Musicman20

[quote name='ianrunci' post='836933' date='May 14 2010, 10:09 AM']Ok I'll concede, you know what sound I like better than I do , your amp sounds better than mine at doing my sound, and your equipment is much more reliable. And your gear makes you a much better player I better start saving............... [/quote] Oh heck, please don't go thinking there is any sense of snobbery/pretense about high end gear. Basically, my advice is use your own ears. I wouldn't listen to anyone trying to tell you what's the perfect amp/cab for you unless it's just general advice on a tone or style they are aware of. That's what the forum helps people with. Nothing has to be silly money...seriously. I could and nearly did spend more on speaker cabinets, despite the fact I have what I consider to be top notch kit. It's all down to you. Lots of players buy the uber high end then I see it for sale two weeks later. It might be for you, it might not be. There is, and I fall foul of it, 'hype' regarding a lot of kit. You just have to decide for yourself. Example: The TC RS cabinets at first seemed odd to me. I didn't even consider them, but I really liked the amp. Only when I heard them a few times did I understand what they were aiming for. Not only that, a direct comparison of the cabinets with more expensive ones on a sound clip a player produced showed exactly the differences. Eg, hardly anything. So I ended up selling a Berg cabinet. Yep, it was awesome, loud, and small, great tone. But, I realised it wasn't 100% right for ME. Another issue: beware advice from any store about anything that involves you spending a lot of money. Do a little research before. Unless you know the guys/girls personally, it could just be pointing you at the most expensive product. Once you get high end, the differences are minimal; it's down to your preference.

If it's a metro, keep the OW.

Is it a NYC Sadowsky? Excuse me if Ive missed that....

[quote name='ianrunci' post='836270' date='May 13 2010, 03:36 PM']If you have the money and like the idea of owning something expensive then why not buy it but it won't make you play any better that's for sure, and you will probably get the same sound out of something a third of the price[/quote] I agree with what you are saying, BUT, there is one issue with certain manufacturers of high end amps. Pair up, for example, the Markbass amps with a Bergantino/Aguilar/Markbass cabinets, and it WILL show you more of a full picture with your sound and technique. I thought this was a load of tosh until I heard it myself. Those pairings are so precise to your sound that any poor technique will show very quickly....obviously it sounds fantastic and exactly as your bass should, but your technique needs to be spot on. So in the end, some players might actually benefit from hearing themselves so clearly. Its not quite the same, but almost the same as comparing a guitar with tube distortion, with the same guitar without tube tube distortion (totally clean). If you arent that good on guitar, the distortion covers it up a little.

[quote name='Grand Wazoo' post='836209' date='May 13 2010, 02:38 PM']Wait... the only thing that I tried in the Bass Cellar was the Big Al. The rest of the bits were in all the other shops up and down tin pan alley.[/quote] Ah! I see... Its weird that there a few of these basses dotted around the country. I did pass a few of the stores up here just to see if there was any stock, to test out. Unfortunately no, and not only that, after I asked if I could try one, their quotes were MUCH higher than what Im paying (and no doubt you to after our PMs). I got the whole 'only just released, so very expensive' as I didnt realise how things work.

Dont join this band, for the love of all things bass.

[quote name='kjm' post='835892' date='May 13 2010, 08:58 AM']While the fact that they have one in stock may be cause for some joy, the fact that they are rude ignorant arses would make me wait ten years before giving them 10p if at all. And if you really want to try one go see or talk to Darren at bassmerchants in colchester he has one in stock (4 string) and to my knowledge has never been a rude ignorant arse !!![/quote] Ive only been in the Bass Cellar once as Im a northerner, so I cannot really comment apart from the fact the atmosphere was a little uncomfortable. Darren at the Bass Merchant holds the orders for all of my new EBMMs, so that reflects on how much I trust those guys there. He has the patience of a saint when it comes to my gear requests, and great prices to boot. Highly recommended. I did visit a few times but now Im in Newcastle I cannot go down very often. Id love to test drive that Big Al, but Ive ordered one in 5 string anyway without that test drive. I know EBMM will get it right. [quote name='Grand Wazoo' post='836010' date='May 13 2010, 11:23 AM']Darren is a top bloke I give you that but he is untold blinking miles from me. Serioulsy Kim you can't generalize, that shop has a fast turnaround of staff, and every time I have been there, there have been new faces, I am not discounting your bad experience, but you can't paint them all with the same tar brush. The blokes that were in there yesterday were a right laugh and helpful too.[/quote] I see what you mean, things can change in a store. Its great that they let you test all those bits n pieces out. I just received my Polytune from the Bass Merchant so Im looking forward to playing around with it.

