Musicman20

All I know is for the price I paid, (ok Im still waiting, but hey ho) I think its a very cool, individual instrument with a DNA thats still Musicman. Its like a P VS J VS Ray VS Sterling. I love the tone of the pickups just by themselves, just in passive. I was looking for something different, versatile, and well made. I could have gone custom but I know they wouldnt have the same 'feel' as something made by a company I know, plus it would lose more should I ever sell it on. It is yet another instrument with mixed reviews, like the Bongo. If I compare it to a guitar, especially in the sunburst colour, its like the Fender Jazzmaster in terms of 'woah, whats going on here?!'. Retro, but modern.

Im surprised he doesnt use something uber-high end just for the hell of it, considering how much they cost.

Two RS210s, stacked. Done.

Any player can play any spacing with time. If you like the Ray, stick with it. After a/bing 2-3 Laklands and a Ray 5, the Ray 5 quality and punch won hands down. For me, tone/asthetics first, then spacing. Test what you can

[quote name='gafbass02' post='1256789' date='Jun 4 2011, 08:30 PM']That's great news after your recent luck![/quote] I cant say anything too soon. Great bass, bad news for my 2nd RH750. The fan is making a weird noise, sounds like its vibrating something or catching something. Its going back on Monday.

[quote name='gafbass02' post='1256789' date='Jun 4 2011, 08:30 PM']That's great news after your recent luck! Nice one, enjoy it:) Pics? ;-)[/quote] Soon!

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' post='1256780' date='Jun 4 2011, 08:15 PM']Great news, EBMM gear and Genz gear does appear to work very well Gareth. I didn't know the retail prices had gone up either, List must be getting near 2 big ones now for fives then is it?[/quote] Yep, RRP is over 2K for a Sterling/Stingray/Bongo 5 with multiple pups...only £75-100 or so less for a single H. I think the UK stores prices are about £1750-£1800 for this model now. Thomann have one up here: [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/music_man_sterling_5_hs_pbb.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/music_man_sterling_5_hs_pbb.htm[/url] This one is Tobacco Burst/Black Plate/Rosewood - It looks classic, but it sounds monstrous! Here is Ed F's review, same bass but mine is rosewood: [url="http://www.bassemporium.com/newsletters/0908newsletter.html"]http://www.bassemporium.com/newsletters/0908newsletter.html[/url] Scroll down a little. Mine has a much nicer grain than that as well. When EBMM/S&T/Bass Merchant said they would make sure its a very good example, they werent kidding.

After my last Sterling 5 turned up in March, (which turned up with shipping damage and was incredibly heavy) another was placed on order. Now, I did lose a bit on confidence in buying gear after the recent stint of bad luck. I was half tempted to give up and just get something cheaper. Yesterday, the replacement turned up from the Bass Merchant. I was given full confidence this was MUCH better in terms of weight and obviously it had been checked over for any possible problems. I also had a P bass delivered, because I was tempted to take a P bass instead. Well, initially the P bass was in front. I played the P bass for a while and yep, it was another pretty damn nice P bass, although I must admit Im not really into black basses/guitars. After a while, I started playing the Sterling. MUCH lighter, literally lighter than most Ray 4s Ive played. Great news. Great build, much higher quality paint than anything Fender do. Brand new bass, only finished a month or so back. I think its actually a 1 piece body, because normally I can spot a join on these finishes, (Tobacco Burst) but there is not one join line. I still opted for the P. After half an hour, the 5 string once again became comfortable. Then, I fiddled with my Streamliner, set the input gain properly, and turned the volume up a little. NOW we are talking, this is why I wanted another Musicman. Very very 'Ray' esque tone, but on the smaller body than a Ray 5. The single coil at the bridge is wonderful for that burpy type Jazz tone, but you have the onboard EQ...so nudge the bass up, nudge the mids up, cut the highs, BOOM, perfect. Back into classic bridge humbucker, sounds huge. Lots of clarity and warmth. Ive no idea why people shy from the ceramic magnets. I know I used to, but to be honest these pickups are great. they are smidge more middy and aggressive than Ray alnico pups. It looks like ill be sticking with the Sterling 5. Ive also learnt the retail prices have shot right up, so this was in fact quite a bargain. Its also quite a rare bass, which is nice! Picture from the Bass Merchant (I havent had time to take one yet): [attachment=82068:photo5hs.JPG]

I still want one. They are insanely addictive to look at. Very pretty!

