Musicman20

[quote name='jim_at' post='804928' date='Apr 13 2010, 02:52 PM']Hey mate, So do you have the pedal switched 'on' all the time then? Where do you keep it in your pedal chain, after effects or before? What setting do you usually run it on?[/quote] Hi Its on all the time....with the current bands. It does work best, as noted above, with solid states IMO. I dont really have much of a pedal chain, just a few pedals I swap about. Ill more than likely try to get that sorted soon. I use a tuner, the BDDI or the Aguilar Tone Hammer...I might start having both at once to allow different types of dirt...(but not both at once). I change the settings nearly every time I use it, mainly changing the level of output from the pedal and the amount of dirt.

I would test what you can, as you probably know. I tried a Warwick $$ Streamer 5 but it just wasnt me at all...the neck was completely different to what Im used to. Good for some, didnt work for me. I have been told time and time again that a Stingray 5 is very flexible....and I think thats what Im going for. EB makes damn good basses, and apparently there 5 strings are made to be a 5 string, not just a bass with an added string. They are pricey-ish, but you definitely get what you pay for with them. Im thinking of getting one on order very soon now I know what pickups I want (H+S). EDIT: GK and Stingrays works very well.

[quote name='dirtylittleherbert' post='804939' date='Apr 13 2010, 03:05 PM']Where are you practicing out of interest?[/quote] Its a place in Sunderland...I dont even know if its got a name hahah. I basically get off the Metro and its nearby there. Hmmm ill find out.

Id be interested to hear your thoughts on the F1 with the RS210 on its own. Its almost like an opposite voicing, which can be great, eg the F1 is very quick, modern and clean, whereas the RS210 is quite sweet and almost slightly vintage in its tone.

Jim bought a Black Stingray (3EQ) from myself last week. The transaction was smooth, quick, and Jim communicated quickly and in a friendly manner. A top chap to deal with. Thanks Gareth

I have just sold my Aguilar DB212s to James...(sob...I hope you enjoy them!) With the cabs being so big and pretty, we had to make sure they got to James safely. After a few ideas, I managed to get the original packaging and the poor old courier had to come and pickup two large boxes. Everything I believe has gone their safely, and James kept me informed at all stages. Trustworthy, reliable, and friendly - deal with James with confidence Cheers Gareth

[quote name='Higgie' post='804856' date='Apr 13 2010, 01:36 PM']Apologies for the crap quality, I took this with my Blackberry: These cabs just arrived, thanks Gareth![/quote] Woah, you got that sorted quick! Thats an absolute chocolate beast. Hope you enjoy them. PS...I never tried stacking them with the bottom casters still on....im a bit wary sometimes.....is it working out ok?

[quote name='eude' post='804819' date='Apr 13 2010, 01:04 PM']Thanks man! Link didn't work, but I found the right one >> [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eUrmYZlSnY"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eUrmYZlSnY[/url] Very useful and now I'm even more convinced I should be sticking with MarkBass and getting an F1... Cheers, Eude[/quote] Whoops thats what Iphones do for me..... Im suprised how much I like Markbass, seen as though I tend to like a bit of dirt in my tone, but the markbass amps sound so good without any pedals or anything, I just had to get one. The best thing Ive heard with the Markbass is a Stingray...perhaps because EB had a fair amount of input with the Markbass amps, (they are ex-Musicman amps I do believe).

[quote name='jim_at' post='804894' date='Apr 13 2010, 02:11 PM']Hey all, I recently got a programmable 3 channel Sansamp bass DI, but I haven't really worked out the best way to use it. Firstly I'm using it as a DI output, which is my main use. But how do you guys set up your channels? Do you have one channel constantly on as your basic sound, and use the other channel as a dirtier sound? Or only switch it on for certain things? I'm finding it hard to get a good tone out of it, it seems the signal is REALLY hot so the level has to be right down most of the time, Just wondered how you guys use it and how best I can use it as part of my rig. Also, do you set your EQ on the amp flat and just use the pedal as your EQ? Usually I use a Hi-Watt valve amp into an Ampeg 4/10 cab, but at the moment I'm using an Ampeg SVT-3 pro into my Ampeg cab. Thanks![/quote] Hi I use the standard BDDI. Its very flexible as in I can use it for that modern dirty tone into my amp, into the PA, or both. I tend to EQ the amp how I want (although with the amps I only use it with the LM3 so far which is mainly set flat). Its main advantage to me is having a pretty decent DI sound into the PA....and I can adjust it at my feet with a little extra dirt, bass, etc.

