Musicman20

Mike Burkett of NOFX.

Not feelin it. Plus MH is no Fat Mike. But don't listen to me...it actually looks pretty neat

I had both and the rosewood looked better on a P. If its a black pick guard on say a Jazz or Ray, then maple can look nice.

Definitely another option

Firstly, how are these such good value, and neo?! http://www.soundsliveshop.com/p/Gallien-Krueger_NEO_112_Bass_Speaker_Cabinet/GK-NEO112 Is it because GK manufacture their own speakers? (Paragon) Has anyone got one of these, or a pair, and can give an impression of what they are like. Crazy low weight, low price, and a nice size.

The tube is so small on the LMTube it's insignificant, plus you can't change it.

Nice colour...red and sparkly!

Cool!! I'd like to hear what the new pup is like.

GK told me the last stock of Chinese amps is being shipped out (month or so ago) and then they are making the new ones.

[quote name='1976fenderhead' timestamp='1339420424' post='1688130'] Well then, dramatic turn of events after further testing I did some more playing but this time sticking mostly to flat setting to get the true nature of the amps. Genz Benz is eliminated, because of compression on both the Streamliner and Shuttle (which maybe is better on the Shuttle 6.2, not sure) and also because of that scooped baked in EQ that seems to be their signature sound. I really grew to dislike that today so not really interested in trying the 6.2 due to that philosophy of having such a strong voicing baked in. Feels like cheating to me somehow, as does the compression, like trying to get more volume out of their power, makes me feel they're not as powerful as the numbers say. The Aguilar, though I love it, is off too. Love the Drive breakup thing and the beautiful dynamics, but the sound is a bit too middy, so the problem with this one is doesn't do scooped well. So both GB and Aguilar suffer from lack of flexibility for my intentions. Surprise: Pretty dead set on MarkBass now. The reason why it seemed too flat last time was because I AB'd it quickly with GB and was fooled by that instant GB punch, then didn't go back to it. The Little Mark III is actually very warm and natural, and very, very flexible. Does scooped well, slap tones, aggressive rock tones, classic, modern, the lot... They should get the Little Mark Tube for me to try this weekend and I think one of these will be the one... The fact I didn't like GB makes me think I won't like TC either, as they use similar tricks to simulate valves that by their own admission, compress the dynamics. I also read about reliability issues, knobs breaking etc. Not sure if I feel like driving 1 hour to test it alone, and not being able to AB it with MarkBass at that shop won't help much... But I'll see if I can do it somehow this weekend. I tried a few cabs with the Little Mark III. MB cabs kind of sucked. Vanderkley was good, preferred the 210 to the 112 but had to turn down the tweeter a bit. EBS Neo 210 sounded just right. So what cabs would you advise for this amp, given that I liked Vanderkley and EBS and hated MB? I like that GK ones can tilt up, but worried they'll sound as trebly as their amps!! [/quote] I think before you jump (and don't get me wrong, Markbass is a fantastic choice), my advice is: TC amps sound nothing like Markbass or Genz...at all Genz Shuttle amps (the 3.0 and 6.0) have a high pass filter that takes the low end and cuts it off. They were designed to match with small combo cabs that Genz make, and this prevents failures (a small 1x12/10/8 will only take so much!!). The 9.0, and more so the 6.2, 9.2 and Max .2s have a much fuller low end and a more pleasing voicing. I haven't heard any natural scooped tones from the Genz Shuttle amps set flat. In actual fact they have a high mid bump to my ears...definitely not scooped set flat at all. The Streamliner 600/900 has a very small mid dip which can be put to flat with the use of the mid knob put to 1 ish and the bass to 10 ish. It's and old fashioned EQ section...flat at 12 doesn't really matter. The Markbass amps do sound great all at 12 on the EQ. My problem is that it has become a bass requirement to have this on all amps. Position doesn't matter as long as it sounds great. If I was to buy Markbass I'd stick with the LM2/3 or F500. The Tube series sounds very un-tube like and the Rocker grit isn't very musical...

