paul, the

[quote name='MB1' post='22118' date='Jun 22 2007, 08:37 PM']MB1. I own a lot of Ashdown gear, and to be honest ,i havent had any trouble with it(touches wooden table firmly).However they do seem to be having a few problems with the gear assembled in china.The only Ashdown gear i own .that is made in china is the perfect ten mini rig and a Ashdown chorus pedal,and i have had no problems with either.I have spoken to Ashdown previously and they do go out of there way to help, should there be any problem ,and they are in the uk which is a plus should you need to speak to them.So i wouldnt be so quick to slag them off. MB1.[/quote] I hope a thread dedicated to Eastern production starts up at some point. If anything, I would have thought the Chinese made stuff would be better quality as I would have thunked they'd be less complacent and appreciate/need the work more. Perhaps I'm just stirring up horrible prejudices? Anyway, is it inferior materials or the requirement to meet demand targets? If we weren't dealing with something that wasn't as emotive as tone, I would instantly recommend boycotting Ashdown - they've built up an excellent reputation and like many companies are greedily squandering it. Many companies have a better (Western, generally) made range available at a higher cost to consumer but with promised reliability. I thought this was ABM to Ashdown, but am sadly mistaken. It is a great economic dilemma when a company has the reputation induced demand to make (a lot) more money, but lacks the ability to successfully manage quality control on such a large scale while still selling their products at a competitive price. It's like a three pronged paradox of diseconomies of scale. And until they make enough money to adequately train their labour, the light-weighted wallet will still be buying bad quality. And there's probably too much competition to ever gain enough market share to be able to do this. I think we'll have to wait until R&D creates new technologies to vastly improve making bass gear at cheaper prices. Until then, it's about making do with Peavey and s/h TE gear.

I have recently received a [url="http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Effects/product/Behringer/BDI21/10/1"]Behringer BDI 21[/url] in the mail. It sounds fantastic with a string dampener for simulating tube sounds when used with my TubePre. However, without a dampener, it sounds unrealistic and you can hear its wavy synth sound. Does the SansAmp do this as well? I'd love to know. It was well worth the £17.25 I paid for it s/h mint though.

'lo all, I've had a couple of PMs asking about music books so I would like to request permission provide links to these books in this thread (edited). Obviously, most of these books are copywrited, so I assumed it sensible to request permission first. In my opinion, ebooks are a great way to try out a book. If I really like a book, I'll always purchase a copy for ease of use and a CD. Of course I would understand if you guys said 'no way!' But I hope it's a 'yes way.' So that this page isn't bone dry, here's some advice I gave in the mean time for finding free resources: [quote]A neat trick is also to search University (.edu) sites for lessons lecturers have posted :- Try copying this into Google: filetype:pdf site:.edu then follow it by whatever you want to search for ie blues bass lessons: filetype:pdf site:.edu blues.bass The first two results are these from the same parent site: [url="http://www.music.sc.edu/ea/Jazz/Theory/5blues.pdf"]http://www.music.sc.edu/ea/Jazz/Theory/5blues.pdf[/url] [url="http://www.music.sc.edu/ea/Jazz/Improv/219/3579Chrom.pdf"]http://www.music.sc.edu/ea/Jazz/Improv/219/3579Chrom.pdf[/url] Now if you take away the specific file location in the html you get their root directories: [url="http://www.music.sc.edu/ea/Jazz/Theory/"]http://www.music.sc.edu/ea/Jazz/Theory/[/url] [url="http://www.music.sc.edu/ea/Jazz/Improv/"]http://www.music.sc.edu/ea/Jazz/Improv/[/url] ..Which have additional examples. These were only the first two results, no doubt the wonderful wide web has more examples of loveliness in which we can indulge our frugality. Here's a video that badly explains google search manipulation: [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRv953XZX6Y"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRv953XZX6Y[/url] --- Hope this helps, paul.[/quote]

It's better than the Encore precision and 20 watt practice amp most people start with. Quite a lot better.

[quote name='Sibob' post='21543' date='Jun 21 2007, 07:32 PM']Like i said in a previous Fender post: A USA Jazz with S1 switching, J and P tones, thats what i use for covers anyway . Although i generally only use one sound, the sound i like, the crowds are generally to pissed to say "that bass tone he's got is a 70's whereas the song is 90's" or whatever lol I'm becoming increasingly interested in trying a lakland after this thread though, i don't think i've ever tried one.....ever! What would people say the DJ or JO has over a fender USA jazz? Cheers Si[/quote] Lakland: Lindy Fralin pup, consistent quality control, legendary endorsement. Fender: Time honored mojo, the originator of the design, all my favorite electric bassists play(s/ed) one. I'm not the person to answer though, I own neither a Lakland, nor vintage Fender.