[quote name='AlanP2008' post='804878' date='Apr 13 2010, 01:58 PM']You are probably better off keeping the 2x10 vertical though - it will keep the dispersion more horizontal - help avoid the sound disappearing into the roof.... (Raise it by all means - although there are definitely benefits to keeping it on the floor, you being able to hear it whilst you are standing close to it, isn't one of them...) Alan[/quote] Actually, yes I see what you mean. I will try a few different arrangements. All this talk of large rigs when their is a huge professional PA there just doesnt seem to make sense. As long as Ive got my sound, and the band can hear it through at least monitoring, ill be happy. The PA can do the work...

Recently I joined a covers band who play rock, pop and funk. Anything from The White Stripes to Foo Fighters to Stevie Wonder. Volumes at rehearsals tend to be mid level for me which is fantastic, but I do wear ear protection. My now ex band back home were too loud so it just sounded like a big wall of mush. Because my location means I travel via the metro to practice, they have a cheap backup carlsbro amp (100 watt ish) and 2 unknown make PA cabs, (1x12 no horn 8 ohms). If it's rubbish weather, they also have a cheapie bass that's left at the practice rooms. Sounds daft when I've got all this nice gear, but at the moment I don't need a car due to living right near everything apart from where they practice, Normally, both 1x12s are plugged in, side by side, and I use my sansamp to make the amp sound half decent. The sansamp is also plugged into desk, at low levels. This setup works for practice. Last night, I was only plugged into 1 112; the other was being used. I was also NOT turned on on the desk. All the volume was through ONE cheap 112 with a low powered amp. We didn't even realise I wasn't coming through the PA. I was pretty much loud enough. It wasnt brilliant, but it worked. The band is drums, 3 guitars, (one is a brilliant tube 1x12 combo, one is a Tiny Terror through a 4x12, the last guitar is only on certain tracks to add depth) and lastly vocals. This has made me realise that you just do not need massive rigs for certain bands. So, live, will my TC RS210 be enough? They use a professional 10k rig for most the gigs. I'm thinking RS210 raised and placed horizontal, with amp on top, then DI'd through amp or sansamp to push out to the crowd and for my monitoring.

[quote name='eude' post='804519' date='Apr 13 2010, 07:25 AM']Thanks guys, kind of what I expected. I run a pretty hot output too, so I guess I'd struggle to get a clean sound at all out of the Terror then. F1 it is I reckon then, unless OutToPlayJazz comes along with some wise words about the LittleGiant... Cheers, Eude[/quote] I tested the Bass Terror and it's filthy! In a good way...if you like some tubey gain the Terror is perfect. There is a great F1 comparison video here by talkbass amp/cab expert Kjung: [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eUrmYZlSnY&feature=related"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eUrmYZlSnY...feature=related[/url] If you want crisp clear bass, giving you masses of volume in a tiny well made package, I cannot see many amps that come close. Some of them do state more wattage, but markbass, and recently TC, are probably the only amp companies making micros that are honest with ratings. Personally, I love the little mark 2/3. Slightly warmer, still precise and clear, very loud. I still want an f1 though.

[quote name='51m0n' post='804474' date='Apr 13 2010, 12:30 AM']Well I bit the bullet the other day and got myself a T-Rex Chameleon, needed to power a variety of voltages, wanted a kettle lead not figure of 8, and wanted isolated outputs as the TriMod Phaser is a noisy b*****d. Was rather unsure as to whether I'd done the right thing. Build quality is incredible - weighs alot for a power supply this. Plugged it all in today, and every pedal I've got seems to sound better than it did, and no noise from the phaser. Result! Very expensive solution though I'm afraid [/quote] Ive got one of these on order....expensive yes, but im hoping its amazing.

[quote name='eude' post='803986' date='Apr 12 2010, 06:38 PM']+1 Yup, interested to hear your opinions too. I'm looking to move up from my LittleMark250 to something with more wattage, but it needs to sound good, or at least be very transparent, and be cheap. Currently thinking about a Terror Bass, or perhaps a MB F1 if I can get one cheap enough, but hadn't considered the Little Giant... Cheers, Eude[/quote] The Bass Terror is too warm and dirty I think for this. A good amp for the money but its more of a rockers/blues amp. Transparent, crisp and clear = Markbass F1 or LM2/3.

I think after listening to demos of the TC/LM3 and F1, I need an F1 or 500 to complete the trio hahah. Seriously, that amp is TINY and very very powerful, crisp, and clear.

