Musicman20

I think thats a wise move Chris. If you 'enjoy' playing a 4 string, never give up on them! There is a certain feel that a 4 string exhibits, and the same for a 5. Its nice to have both.

Ive no idea when mine will get here, but this is probably the first Genz amp that has really grabbed my attention. The concept of a LM3 on steroids with more power, more heft, and ability to have super super clean and sheen or grit is excellent, plus the mid control seems to be getting rave reviews.

[quote name='danhkr' post='1146899' date='Mar 2 2011, 11:13 AM']It's a Big Al 4 SSS, black/tort/rosewood (exactly like the one on the MM site). Not that I've chosen the colour, it's just what was available at the right price, but I like it anyway. Love the sterling neck and general MM build, but wanted something totally different from the usual MM humbucker. Did you decide to still go for one??[/quote] Sure did. I still want a 5 string version as well, but Ive gone for a Big Al 4 SSS, White, Rosewood board, Tort plate. Its been 4 months so Im sure its due soon.

[quote name='danhkr' post='1146852' date='Mar 2 2011, 10:35 AM']Have you got it yet? Interested to see what what you think and what settings people are favouring on the Big Al as there are so many available. I should have mine by the middle of this month - can't wait Also big thanks to Musicman20 for his excellent review, certainly helped clarify a few things. [/quote] No probs! Glad there are more daring enough to give this unusual bass a try What colour/spec have you gone for?

My Ray 5 HS went to the wrong depot. I was VERY stressed out about it. But it arrived, completely fine and all packaging in tact. It should be fine Just very annoying.

I think 4 and 5 string basses sound TOTALLY different. I realise all basses sound different even if they are the same model, but the E sounds totally different on a 5 string (comparing my Rays). Totally different feel. Its like having TWO different instruments...and being able to play different 4 and 5 (or more) basses is quite fun and develops your playing. Switching between them, and being able to, is helpful.

Sansamp BDDI.

Did you opt for the small gig skins bag? That looks like a nice high quality amp. I only got mine or order the other day so might be a while yet.

Cant believe it...how frustrating.

The Sterling neck is, IMO, one of the best neck profiles out there. Its like a Jazz neck but better.

A few more dates added and amendments made.

Ace! Bad news to good news all in one!

[quote name='Jigster' post='1144127' date='Feb 28 2011, 07:23 AM']hey gareth, good stuff - you say in your description the music's detuned - is that as in you utilise drop D, or are you and the guitarists all turned down like a half step or a whole step?[/quote] Hi! We used to play in standard tuning, now we play in drop D, purely because in 75% of the tracks it sounds better. You do lose something though...cant describe it completely. Id say an little clarity is lost on the lower notes.

I like Markbass, but I have a feeling this is going to be VERY expensive for what it is.

Yeah the ceramic sounds edgier, more modern, but to be honest, with EQ you could probably make is the same. Put it this way, if you want to be heard in a mix, the Sterling WILL get you there! I havent had much time with one, but I have a 5 HS on order and im really excited!

HS gives you single coil mode plus all the series modes...all you lose is parallel but you gain all those other tones

Yep, same sounds plus a lot more. I hear from owners the rear pup sound us EXACTLY the same. I decided to go with a 4 string HH Ray purely because...why not?!

Orange Bass Terror or TC Classic 450 + doom like cabinet.

We are changing home insurance at the moment. Which ones are great for covering some musical equipment outside the home? Is it better to go with a separate policy? Music Guard working out for you guys?

Same here, problems on iPhone and iMac.

What type of tone are you looking for? Id recommend testing pretty much the list you have, but the popular ones are: Orange BT (more rock/vintage/thumpy orientated) - Cheapest option and super loud. Markbass LM2/3 - Nice amps, ive just sold mine to try a Streamliner, but thats because I fancied a change and the right price/sale came up. TC Classic 450 - Awesome amp, and if you get an RH450 you can switch presets for styles very effectively. Aguilar TH500 - Not played one, but if its to their usual standards, it will be top notch. Seems quite cheap as well at £599 and thats in the super expensive GuitarGuitar. You will be able to get it cheaper than that. Genz Streamliner 600/900 - Currently getting rave reviews, super clean tube tone all the way to gritty rock. Talkbass seems to be of the opinion that its a very very good amp. Clever EQ and gain options on this. Ive seen some very low/amazing prices on the 900...and dont be afraid to haggle!

