rmorris

[quote name='obbm' post='322799' date='Nov 5 2008, 06:01 PM']Thanks for your comments. I've ordered one and I'll let you now how I get on with it.[/quote] I just bought an Emerson EGT-1 last Saturday. £20. Tried 3 different ones in the shop and this tracked bottom E well ( one of the others didn't ) and looked more discreet ( it's black ) than the other. Works well on all the basses I've tried it with plus electro-acoustic guitar and electric guitar. On/Clip/Mic switch not the most positive action - can still be off when it looks like it should be on - but no problem once switched on. I'm happy with it - it's really convenient having it on the headstock where it's easy to read - although I guess it'll be difficult to use with my Hohner B2A :-)

[quote name='Silent Fly' post='319272' date='Oct 31 2008, 07:37 PM']I am not a big fan of Behringer and I don't have any commercial relationship with them apart from being a customer. I am slightly surprised by the comments of this thread. As we all know, Behringer produces pedals that are inexpensive. They cost far less than the originals and usually they don’t sound too bad (especially considering the price). A Behringer pedal I have comes with instructions that contain the following specifications: [i]Power supply: 9V 100mA regulated. Behringer PSU-SB Power connector: 2mm DC jack, negative center Battery: 9V type 6LR61[/i] These are the conditions under which the pedal has been design and should be used. Nobody stops me to use other types of power supply but if I do it, I do it at my own risk. I agree that some protection on the power supply should be part of the design of a pedal (I include it in all the pedals I design and produce) but equally I don’t see it as fundamental requirement of an as-cheap-as-it-gets pedal. If I connect a 300W cabinet to a 400W amp and after I played a full volume for one hour one of the cone breaks I don’t complain about the poorly designed cabinet. I would prefer not to try but I am pretty confident that if I connect my Avalon U5 to a 320V supply instead of the recommended 240V I will damage it. I think that nobody has any doubt that Avalon devices are among the best audio devices on the market. Last but not least, if any of you has a [url="http://www.lamborghini.co.uk/?section=models&sub_section=5&model=murcielago_lp640"]Lamborghini Murciélago LP640[/url] we can try to use kerosene as fuel and see if the engine is happy after a few miles. Are Lamborghini poorly designed?[/quote] It's still rubbish design if 9V polarity reversal causes permanent damage. It's fairly well accepted that the environment in which a product ( any product ) is likely to be used is relevant with regard to malfunction / damage etc. And it's obvious that the inadvertent use of a different supply or polarity reversal is a likely event given the same / similar and unidentified connectors commonly used, dark stages etc... Since 9V is arguably the most common nominal dc voltage then it seems wholly reasonable to expect protection against polarity reversal of a 9V supply or use of an unregulated supply here. I'm not necessarily expecting it to survive, for example, being fed with 230V ( nominal ) ac mains voltage - it's not a reasonable scenario. And given that the protection can be simple and low cost ( very very low cost ) then I can't see an excuse even for low cost product. I have to say that I don't think the analogies given are particularly valid - under what circumstances would you take it into your head to pour kerosene into your Lamborghini ? And where is this source of 320Vac ? It's worth noteing that a product running from European ac mains should be able to able to run at significantly above and under the nominal voltage as there is an allowed tolerance on the mains voltage supplied ( +10% / -6% around 230 Vac ? - but I might be incorrect on the actual figures ). Plus should be able to survive various surge transient conditions as defined in emc standards ( there is a sort of opt out for manufacturers but I'll stop now before it gets very nuanced and legalistic :-)

