Marc S

I posted a question about the Kala "Journeyman" U-bass some time back. I'd not seen one in the flesh, and wanted to try one out. Several months back, when in my local PMT branch, I was discussing this version of the U-bass with a staff member I often chat to. He suggested I order one, and if I didn't like it - I could simply return it. So I ordered one, and it took several months to arrive. So long in fact, I'd almost forgotten it. Apparently, there weren't any in the UK, and bear in mind that the UK distribution centre is just a few miles up the road from me. I'd previously owned a Kala U-bass, and as I've mentioned before - I just didn't get on with the strings. I know others have said that's not an issue.... but for me it was - so I ended up just not playing it. Anyhow, on spotting the Journeyman, I felt like trying again, especially as the one I'd seen online had flatwound strings. Mine has rounds - but that's OK. In any case it would be a simple swap to fit flats (wouldn't it?). My first thoughts were that I had more of an instant bond with this than the last one. The strings felt a much better / more comfortable gauge, "feel" and tension. Moreover I instantly liked the sound too. It's quite different to the rubber string version. It sounds less DB-like (which was one factor I liked about the other version) but still sounded great anyway. It's also very loud unplugged - notably more than the version with rubber strings. I'd say it's possibly as loud as my old Ibanez acoustic bass.... maybe. Amplified, it's got very different sound characteristics to any of my bass guitars. I can still get a tone that's a little like an uprtight (ish). Now I need to play it more to get used to the scale, and I need to take it to rehearsal to see what it sounds like in the mix. I'm looking forward to taking it to one of the folk club pub-jams I sometimes tag along to. Very happy

Monster (what's that coming over the hill?) - The Automatic

Thanks for your thoughts @FranticsmurfIt was the clarity of sound from the Elf combo that drew my attention. There were several customers in the shop at the time, including someone else, shredding away on electric six string, plus some music being piped through a PA system. The member of staff was actually just using the amp to quickly test a couple of items. As I say, its' volume and clarity drew my attention (that, and the fact I'd got the cab, but not had a chance to play around with the combo). Usually, when you plug into an amp in a music shop, you get all sorts of noise and low-end frequencies bouncing around - but the combo was really clear and punchy. The first bass I heard through it was a 5 string, and that low B sounded superb. I the guy then handed me a Jazz bass to plug into the amp, and it also sounded incredible. Other BC members and a few on YouTube have said how great the combo is when combined with a 1x10 extension cab. I must say, I was also tempted to ask to try the 2x8 Elf cab too - but that may have left me wanting yet another cab EDIT: Has anyone else on here got the 1x10 combo plus a 1x10 cab... or even a 2x8 Elf cab? I'd really like to hear your thoughts about how well the amp copes at a gig or one of those very loud rehearsals

I realise it has been a while since I last posted on this thread - but I just thought I'd add this comment. I popped into my local PMT the other day, and one of the staff I often speak to was playing through a Trace Elliot Elf 1x10 combo amp (which is basically the cab I have, with an inbuilt amp head. I was blown away by just how loud it was, and by the clarity of sound from it. I had a little noodle, and play with the controls, and I really liked it. I was half tempted to get it I must say. It would further reduce the weight and size of my gigging rig - however, I then remembered just how much I like my MB Evo1 head, and the fact that I sometimes need 2 separately controlled inputs..... still tempting though!

Awesome playing, great groove. And yes - that Jazz bass tone

I was about to suggest this. I once had a Jazz bass with DiMarzios fitted. It sounded brilliant - like a Jazz, but with more "bite" - it cut through the mix better, in a gig situation

What a nice story. What a Gent. Thanks for sharing, as it put a smile on my face this morning (EDIT - not always an easy achievement, lol)

Brilliant

Sorry to hear of your woes Jake. As has been said - well done for trying. If you hadn't done so, you'd be wondering about a "might have been", plus you are now forewarned of some pitfalls. In my experience, you do eventually come across some decent, reliable musicians - you just have to go through some time wasters initially. Don't give up - give it another whirl. Perhaps a slight change of approach, as Franticsmurf suggests. Best of luck

Very pretty indeed. You simply must leave the Tort guard on it though - looks lovely as it is. I've got a Squire CV precision in the same colour. I swapped the off white guard for a Tort one, and it instantly looked even nicer 😀 Happy NBD

No movement so far on either of the bass guitars which I'm currently playing. One being my fave Classic 50's Fiesta Red P, the other being my Fender Japan Lyte P/J. I've got a few other bass guitars in cases & gigbags, which I haven't touched since this heatwave - I had probably better check on them later..... My acoustic upright needed tuning a couple of days back, then again yesterday - it being sat on a stand, and not having been moved in between.

Zervas & Pepper at Acapella studios last night. Rather nice - great venue for acoustic style music too. Lovely atmosphere, as its an old chapel

Welcome to BC @Wigtwizzle and hello from a fellow Cardiff-based player. I've not tried a Squier Mini-P but I must say, I've been tempted to try one - especially as a back-up, or a bass to take along to pub-jams & camping trips. However, I then bought a Cort Steiny clone, and that's that role filled. Mind you, that Mini-P still looks great. Should I try one out? Probably not - I'm trying to thin the herd at the moment, and I'll probably end up buying one! lol