mikeos

We’ve had two sessions so far with Jazkazam. First time latency was a big problem with just drums, bass, guitar and vocals. Two of us, guitar and bass, were using an audio interface (Focusrite) that sort of helped. Second session drummer bought a Focusrite and we all downloaded a universal driver for audio from ASIO ( http://www.asio4all.org/) which is free. The Focusrite seems to recognise this. This seemed to really improve the latency problem, getting it down to about 2ms. I’m not an IT techy but I think with all of us using the same AI and, most importantly, downloading the ASIO software it improved things dramatically. Headphones are plugged into the Focusrite not the laptop. Also as has been said elsewhere you need to use an Ethernet cable, dont rely upon Wi-fi. The Focusrite costs around £140 to £160, cheapest we found was on Thomann. So far the investment has been expensive (had to replace an old laptop) but the results after the second session were very promising. Now just waiting for the other guitarist to get his act together and we can rehearse as a full band.

Hi, Earlier in 2018 I tried a few basses at Bass Direct (see my post Xotic PRO v Sadowsky). Might be argued an unfair comparison with a £1300 bass against a £2500 bass, however I thought the Xotic represented good value for money, greater range of tones. I was tempted to buy the Xotic PRO however didn’t at the time as was waiting to sell a Roscoe bass through BD. Glad I didn’t as a few months later spotted a pre-owned XJ5 lightweight on BD’s website going for £1800 and snapped it up. Very pleased with it and later saw a review on Guitar Interactive using the exact same bass that I bought (serial no 2028) that was a pleasant surprise. Also have an Xotic XP5 bought a few years ago, nice warm tones, comfortable neck. On both basses I have strung them with D’Addarios half wounds for a bluesier sort of sound and it also avoids that scratchy sound when move up the string! I have had several Fenders over the years, but I agree the claim that Xotic makes some of the best super jazz basses is right, particularly if you’re lucky to pick up one second hand, great value for money if comparing against a new Fender Elite for example.

Popped into Bass Direct intending to check out the above basses. Obviously read a lot about the Sadowsky but, already owning an Xotic XP5, I was after a Jazz Bass to complete the set, as it were. Yes I know some will quickly say that comparing chalk and cheese! The Sadowsky was ok ( predictable?) however I was very impressed with the Xotic mindful it was £500 less than the Sadowsky that was on at £1850. This is probably because already owning an Xotic the XJPRO felt to me very familiar in tone (wider tone range I thought) and the ‘feel’ of the bass. At £1300 I think it’s great value, does everything if not more when compared against basses costing up to a £1000 or more (also tried a 5 string Atalier, the one that Bernard Edwards plays but I was happy with Xotic). Points I thought of interest for the XJPRO were, Pros:- nice neck, great tonal range, PUPs offered a great range, Passive offered a good range of tones, great for that warm bluesy sound. Cons:- Thinking that I found the pot to pull for passive turned out to a pan switch, so it came off when I pulled it! No problem quickly reattached. However quality wise, in contrast to the XP5 that I owned that was built in Japan/USA, I felt it was a bit ‘cheap’ in quality terms, but that’s being subjective. The neck and frets were really smooth and nice to the touch. In conclusion if you’re in a limited budget I don’t think you can go too far wrong with the XJPRO. The obvious alternative might be the Sadowsky Metro Express which I haven’t tried but it’s more expensive and if it’s like it’s brother the MV5 that I tried (admittedly 9 years older and only with a 2 band eq) didn’t compare in terms of tonal range against the Xotic. My original intention was to find a lightweight replacement for a Roscoe bass that I hadn’t played for awhile due to its weight and ended up ordering an Xotic XJ Light. A bit roundabout but at least I ticked off two basses that had caught my eye. I should mention the guys at BD were really helpful. Quick disclaimer, the above is of course only my opinion and one man’s meat, etc.

Bought Markbass CMD Super Combo K1 from Gareth, excellent condition and nice padded cover. So far combo has lived up to all expectations. Very easy transaction, recommend with confidence.

Thanks Jim for organising the day. It was good to meet with other bassists

Thanks for the reply see you all there.

Hi I'm new to this site, could you confirm the venue and time for the bass bash on the 15th. Thanks. Mike.