Dood

The F1 is a great little amp though. Always fancied an F500 too.

The F1 doesn't have a bump in its character either I agree, so the two will sound neutral in comparison to a cabinet with a mid bump (either high or low mids)

I found another cabinet that didn't play ball with the MB800 too, but it's neither the fault of the cabinet or amp. It does depend on your entire signal chain too though. Playing flats through a vintage toned amp and black widow speakers will absolutely not reward you with a hifi tone. Similarly a cabinet with a flat response will only accentuate the scoop cooked in to an EQ.

This is because the MB800 'all at 12 o'clock' setting is far from flat. There's a dip at 350hz, boost in the bass and even more boost in the treble frequencies. Add in the contour and it scoops even more mids out. With a cabinet that doesn't have a natural mid bias this can leave the tone lacking in warmth or not being organic. In a mix you won't cut through but may suffer from low end bloat. Turn the bass down to get rid of the bloat doesn't make you any more heard. Use a cabinet with boosted mids and things will start sounding clearer.

That's not a Z3 lol, it's an AB1 XXX (3X) like mine. £2500 is a very good price nevertheless for an AB1.

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1501582892' post='3345630'] They're 9 volt rectangular batteries. I'm getting maybe 2 months use. Do you know if they're Amazon's own? [/quote] No, Eneloop are made by Panasonic and are regarded as high performance rechargeables.

Yes! Eneloop!!

adding to the above: GK MB500 / MB800 / MB500 Fusion / MB800 Fusion TC Electronic BH800 TC Electronic RH750 MarkBass 800 Aguilar AG700 is great but very new so probably out of budget EBS 750 is a lovely amp RootMaster 800 is also a lovely amp My favourite (adding to the above tradition) but likely to be out of budget is the Bergantino B|Amp Going slightly heavy, but just an absolute beast for no money would be Hartke's LH1000 with a nice upgraded valve in. Cabinets within budget, well I suppose any of the offerings from the above! I really like TC Electronic's K-Cabs. I can't decide which I prefer most, but the 2x12 is capable and the 4x10 and 1x15 combination is very satisfying. EBS' Classic 4x10 takes a hell of a bashing without breaking in to a sweat, so makes a good combo with Reidmar 750 Really not a fan of MarkBass cabinets. I think the Aguilar GS2x12 is a brilliant cabinet, I've never had the opportunity to try the DB myself. and of course, I'll mention Bergantino cabinets. the HD range and the HDN range are absolutely superb. With the budget mentioned, you'd be able to grab something suitable with just enough cash left over for a head. Secondhand prices, Barefaced BB2 or even at squeeze, the Big Twin II is a killer one cab solution. Gutted I had to sell mine in a plan that went wrong. Oh well! The only reason why I haven't mentioned the Darkglass M900 is because I am still waiting to get my hands on one to review. When I do, I'll be able to tell how brilliant it is. I mean, the Darkglass Vintage Ultra is just a stunning pedal - and if Aguilar's mating of the Tonehammer preamp to a power amp is anything to go by, then the M900 is going to be very good similarly. (Of course with the extra functionality.)

This might seem like daft question as I don't know your medical history. Have you been to see the doctor about your back? I've tried different therapies including seeing a chiropractor and also physio. The latter having had a lasting effect on my lower back health. I think a tall 2x12 is the best route to go and you are there already. If it is a light weight cabinet then even better. I also use a trolley when necessary as mentioned above. It's one with nice big wheels on that doesn't get stuck on grass etc. For my small cabinets, yes I do have a pair of Berg HD112's which are nice and manageable despite not being 'neo', but when it comes to helium filled and big sounds, the Barfaced BB2 is super wonderful. If you want a much bigger 2x12, the the Big Twin II is a great cabinet, again, helium filled. This isn't a post about telling you to buy something new, but if you get a chance to handle different cabinets, you might find that it's where the handles are on your cabinet that is making you bend in a certain way? Make it a bit taller (stand it on a Gramma Pad for example) and you might find it easier to lift.

