Musicman20

[quote name='bobpalt' post='901700' date='Jul 22 2010, 10:26 AM']An update from last night. Our sound guy, who is also a friend, came to my house last night, and we set up a test rig, using my RH450 into the TC212 cab, RH450 Classic into TC210, an Ashdown combo and Orange Bass Terror into TC112 cab. We swapped and changed the leads over so we tried every combination, and used a selection of basses (Yamaha BB2024x, Roscoe Century, Fender Jazz), and the results were very interesting. We went into the 450s parametric eq and tried everything we could, but at the end of the day, using the Yamaha, and to a much lesser extent the Roscoe, there was certainly a low mid boost, where the volume seemed to jump quite dramatically when you hit a note in the region of D. Sliding from C to D on the A string was like turning the volume control up. This was the note that the sound guy said was drowning out the others at last weeks gig, and spoiling my tone. It was still there using the Roscoe but much lessened, and absent with the Jazz, where all levels seemed ok. Changing to the Orange amp using the TC cabs didnt make things any better, but there was no problem whatsoever with the Ashdown combo, so the conclusion he drew was that the TC cabs have a low-mid emphasis that is exaggerated by the powerful pickups on the new Yamaha. I have bought a new 15" cab from a different maker which is being delivered tomorrow, to test the theory, so I will update as soon as I can, but at the moment, I cant use the Yamaha with my current rig as it really is loud on the A string. I will try changing the pick up hights, but doubt if that will help, and have a couple of different string sets to try out to see if there maight be a problem there.[/quote] Hi Strange that the Roscoe and more so the Yamaha is causing the problems. They might need a tweak or two? Obviously very high end gear so Id ask the store to check it out as I use just normal Rays/Ps/Js and so far, as much as I realise there is a lot of low mid in the TC rig, its never been a problem. Hopefully you are close to getting it how you wanted

Id like a Metro thats under £1800!

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' post='901522' date='Jul 22 2010, 01:00 AM']All things aren't the same though, so a neo speaker will sound different. Speakers with neo magnets have various other parameters that are different due to the designs having advanced to use the new technology. They can disperse heat more readily for example, as that is always a benefit and the small magnet lends itself to more effective heatinking, with corresponding less power compression. I'm not sure of the mechanics of it, but they also seem to lend themselves to greater xmax, guessing due to magnet field strength but its not really in my understanding, so less distortion at high power levels. It might not be the magnet type itself affecting the sound, but the magnet choice is affecting factors which affect the sound, all part of the speaker, giving a neo speaker a different sound. If you mean all things the same with the box they are mounted in, then at least one of them will be in the wrong box. That is probably another thing you'll hear wrong with neo magnets, they don't suit box designs that are being held over from ceramic drivers. Box is designed around the driver, just like the driver is designed around the magnet. Design the box right and you'll probably have more lows and less speaker breakup, plus the speaker breakup will probably sound different due to the construction changes, so again, it will sound different. You might be wrong to blame the neo bit, but that doesn't mean a difference isn't there.[/quote] This I agree with, and this seems to make perfect sense. I can definitely hear a difference. Ive tried countless neo and ceramic cabs, and yes they are all different apart from one set which yes, they were the same size but tuned different, but the neo DEFINITELY 100% sounded different. Even when I emailed Bergantino he said the ceramic will always have a certain characteristic that players like, despite the fact you can get very close. I imagine the next generation will convince me a little more to get a lighter cabinet.

Personally if you are going for old school punch like this, id get the traditional Orange OBC410 unless you want it lightweight. Its a more traditional setup for a cabinet and its very loud. The Ampeg 4x10 is pretty good as well, if memory serves, Im just not a massive fan of Ampeg. I must admit they are punchy buggers but they are sealed if you get the SVT410....so it sounds great to my ears but has a tad less low end than a ported (apparently). They also have the 410HLF (?!) thats 4 ohms and has MUCH more low end. You could also look at their new Neo 410. If weight really isnt an issue and you want a monster of a 4 ohm 4x10, get an Aguilar GS410 or DB410.

I think the most adventurous ill go is the Big Al when I re-order again at some point, and even that is pushing it a LOT. Ive always been into the older style basses and guitars. I tried a few modern approaches when I was younger and I just looked like an idiot. Eg. smaller bodied basses and 'metal' looking basses.

[quote name='bubinga5' post='899312' date='Jul 19 2010, 07:34 PM']MM, out of interest what problems did you have? i must have had a good one..[/quote] [quote name='Jigster' post='899318' date='Jul 19 2010, 07:37 PM']yep would be interested to know Gareth[/quote] The main issues were: JO4 with a MASSIVE neck pocket and strings not lining up with pup pole pieces. I think the neck was out of line. JO5 that was massively heavy and the string rings on the through body were not fitted correctly or in line. DJ5 with poor binding...the frets were sprouting through it. It also looked second hand so this may have been the shops fault but apparently it was new. Another DJ5 - This time a better finish, good binding, but the logo was out of line with the actual colouring on the head stock, so it looked like the logo was in 3D. In addition, there was paint missing near the nut due to the nut being cut far too low. IMO, I think they designed great basses, but I havent found one im 100% happy with, especially considering the price. I think QC has probably slipped to low levels due to the amount they are making. The Lakland lovers on talkbass are not willing to accept it when I mentioned it and told me it was to be 'expected'! Another thing, they NEED to start including a least a high quality padded gig bag with their basses, especially as the Fender-clones are more expensive than a Fender in some stores. Apologies for the rant, but I spent ages trying to find one because they play and sound great, but the problems Ive seen are just not on. Im probably just unlucky or far too picky.

