Musicman20

Well, the age old 'tone is in your fingers' definitely seemed to be true on Saturday night. I used another SR P bass Ive acquired because we had no idea about the weather or how secure our gig was going to be (outside on a huge trailer). We did think it was due for a down pour. I was using the provided backline to make it easy for our band to travel there. It was a Hartke head (not the LH, it had a graphic EQ) and a Hartke 4x10. The PA was stunning, so this obviously helped, and the soundman on works very large corporate gigs. Very accomodating, but to be honest he got it right the first time with regards to the bands sound, and my monitors. It took a few moments to get my fingers back into playing mode due to the drop in temperature when we went on (roughly 9.15) but once myself and the drummer had played a few bars we locked in great. Not only did the band get compliments, but I had compliments about my tone and playing as soon as we came off. What I dont understand is, I was using a bass that retails for about £140, and an amp ive never used. What did I learn? I love my high end gear, but I learnt that Hartke gear is damn good. I also realised that the sense of tone is lost once a large PA and an umfamilar amp are thrown in. Even if I had taken my Big Al, would it have made a difference?! To me, maybe, I would have enjoyed giving it its first gig outing. The crowd? They wouldnt have known. I realised as much as I want to learn more, and get better on my 5s, Im doing alright! The letdown was the next day when I played golf (im a beginner) and I quickly became aware of how much work I need to do!

[quote name='Linus27' post='1315511' date='Jul 25 2011, 10:50 AM']Would you say the TI's are more flexible than rounds or about the same?[/quote] Id say they are flexible like a very light gauge of rounds. Very easy strings to use.

I have two sets. I cant stand straplocks...hate the clanking and stiffness.

Ive tried TIs (AWESOME) and EB Groups IIIs (worth every penny). The TIs are very flexible whereas the Group IIIs are more 'inbetween' medium tension,

Swings and roundabouts I guess. Don't be too hard on yourself. My teacher (I had lessons for 2 years when I was about 13/14) forced me to record with an older set of guys when I was 15. At that time, they were quite a professional covers/originals band (they played two different sets). For some reason, recording didnt phase me one bit. It still hasnt to this day, although recently I havent really recorded with anyone who has exceptional chops or anything like that, so Ive always been relaxed. BUT, and this isnt really related to bass, I had a deflating moment this weekend as well. So, I know what you mean. I played a gig on Saturday night, and I must admit as a band we were excellent. Its good when a vocalist compliments your playing! Plus a few audience gave a few compliments, which is a nice feeling. I decided to practice more golf on Sunday, and a friend took me to a 9 hole course for a non competitive practice run. He has been nore than helpful, but wow do I feel out of my comfort zone! Not only do I have barely any equipment (to which the rather rude staff made comments on - complaint going straight to them today) Im actually still a total beginner. Its nothing like other sports where you can pickup a ball (eg football) and have a kick about with friends...it demands so much more from beginners. So, all in all, Im still a total golf newbie, and I dont like being the beginner!

[quote name='sime17' post='1314667' date='Jul 24 2011, 12:35 PM']Oh well, purely in the interests of research you understand, I'm about to find out if I agree! I expect delivery this week - 5HH in Honeyburst, Maple board and white pguard. Yup, I have finally ordered my Stingray (again bought blind due to my back-of-beyondness) having gone on about thinking about it for weeks. I was after an HS but wasn't entirely sure why, so when I found out the importer had a HH in stock - I went for that. I think it's the next stage in my oddyssey of Leo designs, having had a Js for years but then a recent P epiphany (as opposed to epiphone obv). I'll be due a G+L this time next month...[/quote] I absolutely LOVE my SR5 HS, and the HH is also a brilliant beast!

Use them both to taste. It doesnt control the actual tweeter, just acts a bit like a tweeter control (as in dials the high end in and out). It's more like a 'treble sheen' control.

