Musicman20

[quote name='machinehead' post='992850' date='Oct 18 2010, 10:06 PM']Otherwise you're at the mercy of the marketing bulls**t or judge on looks.[/quote] I definitely didnt (personally) fall for marketing bullshit. I asked bass players who I trust who have been playing for years, and they arent in the 'sales' arena, so they arent trying to sell anything for anyone or themselves. Sorry if that wasnt aimed at me. Yes, I agree aesthetics are not a priority, but if its between a high end fantastic large manufacturer and a small DIY high end manufacturer, I know which I would choose. I went out there and tested all the cabinets I had in mind. The DB212 just happens to look absolutely stunning as well as sound thick, syrup, warm and articulate. Ive tried a BF product and found it was not for me, and thats at a gig. So I gave it a chance. Am I vain? Hell yes The one issue I always consider is resale. In 5 years or so, Aguilar or Bergantino will no doubt still be large if not even larger. Thats me being cautious though. Im being honest when I say Im glad youve found the cab(s) for you....as I have. I still craze a Bergantino 112 x 2 setup though...but I by no means need it.

[quote name='dub_junkie' post='988636' date='Oct 14 2010, 11:37 PM']musicman20 has a Stingray5HS but he is keeping us in suspense re pics![/quote] Alas I keep forgetting! It is beaaaaautiful! Those pickups are so massive, in terms of output and size, and look amazingly well build.

They have a LOT of cabs in their lineup right now, yet the UK and USA dont really seem to have embraced the cabinet side of their offerings. I tested the NY122, the new 2x12. It was pretty damn fantastic.

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='992129' date='Oct 18 2010, 12:31 PM']I did think it strange at the time. I checked each serial number and they were all 2008. I thought 2008 was the year QC went up.[/quote] I think the new versions and improvements, high mass bridge etc, went into production late 2007, so some 2007 basses have the improvements. So, in essence, all basses from then on should be better? Are they? Well, the bridge, case etc are, but the basses themselves fit/finish etc, are a lottery. Hence why after seeing all the problems you had with a Jazz, Ive decided not to bother. A shame, as Id like one.

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='992104' date='Oct 18 2010, 12:08 PM']Well the MIM 70's classic i had for less than 24 hours (before the MIA's) definitely had a 11th fret that stopped me getting a low enough action that felt comfortable. I like a 2mm action at the 12th fret and dont think its unreasonable to expect to get it on any bass. The HW-one also has this but as its so far up its not really an issue for me. The MIA's were all 2008's, even though i brought them new, so maybe QC is actually better on the 2009-2010 basses. Ive got a bit pickier as ive got older although i try and keep it in perspective. Thats why im now keeping my sights on the lower end of the market.[/quote] Wow, they still have 2008s? I was told by a Fender chap that in the USA they had a massive lack of stock for a few months and were waiting to catch up, therefore any sunburst MIA Jazzes were going to be 6 weeks at the least....not sure if thats changed recently. You would imagine that they would have definitely had new stock since 08! Bloomin heck.

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='992063' date='Oct 18 2010, 11:26 AM']This is exactly how i felt with the MIA's recently. None of them were unplayable and i could easily have kept any of them but for almost £1000 i felt i shouldn't have to put up with a second rate job. My HW-one has a high 19th fret but as it cost a lot less im a bit more forgiving (plus i have no need to play that high so its not a problem)[/quote] I thought there was an issue with a high fret on one of mine a while back...I changed the strings and adjusted the string height a little (they were WAY too low) and it disapeared, as did any fret buzz. I was pleased! Not saying that higher frets dont occur, as we all know they do. Luckily this time it wasnt that. I agree, for the new retail prices, despite my love for the new MIAs, I think they are slowly started to creep back to QC issues. A massive shame. Either that or im pickier as I get older, (definitely needs to be factored in!)

Despite the high spec of the BF drivers, the Bergantino cabinets are world reknowned for being the 'best' your bass can sound....I did own a HS410 and it was extremely 'clear'. I think, if I had the changce, I would have kept it. I do now want some sort of Berg cabinet but Im still thinking of what matches up the best to my current amps. At the moment, I really dont think I need one. Its more of a 'treat' haha. Are they any better? Well, Im no speaker cab guru, but I would trust Jim's designs over virtually anyone else. That's probably due to reputation more than a massive amount of experience with his cabinets. One thing you will notice on Bergs is the impecable build quality. Despite the AE line being a little more 'fragile', they literally look like a high end stereo system. Jim will not ever release his exact driver spec, but Im guessing, and from memory, they are custom Eminence speakers as are most nowadays.

