Musicman20

Those EAD 2x12s look nice, but then again, it isnt a 1x15, no idea why I mentioned it!

Cool! Exactly the pairing I will have on Weds except rosewood boards! What are your views on these vs the Squier Classic Vibes now?

If I was to buy an Ampeg now, Id ignore the lot apart from the SVT Pro 7. Nice price, fairly light, powerful, and powerful.

[quote name='danhkr' post='1368400' date='Sep 10 2011, 11:15 AM']Cheers MM! When you say 'sorted themselves out', how do you mean? Were their QC issues, and if so, which period/models should be avoided?[/quote] I think they have new management after about 5 years of problems. I've been informed to be wary of the Vietnam era products, but the Korean made products are apparently much better. I know it definitely applies to the 810s and SVT CL/VR. Personally, I think they are over priced for a product that prides itself on being built in the US, not that overseas is a problem nowadays. If you are UK based, I'd go the Orange route, everytime. Excellent service and cheaper as it's a UK company...and their top end gear is made here as well.

I think the truss rod wheel is one of the best innovations on the EBMM basses.

[quote name='CHRISDABASS' post='1367784' date='Sep 9 2011, 03:58 PM']isnt one good bass enough for anyone?? lol[/quote] Never ! Haha

I dont think any of the Ampeg products are USA made apart from the Heritage. Granted, it seems Ampeg have sorted themselves out, but Im still wary of their customer service.

I rang GAK today (as I cancelled with the other store and re-ordered with GAK). Very very fair price as I bought a few other bits, much cheaper than everywhere else. My Jazz has also arrived! As its mail order Im not home until Weds as thats my non-working day, so, finally, ive got one. Ive also enquired about the MIA P bass price...I already have one, but its that good id like another.

[quote name='JTUK' post='1367477' date='Sep 9 2011, 11:50 AM']The things about originals is that that has to work as well. Some people think an originals band has some sort of kudos or whatever but sh** music is sh** music. If you think the writer has something and you'll enjoy the input then ok... but getting a set together after 4 months and gigging it twice seems a huge waste to me if you have other things deserving attention. Original bands round here can't keep their members because if they are any good, they are poached by covers bands doing more dates in a month that some do in 2 years. What are you doing what for..????[/quote] Exactly. Originally they wanted me mid-October, but they started asking me to practice late August, and to be honest, I wasnt prepared with work shifts (Ive been authorised to drop a day at work to put more into the gigs for the covers bands and to play some golf!) so Ive had to cram everything into the 2 nights I am at home with the missus, and she thinks Im taking too much on. Even mid-October is hard work, because we have 4 gigs in two weeks, plus two rehearsals if necessary. I totally understand why covers bands attract players; easy money, still good fun, learning experience, easier rehearsals, less stress, and much less chance of playing a duff gig with hardly anyone there and getting paid zilch. Its not all about money, but it helps, a lot!

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='1367475' date='Sep 9 2011, 11:49 AM']I feel exactly the same Gareth. Ive had a few offers to join original bands or projects over the past few years and ive loved the music, but im so used to the easy life with my covers band that to me it felt like too much hard work and too much time that i felt i couldnt spare. When i was younger, or even before i joined this band i would have been happy to rehearse 3-4 times a week, but with a job, family and the need for some "me" time i just couldn't find the enthusiasm to do all of that, not while im gigging at the weekends anyway. Your definitely not being selfish, especially as your moving away, in a way your doing them a favour by not messing them around.[/quote] That is exactly it, it IS an easier and more rewarding life (for me at the moment anyway) in a covers band. Plus, its only drums/electro-acoustic guitar with vocals/bass....so three members. Gigs and rehearsals are SO easy and have brought me on as a musician quite a lot. The volumes are also much more beneficial; I can actually hear what we all do, instead of fighting against a Marshall stack or two.

[quote name='farmer61' post='1367481' date='Sep 9 2011, 11:52 AM']Not at all, the only issue for you is when you tell the covers band you're moving oop t'north (assuming you'll be leaving them)[/quote] Ah, luckily Ive covered that already, before we started gigging back in March, but they have plans anyway. The vocalist wants to go abroad for a few months, and may well be moving near where I am going, so there may be more work for me. We decided just to hammer it as much as possible in the next 10 months.

Recently Ive been quite busy with my first quality gigging covers band, (apart from one I joined way back 15 years ago). We have been getting a good amount of bookings, and the fact I get paid is, IMO, a fantastic part of it. Before you say anything, Ive been playing for absolutely free for over 15 years, since my last foray into covers bands. The last originals band I was in barely covered costs of fuel, and it the end, despite joining again, I left due to the fact I think Ive changed over the past year. Last week, a friend asked me to join his originals band. The lead guitarist and bass player had left. It is music I like, but Ive always thought they needed 'more' to get going, and become popular, but I agreed, although I told him I was quite busy. The first rehearsal with the new lineup was a disaster because I was feeling rough and had an early start the next day. The second, yesterday, was a similar disaster. Basically, I had to stay at work later, and if Im honest, I didnt have the time to go. I needed a few hours to wind down after work. Anyway, as im moving back up North in less than 10 months, I had a serious think, and I decided it was pointless me joining a new band which would not be gigging for 4 months or more, as there was a lot of work to do. I also realised once a week rehearsals is enough for me, as I do like to spend time playing and learning at home, and at the moment, ive got a fair amount on. My covers band is playing at least once every two weeks, sometimes twice a week, so I think its time I realised one band is enough. What is weird, is my attitude towards time and effort are changing. As my covers band require very little time to get the set right, and we practice for free, and the practice room is close to me, and we get paid for our efforts, I found myself getting slightly aggravated by the fact the new originals band were setting strict times/dates and asking that I went at least once a week. I would be shelling out, and not actually getting anything in return. Including hardly any gigs. Anyway, my friend took it quite personally that I decided to say 'probably not going to happen', but in honesty, I think I'm better off prioritising a band that works/pays and plays more, and that leaving them without a bassist again in 9-10 months time was probably wasted time for myself and them. What do you guys and girls think? Have I been selfish? Thanks

[quote name='JTUK' post='1365463' date='Sep 7 2011, 05:03 PM']yep..liove that low C.. I've had a few women come up to me and say that note goes right through them... I, of course, wish I could say, I have something else that could right through you as well... boom tsh..!!![/quote] Oh heck!

F on the E string. I love going down to that note. What I always find I like the sound of is the guitar going from F to A minor...sounds great.

I have heard the RH450 with a DB and it sounded fantastic.

Another EBMM convert! I havent tried a Bongo, but I think Ill be getting one at some point.

I have asked where my order is for my American Standard Jazz, but its still on order. I think ill call them again today to chase. I have to agree, although I have still played a few dogs from the past few years production. I am tempted to get another P bass and as much as I dont want to shell out for another American Standard, I havent come across anything as good.

The worst service I have received is PMT Leeds, although it was only two members of staff, not the whole team. Hopefully they sacked them and gave the job to someone who doesnt lie and try to fob customers off with damaged demo stock...TWICE. The next is Electro in Doncaster, who said 'are you going to buy it' when I asked to try a small Markbass amp. Previous to this, I had spent a few thousand with them. Never bought anything again, but then again its gone WAY downhill. I vote with my wallet. Bad service = guess what, ill go spend a few thousand elsewhere. All I ask for is respect and a helpful service.

I thought London was the centre of the world? Surely that means everyone is happy?!

I buy a lot of new gear, hardly anything second hand, but I expect it to be fantastic in terms of quality if Im paying for the privilege of a new product, (if its something that is supposed to be good quality).