Musicman20

[quote name='Linus27' post='776251' date='Mar 16 2010, 01:39 PM']Dave and co, here are a couple more clips as requested. The first is the 3EQ Stingray with full bass boost, mids and treble flat played with a pick. [attachment=44901:3EQ_Stin...ss_Boost.mp3] The second is the 2EQ Stingray with bass on full and the treble on about one third. This is my perfect setup. [attachment=44902:2EQ_Stin..._Perfect.mp3][/quote] Cheers for this! In this clip, I have a preference to the 3EQ....it sounds HUGE. They both sound great but the 3EQ does it for me on this one.

Listening to the clips, I like them all! I wouldnt have a problem owning any of them, but there is definitely a difference. The 2EQ is slightly more muffled and vintage, whereas the 3 just screams aggression with a pick. This is why I wanted a 2EQ classic. How would you compare your old Ray in Natural to the new Teal?

I have 2 3EQ Stingrays. One of them is ten years old, and Ive had them both from new. As they were classed as high end for me back when I was 18/19, Ive barely used them live, and they have been looked after like an expensive sports car! At the time, when I was buying, the stores never had the 2EQ versions....and all the internet advice was to 'go for the 3EQ as its more flexible'. I would like to have one 2EQ, but Id lose a lot of cash trying to swap for one. I wont be able to get one 2nd hand thats in the same condition as mine....id have to get one thats virtually new. So, im sticking with what Ive got. What I notice is the finish first and foremost. Despite Fender now having a better QC, the EB finish is IMO a touch better. It seems very very solid, and has that brilliant high gloss shine. My favourite? The natural with maple. The wood used is brilliant, and matches the shade of maple very closely. I now make sure I play them at home and wipe the chrome down to make sure it still shines. Sad I know. The natural is never getting sold, as it sentimental and my very first 'proper' bass guitar near the £1k mark. No one I knew at my age (18/19) had a brand new Ray as nice as mine so its going to be kept. The black? The finish is awesome. It is such a deep black, and the rosewood board is dark and well finished. If im honest, I couldnt sell it. Its again been looked after really well, barely gigged, and looked after at home. Again, sad I know hahah. A Ray cuts through the mix like crazy. Once the black Rays strings die, im going to change them for the EB Flats ive got waiting for it. A Stingray with flat sounds awesome. [attachment=44896:IMG_2575.JPG] [attachment=44899:IMG_2592.JPG] Im a sucker for brunettes, but the blonde does it on this one!

The Fender stock strings are pretty good actually but in a few weeks im going to put a new set of TI Flats on this bass. Which is the best way to put these on? Through-body? Bridge? The stock strings are, as usual, quite a a high gauge but the action is pretty damn lovely and low. Id ideally like to keep it as it is setup wise....excuse the noob question but can I just fit these and carry on as normal? Ive never fitted flats. Im just being careful!

[quote name='basshead56' post='775544' date='Mar 15 2010, 07:09 PM']Cheers Wayne, Yeah, might have to add a few more bts to be sure Nah, seriously though, I reckon Im pretty much GAS free at this stage[/quote] I love the PJ BCase sat atop looking smuggly small! Big collection. Whats the favourite?!

[quote name='peteb' post='775794' date='Mar 15 2010, 10:30 PM']Not a great deal of difference to my ears with those settings tbh Perhaps someone can explain something to me? I've always fancied a Musicman and indeed had a Sterling for a while, attracted by the smaller body size. The Sterling was a nice enough bass but I couldn't really get on with the sound and the neck was not quite right for me (thru very playable) I should explain that I started with Fender P basses and then graduated to various actives before settling on Warwick Streamers. I have been after a more traditional looking bass for a potential project that sounds a bit different, but of course not too different! The Sterling sounded a bit thin to me - would I have been better going for a Stingray and if so which one?[/quote] Stingray all the way. IMO, easier to 'play' than Fender Ps....I swap between the two and the Stingray neck is slightly easier, (even though the P always feels good). The pickup on the Stingray sits in a perfect place for fingerstyle...and the bass tends to play itself. They definitely do not sound thin. After researching, I think the Sterling is a tiny bit more 'modern' sounding. I think with the pickups, the single h or h + s are my preferred option. Id never use a H at the neck, although a lot of people love the HH setup.

[quote name='Jigster' post='775684' date='Mar 15 2010, 09:01 PM']hey thanks for that, really kind offer - but i think referencing Jerry B's reply I think I should start with a lined fretless - i'm sure it's going to be a huge leap in my abilities so will need as much help as poss!!! cheers re. the Warwicks dmz, I'll have a look[/quote] Im on the same journey....I think the Tony Franklin Fretless is calling you Jigster! Bit above budget....but if you definitely want to have a fretless, its a very good sound and look. Its exactly the fretless im after.

Hhaha. We definitely do not play Mustang Sally or any Robby.

