Dr M

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1346840921' post='1793816'] Sorry, I'm not familiar with the Vox, I just went on your description. A bit leftfield, but when I practice at home, I plug into the aux on my dab radio (Pure Oasis) The sound is not bad at all, it's obviously very portable (built in rechargeable battery too) can really take a knocking/getting wet, and is by no means loud, but certainly louder than unplugged, and possibly loud enough to accompany an acoustic guitar/vocals. Got mine for less than a hundred quid. [/quote] Buy an amp, and get a built in dab. Cheers, that's an interesting suggestion.

[quote name='Zenitram' timestamp='1346841093' post='1793823'] I would suggest the Vox Pathfinder, an Ashdown Tourbus, or one of the smaller Laney RB series. [/quote] I guess I asked for that. More specifically, does anyone have any experience with amps of this type? Any to avoid like the plague? Any that stand head and shoulder above the rest?

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1346837188' post='1793755'] You don't mention budget, but a PJB Briefcase would fit the bill, although heavier than the Vox [url="http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/bass_amps_detail.asp?stock=05080113052818"]http://www.guitargui...=05080113052818[/url] [/quote] Sorry, I thought that the fact the Vox is currently my first choice would make it obvious that I was looking at the practice amp end of the spectrum! The PJ Briefcase is rather more than I'd want to spend on something that's quite likely to get kicked around. [quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1346838168' post='1793769'] There's a GK MB150S in the FS section. That'll have the best tone for a small amp. [/quote] I think 100W is probably complete overkill for playing while sitting in the front room of a friend's flat. I don't need anything that can compete in a full band situation. To be clear, what I had in mind was a small practice amp - something like the Vox Pathfinder, an Ashdown Tourbus, or one of the smaller Laney RB series. Something that'll give me more volume than just playing an electric bass acoustically, but not something I'm going to get upset about beating up on the escalators to the Northern Line!

Essentially, I'm looking for a little amp appropriate for lugging to a mate's house for acoustic jams. It's most likely going to be chucked on to trains, the tube, and under my desk at work, so I'm looking for something pretty small and lightweight. I'm not expecting anything that fits this bill to have a tone to die for - but some bass end would be nice, and it will need to be able to compete with an acoustic guitar and vocals. The Vox Pathfinder 10 Bass appeals - it's cheap, less than 7kg and I've read those 2x5" speakers actually offer a half decent bass response. Is there anything else out there that I should keep an eye out for? And I'm open to suggestions if anyone has something that meets this description that they're trying to flog.

[quote name='MattB' timestamp='1346336314' post='1788003'] I tried out a fender Jaguar but it had such a fat, deep neck radius it didn't feel too comfortable as I'm used to a thinner neck. [/quote] Wow, I thought the Jag bass had a Jazz-style neck - a lot of people treat that as the definition of a thin neck. I was going to suggest the Squier SS Jag, but if you found that neck too bulky (presumably the Squier neck is fairly similar to the Fender) I'm not sure what to suggest.

[quote name='dave_bass5' timestamp='1346171471' post='1786092'] Thanks Dr M. Ive had one and while it did indeed hang low it was quite painful to wear, as the metal clasp sits right on the shoulder bone. [/quote] Ah, fair enough. I use the rucksack style straps, so that's not a problem I've ever encountered.

I use the bass version of this: [url="http://www.nevadamusic.co.uk/bass/cases/rockbag-deluxe-electric-guitar-gig-bag"]http://www.nevadamusic.co.uk/bass/cases/rockbag-deluxe-electric-guitar-gig-bag[/url] If you look at the front + back image, it has a full length removable strap - might be what you're looking for. Pretty nice bag - well padded. However, mine does strike me as being a little on the short side. Probably perfect for a Precision, but my Jazz is a little bit of a squeeze, and it takes quite some work to get my Iceman into it.

[quote name='KiOgon' timestamp='1346076504' post='1784892'] [b] "Gibson produces 530 guitars a day"[/b] & some of them even get through quality control [/quote] Hang on, when did Gibson start using quality control?

I've always been somewhat fascinated by the impact of the 'Amen Break' - [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amen_break"]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amen_break[/url] A 5.2 second sample from a fairly obscure B-Side that went on to become a fundamental part of a lot of 1980s popular music. Of course, the copyright owner considers it to be plagiarism...

[quote name='chrismuzz' timestamp='1342863461' post='1741935'] Marshall Jackhammers are good too [/quote] I bought a Jackhammer for use with guitar 7 or 8 years ago. Didn't really like it. After hearing it recommended as a bass pedal, I tried running my bass through it. Still couldn't get a sound I liked out of it. It may be that I've just got a duff one, but I start to get some really nasty (not in a good way) sounds out of any amp I put it through. I'd be interested to know what kinda settings other people are using. On the other hand, I also have a Marshall Shredmaster I picked up for a song. Now that is awesome. I'm also a fan of the Digitech Bad Monkey. Plenty of bottom end, and just adds a nice amount of grit to your tone. Really responsive to picking dynamics as well - nice and clean when you play gently, and crunchy when you dig in.