[quote name='leroydiamond' timestamp='1501408015' post='3344452'] Great review. What model Fender bass are you using? [/quote] Thank you! I'm going to have to do a video about it as I get asked about my bass so much! It's one of the awesome Fender Jazz Bass Specials, but the active variety. These were known as the Power Jazz Bass Special. They were a little different as they featured carbon neck inserts, and an all important extra fret on the board, deep scoops around the horns, reverse P configuration and a very cool 'notching' EQ filter circuit with three way selector. The necks on these I understand are modelled on a '62 Jazz, but I've never been able to compare to know for sure. I love the headstock with the carbon fibre facing. I have another one of these basses and there is more of a shine on that one. Both made in the late 80's in Japan, they represent what I feel to be some of the best work to come out of Fender. Even at these ages, I am still surprised at how well they play when set up properly. So, this one isn't entirely stock! First of all, everyone will probably know by now I am a massive fan of 'flip' or 'chameleon' paint and my basses for over 11 years have all featured some sort of colour changing finish. (Oh my have I got a surprise in store over the next few weeks ha ha!!) - This one got the same treatment. The finish at some angles is very pink!! I can get a great grey/blue from it and Burgundy Mist into Rose Blue is totally achievable. Which is great as I can go from Guy Pratt to Billy Sheehan in one swift movement ha ha ha! I've stripped out all of the electronics too and have found a total match made in heaven - That's an EMG PJ set (don't believe a word from anyone who says these sound 'sterile' they have no clue lol) and I've strapped that to a Glockenklang 3 band preamplifier. The whole thing works in every situation, even vintage bass tones. I do like a bit of top end ping though, so edging towards Marcus Miller but with some more punch. Finally, new hardware too - I could have kept the original Gotoh gear, but I've replaced it with new shiny stuff - Dunlop Dual strap locks top off the spec'. Everyone who has played this bass has loved it, it's a total gem and has the ability to make me sound better than I actually I am. (I'm really not.) I will never part with it. The other model I have is still stock in Candy Apple Red and is part way through upgrades. I tend not to gig either as 9/10 I need the low B string.. oh, if the PJBS was available as a 5er! That'd be interesting!

[quote name='karlfer' timestamp='1501404934' post='3344429'] Good man, merky buckets [/quote] and here's the SLS too: [url="https://www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com/videoplayer?issue=44&umbracourlname=dv_laney_nexus_bass_amp_review"]https://www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com/videoplayer?issue=44&umbracourlname=dv_laney_nexus_bass_amp_review[/url]

I've reviewed both the SL and SLS models.

[quote name='Horizontalste' timestamp='1501073626' post='3342260'] Makes perfect sense, any ideas how to contact them? [/quote] [quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1501074177' post='3342269'][list] [*][b]United Kingdom[/b] Contact Bergantino Audio for direct sales 00 1 512 873 8043 eMail: [email="[email protected]"]Bergantino Audio Direct Sales[/email] [/list] [/quote] What Chris says Tell 'em I sent you!

[quote name='lurkingbass' timestamp='1501047513' post='3341976'] Thanks for explanation, that makes much more sense to me now. So if understood you correctly, Focusrite Audio interfaces, connected to the PC and speakers, also acts as a DAC? But a real DAC, which bypass any onboard PC audio or audio card and converts raw digital to analog signal when listening to music? And about that app that you are mentioning, would you also rate sound manipulation while playing bass as a superb? I mean if I want to boost or cut some frequencies, add some effects etc, while playing? If all this is correct I would probably go in that direction, only it will be little harder for me to find appropriate active speakers because I like more older, warm sound over any Hi-Fi, and controls at least on side, not on back. Thanks. [/quote] You are quite right. You can ignore the internal sound card as to be honest they aren't really up to the job of processing real time audio (few exceptions I'm sure). So, yes, you plug the interface in to the computer, your bass plugs in to the interface and the same for the speakers. It as you say does all the converting and your favourite music collection appears at your speakers in wonderful pristine sound. Interfaces allow a greater flexibility too and often come with a mixer application that will allow you to balance the volumes of your instrument and any other sources that may be connected, such as your iTunes/media player. The application - yes, you'll have all of your amplifier controls in front of you on the screen. You want more drive, crank the gain, less treble, pull down that control. It's very cool. I might want a bit of stereo chorus washing across the left - to right 'image', or a tasty ping-pong delay bouncing between the speakers. I can do that. Then at a click of the save button I can come back the following day to exactly the same settings if I want, rather than having to plug all my external pedals in again. There are a few applications out there already offering different flavours of amplifiers, but I think PG is one of the very best. It has been compared to hardware processors such as Fractal's AxeFX and the Kemper Profiling Amplifier - in some cases it's a better option and sounds equally as good when set up well. Finally, your speakers. Active studio monitors are designed so that you get to hear your reference material, your music with clarity. The good news is that if you want an old vintage sound, well, there are plenty of applications you can use to apply that character to your speakers. At least if you change your mind you can go back to the natural response of the speakers you have. Oh and my suggestion for active speakers for bass guitar - unless you have a decent budget, 5" speakers are 'ok' but not that great. 6" if you can but the 8" will sound bigger and deeper. (The whole physical box will be bigger for a better sound etc etc etc)

[quote name='lurkingbass' timestamp='1501000456' post='3341682'] But lets say that I go on suggested option of active speakers. How do I get better control over raw sound and effects? Is there some kind of mixer with built in DAC and effects (or connection for pedals) to which I could connect bass and active speakers? [/quote] Yes there certainly is! What you require is an Audio Interface. They come in all shapes and sizes and offer the connections you need to send your raw bass tone in to your computer and out to your speakers mixed with whatever you are jamming along with. Focusrite make absolutely brilliant interfaces. I have the Clarett 2Pre, but you needn't go to the premium end of their offerings as even the entry level devices are great too. They connect to the computer either by USB, Thunderbolt or FireWire and handle audio processing. When it comes to superb bass amplifier sounds and any effects I care to add, then sure I plug my pedals directly in to the front panel, but I also use an incredible application called BIAS FX by Positive Grid - and pretty much every other app they offer too. The app models your signal path from your bass, through pedals and in to amplifiers, mic'd up. You can even mix two different amplifiers for dual-mono, stereo or bi-amp tonal capabilities. The great thing about the app is that it also will run as a plug-in in your DAW (recording software) too. I recorded an album last year and didn't touch a real amp once

