Musicman20

Use the PA and a nice DI that doubles as an EQ/effects pedal...eg Aguilar Tonehammer. I wouldn't go any smaller than a 2x10 to be honest....otherwise I DI.

Nice little rig! What is the Hydrive 112 like? Nice bass as well. Oly White Modulus?

[quote name='lojo' timestamp='1348671503' post='1816751'] You"d be gutted if you had just spent nearer the RRP , thats quite a drop MM, one day you'll be one a TV show about people with GAS or great collections of bass related products [/quote] I know. Haha. I take comfort in the fact that those who spend a lot more on cars/bikes spend a LOT more money and don't have as much to show if they buy a car that becomes worthless.

Weirdly enough, the Ray 5 HS is the lightest. I imagine it was luck of the draw...but it really is super light.

Luckily my Sterling 5HS/Stingray 5 HS weigh about 9lbs max. each.

That Spector needs a video demo. I'd love to hear what the MM style pup sounds like.

Clarky is a good un!

If I had the space and a van I'd be all over an Aguilar DB412.

I agree with the originals band. The problem with our current music climate is that more and more bands are getting coverage, but hardly any of them are lasting past one decent debut. Thus, its getting harder and harder to keep up with new exciting bands. The problem is, the older you get, the harder it is to keep up without checking the internet ALL the time. Hardly any people I work with like music the way I do; I must come across as totally obsessed! So, I can't get new music through word of mouth. Then you have a career kick in, and unless its music orientated, you have that to juggle as well. Keep your hands in the original side of music and create as much as you can. Covers bands are fun but there is nothing like making your own music.

[quote name='drTStingray' timestamp='1348529284' post='1814968'] I know the feeling Just think, Gareth - you could have one of those shipped as well Have you seen the pic of the Bongo 5 PDN and the natural finish Sterling Classic on the MM forum............some seriously nice basses being produced..........and bought (unfortunately not by me ). And I have vintage Fender gas on top of all that! [/quote] I know. Arghggh They are stunning. Now a Reflex 5 HH PDN as well. One of the best Ltd series they've made.

[quote name='silddx' timestamp='1348526773' post='1814940'] ahahahaha, you don't change do you brother You are the one person on here with permanent, full on, GASSSSSS! I have to say, the Big Als are really lovely, but I can't get on with those nut widths. The white and tort is wondrous! [/quote] It's true! I try stay away but can't! I am trying to reduce looking at new gear though. Agreed the Big Als are great.

http://www.theperfectbass.com/Music-Man-Sterling-5-Premier-Dealer-Network-F20402.htm No words required, (well apart from these).

[quote name='jamesbass116' timestamp='1348369256' post='1812826'] I've done a fair bit of music work in my 19 years on this earth... I've got function gigs up the wazoo and regular gigs with 3 bands including one with serious label interest. However, despite all this I've come across so much ignorance towards me from certain people simply because I'm a 'kid'. I could act as professionally and friendly as possible to someone yet still be treated like I'm trying to use my bass headstock as a pacifier. I don't and never will understand this mindset at all. I can guarantee there are a lot of people twice/three times my age with far less playing experience that will be given regular and friendly service in music shops, or treated with respect at a gig etc... I'm sure I'm not the only one who's come across this in their lives. Has anyone ever experienced something similar? If so what was it? Or, if you've never been involved in something like this, how would you react if you had been? Now this is by no means a rant, nor am I trying to incite any kind of hateful retorts. This is simply meant to be a discussion on an issue of ageism in correlation to the perception of musical experience. [/quote] I'm 31, but due to luck of the genes I look about 22 at the oldest. I tend to find I still get people talking down to me about bass and my career. In fact, I get it about what music I listen to, and my opinions as well. Luckily, I just don't care anymore. I don't ever take how young I look for granted...ever. In fact, its a bloomin gift! Sometimes, it is genuine advice and I always look upto those with more knowledge than me, but sometimes, its just someone on their high horse because they haven't got anything else to shout about. Sounds like you are doing well for yourself, well done.

I must admit, I agree the Sterlings look better than the Rays. I've noticed certain colours are REALLY nice on the Sterling due to the lack on banana control plate and slightly sleaker body. Take Tobacco Burst. Looks great on a Ray. Oh my...it looks AMAZING on a Sterling. I also think the Sterling 5 is beautiful design, hence why I got one as well as a Ray 5 HS.

