Musicman20

Yep, I think this helps with the nice tone of the RW series, and I should hope so at the price! Pics up when you get it, I do like how theyve done these basses.

[quote name='Tone Ranger' post='827570' date='May 4 2010, 03:39 PM']Hi to everybody here, i've trawled these pages over the last few years as a guest but have finally got off my a*se and registered. My situation is as follows: I'm 48, I live on the second floor of a block of flats (no lift) and I play in a garage punk band. My current backline is an old Trace GP7 300w 1x15" combo running it with the compression on, the eq flat with a Sansamp Bass Driver and another Trace 1x15" if I need the extra grunt. This is slowly killing me, driving back from a gig, still sweaty, full of the evenings memories and generally feeling good about the world when suddenly the thought of lugging the combo up those 32 stairs just kills my high!! The 1x15 isn't too bad but the combo? damn that thing!! What to do? Go lightweight but I still want to keep that 2x15" sound. This will save my back but i need to keep my marriage so there is a budget. I've probably got £900 to play with if I sell my Trace and a few toys so what do i look at? I've recently been rehearsing at Rooz Studios in Old Street, they're kitted out with Orange valve gear (there's nothing else in any of the rooms) and I admit that the 200w bass head is rather nice but obviously too heavy (and expensive). Should I consider a Bass Terror with on of those 2x12 cabs? Until I started reading these pages I thought that the only choice was Mark Bass, fine for nice gently jazzy sounding gigs, but not for me doing my Jean-Jacques Burnell impersonation. I now realise that the choice is much, much bigger but I'm looking for something with a rocky vibe to it not a smooth gentle jazz tone to it. Any thoughts, boys and girls, would fall on very grateful ears Cheers Tone[/quote] For that tone, Orange Bass Terror all the way. Damn loud and brilliant amps. Will dirt up nicely as well. Cabs, hmmm. The SP212 they do is great and tiny, but also fairly expensive. Im not sure what they are like to gig but I tested one in a room at Orange HQ...fairly high volume, and it sounded massive. One chap on here pairs the BT with a TC RS212 cab. That amp will do 500w into a 8 or 4 ohm load which is good news. The TC RS212 is fairly compact, loud and can do a smooth tone all the way to old school grind. Nice tweeter too.

[quote name='~tl' post='824718' date='May 1 2010, 11:59 AM']That would be mine! I'm needing to shift it in order to fund a move to France. I had a very hard time deciding on how to price this, as I did get it for considerably less than it's market value. In the end, I've put it at a price I feel is fair based on the current retail pricing (i.e. £1150 at the Bass Merchant). If anyone is interested, then I'm sure a bit of Basschat discount could be applied! They are awesome amps, just a shame I've never had a chance to use it in earnest![/quote] I can fully understand that price, and the fact they were a little crazily priced should not have an affect on the second hand value. Its like someone who manages to score an absolute bargain of a car then realises its actually worth more. Tecamp gear is fantastic, and I hope the sale goes ahead ok!

[quote name='Shire' post='827420' date='May 4 2010, 01:39 PM']I just got back from the post office after sending a bass to Denmark for a member on here. I hope it gets there ok... On my receipt, it says [b]suitcases and musical instrument cases are excluded from compensation[/b] so you might have got lucky [/quote] Seriously?! How can they exclude that? I best check every single part of small print next time. Im sure Interparcel cover those things.

To conclude this review, I had to sell the DBs as I wasnt getting the use out of the two cabinets, BUT, I was that impressed with them ive gone for yet another DB212 in 4 ohm, (change of colour....this time Classic Black). Once it arrives, and If I get chance, ill post some pictures. Very nice cabinets.

About 10 years back, I REALLY wanted a full SWR rig. I still havent played through one but the tone I heard from various live bassists was excellent.

[quote name='flyfisher' post='827344' date='May 4 2010, 12:42 PM']Sadly, I suspect that "no" is the stock response to most complaints and requests for compensation these days and I can imagine it works for a high proportion of customers (victims?) who just give up right away. There was a prog on R4 recently about banks and they had someone admitting that the 'policy' was to give people the runaround regarding any complaints until they just give up in desperation. All officially denied of course. I've had a few run-ins over the years, including a successful parking ticket cancellation after a tribunal appeal and a threatened small claims court action to sort out some building work. The one company I can be totally confident about no-quibble service is John Lewis. Twice I've taken items back for repair after being out of warranty only for THEM to tell ME that "this fault is not really acceptable" and they pursued claims on my behalf with the manufacturers with the result that both items were repaired (microwave oven) or replaced (DVD player) for no charge. Now [u]that's[/u] customer service! Well done to Silddx to not letting the bar-stewards grind him down![/quote] John Lewis sound good in that respect! Excellent. I always find, off topic, Argos to be great. Ive had lots of printers/small elec good go wrong and they just refunded me.

