Iheartreverb

So here’s the story. I’ve started playing bass in a band after years playing guitar. At the moment I’ve got a selection of tasty drive pedals but not happy with the differences in tone and quality with the different amps I’m using in rehearsal rooms (EBS, Aguilar, Ashdown, Mark Bass, Peavey). So I’m thinking about getting a portable amp head to improve this. I don’t want anything to complex, only very light drive but a bit of character, so far I’m thinking of, Orange Terror Bass- Had one years ago, loved it Orange Little Bass Thing- love the idea of the simplicity. Sounds super clean but my pedals can do the rest. Darkglass Microtubes 500- No experience but can’t not be good. Looks overkill in features Aguilar Tone Hammer- Seems very well regarded. BUT…. Could the aim be to use a preamp pedal and the effects return? Less cost, easy to fire on my board. When we start gigging later in year, I don’t know how much a DI will be expected or useful? I’m so used to just turning up with a guitar amp. would bringing a head and sharing cabs be the idea? Would it be more realistic to share rigs (of either the venue or headlining band)- so back to the preamp being benefit? I should clarify that we’re talking about tiny toilet venues here. I have a Rusty Box and tried this and didn’t work too well. I’ve often not understood the idea of having an amp that has a specific flavour while adding a pedal with an equally strong tone: colour on top. Pedal wise I’ve been considering, Sansamp (maybe the programmable)- Had one before, wasn’t mad about it but love hearing other people use it so I could be wrong. I like tactile interface Two Notes Revot- Looks really good spec for money, easy to use. Darkglass options- Again, look good, maybe Vintage Micro Tubes. I could pop the Rusty Box back on the board Yes….I’m over thinking this

That’s really interesting, thanks very much!

I’ve got a Rusty Box on the way as I couldn’t pass it up. I’m interested in whether people use these as an always on preamp or a drive pedal? in the case of the former, are you going into an effects return or similar? Essentially making that the sound of your amp. If you’re using as a drive pedal, how do you find it? cheers

yeah, I’d seen that, just knowhere near me or I’d be tempted too. Theres a sunburst one in France that is a bit too much

I had one of these and it was great. The quality was there, importantly it sounded ace and good value, I only paid about £350. Truth be told, I’d buy one again tomorrow if I could. I was looking at them the other night and there’s only one or two sunburst ones around and a bit too much money, especially considering they are mostly overseas and you’ll pay import. That being said, if there was one in the U.K. £400 to £600, I’d easily have it

That looks great. I’ve been really considering one of these, specifically in that colour. Keep thinking it would look great with a tort guard

This couldn’t be more wrong. Fender and Gibson both sell direct to retailers rather than going through a third party distributor in the middle, some other brands do. While it might be good for you for your local shop to offer top brands, the brand importantly have to concern themselves with how someone like that will represent their brand, there’s dealership requirements in place for a reason. As an example, Two dusty Mexican P Basses in the corner doesn’t represent the Fender well. A bigger store with good examples at every part of the hierarchy and a wealth of colour options does. It also is a much better customer experience, you’re split for choice and more likely to buy into the brand. I don’t think you’re going to agree and I’m trying to not be ones sided but the above is sorely under considered when people are favouring small, local stores.

Nah, not at all, I just don’t like the look of them. Ideally would want something that looks as close to a 2” cotton guitar strap as possible, which the EB strap I’ve got kind of does

thanks for your reply. I’m aware that any massive changes would be a bad idea, I’m just out of option beyond moving it on. The straps is 2.5” Ernie Ball Neoprene comfort strap. As I say, it made a massive difference but maybe not enough. Also trying to stick with a strap that looks pretty normal and not some of the super wide or padded things.

Hello, the story is this. I’ve got a late 70s Musicmaster bass that is by far the heaviest thing in the world, certainly the heaviest bass I own. Problem is, I really like it. Looks great, sounds great, plays “ok”. The natural thing to do would be the trade against a JMJ and move on with my life but not too sure about that… I’ve started using an Ernie Ball, padded/ elastic strap and that’s made a huge difference but a 3 hour practice is still pretty rough. Is there anything else that can be done? Trying to talk myself out of looking at stupid things like having a massive route under the stratchplate. cheers

Update. It is a Darkglass B7K live

Ah, amazing. The only thing I don’t know is the black one, I assumed it was Darkglass from the view I had last time I saw them but definitely isn’t. The rest is an Empress Compressor, EHX SuperEgo and Old Blood Noise Precession Reverb

Hiya. Dom is one of those players who regardless of what he plays, he always sounds like himself. Most of his basses are fitted with passive EMGs (Precision, Jazz and Rickenbacker) but even when he’s gone left of centre (Travis Bean) it’s a similar story. If you want him play, he uses the volume and tone controls a lot, I’d think tapering off top end for mellower stuff. Chord work played with fingers and thumbs is a must. I’d think you’d just want a Fender bass and a Sansamp (one of the things that stayed on his board the longest) to get that Ampeg/ Orange amp sound (mid scoop) and maybe a Boss ODB3- there’s better options but he used one for a long time. These days I’m sure he’s using a Darkglass BK3 Ultra if that helps.

It would be worth creating a ticket with Roland directly, https://www.roland.com/backstage/login They might put you in touch with a retailer as a special order if they can’t sell to you directly, which I don’t think they can. Also worth contacting retailers who have Roland employees on site, previously referred to as Roland Planet. I think both PMT and GuitarGuitar both do.