Musicman20

My new band in Newcastle has its first gig tomorrow night. I have had a frustrating and rather rubbish start in a thriving music scene such as this. I dont understand something. Im not excited. In fact, I dont think the band is ready, even though I almost am on top of it all. Its a bit disappointing. Ive been here for 9 months now, and as yet I still havent been wowwed by any local band offers. All of them have involved either something which is a step down for me, or a hectic covers schedule, which Im not as yet wanting to try, (eg 2 gigs a week and rehearsals on top of full time work and trying to have a normal life!). Other than that, the rest of the people have been unfriendly or untrustworthy, which is a heck of a shock after how decent most folk are up north. I think its bad luck myself. Anyway, this band has taken a long time to get right. Im a perfectionist, so guess what...Im not happy with how tight we are. The vocalist isnt ready through no fault of his own (fairly new to us) and overall we just dont seem to be at that decent stage. Me? Im in no rush. Id have rather pulled out a month ago and just waiting til we were ready. But, the other 3 thought I was being too cautious. I think I was right! This gig is going to be quite big. 02 Academy supporting a good local band who have sucess ahead of them. All younger than me as well! Me? Im just wound up that Ive started at the bottom of the pile after playing for years and years and knowing exactly how to 'do it right' with this type of music. Ill stop moaning. It might actually be really good! What do I crave? Joining a band thats already had some recognition, that needs me to chip in with decent harmonies as well as playing. Ill keep looking.

I did these years back. I went upto 5, then I found my A Levels needed my attention, and then my degree, etc. I enjoyed learning, and the scales/etc really get your fingers working! I say they are a good idea, and have helped my technique from day 1.

Damn you cab gas! I still want one of these!

Has Aguilar released the speaker spec and model then? Personally, I'd like them, but by no means need them. The DB tone really is it for me, so these cabs have competition! The weight saving is nice, but not essential for me. I definitely want to try a pair out! If it has that Aguilar quality build, and the tone is near to what they say, these will fly off the shelves!

I'll reserve judgement til I hear it or get to gig them.

Jees big change! Nice though!

[quote name='machinehead' post='1013478' date='Nov 5 2010, 04:29 PM']Would you mind asking Darren if he has any specs on the driver being fitted to these beauties?[/quote] Hi Ill see what I can find out

When I bought my original Ray back in 1999 ish, the shop discussed all the options with me, etc. They mentioned (and I think this is reinforced on the EBMM forum) that the reason Stingrays are fairly highly priced is down to: QC, high quality build/paint, and the electronics. You cant buy their pickups and elecs, but if you could they would be expensive. The Market is poor for anything at the moment. I'd keep it.

When I bought my original Ray back in 1999 ish, the shop discussed all the options with me, etc. They mentioned (and I think this is reinforced on the EBMM forum) that the reason Stingrays are fairly highly priced is down to: QC, high quality build/paint, and the electronics. You cant buy their pickups and elecs, but if you could they would be expensive. The Market is poor for anything at the moment. I'd keep it.

It is, IMO, one of the best small amps out on the market at the moment, (RH450). If you like the tone (vintage meets modern, not overly bright more subtle/sweet highs and perfect mids!) and have the cash, the features themselves make it even more exciting.

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='1013247' date='Nov 5 2010, 01:14 PM']I guess another trip to the Gallery is in order.[/quote] GAS! Give the Shuttle 9.0 a whirl, let me know what you think.

[quote name='JTUK' post='1013161' date='Nov 5 2010, 12:11 PM']No way would I trade in a LMll for a GK head. Chalk and cheese, IME.[/quote] Must admit, I do agree. The LM2 and 3 are classics. I understand GAS though haha. If you are happy with your other MB head, maybe.

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='1013053' date='Nov 5 2010, 10:26 AM']Cheers. I did get the hang of it but it felt like it was a bit more than i needed knob wise lol. I do like the warmth i get from the MB heads and i guess for the older stuff we play it suites it better but as long as i still have a nice low end i can always EQ the rest.[/quote] I think KJung did a video a while back of the MB2500 amp...he mentioned the low end was HUUUUUGE for a tiny amp like that. I dont think it feels as 'solid' when it comes to build like the Markbass gear though, although thats just being picky.