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1348492949' post='1814247'] I was wondering just the other day what a tenth anniversary Bongo might encompass. Maybe a mahogany body and Reflex electronics ? Imagine a series / parralel -switchable Bongo, with the option of active/passive. Regarding the subject of the o.p and this ltd. edition Bongo, I expect they sound amazing, but the Bongo pickups and preamp would probably sound good if the body was made out of balsa wood, never mind mahogany. I've just been looking at these and I must say that the finish looks a lot better in the flesh than I initially thought, although to me it looks better on the Sterlings than the Stingray, but I couldn't give you a rational reason why. that would be : [url="http://www.theperfectbass.com/explore.cfm?STORE=Y&N=122&SN=464&CT=101&PG=101&W=STORE&P=N&S=1001081&U=1&SS=1&CR=Y&modify=0"]http://www.theperfec...1&CR=Y&modify=0[/url] It's also interesting that the respective weights of these basses is about the same as if they were made out of ash, albeit that they are still a bit too heavy for me. [/quote] A chap on Talkbass has just posted pics of his Bongo 5 HH and it looks FABULOUS. I really want one now. I agree, the wood doesn't really matter on the Bongo. Its a very very powerful set of pups and pre, and I've not experienced anything else quite like it! Just pure power and modern sheen. I think Sterling might have quite an exciting Bongo up his sleeves for the 10th Anniversary. 10 years ago, when it first came out, I thought 'what the hell is that?!' Now? I totally love it.

[quote name='drTStingray' timestamp='1348441749' post='1813777'] That's a stunning bass - v nice indeed. Keko wants a Bongo.........but is holding out for a 10th Anniversary one (2013 - if they make one) How about a PDN 2012 Bongo via an American dealer?? [/quote] I did think about it...but I'd rather get the UK warranty...

I used to LOVE the older Trace 4x10s. Super super punchy.

Which, in a roundabout way, proves that even to the diehard 'bass tone' seeking experts, a good well designed 4x10 is STILL a very good choice. Despite all the engineers saying they aren't that great. I wish I'd kept my HS410.

[quote name='Rick's Fine '52' timestamp='1348431492' post='1813613'] I've never heard of mid 90's MIJ's ever being coveted, let alone referred to as the Holy Grail. In fact, there's probably 100 on ebay right now, not exactly the Holy Grail?? [/quote] Basschat and many other forums hold the MIJ Fenders in very high regard. All I was saying is that they are good, but worth no more than usual. Hype comes to mind.

Well, they have gone up...but the current S&T stock can be bought at the old prices if it was bought pre-price rise to them. A Bongo 5 HH used to be around £1400-1500 new. Now, they are £1800+.....

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1348429696' post='1813566'] The original JV Series Squiers are an interesting case in point, and a is model I know well because I bought one when they came out. It was my first really good bass, and is very close to my heart, but they were never worthy of the kind of kudos they enjoy nowadays. They were ( and still are ) very nice relatively inexpensive Japanese guitars, but nothing more than that . If they have a nostalgia and rarity value to them nowadays then good luck to them and those that own them , but they command a price grotesquely in excess of their worth as a tool for making music with. I had the Jazz Bass that I bought new for about two hundred quid and the Precision that I got secondhand for thirty quid ( yes, thirty quid). Nice basses, but nowhere near as good as a 2012 American Standard. [/quote] I must admit I agree with this, but on my part I'm a bit intrigued by the whole mid 90s MIJ basses being 'the holy grail'. I had one as my first real P bass (a 62 reissue). Very well made and solid P bass, but the tone wasn't as strong as the latest MIA P basses, and I don't agree with the price they command. £400-410 is enough...the rest is just nostalgia and people creating a buzz about a bass that is good, but not totally amazing. My 2009 MIA cost me well under the price they are now as it was a closing down sale, and it is flat out the best Fender I have played/owned....I want it to be the P bass I keep forever. I'd love to hear a MIA P from 2012 and cf it to a 1960s model....im sure this could be organised. My 2009 is that good that I've craved a maple boarded version since I've had it. I've currently got a MIA Jazz to match it (2011), but I want another P just to feel I've got the option for that grindy smooth maple board the new ones have. But, I can then see myself wanting the maple board Jazz and having all four. Not stupidly priced so it is possible, but its a case of getting 'good uns'.

I've just listened to the above video demo on a better/louder setup and it once again shows for me that the Aguilar DB tone is IT...for me. The Berg HD seems to have a dip somewhere in the mids...a lot more very very full low end, less low mid punch, and a fairly ganky high mid. Something doesn't gel with what I like...with that Jazz is seems VERY hollow. The Aguilar DB112 just punches right through with that low mid kick...even the Jazz doesn't seem scooped with it! The DNA cab just sounds bland to me, and looks (from the video) very 'thrown' together despite the high price tag. I just need to stop whinging and buy a set of DB112s to go with my DB212...so I've got everything covered.

Wow! I love the Reflex in White. I'm seriously tempted to pick up a Bongo as well as my other Bongo order before the price rise hits and they are £1800+

The MB speakers can handle that pistoning. Despite the cabs having a voice you can love or hate, the speakers are quite high end apparently.

Cool info Gaf, cheers. I'm glad there are some hands on experience results going into this to help the OP. Those MB speakers really do piston! But I agree they punch very well for their weight and size.