The driver in the OBC115 is... 15” Eminence Kappa

Here is the Tom Bowlus 1x15 shootout: [url="http://bowlusblog.blogspot.com/2007/08/1x15-shootout.html"]http://bowlusblog.blogspot.com/2007/08/1x15-shootout.html[/url] "Orange OBC-115 - This cab was a bit of a surprise, as I had mostly just played it with the matching 4x10 and the AD200 head. I was really amazed at what a great stand alone cab it makes. Very full, very strong, very tight low B. Great articulation and growl on the low B. Not quite as full on the low B as the HT115, but closer than any other cab, and more articulate and controlled. I found myself just pounding away on the low B for the sheer joy of it. On the E-A strings, it was again not quite as full as the HT115 (and not as close as it was on the low , and again more aggressive and articulate than the Berg. There is no tweeter (and no tweeter sheen), but it offers very impressive high end information, all things considered. It is not as dark sounding as the newer Trace cab, but more balanced, more articulate, and more powerful. On the whole, the competitor that most closely matches its performance is the older Trace 1153."

[quote name='Anders' post='835834' date='May 13 2010, 01:55 AM']Thanks for the replies guys. Have any of you tried the Orange AD200MK3(the current one) and a OBC115 cab? Even with that amp you get earlier distortion with the OBC115 than the OBC410. I have the MK1 wich is 200w or very close.The MK3 is not producing 200w.Maybe 150w. That's the whole thing. I was in the store,they had the MK3 head obc115 and obc410.I tried the 1x15 with that head,there was only a little distortion at 2/3 of the output(before breakup).Sounded fine,so i bought the cab. Then, when i tried the cab with my MK1 head in the studio it went brrrrrrrr at little over half the volume. There is very little distortion from that head.With a 500w 2x12 i can turn it up to 3 o'clock on gain and volume. I'm not making this up but the OBC115 bottoms out from a 200w amp,yes. Even the guy in the store confessed-you are not meant to run that cab alone with any orange AD200 head. My guess is that ,as the MK3 head is made to break up early,the obc115 will help giving distortion. But it doesn't fit the older MK1 heads apparently. Is the Hiwatt custom cabs avaliable in stores in UK,or is it just very few used ones occationally?[/quote] Hi Anders We have had a few PMs about the Orange gear in the past. I have used the OBC1x15 on its own for a rehearsal or two, (at LOUD volumes) and the 1x15 sounded awesome. It filled the room and provided a brilliant low end. Sure, I was careful with the volume levels, as despite the fact the AD200b Mk3 is rated as 200W (less apparently) it is very very loud. It would eat most the micro amps Ive tested/owned alive just because of the sheer grunt of the tubes. Bear in mind I liked to have a slightly dirty tone, so the gain on the amp was on about halfway. Apparently the Mk3 is meant to break up a little earlier as its really suited to those who like a dirty rock n roll tone, but Ive heard of plenty of bassists using it totally clean. Ive not had any problems with the OBC115 on its own. My worry is that the amp is very powerful to power ANY 1x15 at those levels. Its just a case of being careful with the volumes. I asked Orange about using the OBC115 on its own, and they agreed, just be careful. Its fine, but dont drive the amp right up. Every single 1x15 cab will struggle with that amp going for it at high levels. THe OBC410 just laughs it off and handles the lot, but its 4 drivers and they can withstand more overall wattage. Personally, Id double check the OBC115 you own and make sure its all healthy inside....maybe get them to order you a new one in. Its odd that instore there were no problems with the Mk3 amp. The Markbass wont sound right with it. I dont think the Hiwatt would be worth that extra money....they are overpriced IMO. You arent getting anything else really with it. I have sometimes thought my Orange rig is too large for my needs, and had thoughts of selling, but then I come to my senses. I really like what it does and how it sounds....

[quote name='Bigwan' post='836116' date='May 13 2010, 01:14 PM']The RH450 ticks all the boxes, but the price is a BIG stumbling block. You could buy a new Bass Terror AND a new LMIII for the same price as the RH450 and footcontroller new. I probably don't need all that flexibility either - I'm a bit set and forget! All the suggestions I've had here (and over on TB) so far have been for amps I've already considered myself - I came to the conclusion that if the Orange could do clean (ish!) at a reasonable volume then it'd be pretty perfect, otherwise it'd be either an LMII/III (or F1) with a VT pedal. I still think the Orange is the winner myself (other than the size, but that's not a big deal really - the cute little carry case means you can put it over the shoulder rather than in the gigbag pocket) and it's stupid loud by all accounts - too much dirt may be the only problem, but then I could do a bit of valve swapping to ease that a bit.[/quote] I think for your needs the Bass Terror is win/win. After a while you could change the valves to get a cleaner sound, but it does still do a high level of clean, just watch the gain. It is STUPID light; I went to Orange HQ near London to test them out as well as the Dual Terror, and it was really good, especially for the price. Weight will not be an issue, and the amp bag will make all the difference. Just make sure its not on a cab that will shake it off.

