Musicman20

Sounds cool, I like the fact its UK/hand wired. Similar, I guess, to the Streamliner, but in a more old school sense with more work involved with the build. Plus, as its UK he can sort it if there are problems

After fiddling with the Streamliner 900, Ive really grown to love it (again). My tip for any 'tube grind' (if you want it full on) with the Streamliner is: Gain full Volume at 9-10 ish Bass 10 Mids 3 (600 setting) Treble 1-2 Make sure you use a pick, and have your tone control up full/treble rolled up if active. Sound pretty close to the Orange Bass Terror, just a different flavour! Edit: Make sure the Gain button is pressed on.

I only have one pack of Sunbeams in my draw. I doubt Id use DR them for anything else at the moment. To be honest, and yes I am a big fan of Ernie Ball, but their strings work very well for me. Not one complaint (so far). I don't use stainless strings anymore. Its either flats or nickel rounds.

I dislike working on spreadsheets (I am much more of a Word person) but that is probably something I would do as well! Nice collection.

The 3EQ certainly feels and sounds like it's cut/boost. I always roll back treble at the moment.

Where are you guys finding these cheap MB prices?!

PS - I wouldnt bother with the MB Little Mark Tube/Rocker etc. They make good amps, but I dont like their take on grit...at all.

The ABM wont be at all like the MB amps. It wont have the punch or the clarity.

Hopefully you are getting closer to where you want to be. For me, MB and Rays work amazingly well. I have to say, ive come FULL circle on the Genz Streamliner. Im going to source a LM3 as well, but the STL900 is SO smooth, thick, vintage, with a sweet top end. Its not flat all at 12...its more like bass at 10, mids at 1-2, treble at 12 = flat. But, even when you crank the mids or treble right up on the amp, its still nice! That's a massive shock from what Im used to. Keep the VLF to a minimum, its more like a mid scoop and increases bass/highs. Listen to the Ed F Classic review. Exactly the same pre-amp, and yes, its boost/cut, apparently. I find the 3EQ easier to EQ...although I do like the 2EQ.

I think if you are after more bite, the ABM with Compact will only give you so much.

I dont have a 2EQ now unfortunately. It developed a buzzing and I needed a bass so they swapped it for a new 3EQ same colour, BUT, it has lovely birdseye/flame in the neck, so Im happy. It is a belter if im honest. I might get another 2 EQ, but at the moment I dont really need it. The 2EQ is apparently boost/cut, Ed F mentions this on the Classic review. Id say half way ish is flat, so basically only roll the treble on 1/3.

With my Rays, to get less clank, I leave the bass/mids as they are, and drop the treble. Just a smidge. Flats also help to get less clank, and smooths the Ray out. With the amp, the only problem with the LM2/3 is the low mid is set above the boomy area, but I think leaving the amp flat apart from a smidge of bass off is your best bet. Also, tame it with the VLE...again just a little. I know we all see Rays as very aggressive, but you can smooth them out. Hope this helps!

OT - After extensive testing, the RS212 is too good to give up, no matter what pricepoint. They are now £100 more than I paid, and they have a very balanced tone...meaty, sweet high end, no piercing/shrill highs, just smooth and clear treble. I would be spending a lot to get a cabinet thats only 3 lbs lighter. Doesnt seem to be much point, plus I have the cover for the RS212 already, and it works well with my other amps and the TC cabinets. I am going to get a LM3 though, because they work with anything!

GB Streamliner TC RH450/Classic 450 Orange BT500

Ripper/Grabber

I'll report back when it arrives. It should cover all my gigs and be small enough to cart about. I have no doubt the BF does it's job, but it's more money than I paid, plus I wanted to stick with Markbass. In addition, I prefer the MB high quality carpet for heavy gigging over the spray on finish which I have on other cabs as well. Thats not the whole reason, but I wanted the NY122 anyway after hearing it before. Very flat powerful response. Clear, clean, loud, small footprint, etc.

Sounds greats, but for me, I've never heard a H pickup as good as a Musicman.

Any P bass will get pretty close.

I did look into these a year back when looking for a new 5 string bass. As nice as I think they are in the aesthetics, I knew all I wanted was either a good 5 string Jazz, or a Stingray 5. Ive wanted a Ray 5 for 15 + years, so I took the plunge. Probably the best decision Ive made for a while, but its all subjective. I went for white/brown tort (not red)/rosewood. HS pickups give lots of sound options, but the traditional MM H...well, its awesome. The B is clear, easy to get used to (as I was learning) and doesnt override the other strings. If you want a Jazz, then it would have to be a passive with active option Jazz for me...or pure passive. Anything with a H? In my eyes, Musicman!

I figure if I want a 2x10, I can just use the TC RS210, which is actually a really nice cabinet, hence why Im keeping two and selling the RS212. I stupidly thought Id use all three TC cabs together. Never happened. Sod it, NY122 it is. In the long run its cheaper as I dont have to add another cabinet.

I got another email from Peter Murray, and he said the NY122 should cover a lot of ground. If I was to have both the 122 and Club 102 in a test, the 122 would sound significantly larger and will go much louder without breaking a sweat. The Club 102 is great for smaller gigs or just monitoring, but it wont have the sheer grunt of the 122.

Hi Dave You are completely right, I know. Its a case of having basses with a lot of power and thump in the low end, with an amp thats also very bass heavy....which can lead to a certain muddyness. Never had it with other amps. I think a few people might be shocked that id consider going back to an amp with less features and less power, but lets face it, its about sound quality, not anything else. Ive just had a look at the 1212L size, and you are right. I never knew they were similar sizes. Your 1212L will be shorter if stood on its end by about 4-5 inches so they can get that driver angled. But then its bigger in other areas, so a fairly similar footprint. The NY122 is longer and thinner. Do you find it quite easy to get to gigs? The 1212L is about 3 lbs or so lighter, not that its a big deal, but similar size.

My other option here is to keep the Streamliner 900, and buy the LM3 outright with the money from the RS212. Whichever way, I get the LM3 again, but its whether I try a Markbass cab or keep the STL 900. Its a nice amp...sometimes a bit too thick and syrupy, which I cant believe im saying!

It isnt really heavy though, its just the same wood they use for the other cabinets, apart from the Club cabinets (tolex covered, thinner/lighter wood). 49lbs is still light for a 2x12, IMO. The Genz competition Neo X212T is 52lbs, and the Bergantino AE212 is around 56lbs. Being extremely lightweight isnt my goal, I just a fairly compact and well made 2x12.