As far as I knew it was an unwritten rule not to swear. Generally, if I join a forum, I like to make a good impression and try not upset anyone, so I acted by example. In my opinion, a non-swearing forum is a happier forum and has a much better family atmosphere. Although, like in a PG movie, I think the odd curse in a non-aggressive way is fine. - I think this is the best way to be (and how basstalk was) because it's relaxed, sensible and trusting. There's always someone that acts excessively and unnecessarily though. But I don't think one person's negative actions should change the way the forum works - an edited/deleted thread and a explanatory PM is an amicable way of getting the point across in cases of unnecessary profanity, although this is subjective I know. I don't mind asterisks, I guess they get the point across. But I personally find the rhyming slang annoying and passively obtrusive. However, it makes for creative comical spoonerisms and replacements ala: "you better pucking feg it" ... or the Home Improvement inspired: "back the truck outta here". Anyway, it's not up to me. I just hope to see some Admin led polls in the future.

[quote name='Rumble' post='21199' date='Jun 21 2007, 08:03 AM']I can confirm that the JO's are a bit weighty. I have a 5 string weighing in at 12 Ibs! Needless to say, it gives my shoulder a bit of grief after 45-60 mins continuous playing. Hence, I'm on the hunt for something a bit lighter.[/quote] Yea, I reckon a s/h JO4 Skyline would probably be the best non-ridiculously expensive bass available if it wasn't for the weight. Fudging trade-offs. A bit too sterile looking for me too.

[quote name='niceguyhomer' post='21377' date='Jun 21 2007, 01:46 PM']...and this lovely, extremely versatile Sterling. It has a Nordstrand pup.[/quote] I've heard great things about those pups. - Where did you get it from? paul.

If I had the money I'd probably own a USA Bob Glaub with rosewood jazz nk and bridge pup. I've heard the Joe Osborns are weighty - although I've never tried one.

[quote name='lukeward2004' post='20797' date='Jun 20 2007, 02:56 PM']A good book aswell for improving your harmony and thus helping you to play more musically is "Fingerboard Harmony for Bass" by Gary Willis - a very good read and some excellent advice in there.[/quote] I'm still after that. Damn me and my frugality.

Try practicing rhythms you wouldn't normally play and that come very unnaturally to you. You'll get the notes down first and then after a while it should click. Then all you'll be able to play is the new rhythm, elation ensues. Whatever you're not used to: Cuban, Reggae, Motown. --- If this isn't Kosha, please delete: [url="http://rapidshare.com/files/9885467/grooves_for_electric_bass.pdf.html"]http://rapidshare.com/files/9885467/groove...c_bass.pdf.html[/url] [url="http://rapidshare.com/files/9888214/Reggae_Grooves_for_Electric_Bass.pdf.html"]http://rapidshare.com/files/9888214/Reggae...c_Bass.pdf.html[/url] [url="http://rapidshare.com/files/9941573/Afro_Cuban_Bass_grooves__mp3_pdf.rar.html"]http://rapidshare.com/files/9941573/Afro_C...p3_pdf.rar.html[/url] warning: rar files: [url="http://rapidshare.com/files/9993417/Funk_Fusion_Bass__Hal_Leonard_-_Bass_Builders___Book_CD_.rar.html"]http://rapidshare.com/files/9993417/Funk_F...ok_CD_.rar.html[/url] [url="http://rapidshare.com/files/9993977/Funky_Fingers_-_Robert_Lindmaier.pdf.html"]http://rapidshare.com/files/9993977/Funky_...dmaier.pdf.html[/url] [url="http://rapidshare.com/files/9996127/Reggae_Bass__Bass_Builders__mp3.pdf.html"]http://rapidshare.com/files/9996127/Reggae...s__mp3.pdf.html[/url] [url="http://rapidshare.com/files/10033120/The_True_Cuban_Bass.pdf.html"]http://rapidshare.com/files/10033120/The_T...n_Bass.pdf.html[/url] [url="http://rapidshare.com/files/10058755/THE_LATIN_REAL_BOOK.PDF.html"]http://rapidshare.com/files/10058755/THE_L...L_BOOK.PDF.html[/url] --- This is a good way of understanding rhythmic feel. Developing it is a different matter! Once you've tried a few different rhythms, have a jam with an experienced drummer and show them off. BASS IS ALL ABOUT RHYTHM ala groove.