[quote name='ajerthebadger' post='775215' date='Mar 15 2010, 01:42 PM']Thanks for all your posts. I am going to look into getting something else to transport my gear so those trolley posts were a real help. I was going to see if TC would send me a 112 instead of replacing the cab - after all I think this could be classed as fault on their part - but I doubt it will happen. I am really keen to see the new Hartke HyDrive 112 but dont know when it will be available. I don't really change the 'preset volume' I dont think. I kept the gain the same and the master volume the same and changed a few EQ settings, but like I said, started to get a bit distorted in the speaker. I play in an Alt Rock band - obviously a very wide spectrum so heres the myspace - www.myspace.com/mandlsound - and we also have a few heavier numbers and heavier outros which will require a bit of extra 'umph' in the low end to keep up with guitarist's - both on fender valve amps who like them loud. I think extra cab is the way forward.[/quote] +1, you need another cab I think. Most 2x10s will be pushing it in a heavier rock band. I would ask the supplier/store to replace the cabinet as its not your fault that has occured. An RS212 on its own would probably be about right if you wanted a one cab solution.

Bumping this.... At first it was too big for me, but the band ive joined controls stage volume carefully, so we have thought about just DI'ing the bass and ill use the decent monitors they have. I know my BDDI will do the job but this pedal looks awesome.

I went round in circles with this...but im glad I waited. I sold my Line 6 DL4 as it was overkill for me. Ive just ordered the T Rex Chameleon Power Supply (comes with a huge amount of connectors) and a TC Nova Repeater, (12v). It took me a while to find a stockist who would price match on both products, but guitarguitar won the cheapest deal so Ive gone with them. Now ive got to wait as they are both still on order and the Chameleon has only just been released. So, I went over the top with the power supply, but Id rather be able to expand with any pedal I want rather than be restricted. Now I can power the Tonehammer, BDDI, Polytune, (when it gets here) and Nova Repeater with no problems, and still expand. Obviously with guiitar only two of them will be worthwhile using but id like to get a quality reverb down the line. Now im after the Tech 21 VT Bass Deluxe...crikey.

Ive had a good chat with the band after using my Sansamp BDDI with very little grit just through the PA. and they were impressed. They even asked if I wanted to try just DI'ing at gigs and using the quality monitors to save on taking yet another rig (although my TC RS212 would be a decent smallish one cab solution). The Tech 21 VT Bass Deluxe is looking like a very good idea now!

Im a long time fan of the Pumpkins, and if they ever decided they do not want a hot young woman playing bass, ill do it instead. I think I know which option id choose. Im 90% sure the next bassist will be yet another female who looks good in knee length boots.

Interesting and good timing! I have to learn this...seems quite simple but effective.

[quote name='Basska' post='774588' date='Mar 14 2010, 07:21 PM']The Bassist from Hi Standard uses ESP Basses and (IMO) they're one of the best pop punk bands ever formed. They make nice noises Chris[/quote] Man I LOVE Hi Standard. Nice to find more fat wreck punk fans! Are you going to Groezrock?

I think my moto with purchases is basically if I want a bass that Im not used to (5 sting, or fretless for example) id rather not go 'halfway' and buy a cheaper model to what Im ultimately after. In the end I just lose time and money upgrading. Ive learnt from this in the past. Basses to me arent just for gigging...I really enjoy owning them even if I just record and play them at home, although my new function band will definitely bring me better and more professional gig sitiuations. Id like to be able to play most types of bass so I can cover more and more requirements and never feel 'restricted'. Thanks for all the views, I think this might be the fretless for me!

[quote name='alanbass1' post='774632' date='Mar 14 2010, 08:12 PM']I use a TC RH450 with Berg HT112/EX112 cabs. This certainly nails the old school sound and lot more besides. Not as clean as my Markbass heads but the warmth and punch of the TC head is very valve like[/quote] Agreed, I think I may have written my part incorrectly so I have edited. The MB and TC amps can do old school perfectly....and then some!

[quote name='jim_bass' post='774357' date='Mar 14 2010, 03:21 PM']Slightly OT, but which folding trolley did you buy off amazon. I'd like to get one to carry my cab, but some of them look really flimsy. How much did you pay?[/quote] Hi Its a 'Silverline' blue trolley...it was roughly £25 or less delivered! It can handle a fair whack of weight. I had an Orange 4x10 on it and it did not struggle at all. Its only really good on decent even surfaces though....cobbles are a no-no. Saved my back a lot during moving plus it folds up well with no hassle. Its not one with a small lip (I stayed clear of those) its actually more like a truck in that respect. Here we go! [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-675213-100-Platform-Truck/dp/B000NBYK0C/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&s=garden&qid=1268581021&sr=8-21"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-675213-...021&sr=8-21[/url]