I can't deal with UK festivals now. After witnessing Groezrock in Belgium it made me realise we are overcharged and very unorganised in the UK, with rubbish weather. I agree Clarky, get in the hotel

Which Genz Shuttle did you try? I'd highly recommend trying the new Shuttle 6.2 and 9.2. If you can afford it, the Max 9.2 dies everything! The 3.0 is built for the tiny combo they are part of and hence the amp does not have much girth and low end to the voicing. The Streamliner is the 600 or 900, both will do very very clean fat tube tones or dirty tube tones at ridiculous volumes (esp the 900). Don't knock the TC until youve tried it. TC know a lot more about amp technology than most forum members so ignore the comments and try it for yourself much louder (the 450) than a similar spec lm3 by Markbass and won't clip nasty! The Aguilar gear is awesome. I don't need it but I'd love a TH500. You can slap through anything. Some old school funk guys used P basses and flats to slap. Some prefer very tinny MIller type Jazz tone.

[quote name='largo' timestamp='1339251630' post='1685920'] I went for the GK Neo 112-ii cabs which sound great and are almost as light as the BF Compact I used to own. Each cab is smaller, but bigger dimensions because there's 2 of them. I did feel the sound from the BF Compact passed my legs so was difficult to hear at some gigs and certainly wasn't bomb-proof when it came to a gigging cab. Just wanted to say. Now the Schroeder, that was a cab [/quote] Those GK 112s are a very very good price.

What are you looking for? Do you want to hear more of the treble and high end? If so the Compact is not for you. I always prefer having the option of using a tweeter or not.

Personally I don't like the pressure you can get in stores to rush through trying it. When it's an instrument over £500, especially ones hitting the £1500+ region, it takes time to make sure it's right. What happens if you travel and you dislike it? You've lost the petrol and the time. If its fairly local, no issue, but for example, if I went to the Bass Gallery, it's a very expensive journey. Just thinking out loud

Aguilar DB112. Fantastic tone.

Punk is Precision, Jazz, Stingray or Ric. That includes modern punk.

[quote name='flyfisher' timestamp='1339188089' post='1685243'] it's even better than that. The Distance Selling Regulations allows you to return mail-order goods [u]for any reason[/u] even if the item is in perfect working condition. The rationale behind this is that if you visit a store you get the chance to closely examine the goods and make an informed decision if its really what you want. With mail-order/online shopping this is clearly not possible, hence the DSR rights. There is a hell of a lot of consumer protection legislation in the UK. Frankly, buying online using a credit card is about the safest way of buying anything these days. [/quote] +1, and whether retailers like it or not, the Regulations are there to be adhered to. Its a risk for the buyer, so if it does work out, both parties are happy. If not, then the buyer doesn't lose out, which is fair.

[quote name='Prime_BASS' timestamp='1339186889' post='1685219'] Musicman over Fender, regardless. If you want P or a J sound, and the musicman sound, get a Big Al 5 SSS. Have you considered a Sandberg KenTaylor 5??? [/quote] Agreed.

[quote name='Johnston' timestamp='1339187689' post='1685235'] Being picked up is Dependant on the retailer. You might get stung by that one. The EU were trying to make it so the retailer had to pay but there were loads against it as it could effectively put smaller businesses out of business. [/quote] Yes, understood there. But, if it is deemed faulty then ultimately, legally, it has to be picked up. Obviously faulty is different for different people. For a £1500 bass thought, it should turn up perfect. Just discussing, thats all. I doubt i'll actually order online after previous problems. Ill probably just order one locally and wait for it.

[quote name='jaydentaku' timestamp='1339187544' post='1685234'] I understand that some people actually enjoy shopping. Plus, I think the average person isn't spending 80 quid to get there and staying in a hotel afterwards. Maybe a daysaver on the metro and a pint. [/quote] I enjoy shopping! No doubt about that. But, when, for example, the bass is in London, and you are in Scotland, then things are different.

Yes, I know, to test it out. BUT, what if the store is around £70-80 worth of petrol and a hotel away? There are a few basses Im interested in. If I go try them, I have to spend a fair bit. If I don't, they come delivered, for the SAME price, and if there is a fault (eg poor workmanship which I believe to be a fault) then you have the right to cancel the order and have it picked up. Plus, if you buy it instore, then get home and realise you aren't happy, you don't have the returns policy (and if you do, its never as strong). Which brings me to the question, why bother going to try it, when it ends up costing the customer a lot more?!