[quote name='wateroftyne' post='1139810' date='Feb 24 2011, 12:09 PM']The blunt truth about getting paid for playing original material is this: If your original material is good, you're in with a shout. If it isn't any good, don't blame cover & tribute bands.[/quote] This is true to an extent, well, the 'normal' extent with bands that could possibly be big commerically or attract a crowd because they fit with the current trends. I agree with what you are saying. Eg, the current fairly large indie scene. If you havent got the hooks, the style, the strong songwriting, then there is no point moaning about it. However, there are literally thousands of bands in every country who operate under the radar in a different guise. Ive been there, and ive come back to it. Why? Simply, because there is nothing like it. What is it? Well, the term used is 'DIY' shows. Its been popular in the USA since the late 70s, maybe earlier than that. Even Dave Grohl has played his part in this 'scene' back when he started. Friends put friends on, who informs other bands, who brings more bands and more bonds are formed. The bands love what they play, keep playing, play for next to nothing, and the crowds can goto a packed show, and pay very little. Everyone wins, apart from financially the bands are 'losing out' if the promoter is actually not working it as they should. If they get petrol money, then at least they dont lose out too much, and thats how it should be. I used to put shows on in my hometown, and we could have made a lot of money. We didnt, we paid the bands a share for their time, and the rest went to promotion. I did EXACTLY the same with DJ nights that cater for the alternative and indie crowd. Most bars and clubs play rubbish music. We played underground hardcore, really heavy stuff, modern melodic indie, a little underground electro, punk, etc etc. The list goes on. Ive never taken what id class as a proper 'payment' thats just for myself from any of it, apart from the first real band I joined that was doing half a set of covers and half a set of originals. That stopped when I was 17 and I never went back. I have tried, but never 'clicked' with the bands, or wanted to spend so much time preparing for one gig. I never took a penny from DJ-ing for 5-6 hours. I won't in future either, when I do it again. With the DJ Nights it was free entry! Im quite passionate about this subject, both at band level and DJ level. At a band level, its because I really enjoy seeing people enjoy themselves, grab the mic off me, sing our songs, then dive into the crowd. They give you a look, like you are really making them have a great night. They paid hardly anything to get in (if we have a promoter with ethics) and we just get petrol money. Bands like At The Drive-In, for example, come from this, and they DID make a commercial success of it. Some bands make it, but its extremely rare as usually the masses cannot understand the passion behind the music. Some of the music really is chaotic and heavy, or very meloidic and clean with jazz-like chops on the guitars with layers of delay and effects (like Minus the Bear). They all share the same ethics, and do it because they love it. So, these bands, some of them are very very talented, but stay under the radar on purpose. Some may think they 'bitter' because they do not get paid high wages like a function band/commercial band, but the fact they are there playing for hardly anything is a testament to their commitment. Thats where my rant ends haha. Id love to be in a quality function band AND play in the DIY scene. But the DIY scene comes first, because you'd never get the adrenaline rush in the function band quite like it.

This is the first of many tours where I will be working with my old band again. I realise its not to everyone's tastes, but we are a loud and chaotic hardcore punk band. Fast, heavy, detuned, yet still melodic. Fans of Comeback Kid, The Legacy, Minor Threat, Good Riddance, and BANE will probably enjoy what we do. Support comes from Massacre On Broadway. The Departed / Massacre On Broadway UK Mini - Tour Fri, Mar 18
 Liberties
Middlesbrough

£? 


Tour w/Massacre On Broadway 
 Sat, Mar 19
 
The Victory
Blackpool

£? 


Tour w/Massacre On Broadway 
 Sun, Mar 20
 

Camden Barfly
London

£? 


Tour w/Massacre On Broadway 
 Tue, Mar 22
 

Soundbar
Birmingham

£? 


Tour w/Massacre On Broadway 
 Wed, Mar 23
 

Blessington Carriage
Derby

£? 


Tour w/Massacre On Broadway 
 Thu, Mar 24
 

The Duke Of Wellington
Lincoln

£? 


Tour w/Massacre On Broadway 
 Fri, Mar 25
 Lincoln Imp
Scunthorpe

£? 


Tour w/Massacre On Broadway 
 Sat, Mar 26
 

The Matrix Club
Grimsby

£? 


Tour w/Massacre On Broadway 
 Sun, Mar 27
 The Ringside
Hull

£? 


Tour w/Massacre On Broadway 
 Mon, Mar 28
 

The Well
Leeds

£? 


Tour w/Massacre On Broadway 
 Tue, Mar 29
 

Stereo
York

£? 


Tour w/Massacre On Broadway 
 Wed, Mar 30
 

Head of Steam
Durham

£? 


Tour w/Massacre On Broadway 
 There are still changes occuring for times, and some venue changes may occur depending on the promoter/organiser. Ill try and keep this upto date. Links to our band are here: Please note, the old bassist (huge guy with a beard) is moving to guitar, and as yet everything hasnt been updated. www.facebook.com/thedepartedgyhc?v=app_178091127385 www.myspace.com/thedepartedgyhc

Interesting topic..re: 15s. Im really enjoying my Orange OBC115, and im considering as part of the endorsement to check out another 1x15 to go with it. Im assuming this would sound fabulous?!