Apologies if this has already come up, but I just came across this: [url="http://www.parkerguitars.com/News/maxxfly-bass-pb12.html"]http://www.parkerguitars.com/News/maxxfly-bass-pb12.html[/url] I've always been quite keen on Parker's design ideas (sustainable materials in particular), but these are (just slightly) outside my price range!

[quote name='silentbob' timestamp='1342385119' post='1734194'] Just noticed that there's already a version 2.0 upgrade to the guitar version of this pedal which allows you to use six effects together by allowing you to scroll the screen, rather than three as before. Anybody know if this will be available on the B3 anytime soon? [url="http://www.zoom.co.jp/products/g3/"]http://www.zoom.co.jp/products/g3/[/url] [/quote] Not too sure about the scroll function, but I could see that being incredibly useful for setting up Amp, EQ and Compression, and just leaving them on, then having 3 effects you're using as the 'active' displays.

I'll admit to moving from guitar to bass. I bought a bass some time ago out of interest, and for recording, but only recently started playing it seriously. I haven't found bass easier to play as such - it's less demanding in terms of chord changes, but harder work in terms of keeping rhythm, and energy / strength. What certainly is easier is finding people to play with. There's far more demand for bassists than guitarists.

[quote name='Len_derby' timestamp='1342282184' post='1732807'] After trying different things out I've found that a Fender Jazz strung with roundwounds provides the best blend with the guitar. [/quote] That's really interesting. I shall have to take my Squier along to our next practise and see how it goes. [quote name='Len_derby' timestamp='1342282184' post='1732807'] I also supply most of the off-colour jokes between songs too. [/quote] Always a good skill to have!

[quote name='paul_5' timestamp='1342283391' post='1732818'] Of course, [i]he[/i] gets to play this: [/quote] Hang on, you can actually play that? One look at the bridge makes me cringe.

[quote name='cocco' timestamp='1342219876' post='1732118'] I've long been a fan of non conventional shapes. The iceman is one of my favourites. Imagine the result though? Im assuming this is mostly mahogany? [/quote] Yeah, I've always been fond of 'shape' guitars and basses - I'd been eyeing up Thunderbirds for ages when I picked up the Iceman. Although, there are some shapes where I'd love to know what the designer had been smoking (Dave Mustaine's Axxion, anyone? ) I believe Ibanez claim the body is mahogany, but it's surprisingly light. I've seen some suggestions it might be nato. The neck is maple. [quote name='cocco' timestamp='1342220613' post='1732131'] And now I'm eyeing up the black one on eBay. [/quote] Come to the dark side! You know you want to.

[quote name='Mykesbass' timestamp='1342209757' post='1731892'] Sorry, two drummers lost? You haven't even started yet!! [/quote] Well, this has been inside 6 months. We're still working on finding more, so we can add to that total.

icastle - thanks very much, that's really good advice. [quote name='icastle' timestamp='1342209016' post='1731871'] Don't be afraid to go down the root note path [/quote] Well, this describes about 90% of my playing in general, so that shouldn't be a problem. What about gear and sound? As we're looking at open-mic nights, in most cases I'll be relying on the venue's backline. I own an Ibanez Iceman and a Squier Jazz (both passive). For full-band situations, I usually use a Bad Monkey to just add a little bit of grit. I'm thinking this probably isn't a great plan when accompanying an acoustic, but I am a little unnerved about just going straight into a pa or amp I've never used before.

Right, long story short - after losing a second drummer (seriously, I swear they're allergic to us), myself and the guitarist / singer I play with have decided to go it alone, and attempt to do a few open-mic nights with acoustic guitar, vocals, bass, and possibly a Logarhythm style stomp-box . Said guitarist has quite a lot of experience of doing open-mic nights as a solo act (vocals and acoustic guitar). However, neither of us have tried this set-up before. Essentially, I'm looking for some advice. Has anyone got any first-hand experience of playing in a duo like this? Tips for accompanying vocals and acoustic guitar on a bass? Should I just run for the hills?

[quote name='cocco' timestamp='1342194743' post='1731410'] The more I look t this the more I want to steal it and put some mike lull pickups in it. [/quote] Kinda grows on you, doesn't it? Although, I get the impression that set of pickups might be worth more than the bass itself!

Cheers! [quote name='jaydentaku' timestamp='1342169805' post='1730622'] Like it, somewhere to hold your shopping when playing at the bus stop. [/quote] That's one of the more polite comments I've heard about that lower horn.

Hi there, Some time lurker here, deciding to dip a toe in the water. I recently scored this on ebay: [attachment=112906:FinePix July 2012 117.JPG] '06 Korean-made Ibanez Iceman. In need of a set-up, and a bit of tlc, but for less than £140 (and one very bizarre train journey), I'm impressed! I know people either love or hate the Iceman shape, but what really surprised me are the pickups. Those mini-humbuckers have a really warm sound to them. I can only think of a handful of other designs that use them - it just makes me wonder, is there any reason they're not very popular?