eq and what I do in certain parts. Really dont want a string of pedals these days and now not needing to change the sound I am getting just with the bass and amp

I would like to compare the sonic maximiser with the xciter. From the videos and clips I have managed to find I was tempted. But hey there are always surprises! My Ashdown amp died a week before 2 gigs, so I had to do something about an amp and could not borrow one at the time. So I grabbed a Kustom DE300 head to fill the gap, thought I would try something a bit different after reading various reviews. I also decided to part with the Precision, although I loved the sound, I can't same the same about the neck – it just wasnt for me - shame I did love the tone of it. I found a very nice MIM Deluxe Jazz Bass that was selling with an Ampeg BA115 (not that I needed another combo now!) But it was too good a bargin to miss out – the amp was virtually free . Anyway getting to the point, the Kustom head with a 2x10 + 1 x 15 sounds just great. I dont even want to use a pedal with it atm. But that will probably change in time I am sure. Even my Squier Pro Tone PJ sound the nuts through it too sooooo pleased. And we played with a new drummer – what a difference – I really enjoyed playing

Yeah I have to agree about the 2 x 10. I liked the sound of the 15 in the combo and added another 115 cab. Maybe not the best move but it sounded much better getting the power from the amp. I have since picked up a little Ampeg BA115 that came with a jazz bazz that I bought and came virtually free at the price I paid, I do quite like the sound from the Ampeg. Quite nice to have a fairly compact combo, especially while the Ashdown is out of action. Not sure if I will keep it as I wasnt looking for another combo. It's way too easy to accumulate gear

Thanks gjones, that is great and saves all the grief of swapping out the bridge – you're a star, ordering online now

Does anyone know where I can buy these, as one has dropped out of the bottom E saddle? Trying not to fit a new bridge if I can avoid it.

Just got a MAG 210T to run with MAG 115 300 but the amp died, so sadly I can't test it with combo grrrrr!!! I decided to grab a Kustom DE300 HD to get me out of trouble until I can get it fixed. Luckily Ashdown are going to repair it when I am back in the UK soon for few days. The up-side is the 115 and 210 sound great with the Kustom head and I really like the gain control which saves using a pedal as with the Ashdown. Haven't read too much about these heads and I am certainly no expert but I know what I like and this I like It sounded great in the mix and easy to dial in a nice sound. Yet to try the Room EQ but at the price seams like a good buy so far!

Hi Mikethebass, I just bought one of these as my Ashdown Mag 300 combo died and needed something quickly so bought the DE300HD as a realtively cheap solution until I can get the combo repaired under warranty. Hadn't really foudn time to fully play with it before we gigged last night but I must say that I really liked the amp. Ran it through 1x15 and 2x10 cabs no extra pedals as the gain allows you to dial in some nice grunt. Not had time to find out how good/bad the added eq control to adapt to room acoustics but so far very happy with the purchase. If you want to know anything else about it let me know. It's out again tonight for a 2nd gig

[quote name='Delberthot' timestamp='1262654039' post='701205'] I'm still looking for amp ideas and thought I'd see if anyone had any first hand experience with one of these? [url="http://www.jhs.co.uk/kustomgroove.html"]http://www.jhs.co.uk/kustomgroove.html[/url] They certainly look the part [/quote] Did you buy one, I am looking at a new amp as my current amp has died suddenly!

[quote name='phil.i.stein' timestamp='1339703678' post='1693131'] good move. in fact, the only problem i forsee, is that once you switch it on, you'll want that as your main sound, and then something extra when the guitarist goes AWOL, .. ve (i would decript the letters AWOL, but i'm on best behaviour at the mo .. ) [/quote] Well I now have a Aphex Bass Xciter that I found out here in France and have to say how nice it is with the bass, and yes I want to keep it on all the time )) I have also altered the EQ to boost mids and cut the bottom end a touch plus with a touch more volume and softer playing it is cutting through nicely but with a full fat sound. I had to try it with my Washburn electro acoustic as well and does that come to life of what. 10/10 aphex great usable pedal. What to add now ....

[quote name='BassPimp66' timestamp='1339830313' post='1694955'] As suggested a few times already, try a Tech 21 VT Bass. It will make your sound fat and greasy like Chinese Take-Away [/quote]I will try and check one out if I can as it could be an alternative too, thanks

[quote name='phil.i.stein' timestamp='1339703678' post='1693131'] good move. in fact, the only problem i forsee, is that once you switch it on, you'll want that as your main sound, and then something extra when the guitarist goes AWOL, .. (i would decript the letters AWOL, but i'm on best behaviour at the mo .. ) [/quote]That has a familar ring to it .... what next? I think the only thing that stops me from spending all my money on gear is that I am not single anymore, well that and lack of a full time job. I have the least amount of gear in a long time, but not complaining. Odd thing is, I seam to have more to do now than when I was working!

[quote name='Bogart' timestamp='1327604657' post='1514185'] You are using 2x15? right? I have the same combo. The MAG C115-300 EVO II. And i was thinking of getting one 2x10 or another 1x15. How do you describe your sound with 1x15 from the combo + 1x15 from the extra cab? [/quote]Sorry it's taken a while to come back on this. With the extra cab, I guess mainly because you are moving more air, it is a bigger sound, fuller and maybe a little warmer. I wasn't looking for a bright top end, so while I understand those that say it may be muddy and lacking in definition. Could be my ear is not as acute, but it's about what you like when you play, and it does it for me. It also depends on what you plug into it too. All I can honestly say is that if you like the sound from 1 x 15, then a second just makes it a whole lot better IMO! If I find some time I will see if I can create a file to upload as an example, but busy atm.