You'd be better off in the long run going to Bergantino for the driver. You *can* stick any old speaker in to a cabinet and make it fit, but the right speaker has had the cabinet designed to get the best out of it. I suppose on top of that, you have a cabinet of epic tonal proportions, but you want to throw a generic speaker in it? Yikes!

[quote name='Tim Chapple' timestamp='1500986917' post='3341490'] [size=5][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][color=#1D2129]I'm looking to replace the strings on my Korean longhorn, I can't remember what strings Dano put on them from new? I'd like as much or maybe more twang.[/color][/font][/size] [size=5][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][color=#1D2129]I like the tension and gauge of the original strings, and flats are not an option, as I've got my Mustang set up with flats already.[/color][/font][/size] [size=5][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][color=#1D2129]I was concerned about getting them through the small tuner peg[/color][/font][/size] [color=#1D2129][font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=5]I'm guessing they are 40-90 [/size][/font][/color][font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif][color=#1d2129][size=5]gauge strings.[/size][/color][/font] [/quote] I could be wrong, but aren't they Dano's own strings? (rebranded or otherwise) - Maybe ping the Uk distributor a call.

[quote name='Bigwan' timestamp='1500987956' post='3341503'] You've already heard from 2 of the more knowledgeable members here. The reason you can't find anything on the internet is because stereo bass amps are as rare as hens teeth - Markbass Multiamp is one, but can't imagine you'd use it for what you're describing... To add my tuppence worth I'd go with active studio monitors. I had a set of samson rubicon 6a monitors a few years back and they sounded excellent for music and bass (especially with some sort of amp modelling in the signal path) [/quote] Yup, agreed. LurkingBass, The problem with practice amplifiers when it comes to bass is more often the speakers than the amplifier, thus, putting the money used for both sets towards one decent set of speakers makes lots of sense as well as saving space. My 'hifi' set up is more than capable of annoying the neighbours when I put just my bass through and theres plenty of low end available that very few 'practice bass amps' stereo or otherwise can match. Which is probably another reason why you aren't finding a stand alone stereo bass amp fitting your description. There are better solutions out there for playing along to music. Oh and secondhand will reward you with a pro set of monitors that you'll love for less cash.

[quote name='lurkingbass' timestamp='1500977334' post='3341391'] Hi everyone. So basically I want to build a budget minimalist home stereo setup that will be hooked up to PC. Both for playing bass and listening to music from PC. Not a Hi-Fi setup, but a dedicated stereo bass amp and 2 bookshelf speakers with lets say 6-7'' drives and a tweeter. Power between 100-150W. Bass sound is more important, so is there anything on market such as this, or could it be improvised to get good combo? Thanks! [/quote] I would strongly suggest buying some decent active/powered 'studio speakers' that are designed to take the dynamics of such program material, rather than having separate speakers taking up more space. I play everything through mine: Guitars, Keyboards, Vocals, LOTS of bass and all of my digital music.* *I should just add that I use mine as part of my studio set up for my day job too.

[quote name='dood' timestamp='1500983587' post='3341451'] D'Addario publish this information on their website: [url="http://www.daddario.com/upload/BassArticle2_1803.pdf"]http://www.daddario....ticle2_1803.pdf[/url] [/quote] I'd also add NOT to use the 'scale length' (e.g 37") of an instrument, which is the measurement from the [i]saddles[/i] to the nut, as your measurement as this will reward you with the wrong information and the string will come up short.

D'Addario publish this information on their website: [url="http://www.daddario.com/upload/BassArticle2_1803.pdf"]http://www.daddario.com/upload/BassArticle2_1803.pdf[/url]

[quote name='T-Bay' timestamp='1500231335' post='3336366'] Hynoptic straps are a third of those prices and very comfortable, they do a lot of padded Ines including a 4" variant. I have four now of different designs and quality is the match of any I have seen irrespective of price. [/quote] Yup, I have a Hypnotic 4" wide and also a rather nice Minotaur one, again 4" wide. Bought then for a total bargain absolutely brand new.

TLDR, but what I feel is way more important than your set of songs, (after all you probably have over 40 corkers to choose from) is the ability to read your audience. Know the demographic and the reason why they are there, then pick songs appropriately. A really obvious example: You want to keep them on the dance floor? Know what songs will kill their groove. - I mean, I am assuming that we are talking about a covers / function band here!