[quote name='Oxblood' post='20593' date='Jun 20 2007, 09:20 AM']Made in Korea, apparently. [color="#FF0000"][b]Late breaking news[/b]:[/color] Anyone after a mega-bargain should check out this from Thomann's own brand range: [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_hbb1960bl_semiakustikbass.htm"]Harley Benton HBB 1960[/url] I swear it's the same bass, re-badged at a fraction of the price. £165 ? Now I'm as sick as a whole rain forest full of parrots! ADDED LATER: Actually, there is one visible difference: it's got a wooden floating bridge. The Dean has a bolted on tune-o-matic type.[/quote] Yours is much much better looking. Great review btw and great tone! paul.

It's a gu*tar I know, but it looks like a work of abstract art. Love it.

[quote name='Oxblood' post='20435' date='Jun 19 2007, 09:27 PM']Sorry, mate. One thing: you can rest assured that a different speaker lead wouldn't have helped. Wish I could have been there with you. I always see a faulty valve amp as a glorious opportunity to nab a bargain - but obviously that's easy for me to say, 'cos I can usually fix 'em! How much was he asking, BTW? Oh yes: was the hum there all the time, regardless of what you did with the controls, or was it affected by them?[/quote] It [i]was[/i] on ebay - but has now been taken off. Although I have no idea what it's worth and I doubt I'd have the money spare to fix it. I hate not knowing if it would be a £20 job or a £200 job - besides the fact I haven't heard it yet The hum was almost silent on stand by, but when it was switched on it was very loud - and increasingly so as the Master was turned up. It's a real shame, it was nice looking and the grill hadn't gone brown. But after some bad experiences in the past, I tend to run a mile from anything that isn't working right. Here's a picture of a Bassman (this isn't it, this is a 50 and a dif' cab): Although after seeing the blonde blackfaced ones, I'd be left GASsing and feeling second place: fwar.

Cheers Oxblood! I read that over many times on the way up to the guy's house. Unfortunately, the amp didn't work. It was very faint at full volume and the hum was really quite loud. The valves looked good and the plates weren't red. He even had some spare German valves. I didn't think to try a different lead to the cab until I got home though - I'm really hoping that that wouldn't have solved the problem. He said he'd tried it the previous night and it worked fine, although he hadn't played it regularly for 3 years. It was a Fender Bassman 100 with its 4x12 cab, circa 1976. ...A bit of a shame - although he prefers the sound of his ABM500, 115+210.

Hello all, I'm trying out an old head and cab tonight. I was wondering if anyone could recommend any checks that should be performed, just anything that should be looked/listened out for when buying gear. I was told over the phone that the amp had some hum - which would be fixed by a re-valve. Also, one of the four speakers in the cab is mismatched and has a different sized dust-cover (I don't know the implications sound wise of this). Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers, paul.

Hi MoJoke, It's good to see someone who isn't a million miles from me. That is all. paul. (From Weymouth, Dorset)

Johnny Cash - Marshall Grant. Starsailor - James Stelfox. Billie Holiday - unknown - possibly Chuck Israels

How long do you guys leave the valves to warm up, if at all?

It seems that if you get a good'ne, they're great. Other wise, you better be cucking fareful. Just get it replaced/refunded and give a bad HC review. If I ever purchase Ashdown equipment; it'll be s/h, tried and tested on ebay or Basschat. paul.

I was thinking of bidding on that - 157 right? People seem to like them more for guitar than bass, but it's the same with a lot of valve bass amps (eg bassman). I bet it's great though. There's a head on ebay at the mo' which I might go for as I have a 16 ohm cab. [quote name='paul, the' post='18681' date='Jun 16 2007, 04:12 AM']Does anyone have any thoughts on WEM gear? I've seen the dominator head - it's only 20 watts so it could be quite nice at home.[/quote] [quote name='andy67' post='18781' date='Jun 16 2007, 01:16 PM']everything I have experienced and discussed with others relating to the dominator is - incredibly awesome! fantastic valve heads/amps that are far louder than their 20 watt rating....[/quote]

A good, well written description goes a long way. I'd buy it if I were interested. The body and neck are probably dated differently though. - you could always ask for the p-neck date and pot codes.