[quote name='Thunderhead' post='308015' date='Oct 16 2008, 05:09 PM']I would get three pedals: A tuner A compressor/limiter An EQ Boss make industry-standard, high quality versions of all these (the compressor is called the Bass Limiter-Enhancer, and you want the dedicated Bass EQ; the tuner is the standard TU-2). If you're not wanting anything more radical than a simple clean bass sound you won't need more than that for any situation. You don't really need a DI box if you use modern-type pedals like Boss since they all have built-in buffering and will happily drive any amp, desk or length of cable (or DI box, on big stages where the soundman will probably want you to use his one anyway). I think that high-quality individual pedals do sound better than cheap multi-FX units too by the way.[/quote] A tuner isn't really a 'pedal' though is it ? And I'd recommend branching off to a tuner from another pedal or the amp ( assuming it's a passive pickup bass else if it's active pickups you could branh off that too ) rather than going 'through' it. If you want to give the sound desk an 'amp' sound without mic'ing the cab then are you happy with the DI / pre-amp output of your amp for that ? If so that's problem solved I think. Maybe needing a simple DI box to minimise buzz / humm caused by 'ground loops'. The sound guy should be carrying these as a matter of course. If you want to send a more coloured sound to the FOH desk - as if it's a mic'd cab - then you will need something along the lines of a Sansamp BDDI - like that ( the programmable version looks good in price now compared to the basic unit or look at the 'Para driver ' ) or maybe MXR Bass DI / Hartke Bass Attack pedal - depending on your personal taste . You really just have to try them out to evaluate. The Hartke is a lot cheaper and there's a Behringer 'copy' of the Sansamp BDDI at about £28 ! ( I know people have views both sonically and ethically about the Behringer kit ) Personally I find the Sansamp BDDI helps whether in front of the desk or transistor ( Trace Elliot ) amp. I haven't tried the EBS competition or the more recent Sansamp bass 'character ' effects. And people here seem to rate the DHA kit so maybe worth a listen ? You may be better leaving dynamics (ie compression / limiting ) to the sound desk unless it's a fundamental part of your sound. In which case I'd recommend a rack type unit over pedals although the Trace Elliot dual band can be good depending on the version. That's not available as new anymore - but I would guess the Ashdown dual band compressor nay be simiar / updated ? Personally I use a few things depending on my mood but mainly a Trace SMX dual band pedal or Alesis NanoCompressor ( half rack) . And sometimes at home a Behringer ( German - before radical cost cutting / production in China ) Composer rack Compressor / Limiter. Cheers

[quote name='crez5150' post='297324' date='Oct 2 2008, 10:07 AM']The side chain output is basically a send and return (a Stereo jack which incorporates output/input). The idea being that you can stick an eq unit in the chain. If you use just a standard jack to jack you can send signal from the compressor to your tuner. As you will only be sending signal it will not be coming back into your signal path.... try it![/quote] I'm not familiar with the 3630 comp but I guess unless it has a switch to select sidechain then the switching would be done via the jack contacts - as on a standard mixing desk insert . In that case you would need to use a 'stereo' or more accurately TRS jack at the sending end and connect the tip to the ring to link the signal through the socket. Same as you would do to use a mixer insert as a Direct Output (eg for sending to a PC/Recording Device) and still have the signal go through the channel. Easy enough to wire up.

[quote name='ahpook' post='296969' date='Oct 1 2008, 07:09 PM']you can prolly pick up a 9v ac supply at maplins...i'm no expert on ac psu tho...would it need to be regulated or smoothed a certain way ?[/quote] as it's ac it can't be smoothed. the regulation will be that of the transformer used ( it gets into complicated magnetics ! ) unless it's a fairly complex design. ie the actual voltage will depend on the load. less mA = more volts. What is the current rating needed ?

[quote name='wateroftyne' post='273153' date='Aug 30 2008, 02:26 PM']I know you say it has to be soft, but... The Hiscox shaped hard cases are VERY light and VERY strong, and are smaller than Tribal Planet gig bags...[/quote] it's worth having a look at the 'own brand' Thomann bags [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/gigbags_for_electric_basses.html"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/gigbags_for_electric_basses.html[/url] I use this series for bass and guitars and they are good quality and well padded although the light colour tends to show up dirt. [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/thomann_elite_gigbag_ebass.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/thomann_elite_gigbag_ebass.htm[/url]

[quote name='Clive Thorne' post='277487' date='Sep 5 2008, 12:30 AM']If it's a passive bass and you have a stereo jack then I would personally wire the 'ring' to the earth contact. That way you get a spring contact on the earth rather than relying on the the unsprung contact between the plug sleeve and the outer ring of the socket.[/quote] A mono jack will generally have a sprung contact to the sleeve ( 'earth' ) anyway. ie it'll have two sprung contacts whereas a stereo jack socket will have three sprung contacts. But it would be as well to wire a passive bass as suggested anyway for even better reliability / lower contact resistance on the sleeve contact.