[quote name='JTUK' post='991252' date='Oct 17 2010, 04:18 PM']I have not read through all the pages but this is about it for me. If you are happy you have a really good one, then fine, but I wouldn't buy one blind. Fender are not the only company I would say this about though.[/quote] +1 A lottery...

You are in good company Nick! Personally, my DB212 is one of my all time favourite cabinets. The GS112 or DB112 (x2) is also a great option.

Gross, what a shame. My 'must have a vintage Fender' dream has been well and truely overtaken and forgotten. I'd like one, oh yes, but I'm far too picky.

The Bass Merchant are GK specialists.

[quote name='machinehead' post='989684' date='Oct 15 2010, 09:38 PM']If the only problem with Barefaced cabs is the looks and finish I can easily live with that. However, I like the looks and dispite my dislike of the paint finish ( I prefer carpet) mine seems to be surviving just fine. I certainly wouldn't buy a cab on looks alone although I definately WOULD buy a cab on sound alone. You pays yer money and takes yer choice I guess. Frank.[/quote] Oh don't get me wrong sound is no 1! I've gigged a Compact and it defintely wasn't for me. Super light but everything else wasn't what I expected.

The only problem with comparing the BF to TC and Markbass is the actual finish and overall look. The Markbass and TC cabinets look very pricey just in terms of aesthetics.

[quote name='CHRISDABASS' post='989043' date='Oct 15 2010, 11:28 AM']I want one!! [/quote] Ive decided the 4 string version im getting is also going to be an SSS....as Ive already got two Stingrays in 4 string format with Hs...SSS all the way!

I only regret selling my first expensive bass (I was about 17 at the time when I bought it). Earlier this year, I was selling all my EBMMs to fund new ones, when I should have KEPT the Ray 4 Natural/Maple 3EQ. Stunning bass...perfect condition despite being 10 years old, (and I mean PERFECT....not even fret wear as I hardly used it due to the fact back then, £1000 felt like a lot more to me). The rest? Hmm...nah....not so much. I miss my MIJ P Bass as it was again very good condition and worth keeping, but I was too busy stuck in 'Fender MIA land'. Ive even moved on from that now...and back in EBMM land. Ive told myself I need to hunt for that perfect Jazz (it will end up being a NASH me thinks, or a stunning MIA Fender when I find it) but Im a little bored of Jazzes right now.

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='988961' date='Oct 15 2010, 10:36 AM']I know but doesn't it sound good?[/quote] I dislike the band, but the guitar and bass sound has always been good. Typical Orange grindy tone for both....love it.

Have you considered doing this as a mini-business?! I think you should....youve clearly got the 'knack' for it

I find the RH450 flat is pretty much spot on for that more funky style....maybe lower your low mids? There is a lot to play with on the amp. I tend to prefer finger style to slap anyway. The amp itself is a very lo-mid orientated amp. It wont do the super bright Marcus Miller slap tone, but it wil get you a more 'refined' and still crisp clear slap tone. I dont really like lots and lots of high end/treble, as I find the sound annoying after a while. Too piercing. Have you tried adjusting the tweeter? The tweeter in the RS cabinets is very sweet and nowhere near as ganky and plasticky as some tweeters can be. One thing to note, Ive noticed the RH450 is a great match for Musicman basses.

That, I have to say, blows most the DIY cabinets Ive ever seen out of the water for pure attention to detail and fit/finish. That is how is SHOULD be done Excellent.

Aguilar? [url="http://aguilaramp.com/products_pickups_AG5J60.htm"]http://aguilaramp.com/products_pickups_AG5J60.htm[/url]

Ouch! Hope it heals soon!

I think the picture has disappeared! Probably pulled as its not meant to be shown yet...perhaps?!

