Musicman20

Lets face it, the bass is cool.

Started playing once I watched and listened to Nirvana/other grunge bands, and this moved to modern punk. The bass looked better than the guitar, and I preferred the feel of it. I also loved dominant bass lines. 17 years or so later, still doing it at 30 and loving it even more.

[quote name='guybrush threepwood' post='1252991' date='Jun 1 2011, 06:37 PM']Well, I'm not down with the physics, but I do think it's a great sounding cab. If you're ever up this way you're welcome to try mine out Gareth.[/quote] Thanks!

[quote name='Gust0o' post='1252537' date='Jun 1 2011, 11:52 AM']Big Carlos fan. Interesting comment on the Nickel roundwounds - is that what they do to the sound? I've obviously not tried enough strings![/quote] Nickels for me are like the string between stainless rounds and flats....they have the growl and defintion of rounds, but they arent as harsh on the fingers or the ears as stainless. Ive stopped using stainless strings now, much prefer nickel rounds or just flats.

In this modern age of effects that actually sound like a tube amp, Id go for a Tech 21 VT Bass (a new version 2 is out now). That will allow you to get an Ampeg 'tube grit' tone at any volume, through any amp. It can add that little extra hair to the notes that you might want

Yeah he was a simple 'bass plus amp and pick' player, and as above, pick near the neck for the fatter warmer sound, and just use roundwounds (nickels probably) to get the touch of growl. Dont worry if they start to sound less 'trebly' because he never seemed to use a really bright sound. Another option is to use flatwounds, or something like Daddario Chromes. Chromes will growl, but feel smoother. Definitely a very underated player. Very original way of playing bass...its as if he wanted to make a part that stuck out more than the lead guitar parts.

Glad there are more Interpol fans on here. Carlos just used to use a USA Jazz Bass through an Ampeg stack live. No idea what they did on recordings but it mainly sounds like a Jazz with the tone rolled off!

[quote name='sgh' post='1251795' date='May 31 2011, 05:22 PM']I decided to order over here from bassmerchant, thanks to Musicman20 for the recommendation Went for the RS210C & the RH750, just have to wait a couple of weeks now for them to come in [/quote] No problem Always happy to recommend after Ive had such great service from those guys.

Electro used to be good prices, then it went downhill once you realised how cheap you could get some basses.

[quote name='LukeFRC' post='1251841' date='May 31 2011, 06:19 PM']of.... Japanese top end reissue P basses ('57, '62 or '70s models available) over a current us standard.[/quote] Ive tried to MIJ/CIJ route, and they are great basses, I have no doubt. I really liked my MIJ 62 Reissue P, and it was worth every penny, but the current American Standards blow away every MIJ/CIJ P bass Ive played (and thats a fair few).

It depends. The Terror Bass is a nice amp, and there isnt anything like the sound of an overdriven Orange amp IMO, hence I still have mine but barely use it.

[quote name='owen' post='1251654' date='May 31 2011, 03:42 PM']So, this 'only driving down to 2 ohms' with TC cabs. Do TC cabs have special magic in them, or is it just marketing? This and a couple of 4 ohm 1x12" cabs would totally float my boat.[/quote] Its because TC know the exact impedance of their cabinets, whereas they dont for other manufacturers.

[quote name='ray57' post='1251642' date='May 31 2011, 03:36 PM']In the past the Markbass cabs have not been as good as the amps, which was why shops like Bass Direct sold the amps with Berg cabs. Now that the Berg AE' s have been discontinued thats no longer an option.[/quote] I cant really comment, as ive not experienced the cabs that much. The quality of build with the MB is very high, and they are super light and durable. No idea what now is classed as the 'best' lightweight option.

Hmm, this could get silly. 1 rosewood - flats 1 maple - rounds (nickels) 1 rosewood - D'addario Chromes (inbetween!)

Ive got one VERY good American Standard at the moment, (probably my all time most comfy bass) thats a 2009, and have a cheap Sue Ryder P bass copy for around the house. Ive just sorted a deal on a another American Standard but maple (and 2011 with the 60th anniverary neckplate like the 2011s have). May as well have a bit of variety. I did have this setup before and stupidly thought I didnt want two USA Ps, and sold one for incoming Musicmans. Musicman basses are great, and I will always own more than a few, but I equally need good Fenders, and trying to tell myself I dont is a bad idea.

That will be a nice setup...the OBC115 is a lovely cab!

[quote name='lapolpora' post='1251384' date='May 31 2011, 12:56 PM']Ever tried a Sandberg?[/quote] I have, and to be honest, they are very well made, but dont nail the P tone I have in my head. Unfortunately. I also wouldnt want the active elecs or other pickups, although no doubt they do a normal P bass, with their spin on it. Its the age old 'dont search for something that you probably cant find' without spending a fortune.

[quote name='charic' post='1251280' date='May 31 2011, 11:47 AM']Shuker?[/quote] Possibility, although not 100% keen on their take of the P bass. Thanks anyway!

[quote name='Truckstop' post='1251273' date='May 31 2011, 11:37 AM']Nordstrands look quite good. A bit expensive though! Truckstop[/quote] Agreed. Lovely looking, very very expensive though.

No matter what I try to do, I end up knowing that I actually want more than one Precision, hence I am currently on the way of acquiring another American Standard. Part of me thinks its time to start looking at a vintage P bass, because as much as I love my Stingrays, the simplicity of a P bass and the way it ALWAYS fits in a mix just seems to work for me. Its almost like I can see myself just collecting P's, despite the fact they are all very similar. I think ive approached this subject before, but apart from a true vintage P bass, what else is there that can trump a well made American Standard? Ive tried a Lakland, and didnt like it. Ive tried a few other basses with different P pickups, I didnt gel with them.

I think anywhere near £600 is far too steep! Nice looking basses though

My drummer wanted to pick up some hi-hats and my guitarist wanted to check out the electro-acoustics. I had no intention of buying but I thought Id see what bass gear they had in. Around 3 years ago or less, they had a full floor dedicated to bass. Lots of Markbass gear, lots of different Fenders/Musicmans and a few more unusual basses. Now, virtually nothing. It's been combined into 1/4 of the area where the guitars are. They had a few Markbass amps/cabs, and about 2 basses that would have interested me, but the rest was budget gear and second hand. Has the internet really affected stores this badly?!

I had the same issue. The one I tried felt very uncomfortable, which was a shame.

I think the lack of voltage switching and other extras is what puts Markbass behind, despite the fact they used to be Market leaders.

Both great, but to be honest the 450 is a damn bargain right now, so I'd opt for that. Both are very loud so no issues there!