[quote name='BassManKev' post='286321' date='Sep 17 2008, 11:13 PM']how does trying a piece of gear tell you what the market price is likely to be?? i monitor the second hand market alot when it comes to effects, having owned and sold so many myself in the past, iv never nor will i ever claim to be an 'expert on gear i havn't tried'. i just like to think that i have a pretty good idea on good prices in the second hand effects market, and id probably say this sold for a decent price, but by no means was it a bargain. sorry if iv caused offense [/quote] Fair enough but the question raised on this by Duarte was : "Ive been interested in these for a while...how good are they? " rather than explicitly the cost.

[quote name='doctor_of_the_bass' post='283490' date='Sep 14 2008, 02:20 AM']It works but cuts out now and again - got pretty drowned that nite![/quote] does it sound okay when it's not cutting out ? If so, it might just need a good clean on the input / output / power jacks. I'd recommend giving it a go with a Caig DeOxit product, making sure you get any switching contacts on the jacks too. If it's the pots as well - more difficult - but might still be recoverable if it comes apart okay ( I've never tried ) ? Apologies if I'm stating the obvious - but I don't like to see things go to waste.

[quote name='BassManKev' post='283833' date='Sep 14 2008, 07:07 PM']bit of a 'poor mans' deep impact is the impression i get from various reviews and sound bytes, more practical but way larger although never tried one myself. id probably say £150 is its max value, tbh im quite suprised it went for that much in the current climate, last couple iv seen have gone for around £120 iirc EDIT last one on ebay was in the US for £89...[/quote] they seem to come somewhere between Deep Impact and the Boss synth pedal ( SYB?) in terms of reputation. Sounds like it does the job to me but I've not tried the other two mentioned. Anyone want to comment from experience ? One went on ebay for over £200 not long ago but yeah - they more often seem to go for around £120 - £150. But it's difficult to be too certain over 'average value' as they aren't too common. I guess an auction is an auction and something is worth whatever it is that someone will go to for it.

[quote name='ziggydolphinboy' post='283922' date='Sep 14 2008, 09:49 PM']used black label for ages they are nice man, just had two asses set up by the gallery and they put la bella strings on both ther are nice.[/quote] I'm sort of hopeing you mean 'basses set up' - ooo-err missus ;-) but yes - I had a couple of basses - a Hohner B2a 4 string and an Aria MAB5 5 string set up by Bass Gallery in Camden and they put on La Bellas which sound pretty good. I left it up to them and was surprised they went as light as ( I think) 0.128 on the low B but it seems to work ok if I don't hit it too hard. 5 String not really my thing so comments welcome.

[quote name='doctor_of_the_bass' post='283010' date='Sep 13 2008, 12:41 AM']Let me know if/when you want to sell - I've got one already but it had a pint of cider one night at a pub gig![/quote] What sort of damage did the cider spillage do ? Does it still work at all ? I'm thinking it might be recoverable.

?[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Korg-G5-Bass-Synth-Processor_W0QQitemZ230286864860QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item230286864860&_trkparms=72%3A984%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14"]Korg G5[/url] just to be clear this isn't mine - although I have one and will likely sell soon. I notice the seller says he has hung up his bass for good - is that possible

[quote name='Marcus' post='265171' date='Aug 19 2008, 07:28 AM']some great ideas, tips and suggestions...... After years of biting my nails down to the stumps i've grown my plucking finger nails and it's made a difference to the attack of the notes for sure, I think with some added bite and my recently purchased Aphex Punch Factory i'm getting there !! Thanks guys....[/quote] are you plucking the strings 'fingerstyle' ? if so do the fingernails interfere with 'normal' flesh only fingerstyle or do you use a different angle to strike the string ? Or are you using the nail more like a pick with downstrokes ? or .....?

[quote name='Blueroom Pete' post='259689' date='Aug 11 2008, 03:20 AM']thanks everyone for the replies. It purely live use that I'm worried about. When it comes to recording I own a studio so I have an Avalon DI that I'll blend in with a nice valve mic on the cab. I just won't be taking either anywhere near a stage![/quote] It's probably worth giving the Behringer 'Sansamp Clone' box a go for probably less than £30 although if you can A/B it with a 'real' Sansamp BDDI then that'd be good.