[quote name='wateroftyne' post='1255358' date='Jun 3 2011, 12:42 PM']Ah, cool. It sounded like you'd had loads of live and studio experience with it, and I was wondering how you found it.[/quote] I'm still waiting for mine to arrive believe it or not. Been a long wait. I only had a demo of one for a weekend but it's much more in Fender-land when it comes to blending and providing support to a band rather than the full on snarl of the modern Stingray/Sterling/Bongo tone.

Haha!

I think a Dingwall might be something next for me. Long way off though.

[quote name='wateroftyne' post='1255033' date='Jun 3 2011, 08:37 AM']Did you get to try one at a gig?[/quote] I had a rehearsal (low volume) with my drummer/guitarist/vocalist about 10 months back...bear in mind we did this where I lived so it wasn't that loud! The single middle pup nailed the P tone...and the front pup sounded woody warm and weirdly articulate considering it's location. I had a good few hours through the headphones along to as many different styles as I could try out, fiddled with the pup settings and it worked really well

Only cool people think they look good, fact. Actually I'm quite conservative with colours and bodyshape but I tested one of these for a full weekend and ordered on e straight away. People expect it to be like a Ray, but it's more like a quirky P/J active/passive monster. It sounds wonderful in a mix, believe me. Yes, simple is great, and I have my simple passive p's n j's for those days. Before judging it, try it, that's what I did

[quote name='JTUK' post='1254549' date='Jun 2 2011, 08:30 PM']GS and DB 112 type cabs are around 40lbs so not a factor weight-wise to many...IME.[/quote] Yep, saving 10lbs isnt a massive deal to most. The DBs and GS cabs have been popular for a good few years now. PS - Pic of mine: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=49475"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?act=attach...st&id=49475[/url]

PS - Both options are great. I havent found a cab I prefer to the DB212....it literally is exactly what I want. Personally, I love the whole aesthetics/quality/tone of the Aguilar gear.

I went for the DB212. Reasons are: Casters included on the cab (so fairly easy to move about) Less overall weight Cheaper Only need one cover therefore cheaper Apparently the larger box with the two speakers means it will go EVER so slightly louder and deeper, but I cant imagine there is much in it. Personally, Id love a DB112 for small gigs, but I dont really need it.

[quote name='secretsquirrel' post='1254192' date='Jun 2 2011, 04:19 PM']What makes you think that? I'm absolutely sure TC Electronics' service department in Denmark wouldn't if they knew this was a grey import and neither would any dealer either. It's very clear on the TC Electronics website "The product warranty is only valid in the country where the product was purchased" You pays your money and you takes your risk. I'd still ask a local dealer for a deal myself letting them know what I'm considering doing [/quote] Its still a purchase of their amp, and they would no doubt point the buyer to their service centre. Yes, cost might be involved, but they are always helpful when I contact them. In fact, Uffe, the TC chap who is on their demo vids, called my mobile personally to sort out a small issue I had with my RH750. Like I said, a customer could buy it in the USA and move to the UK. It has a worldwide voltage detections system. Yes, it isnt the safest option, but at least its an amp sold for TC.

[quote name='martindupras' post='1254078' date='Jun 2 2011, 02:54 PM']I had budgeted for duty and VAT so it's not going to be a surprise. I was surprised that they didn't ask for payment of the duty and VAT before delivery, which is what I've experienced in the past. I see where you're coming from with the warranty. From my point of view, though, this is no different than buying second-hand (where you don't get a warranty anyway), and the way I see it I'm getting a new head and new foot controller for roughly the same amount of money as the heads go for second-hand. But I do take your point, a warranty repair would be a pain. - martin[/quote] Im sure TC would sort you out.

Thank god its not an obscene shape. Quite nice!

I cant believe Im even saying this, but my SR P has been gigged three times and earnt three times more than I paid for it over the past 4 weeks. My Dad, who isnt a bass player, but understand quality and aesthetics, thought it was an absolute bargain. If these were £180 new or so, Id still say it was a good bass. I did think about selling, but I see no point in upgrading a £60 backup to a £300 or more Squier in the scenario im in. Really like it, and I know the tone isnt as good as my American Standard P, but it does the job. My band think it sounds pretty damn good.

The RC4 is probably the best 'pedal addition' to any amp Ive ever seen. Some of them are pretty pointless or just dont look that great, but the TC pedal is built like a tank, looks like something Aguilar might come out with, and is actually very useful. I can see TC having a huge hold on the bass market in the next 5 years or so.