I must say it looks more professionally 'finished', which is a good thing. Very similar to the Genz Neo 212, except one side of ports. Cant go wrong with a 2x12, IMO.

Great review Gareth, and great name also I wouldnt mind having a tinker on one of these when I have more gear money.

Ive used Interparcel twice recently, and they were fantastic. Expensive insurance, yes, but worth it. So I recommend them fully. Im glad you resolved this Nigel. This this was my old Fender + case, and the case as Nigel mentioned was pretty much unused. Im shocked at their service and im glad it has been resolved. Good idea for a thread, and useful for any future problems we may have.

Last time I took a walk down that street I realised how over priced some shops can be. I did pop into this particular store but only to browse. I've had some awful cust service over my time, and frankly the staff who gave it should have been disciplined...it's their job to give you a good service. I won't mention stores but one chap in a store about an hour from my home town said 'are you going to buy one or just waste time' after I asked to try a LM2 out. I'd spent a lot with them in the past. Too bad, he lost that sale and my custom for future sales. Idiot.

[quote name='EssentialTension' post='826770' date='May 3 2010, 07:36 PM']Unfortunately it seems they are neither flawless nor consistent. My Decade which came directly from Lakland is flawless but Musicman20 (Gareth) has seen a series of not up to standard Laklands in UK shops. He refers to it here: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=86456"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=86456[/url]; and elsewhere. He may be along in a minute to tell us more.[/quote] Unfortunately, it's true. I was trying to find that one that ticked all the boxes, and sure they all had great style, consistent tone, and brilliant necks. BUT, I could not find one out of around 5/6 (I forget how many as I was getting annoyed by this point) that didn't have a major QC issue. Yep, some of the new and old Fenders are the same, but I was frankly shocked to find a more expensive instrument had such obvious problems. Eg, frets sprouting in the binding, pickguard not fitted straight, pickup pieces not in line with strings, paint defects, one of them had a Lakland logo that was on a big slant (so the painted inside part was well out of the lines). The last one I tried had two of the rings on the back of the body (string through area) hanging about 4mm out so not flush with the body. This meant they scraped against you whilst you played it! Worst problem was weight...half of them must have been around 12-14lbs. Don't get me wrong, if I found one without problems I'd buy it, and I told Dan about it. He was shocked and annoyed at his factory and offered to help, then they changed hands 2 months later. If they were cheaper, I could understand, but two of them I tried retailed for £1200!!!

Bloomin heck, under the cover of darkness. It will suddenly appear in Clarky's sig hahah.

[quote name='tredders' post='826382' date='May 3 2010, 12:41 PM']Musicman20, did you get sorted in the end? Reason I ask is that I have a spare Comfort Strapppppppppp that you could have a try of. If you like it, we can sort a price out. If not, just send it back, but at least you'll have an idea as to what they're like. I personally love 'em![/quote] Hi! Wow thanks, ill be in touch....im half inbetween looking at what to get. Ill get back to you on that! Many thanks

Good review! Very thorough. I must admit I only had a brief go on the LMTube. I emailed Peter Murray and he said it's not for any tube dirt, just a warmth which is apparent at louder volumes, plus you get a nice colour and other features. That combo looks cool. I think if I go Markbass cabs, I'll get a couple of 2x10s or their new NY122 which is 4 ohms. Actually, yep, I'd personally go for the 212 just so I've got all power into one cab. I was tempted by a 4x10 but they are pretty large.

[quote name='guybrush threepwood' post='826176' date='May 3 2010, 08:29 AM']I don't think it's that old school; yes it's a 15 with no tweeter, but warm isn't a term I'd use to describe it. It's certainly got a great deal of low end, but it's not wooly, just incredibly clear and pure. As for the whole setup, it really sounds great - loads of depth and bass, with so much punch. I used to use a 4x10 and I hated 15s, thought they were dull and toneless, but markbass converted me![/quote] Sounds perfect! I must admit I have heard it briefly and it sounded great. I was never a massive 15s fan but the Orange converted me so I'd definitely consider the Jeff Berlin at some point.