[quote name='Clarky' post='1314269' date='Jul 23 2011, 09:55 PM']Yep, superb sound but definitely old school. I sold mine as at close to 50 pounds it was too much for my glass back[/quote] Mine doesnt get gigged much but the tone is fantastic. Simple, fat, warm, bass tone. Also grinds like a beast should you want hair on your notes.

Ive noticed as soon as I pickup any Stingray my hands just seem to relax, especially for finger style. I feel like I dont have to dig in, despite the fact every bass has the ability to be powerful. Something about that massive forceful tone makes it so easy for to play. I also feel the thumb position over the pickup makes me play exactly where I want. I pickup a P bass, and no doubt I know what Im doing, but the Ray feels right instantly. Maybe its the pickup position/where I rest my hand. Both necks are great, but with a Ray its effortless. Hmm!

What does it look like?!

If you are going for a one cab solution, and you want a more 'reinforced' tone, Id try the RS212. Very much the same, but a fatter tone...larger volume. I think many were sceptical, including me, but TC did the job well.

All the TC cabs are 8 ohms.

Something doesnt sound right. My Orange is 200 tube watts, and it is a volume MONSTER. Ive practiced with a very loud punk bands, two guitars, half stacks, etc, and I used one cab, the OBC115. I never had the volume over 1/3 on the master.

[quote name='Faithless' post='1311885' date='Jul 21 2011, 06:49 PM']Oh, there's a chance to take TC Electronic RS210 [b]or [/b]112 cheaply enough from my local shop,but are they gonna work ok with Shuttle 3? (i'm total noob on those 'ohms' issues) And, are those TC cabs being taken as 'lightweight'? I lifted them in shop, and they were way too heavy for my 'lightweight' understanding..[/quote] They arent neo but the RS210 is a good weight especially for the size/cost/etc. The RS112 is about the same weight as most normal neo 1x12s.

The RS210 is one of those 'steals' when it comes to performance. When I bought mine, I didnt know exactly what it would look like or what Id make of it compared to my other cabs. I HAD heard one with an RS212 and the RH450, but I didnt get close upto it. I waited for the new finish RS cabs to hit the UK, and Im glad I did. There is a cab/amp expert on Talkbass who has all the high end gear, and he put this RS210 right up there as one of the best 2x10s (despite its lower price compared to the slightly lighter neo loaded cabs). Its pretty light, well made, and the tone is great. It seems to favour a quite clear, low mid focussed tone, with a tight bass response. You wont be lacking in bass though! The best part is the high end. The tweeters are very very smooth (probably the smoothest Ive used) and doesnt have that tacky cheap plasticky treble response you can get from even the most expensive cabinets. Smooth high end, but if you put a lot in, you will get as much snap and modern twang as you want. Nice cabs, a cover is a must!

Get the matching 1x10...and use the monitors/PA.

200 tube watts is seriously loud...is it all tube?!

Its annoying isnt it! Especially when Ive never had cheaper brands create problems. Ernie Balls are doing it for me at the moment, although I like to flirt with DRs, TIs and D'adaddarios.

How much are these now then?

I must admit that UL115 is very tempting!

Ive just sold mine locally, and strangely picked another up same colour etc! I was going to sell this as well and get a Squier CV P....but im not sure I want to sink £300 into what will be 'backup' bass for me.

£130 for a Tecamp is insane though. The sheer quality of their cabs/amps is excellent.

Double box them. I sent two Aguilar DB212s to Higgie (he arranged the courier) and I used the original boxes.

That is pretty poor. I felt like I was being fobbed off when I tried a few Laklands at GuitarGuitar a while back (eg 'its heavy for a reason, they are all heavy, it sounds better'....)

Id sell it. Personally, I hate modding basses Ive spent a lot on. But thats me and I tend to want things to be right stock, or I dont bother. Bear in mind no matter what magnet it is (ceramic/alnico) a Stingray 5/Sterling 5 can sound very mellow and warm if you drop the treble and boost the bass. Flats will also get you closer.