[quote name='BassManKev' post='262285' date='Aug 14 2008, 11:43 AM']no, they don't, unless you attack with your fingers really hard and you use your nails, but thats the same with every bass i dont think you will ever get anything to sound like your using a pick unless you actually use a pick.[/quote] Well I guess it depends on what ‘pick sound’ is being envisaged. I’m thinking clear attack with a bit of a ‘clicky’ percussive element. Definitely heard similar from a Musicman with fingerstyle ( not nails ) before a couple of times which made me listen up and is why I mentioned it. But not a real grindy ‘rock’ tone. With a pick a lot depends on the pick and profile of the string – I’m assuming roundwounds – as to how much plectrum grind you get. For a more ‘fuzzed up a bit’ sound with a pick like attack while using fingers I reckon the closest I’ve come was years ago recording onto a domestic valve reel to reel machine via the mic which came with the machine with the mic right up against the grill of a small practice amp. The sound which came back off tape was a real surprise – I guess it was the combination of the valves and tape overdrive compression + amp / speaker distortions. But I agree about using nails - that’s good esp if you can get away with all down strokes. The hard skin / surgical spirit thing can help too but it’ll never be as hard as nails ( obviously). And yeah – it can take some getting comfortable with – but a real pick is the real answer. The guy who started this thread wants alternatives though so it's good to throw ideas around.

depending on what 'pick' sound you're looking for but it may be worth trying out a Musicman bass or similar - I've heard those get a pick like attack with fingerstyle ? But yeah - persevere with the pick itself - a lot cheaper !

just to say I bought a 12" driver from Stevie - no problems at all. Cheers.

[quote name='Platypus' post='247294' date='Jul 24 2008, 09:27 PM']I got one of these last week - Alesis Performance Pad - [url="http://www.dv247.com/invt/46927/"]http://www.dv247.com/invt/46927/[/url] it's the Alesis SR16 drum machine plus the pads build on top. great fun - its fast becoming a family entertainment center ! I just leave it plugged in to an old Peavey Microbass practice amp.... Here's a review done my a drummer: [url="http://www.mikedolbear.co.uk/story.asp?StoryID=1600"]http://www.mikedolbear.co.uk/story.asp?StoryID=1600[/url] P[/quote] looks fun - reminds me that I'm meaning to sell an Alesis SR-16 - will try it on this site.

Owners Manuals Instructions for the above . Take all or any for the cost of the stamps - or collect Brighton.

[quote name='lmbalcao' post='232396' date='Jul 4 2008, 01:01 AM']Vodoo Lab Pedar Power Plus..[/quote] thanks. But the Voodoo Labs uits use a linear supply with isolated secondary windings ( going from their website info ). I was meaning using 'isolated DC/DC converter modules' as produced by C+D and others to realise the supplies - probably powering the individual supplies from one step down transformer / psu. Basically wondering if any diyers had tried it. The Voodoo Labs stuff does look good though.

[quote name='budget bassist' post='228411' date='Jun 28 2008, 03:24 AM']That could be it, i just changed strings the other day (well a few weeks ago, but they're still new! ) and i only just noticed it, that COULD be it... i might swap the string with one on my toby if at all possible and see if it's still there, or order a new string maybe...[/quote] definitely worth looking into the possibility of a loose winding on a string. I had a odd/bad 'overtone' before - suspected truss rod / bridge / tuners / anything and it turned out to be one of the strings,

[quote name='beerdragon' post='228248' date='Jun 27 2008, 07:38 PM']I picked the cabs up this afternoon. i managed to get them both for £180. i'm happy with sound and i though it was a good deal. the amp i left. when you depressed the EQ button it made a noise that sounded like a dry joint. a tap on top of the amp and it made it disappear. could be still a bargain at a £100 or even less.[/quote] did you discuss whether they were actually TE cabs ? - like others I've not seen TE cabs like that previously. I reckon amp could be a good buy for someone handy with a soldering iron - although I haven't seen the insides of that amp series to know how easy it is to access the components.