[quote name='Pete Academy' post='825800' date='May 2 2010, 07:21 PM']Sorry to derail the thread into another major one, but I hope it will help your request. [/quote] No thats a good idea, thanks. I must admit, I was taught the basics by a bass tutor. This was a long time ago though. I used to be better at 15/16. I just need to sit and copy/play along....that how I enjoy and pick things up. Then Ill try and read a few things as well.

[quote name='Pete Academy' post='825758' date='May 2 2010, 06:47 PM']I would just start with simple octaves in a disco style. This way you'll practise a clean thumbed note and a precise popped octave at the same time.[/quote] Good idea...thanks. My pops arent so bad, but my thumb and muting the strings inbetween notes is poor at the moment. I dont want to start playing anything ridiculous, as the slap lines I tend to hear that I like are fairly simplistic, just tight and funky! Basic Flea lines (ive found a few) are probably a good place to start, and just octaves up and down the neck with a metronome.

[quote name='The GroovyPlucker' post='825628' date='May 2 2010, 04:44 PM']I see you have the Jeff Berlin Combo and a 1x15, how does it sound for you, plenty of punch I guess, but does it have warmth and grunt, me's thinking MB is more for Bass twiddlers & noodlers in the upper registry? I like the root bottom end grunt, but need portability, can also noodle, but need that warmth as well as tightness, am I looking in the wrong place, or just got the wrong set up? The GroovyPlucker[/quote] From what I hear the Jeff Berlin is pure old school with the modern Markbass sheen! A nice combo!

I would add the Markbass NY121, which I think is the same dimensions?! Anyway....one of the Markbass 1x12s. If thats not enough, sell the combo and get an amp with cabs. The LMTube isnt, IMO, worth the extra over the LM3. I would stick with the LM3 or the F1/500. The LMTube adds very little in terms of tube warmth. The power sections of the F1/500 and LM2/3 are the optimum setup when it comes to tone. There are some negative reviews of the LM 800/LMTube 800....they dont sound like the LM2/3 for some reason. Personally, I nearly did what you did and got a combo. Very light and awesome tone. BUT, I dont think it would be loud enough for me. The Jeff Berlin might cut it for me...might. If I get any Markbass cabs itll be the 2x10 (x2) or one of the 4x10s. I like the Markbass amp tones...and I like how well made they are.

[quote name='ezbass' post='825711' date='May 2 2010, 06:02 PM']The entire thread has been removed from TB, something to do with using the press release or something, how crap was that? I hope we're safe from that sort of thing BC.[/quote] Has it? I got shot down straight away by all the mega-Lakland fans. I stated id seen some appalling QC one recent Laklands and they just werent having it. Excuses all the way through it. Not good enough....the previous Laklands ive heard were very very good, but since the Skylines became more popular, the modern retail price is way too high. Time will tell. Lakland make very nice neck profiles so I hope they actually keep going and get better,

[quote name='bottlebassman' post='825599' date='May 2 2010, 04:06 PM']My ear has always been drawn to the bass it seems! I think it probably has a lot to do with The Stranglers being the first band I really "got into" in the late seventies, JJ Burnel's bass lines being extremely prominent, particularly on the first 3 albums. I just always seem to listen out for the bass, no matter what style of music it is! (Maybe that's why I found "and justice for all" a poor album after "master of puppets")[/quote] Master of Puppets was awesome. I do like And Justice but Tallica wasnt the same. I cant understand why metal wont let bass be prominent. Some bands do, but not many. Then again, most modern metal is boring to play anyway....just mindless chugging.

[quote name='Clarky' post='825135' date='May 1 2010, 08:51 PM']OK Gareth, last one! I've got Britain's Got Talent to watch .... well actually am going to [s]perv over[/s] watch 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona' with Scarlet Johansson Anyway about 60cm at its longest and I think you could get it down to 44cm at its shortest (but that was an estimation as am in a hurry!)[/quote] Thanks ill measure that up and test it tomorrow.

[quote name='Clarky' post='825096' date='May 1 2010, 07:58 PM']Just shortened the strap as much as it will go and the top edge of the belly cut out on Sid is about 1cm above my belly button - there's scientific for you! But should allow you to hold up one of your Precisions and visualise. Frankly, much higher than that and you start looking a d*ck/slap merchant in my view [/quote] Thanks Clarky. I have another request! When you get a moment, could you measure the distance from strap pin hole to strap pin hole when the strap is laid flat off the bass (on the very highest/shortest setting)? I can then set my old strap up at that length and see how it fits. Thanks n sorry for being a pain!