[quote name='JTUK' post='834308' date='May 11 2010, 03:27 PM']That DB looks the Dogs to me... It has put the DB question back in the frame now bugggggggggg !!![/quote] It looks even better in the flesh! [quote name='geoffbassist' post='834438' date='May 11 2010, 05:27 PM']Great choice :-)[/quote] Thanks Geoff, I know you are a fan of the DBs. [quote name='gillento' post='835879' date='May 13 2010, 08:38 AM']Hi Gareth, I got my 8 ohm drivers yesterday and I'll put them in my db212 today. A last:) btw: technically you got "my" cabinet [/quote] Hi Finally, you will have it sorted! I still wonder how Aguilar sent you the wrong one, but at least it's sorted. I've had to do a lot of thinking/buying/selling but now I've got exactly what I wanted. Get a photo when it's finished! Cheers Gareth

[quote name='Prime_BASS' post='835827' date='May 13 2010, 01:16 AM']The OBC 115 is rated 400 watt, so I doubt you could over power it with AD200 at half volume. I agree that you'd get more out of it with a second cab. And if I was you the only cab I'd want to change to is one of the better 1x15 ampegs or a barefaced compact.[/quote] I can see the weight benefits with the BF Compact but he will lose a little clarity with that. The OBC has a magical amount of top end for a 1x15. I've mentioned the Tom Bowlus test before, and that's why I ended up getting one. If Tom Bowlus gives it a thumbs up, it's got to be good! The Ampeg would not handle the wattage/power of the amp. I would almost definitely say the Ampeg 1x15 is a step down in quality. I knew the speaker within the Orange, but I've completely forgotten now! [url="http://www.ampeg.com/products/classic/svt15e/index.html"]http://www.ampeg.com/products/classic/svt15e/index.html[/url] 200W rating and heavier! I did a lot of research with the Ampeg vs Orange debate and after numerous tests, the British build, weight (ok it's still heavy, but overall it's less) warranty, customer service, style, grind, warmth, portability, the Orange ticked all the boxes. Sorry I don't mean to stamp on your ideas, just saying I've been there done that, and the Orange is up there with the Bag Ends in terms of all time great 15s.

[quote name='Bigwan' post='836018' date='May 13 2010, 11:32 AM']With a pedal was my first thought (as was the VT!), but wondered if there were any that could do it without.[/quote] I think Orange Bass Terror, LM2/3 with pedal, or TC RH450. The TC is expensive but believe me it can do very clean and clear/slight tube grit/full on grit and it is very warm and versatile.

[quote name='Grand Wazoo' post='835822' date='May 13 2010, 12:46 AM']What I've also realized about this bass is that despite the sharp looks it is very functional to play in the ergonomic side of things, the angular body shape is very comfortable and it's by no means as cumbersome to hold as it might look on pictures. Actually the body when you look at it, is quite petite and with those 3 huge single coils and the massive bridge, everything seems to be neatly compact and evenly placed. I have ordered mine in April almost sight unseen, I had only previously tried one at a music show last year and liked it but I was only able to hear the sound through one of those pandora box headphone amp that was on the Ernie Ball stand, didn't give it justice, now that I have heard it properly through an amp I am convinced that I have made the right choice.[/quote] Excellent news Im really looking forward to that first few minutes of hearing it...

How much are you turning the gain up? Ive used the OBC115 with the Orange amp and it was very very loud, filled the room. I wouldnt turn it up too loud though, as its a valve amp and can hit very high volumes. I think you may need another OBC115. Ive not actually seen anyone using the Hiwatts, and they are VERY expensive.

Wow, this is Sterling Balls one off Big Al 4 single H in Sonic Blue! [url="http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-basses/44531-poppas-big-al.html"]http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-...pas-big-al.html[/url]

[quote name='Grand Wazoo' post='835652' date='May 12 2010, 08:32 PM']I was out and about in the big smoke today enjoying a day off when I spotted and tried this Big Al 4 strings in the Bass Cellar, Denmark Street. Olympic White with a white perloid guard, rosewood neck and the 3 single coil pickup combo. It played really nice and the best bit is that the asking price on the tag says £1695 but they are willing to let it go for somethin between £1399-£1450 for cash. (in other words 15% off for cash) If you are after one of these and you want it now without having to wait 5 months like I am for a 5 strings one, then give them a bell and put a deposit down, it will not last long at that price. Believe me if I didn't have one on the way I would have snatched that one, it sounded the bllx! Like Ed Friedland said, it's a P-Bass killa![/quote] I still think we were wise ordering the 5 string version. Someone snap this up and join the club!

Little review: [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWLxPvVH4Ic&feature=related"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWLxPvVH4Ic...feature=related[/url] I didnt realise they gave you mutes!

It's all down to how much you enjoy your hobby. I love playing bass and music in general. I don't have any huge financial commitments and I don't currently envisage ridiculously expensive cars that cost far too much to run. I'd rather have quality gear and enjoy it. You only live once; don't play cheap gear forever On the subject of Ashdown, I have never been able to get a nice tone.