M@23

[quote name='leroydiamond' timestamp='1380475728' post='2225872'] Made the big mistake of using generic plugs for a couple of years only to develop tinnitus and hearing loss. A consultant audiologist laughed at the idea of generics, as no two ear canals are the same. I then went down the the custom route and ACS plugs have been a lifesaver for me. They cost 300 euro a pop but are a must have IMO and cheap as chips for the protection they offer, to what remains of my hearing. Everyone to their own, but for me it's got to be the best and that's ACS [/quote] This. If the plug doesn't fit your ear canal then it isn't doing its job fully. Foam earplugs are the best off the shelf option for this reason, though they're not ideal for music. Specsavers do custom fit jobs, for the price of a couple of effects pedals. It is a worthy investment.

I use a boss sd-1. As my amp tone is super clean I have this set just to add a bit of warmth and very light overdrive. It sounds thin if you wind the gain up, but using it sparingly it works great in the mix.

I started playing jazz basses, moving over from guitar it felt natural and comfortable but I used to get hand cramps on longer gigs and rehearsals. I then bought a Stingray and haven't looked back. Now find chunkier profiles much more comfortable.

Here's my LMIII with club600F32 2x12 cab. For those that don't know, it's a front ported 800 watt 4ohm cab. So i get the full 500 watts of the amp. I love this rig, used to use a 102p, which i had to sell to fund this cab, but loved the little 2x10 and am going to buy another when funds permit. This is an ideal setup for the bands i'm in now though. Loud, clear and versatile.

I've not had to return anything but have spent lots with them over the years and its always been a pleasure. Even my bass cab came from them, which was over 30kg packaged, it was packaged very well and delivery was prompt. Not only that, they keep you informed every step of the way. They've always been polite an helpful with my queries too.

[quote name='Low End Bee' timestamp='1379404888' post='2212153'] My definition? Band has to supply the PA. No stage. Free on the door. Probably only does music Thursday, Friday and Saturday. [/quote] Yeah, this hits the nail on the head for me.

[quote name='cheddatom' timestamp='1299504922' post='1152462'] pubs around Stoke put originals bands on all the time! [/quote] Same on the Isle of Wight, we play a couple of pubs regularly at £200 a go. It's fairly standard here for originals bands to play the pub scene.

[quote name='Ziphoblat' timestamp='1379256512' post='2210391'] I got a 2009 German made active bubinga Warwick Corvette for that much. Warwicks hold their value so poorly that buying a new one is a bad idea. Hang onto your brass and wait for a "proper" Warwick to come up second hand that takes your fancy. [/quote] Same story here, so I'd agree!

Funny, I borrowed an '82 P as I've got a hankering for one and my bandmates much preferred my normal 'Ray tone!

No, I think as others have said you just feel it after a while. Especially if you sing a bit too, you don't really have the choice! Though, if the drummer isn't great (!!) I will count pauses and other little bits.

[quote name='TraceAmp' timestamp='1378470638' post='2200794'] [/quote] Just had to google this. Never heard of them, but see they're made by H&K?! The build quality looks great.

[quote name='guybrush threepwood' timestamp='1378818154' post='2205016'] Isn't it just?! [/quote] That's a very handsome rig!

We use an old one for recording. It does overdriven sounds absolutely brilliantly. It's great to play too.

Wow. That looks incredible. Very classy. How do these sound? I've never had the chance to play one.

My main rig; LMIII and Club600f32, front ported 800w 2x12.

After years of not understanding the hype, a decent Precision.

Little Mark III, which must be one of the most popular amps on here? With a Club 600f32, which probably not many others here use?! Anyway, I use the amp because, as already mentioned, it has a great warm sound. Also, is easy to set up and get good tones from. I use it in my originals and covers band, it's very versatile.

Ive only owned one Mexican bass, a P bass. I took it as part ex on a whim. It was pretty bad and I wouldn't have bought it had I checked it out first. But, I've had two Mexican Strats, one was very good, and I regret selling it, the other, an early 90's one, is the best sounding and playing Strat I've come across.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1377767531' post='2191445'] And now I quite fancy a di box, bloody gas eh [/quote] Yep! And the longer it plays on your mind, the more convinced you become that you NEED it! I have ordered a Behringer job as I'm stuck for gigs over the next few days and at that price it'd be rude not to! Definitely going to check the Zoom out though as it looks like it would be ideal for the sh*tty venues you don't want to use over a grands worth of amp and cab at! Cheers guys.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1377724295' post='2191060'] I think class d amps are ace for this, I take a shuttle 3.0 as a spare to my 6.0 or the 6.0 as backup to the shuttlemax9.2 if it is a larger gig where losing stage sound isn't ideal, all three heads have a good quality di too handy for recording or live stuff. Not really a fair comparison to a di box cost wise though. [/quote] That's the aim I think. Leaning towards a Behringer unit in the short time and get another head when funds allow.

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1377721833' post='2190979'] Behringer BDI21 is a great bit of kit. But, if you`re looking for a backup to the LMII, I`d look at the Zoom B3, as it has amp-modelling on it, and one of the amps is the LMII. Also has much much more on it, but I use mine just for compression, a bit of drive, and the tuner. Should my amp fail, I`ve still got my exact same sound straight to desk. [/quote] Thanks. That looks very interesting. Seems very well regarded. Lots of features for the money too.

Awesome. Got to be worth a go at that price!

Hey all, My LMIII has been less than reliable the past few weeks or so and I'm just getting round to sending it back as it is still under warranty. I got caught out Saturday just gone as it died completely during out second set and i had to go direct into the desk, so i'm wondering now, what people use for backups. Not sure whether to get another amp or a D.I - something like the MXR M80. Obviously both have their plus points and i'd like to get another amp, but funds won't allow it in the short term. Can anyone recommend a good cheap(ish) D.I, or is it worth getting a cheap backup amp? Cheers

I have the fretted version, a 1995. Love everything about it. Probably the best value for money instrument I've bought!