The Big Al SSS Bass – My review! So, this has been a long time coming! Not because I haven’t had time, but because Ive only just got my hands on one. To cut a long story short, I had a Big Al 5 SSS on order, but unfortunately I had to cancel it. This was back in May 2010. Fast forward to this month, and now my work/job position is great, and I have also obtained a position/training contract in a law firm which I have been searching for a long time for! Great times! So, to celebrate this, and my 30th birthday that is looming, I got the Big Al 5 SSS back on order, and I also traded in some instruments for other new EBMMs, (see signature, Im a lucky guy). The great chaps at S&T UK thought they had the exact spec arriving last week! Eg no wait! It turns out to be a single H, so unfortunately I still have the 3-4 month wait (not a problem, Im patient with these basses!) So, to make up for this, I was loaned a Big Al 4 SSS to make sure its what Im looking for, (I was stuck between this and a Bongo). I knew Id like it, I just wanted to test one! So, the bass arrives on Saturday. I had 2 days to enjoy it at home to see what its like. [u]Style[/u] Now don’t get me wrong, I fell in love with the look when I saw the proto threads. But, the bass is MUCH nicer than you can imagine once it is in your hands. Those straight edges are curved fantastically at the end, so it looks modern, but still a classic. The paintwork was fantastic, and the sculpt at the back of the neck with the 5 bolt neck plate looked so well crafted it was unreal. The comfort factor is excellent. Those lines do make the bass one very comfortable bass! This bass has to be seen to be fully appreciated. Personally, I think the best colours are White and Vintage Sunburst….but that’s me. [u]Neck[/u] Super fast, super smooth, yet not too cramped like I find Jazz bass necks can be. I have small hands, but I like room to play. This Sterling neck profile is excellent. It felt like an old trusty pair of slippers in moments. [u]Quality[/u] As mentioned, the paintwork was fabulous, as was the neck sculpt and neck to body join. It FEELS like an EBMM quality instrument. It looks like its worth more than you pay! Excellent QC all over the bass. My only gripe was that the neck pup probably needed adjusting a little higher, but hey, that’s minor and just takes a moment! Its an easy few seconds job. Action was amazing, and there was virtually no buzz. I like it low like this! [u]Sound[/u] This is the big one. What exactly does a bass with all these options sound like? I would start by saying its like nothing EBMM have released before, yet has that DNA in the tone. Imagine a more vintage sounding EBMM bass, but still with that punch and output that you expect. Do the single coils sound ‘big’? Yes. This is what I wanted to test! ALL three work well solo’d. The neck has that old school motown warmth and thump, but with clarity. NO mud, whatsoever. The middle is a very, ahem, P Bass like, but with a massive output, (and more in active mode!). This is a very good thing! I like the Tele style P bass, but Id much prefer it in this package. It WILL also give you that P bass grind if you want it, but with EBMM sounds. I used the TC RH450 tube tone, and WOW, does it sound nice. The bridge, my favourite! Imagine a Jaco-ish tone, but with big lows and a meatier midrange. Want sizzle? Add EQ! Want old school, goto passive and mess with the tone control. Combine these, and you have a monster. The best combination for me was neck and bridge. You can rock out with this setting! Next, the killer setting. Bridge and middle in series. POWWWW! This sounds HUGE. Its close to a Ray, but not close as to warrant it ‘just a Ray sound’. It’s a more modern midrangey tone, and so punchy! This WILL cut through a mix. Ok, onto the other controls. Passive – They have nailed the passive vibe 100%. If you like Fender but want something fresh and exciting, you will love this. The tone control works flawlessly. Modern and bright or fat and warm. Active -Switch into active, and there isn’t a huge volume ‘jump’, which is great. You do however, notice it, which is the main thing. With it being a Bongo-esque active EQ, it was new to me. A little goes a long way. I found cutting the treble a smidge, boosting the mids (both) by a tiny bit, and leaving the bass flat was perfect for me. Those controls are VERY powerful and give you so much to play with. There is nothing like an onboard EBMM EQ….it just works perfectly and I cannot ever understand why people would swap them out! So, that’s the sound. It goes from motown to rock grind to jazz solo to EBMM signature tone all in one…..and then some! The pickups look like they mean business, and they are very comfy to rest your thumb on, which is great. I can imagine these basses sound brilliant with flats. I will make sure I do this at some point when mine arrive. [u]Conclusion[/u] This bass design is great, stands out a little, but also has ‘classic’ written all over it. Make sure when you try it, that the amp is set up flat, you are in the right input for the bass, and you have a good 30 mins to play around at least! Cheers!

The Lakland ones are helpful, but there is no indication (I dont think) as to what pickups are used (eg Fralin, Hanson, etc). Personally, its nice to have the samples, but not something that would make me 'buy' a bass. Too many variables to consider.