The old Trace 12 band EQ slider was very flexible, but now I dont own it, I must admit I prefer the rotary controls. Nowadays most my amps are set flat...esp Markbass. The TC gets tweaked purely for fun and the fact I can store 3 presets.

I think they must have researched into it, and I can picture what Bass Doc is saying right now....good way of testing the 'sweet' spot. The Jazz and Precision sounds are iconic.

PS Glad to see some Futurama DVDs....

Thats a cool review....and ive just been learning some Arctic Monkeys for the covers band ive joined..they have some pretty fun lines. Its a nice looking bass, and I agree with the flatwounds....it just works. Im tempted to get one of these later in the year as a backup.

[quote name='ikay' post='803907' date='Apr 12 2010, 04:54 PM']The main things you need to watch out for are significant swings in temperature and humidity. This goes for whether it's being stored for a few months or just out on a stand in a room somewhere. Some basic things to avoid are leaving it anywhere near a radiator, in an attic or in a garage as all these areas have massive swings in temp and hum. I have several basses and keep them in their cases when not being played but they all get a regular airing and check over. I have the radiator in the room where I keep my basses turned down low (or off) to avoid sudden blasts of central heating. If you're not going to play it for a few months then detune by a semitone or so (but not too much). Unless it's in a temp/hum controlled environment the ambient temperature will inevitably vary a little from day to night and when the temp drops the strings will contract and put more stress on the neck - detuning a small amount just provides some leeway for this to happen.[/quote] Good advice....my bass room has no heating on...the room is warm as it is...so I dont have any kind of heating on in the room. Dont put the case or bass near any type of sunlight...it can do a fair bit of damage.

Luckily I now have a room for my gear. I take them out and play/polish them all especially if ive been neglecting any. Because they are all in proper supported hardcases, I dont worry about it. Its better than having them on a stand getting bumped. Personally, hardcase with a few hours play every now and then wont hurt. Just watch out as sometimes the chrome can get strange 'bits' collected on it...so I always wipe the chrome down. In

[quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='803467' date='Apr 12 2010, 10:17 AM']Never really gone for the "clones". Always wanted a Sadowsky, but they've all disappointed me bar one Metro model I played recently. In a Fender clone, I'd be looking for a combination of the classic tones of the original with some added adaptability and modern overtones. Most of them cost significantly more than the real thing, so I'd be expecting something literally twice as good. Am I being overly optimistic here? I've had a few Fenders and ended up selling them all, whether because they weren't gigged or they just didn't fit. All either Standard, American Standard or Artist series. So I'm upping the ante now and picking up a 62 RI American Vintage Precision next weekend. This particular bass is the only P that's ever made me go "Wow!" when I played it. We'll see how it fares... [/quote] Im in agreement here...the Sadowsky's I played never really did it for me. Very 'polite'....I immediately tested a 75 Reissue Jazz that was next to them, and that bass barked and growled perfectly. I found Sadowskys to be far too 'modern' for me. Lovely QC and finish though. The Metro prices now are silly. For some of them, you could buy two new American Standard Fenders (and they are much better nowadays) and still have £300 or so change. I look forward to the pics of the 62 reissue Rich.

+1 on being the boss....if you join a band thats ongoing, obviously be friendly and compromise, but dont compromise too much. If its a covers band (and I personally have rejoined the covers scene after 8 years of originals bands) then make sure you can fit into their rehearsal regime....and most importantly make sure you enjoy it! Covers bands can be REALLY good if you get hold of some good musicians. My current drummer is a loud bugger, but he knows how to plays the drums very well indeed. The band have been playing as a covers band for years, and I feel very much like ive struck gold seen as though my first gigs with them are quite large. Definitely have an originals band as well if you have the time. Writing your own lines from scratch is, as you probably know, really satisfying. Good luck, and dont give up. I advertised in a fairly professional manner and the responses were mainly a waste of time, but you WILL strike a good band eventually. Im learning new styles all the time now. My fingerstyle is MUCH better now...Ive forced myself to play almost everything with my fingers and its worked. Only the really fast stuff in my punk band need a pick....helps it cut through as well.

[quote name='JTUK' post='803683' date='Apr 12 2010, 01:29 PM']Markbass 102 combo..features two 10's that have real depth and the LMll amp.. This is a great standalone combo IMV..and if you wanted to add another 8 ohm cab, you'd be able to get 500watts or thereabouts.. It is pretty light as well....[/quote] +1....you cannot go wrong.