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='1013022' date='Nov 5 2010, 09:54 AM']Yeah, i didnt like the idea of the two levels knobs and how easy it was to get a dirty sound if your not careful. This original idea was about getting something smaller than my LMII, just as powerful but cheapish as it might not be used much. But it could go the other way and become my main amp and i might sell both MB heads. If that was the case then maybe a TC RH450 would be ideal but for now i really dont have any issues with my SA450 so i dont think i want to part with that, plus the RH450 costs quite a bit more. The heads with tubes in are a bit out of my price range and to be honest tubes dont really have any attraction. I have the BDDI and even on that i keep the drive almost off. I guess the cheapest option would be one of those little Ashdown digital heads, and while i think that would be fine for the occasional gig i wouldn't want to use it regularly. I would love a MB F500 but i think the MB heads are a bit expensive these days. So many decisions, so little money and Christmas coming up. Not a good time to get GAS. At least its not urgent.[/quote] I agree, Id snap an F500 up, despite the fact I think the front panel is FAR too cramped, if it were around £625. I am kind of hoping Markbass make a new version of the same amp. The one thing I found when I tested the F500 and Shuttle 9.0 is that they were possibly TOO light...as in youd have to watch your cables otherwise you will pull it around. That can probably happen with nearly all micros now. Such a huge market. I think if we were based in the USA, itd be a no brainer Genz purchase to get that customer service, but it doesnt work on the same level in this country (eg they wont ship you an amp to help you out for a gig and replace your old one like I see them do on Talkbass). Ive asked around like crazy on the LM2/3 vs F500 vs Shuttle 9.0, and the Shuttle 9.0 is louder, but gets strangely polar opposite reviews. Some say the tone is fabulous and warm, almost tube like, and some say the upper mids are harsh and its a battle to get the amp to sound natural. Maybe thats basses/cabs making them sound different?! I dont know. The F500 is a sleek slim amp, and the whole concept is brilliant, but Im not sure if I prefer the LM2/3 sound yet...and its an expensive decision to get wrong.

[quote name='jonthebass' post='1013006' date='Nov 5 2010, 09:36 AM']It's a P width nut too![/quote] Ah....thats perfect for my needs. Next year...I might look into this.

[quote name='jonthebass' post='1012604' date='Nov 4 2010, 09:31 PM']<<<There's this - A Fender FSR 70's r.i. P bassand here's my Shuker Classic Jazz: [/quote] I think if I ever go for a Jazz, im speaking to Shuker. Thats a nice design, and lovely neck!

[quote name='machinehead' post='1012814' date='Nov 5 2010, 12:44 AM']I love the look. If they're using the Kappalite 3012HO or a driver of equal spec, and they're properly tuned, I'll have a pair. Very cool looking. Depending on price of course. Frank.[/quote] Ive asked for pricing on these from Darren at the Bass Merchant, and even though I really dont need any cabs, id love a pair of these.

Lots to choose from now! It is, I must admit, hard to beat Markbass if you like that tone. So far though, the RH450 is 'it' for me, and the LM3 is just a slightly different 'flatter' flavour.

As mentioned on the other thread, stunning colour. That is the best Dingwall colour ive seen so far.

[quote name='AREA' post='1012818' date='Nov 5 2010, 12:49 AM']Stunning Basses. Clarity, Warmth, Punch and Playability...It's all there. Here is my Afterburner-I wich arrives today. Weight is 3,9 Kg [/quote] Now THATS a colour combo I really like

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='1012205' date='Nov 4 2010, 03:50 PM']Thanks again Ian. It definitely sounds like i need ot try one out as soon as i can. For me the MB heads are the best ive ever played, simple to get a decent tone from and not a lot of knobs and buttons (ive not tried the newer heads though). In contrast my GK seemed to need a lot of fiddling and careful use of the gain to avoid distortion and i never seemed to get the clean volume i do with the MB's, even though the GK was rated slightly higher. From what ive read about the Shuttles vs MB's im sure the Shuttle isnt for me.[/quote] There is always the Shuttle 9.0, although im still not sure how I view that amp.

Ive just seen the prices. WOW, is that damn cheap or what?! Its only 3lbs or something mental like that.