The only thing I would beware of is the QC on the basses. Talkbass wont have anything said against Lakland, but Ive had 4 bad basses and they had worse problems that virtually any 'bad' Fender ive laid my hands on. I LOVE their 5 string neck though....although I think I wouldnt enjoy anything but fingerstyle on it. Very deep tone due to the scale. You might be happy with it stock but a fair few players change the electrics, and im not one to mod so its probably not for me. If you get a good one, they are great basses.

[quote name='51m0n' post='899206' date='Jul 19 2010, 06:12 PM']Sorry that thing is SO ugly I couldnt ever own one, I hate all the straight edged basses and guitars though, they just dont do it for me at all....[/quote] Ouch!

[quote name='dub_junkie' post='899056' date='Jul 19 2010, 03:42 PM']I love it! Cant wait till the day I can afford one of these.It's going to be an s/s/s/ and not the single H and it'll more likely be a 4 string as they have the same neck profile as the Sterling.[/quote] Tbh, I still want one despite cancelling it. Give it 3/4 of a year and hopefully I can test one out and buy one. Im with you, even though I think they look better as a 5. Im going to probably get a 4 SSS purely as a bass like that needs thrashing in my rock/punk bands and I enjoy myself more on a 4 string in those settings with a pick.

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='899072' date='Jul 19 2010, 03:58 PM']Have a look on TalkBass, plenty of tools there [/quote] Ouch haha

Excellent, thanks for all the contributions. Off to google for some tools now.

Great to see some feedback

[quote name='SuperMaximo' post='899044' date='Jul 19 2010, 03:27 PM']Sorry to hijack the thread, but Bob, what's your opinion on the Classic450? Same goes out to anyone else who has it[/quote] Same amp, less features, cheaper.

[quote name='BigRedX' post='899003' date='Jul 19 2010, 02:45 PM']Exactly why I think sound clips on the internet are pretty much useless. When I play my Gus basses they don't sound anything like that. I'm sure with someone else playing them they'd sound different again. TBH I'd never ever looked at that page of the Gus site, so I was also somewhat underwhelmed by what I heard. For an alternative idea of what they sound like (with me playing them) have a listen to any of the tracks on the MySpace page linked in my sig. Prices start at £4500...[/quote] I like Notts and I like what your band are doing Still could do that on a P bass though £4500....wow....you must be really careful with that during gigs?!

[quote name='EssentialTension' post='898870' date='Jul 19 2010, 01:03 PM']I know pretty much nothing about Gus basses - I didn't even know that's what it was. Having been to the Gus website I'd say design-wise it looks to me like something from the mid-1970s - probably a kitchen stool. Ugly as ... you fill in the gap. However, I also listened to the sound files and that's why I'm out. But who cares anyway. I'll still be playing a Fender when Gus basses are no longer looked at with rose-tinted glasses.[/quote] I just went on the Gus site as I was curious to what they actually sound like. Very middy would be the response. I like mids but that sound is not my cup of tea. How much are they?!

Thanks for all the helps chaps. Ive got a few articles now, instead of buying a book (despite the fact that Fender book will have drool worthy photos so I might get one down the line). Im going to use the Lakland videos and the JD guide that Barrie has just kindly sorted out for me. Now I just need the right tools....Ive got everything Fenders come with. I need: Quality screwdriver with different head option Straight Edge A ruler with the correct increments Possibly feeler guides String cutters (I used some before and they were RUBBISH) I think....

I might be able to get a kit of tools cheaper than the whole package offered by Cruztools, but then again apparently it has everything in plus the kitchen sink and they are a pro quality, eg not screwdrivers that come with a Christmas Cracker haha.

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='898443' date='Jul 18 2010, 10:35 PM']Hey Gareth. Have you considered one of these? They seem to be very well liked over on TB. Obviously it will be hard to try one out first. [url="http://www.atkinsonbasses.com/"]Atkinson basses[/url][/quote] They look great!

Some of the YouTube vids are very poor and imprecise. The Lakland ones are fantastic! Speaking of tools, will this kit basically do everything? [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/cruztools_bas_1_bass_player_tech_kit.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/cruztools_bas_1_b...er_tech_kit.htm[/url] Are the feeler gauges essentially the same as the thickness gauge in this kit? I only have the odd tool or two so a decent set will help me with other things as well, including string changing, (cutters). I have a pet hate for the wrong size tools!

In addition, do I need any more specific tools other than a tape measure, screwdrivers, and the tools that came with the Fenders? Thanks!

[quote name='BurritoBass' post='898471' date='Jul 18 2010, 11:01 PM']Really Fender & Fender type basses only.[/quote] I'm guessing it's similar to Stingrays apart from tools/truss rid wheel etc?

[quote name='BurritoBass' post='898444' date='Jul 18 2010, 10:35 PM']I appreciate you haven't mentioned spending money but [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fender-Bass-Manual-Maintain-Guitar/dp/1844258173/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1279488851&sr=1-1"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fender-Bass-Manual...8851&sr=1-1[/url] is a really useful & easy book[/quote] Thanks! Looks like a good buy.

I have been lucky enough to not have to set up a bass, apart from minor tweaks. You might find this crazy, but Ive never adjusted a trussrod. I dont think Ive ever needed to. I have a careful eye and im pretty patient. Id like to start being able to do a good basic setup on my basses eg trussrod, string height, intonation. One of my Fenders has super low action (perhaps to low) and another needs lowering a little. Are there any good threads or valuable guides on the internet? I want to know the proper way of doing this so I can be sure Im not going to mess up. Ive watched the Lakland setup videos and they seem pretty detailed. Can anyone recommend any thread/videos/online guides etc on how to officially and safely set up a bass? Thanks