la bam

I've been looking at shops all over Europe for markbass stuff. It looks like they're really really really struggling to get things out, presumably from covid supply issues. Everything seems to say 'due in xxx weeks' then when the date comes it reverts back to 5 weeks.

Got to admit that is the coolest looking rig there is. That classic ampeg silver and black looks fantastic.

Thats weird. I'll check again later.

Cheers. I've caved and bought a new style ray34. Ash natural. I am missing something or do these only run off stereo cables? My usual lead doesnt work, but my little stereo patch cables do?

I suppose with barefaced theyll benefit from always being, and always going down the path of, being a higher end, more expensive cab, that people buy because of what it is, not its price. So I think people will still buy at the same rate.

They look stunning!

Daft question - do all new ray 34s say "sterling - ray 34" on the headstock, or do some say "sterling - stingray"?

Slight de rail, but this is my favourite doug vid - completely amazed!

Yeh, that's him! It's the kind of stuff I usually hate, but I really like what he does. I love the iron maiden prophets song - his mind is really blown on that one. I cant remember which queen one he cant follow, is it funny how love?

Theres a composer on youtube who videos himself listening to rock and metal songs for the first time. It's actually quite good. He talks through as hes listening and calls out the notes, chords, changes etc and you can tell he loves the interesting changes. Then he listens to queen from the 70s and his head is mashed he cant keep up with anything!

To me, the 70s bassists were just a different breed. Even just with Queen - its music on a more full level. Not just playing wise, but creative wise. Just a different level. Listen to some of the funk songs of the 70s, pop songs, the major hits, minor hits. It's like a different way of playing that's been forgotten. It's easier than ever to pick up on these with YouTube and isolated tracks, but it seemed quite obvious to use the full 20+ frets of all 4 strings, whereas nowadays (massive generalisation I know, but...) it seems just to be playing in a certain safe area. But seriously, if you have a spare day and want to tab out a song, do The Game by john deacon and play along to it. It was never one of my favourites, but once I'd done the bassline it really opened the song up and it's a joy to play, and gives you a real insight into how to create even over a simple song.

I'd def recommend the markbass set up. Very light, very powerful. Also add another 2x10 if you need anymore power, which you wont. I prefer mine over my previous barefaced set ups and ashdown rm combos, but it just depends on what you like I suppose. You're spoiled for choice now re lightweight set ups.

John Deacon is an absolute master. The common consensus out there in the public that hes average is mind boggling. Try learning then play along to something like 'The Game' and you'll see just how inventive and brilliant he was. Fits the song superbly and is indeed all over the fret board.

Cheers, did the ones from 10 years ago use the same US hardware / pickups as the 'proper' stingrays, like the new ones do?

Bizarre to have a massive event with millions spent on it, celebrating everything British over the last 70 years........ and having Alicia Keys beltin out "New Yorkkkkk" for 10 minutes. And not to have a British act headline seemed a bit off the mark too. In other areas, I dont like how Queens bassist never gets shown or any limelight, and the running order of everything never let the concert really get going - much too stop and start. I was impressed though to see John Taylor from Duran have that Trace Elliot.

Hi all, I know the sterling ray34s are held in high regard now, but it looks like theyve been out for years. Does anyone know the history of these - ie are the 10 year old ones the same as the current ones in regard to hardware etc? Thanks.

Makes so much sense. The vu dial is tailor made for something like that. Even a small digital display would do. Even Harley benton when they ripped off the abm design put a tuner in there.

They're still missing the biggest trick. Use a VU meter for a built in tuner. I know loads of people who want an all in one amp, and go elsewhere because they have to take a separate pedal, plug, cable etc. I'm sure they could stick one in that chasis. Then itd have drive, comp, eq, octave, and a tuner.