[quote name='deepbass5' timestamp='1339541543' post='1690435'] Aphex Bass xciter = phat [/quote]Checked out some videos of the xciter and impressed by what it does - now on an ebay saved search

[quote name='skidder652003' timestamp='1339651043' post='1691924'] ok so he may have some effects on his bass (not sure on that one) but here's a great example of 3 guys playing where the drums and bass create a groove and space for the guitarist without the need for anything fancy (check out the guitar solo part at 2.00 minutes), Im sure there loads better examples but this one came to mind first! [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7DFsBcVMDA"][b]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7DFsBcVMDA[/b][/url] [/quote]Nice example of making more of the base in the solo - thanks

[quote name='51m0n' timestamp='1339596490' post='1691163'] Oh and when it comes to amp based one knob or on off comrpession - do yourself a favour and leave it turned off. [/quote]Thanks fr the tips, they sound like well practice solutions and will give it a try next time out. Looks like I need to shop around for a compression pedal then

Set includes: Country Home, Mary had a little lamb, Hoochie Coochie Man, Walking by myself, Need You Love So Bad, Mercury Blues, Wishing well, Like a hurricane, Moving On, Black Magic Woman, Crossroads, Rockin in the Free World, Whiskey in a Jar, Feel Like Making Love, Oh Well, Red House. I use the the amp with plenty of bass and boost the mids too, leave highs at 12o/c. But maybe not enough on the mids? The overdrive gives me a nice sound for the more rocky songs. The amp has compression but not sure quite how good this is, but do use it all the time on just less than quarter turn but enought ot make a difference. My view is that often in-built effects are not always as good a pedal for the job. I like the thought that I need to be louder. I must confess to have been looking at an octave pedal (maybe the boss oc-3) But have been through the loads of pedals with my tele and now trimed to a few, trying not to repeat the same route on the bass. And I do like the bass just with the amp and the od pedal. I love pedals but just trying not to get caught up in the pursuit of the right pedal for me mission again.

Ok, so a mixed response. I am playing a Fender P and a Squire Pro Tone P with J & P pups with a jazz style neck, nicer to play than the P but cant beat the P for that legendary sound. The amp has an octave effect built in but I dont really like it much, maybe a pedal would be better sound? I like the sound as is but maybe boosting the mids on the EQ may lift it bit more, I like that beefy bass from the P. But I like busier on drums & bass as an option - it does seam a stupidly simple a solutuion but I like thoses fixes. I also get the half step down idea too, but not sure how that would work with some of the songs, hey but another option that doesnt need me adding pedals I dont really want. Waiting for a set of heavy strings for the Squire to see how that works too, should be here later today. Thanks for the support guys, I am feeling more armed to argue my corner at the next session.

Hi lads, I'm looking for some direction from the more experienced among you as usual. Been playing blues rock in a 4 piece but one guitarist if off soon and we wlill continue as a 3 piece. Shouldn't be too much trouble as most of the stuff we played is more suited or originally for 3 piece anyway. But the guitarist is suggesting thay I try and make my bass sound bigger and fatter so when he plays a solo I am filling out behind. Is he being over concered here of should I be looking for effects here? I am runing an Ashdown Mag Evo II 300 115 + 115 cab only pedal is a bass drive.

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1328470853' post='1527657'] I so very nearly bought that myself, glad to hear it`s what you wanted [/quote]It was too good a deal to let it pass by, but I was only looking for a case at the time. I have since seen one for the past 2-3 weeks on ebay trying to be sold for almost £500 from the "Netherlands" - that could be hopeful but keeping an eye on it anyway Mine sits very nicely alongside my Cherryburst Fender TC-90 telecaster.

Have bought a few guitars abroad and the best result by a mile was from guitar store in New York who sent it by US Mail and arrived in France without any import duties or tax - result. Every other occassion have paid taxes so best to be calculate before you place your order, but they usually arrive by UPS of similar with a heap of paperwork. French customs phone to tell you how much you have to pay before they deliver.

[quote name='leftyhook' timestamp='1328457905' post='1527320'] Great! It can be hit and miss with Squires. I bought a P/J Squier.(note unexpected spelling!) installed some Dimarzios.... Just didn't do it for me. I just can't get away with the Fender type volume/tone controls. So used to looking at the numbers on my Wal dials I guess. Anyway it doesn't matter if its a Fende-'real' or a Squier, if it inspires youand sounds the way you want it, then that's all that you could ask for. [/quote]I understand what you mean by using a certain type of bass and guess I am a Fender sort of person. The spelling error (now corrected thank you) is what happens after a late gig night at my age or maybe it was the -12º drive home - ha ha...that was a dumb error - but I'm not stopping playing til I drop

Had a rehearsal yesterday for the first time with a lovely little 97 Squier pro tone I picked up in December, instead of my Fender P bass. I had messed about before hand to mod the settings on my Ashdown Mag 115 300 combo + 115 Mag Deep cab and had tweeked the settings to give something I quite liked. To my surprise at the end of a couple of hours I asked the others what they had thought of the sound, and got the thumbs all round up over my Fender. So, I took it out last night to give it its first public airing, but still with some reservations. Well what can I say - it sounded pretty damn good, and my confession is that I do love the styling of this bass, black body, matching headstock, red (not quite pearloid) pickguard and looks very cool. As much as I love my Fender I will give this a few more outings, it does have a great slim neck which makes it so easy to play and not hard work at all for a gig.