[quote name='HMX' post='774181' date='Mar 14 2010, 11:24 AM']Yes, it is. I got it late February sometime, and they went bust around 4th March. I got mine delivered from Edinburgh, as they didn't have any Standards in stock. Seen as though it was the last of the line (and I got it for £50 off), there may have been a known problem, you reckon?[/quote] Hiya Hmm, I know they had a huge sale with Fenders at some point a few weeks back, I presume to sell as much stock as possible to try and stop sliding into bankruptcy. I called just to enquire and it was ALL Fenders, everything Fender-related, so not just certain instruments with perhaps known problems. This was throughout all of their stores. I already anticipated problems with the chain if im honest. I called the Bass Centre and apparently the prices were cheaper than the stores actually buy them in for....which suggests serious financial problems. I think you may have just been unlucky but Fender will HAVE to do something as you have a year (or 2) warranty. I had a similar problem with a Fender guitar amp that had a problem with the speaker and Soundcontrol had gone bust. My local store agreed with Fender to repair it, and it needed one brand new speaker. Fender did pay for labour, postage, speaker, and the messing about for my local store So, in the end it went well

[quote name='bass5' post='774046' date='Mar 14 2010, 02:01 AM']I have recently sent my Mark Bass combo model CMD102P to the distributors for a head swap having bought a Little Mark Tube to fit in there, I did this through Darren of Bass Merchant in Colechester who while my amP was away he let me borrow a Genz Benz Shuttle 6 and this is a review I wrote about it. (By the way Darren is a star) ----- Well I guess since I had never tried one of these Genz - Benz Shuttle 6.0 before in my life and I happen to have one on loan for a few days, I might as well give it a good test and write my findings here. This amp is only temporarily replacing my Mark Bass CMD102P combo which is undergoing a head change from the Little Mark II head to the Little Mark Tube 500 one, and as a result, the benchmark upon which this Genz - Benz is being compared to is an act difficult to follow to say the least. The G-B has all these funky blue and red lights for various functions and actually they are a bit too bright for my liking to the point where looking at them directly actually bothers my eyes sight, far from relaxing, I wish you could dimmer them down a bit. the controls are divided in sections: Tube Preamp controls are Gain & Volume with a red overload clip light to warn you of it. There is a mute button which it's actually a neat idea not present on the Mark Bass and makes swapping basses noise free and safe to your speakers. The EQ controls: Active Parametric Equalization Low / Mid (cut/boost) / Mid Freq lets you shape the Mids once you are done with boosting/cutting / High Following are 3 buttons each dedicated to an additional post eq series of preset curves, these are from left to right: L.F. Boost (Low Freq, Boost obviously) Mid Scoop (Similar to Trace Elliot Smiley Face) H.F. Attack (High Freq. Boost) Master Section Master Volume and a series of lights that indicates the status of the power amp ranging from top to bottom as follows: Clip/Limiter - lights up when auto limiter kicks in and prevents you from blowing your speakers Signal - lights up when the mute button is on and "signal" is fed through the speaker.... what's the point of this? I fail to recognize. Thermal - I assume this would light up when the amp is overheating, this one is handy. Operate - It's on when everything is ok, so I assume it's a light that reasure you thunderbirds are go and all is tickety-boo. If you know better tell me, I might have missed something. The whole thing is quite light and aestetically does nothing to me compared to the macho looks of a Mark Bass combo or head. Frankly this head looks like someone has stuck one of those old retro Marantz Stereo Amp on a mobile discoteque speaker with a grill and a fancy name (Genz-Benz) Before I move on to the actual aural characteristics of this amp let me tell you that I am not a fan of the small metal control pots, for the following reasons: Their tRavel is far from smooth and it actually require a little force to turn, the fact that these knobs are so stiff and also so small, it does not make them ergonomically comfortable to operate. They are made of solid knurled alluminium they are cold to the touch and last but not least they friggin' crackle a lot when turning, maybe this particular one being used might need a little contact spray tlc on the pots, but in one year of ownership my Mark Bass has never developed crackling pot yet and I am told this amp is a shop demo 7 months old. ------- So, what does it sound like? Well it's very modern sounding, the EQ section gives you a very good range and this is where the heart of your sound is chiselled, oh and forget the mileage you can get from a Mark Bass with all the control set flat and just work with your bass on board preamp to boost bass middle and treble! You just can't do the same with this amp as the bass sound is simply not reproduced as naturally as it is with a MBass. Period! Here my friends, you really need to shape it with bass over the centre flat line and same with the mids, and you need to back off the high a little as it is slightly brittle from flat. Once you are happy with this set up you better stick with it because when you come to the next section (the 3 preshape buttons) you will realize that the individual boost they provide is really only useful for a demo showcase of your slap technique than real life sound adaptation. They are just flash modes but not really something you want to use for your regular gigs. I dare say these are barely my observations of course, and for all you know if a bright 80's style punchy sound like Mark King is what you look for in an amp than this for you. And finally, overall this amp is actually quite noisy, if you move your hands away from the bass, it's all zzzzzzzz and hummmm and crackle & pop. Not a speck of the quiteness you get with a Mark Bass, and if you don't believe me, watch this review from Ed Friedland, we know Ed is God and anything he plays he makes it sound musical and artful, but watch what happens when he stops playing and starts talking and his hand are moving away from the bass. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch#playnex...&v=SJYX2Fkpuzg"]http://www.youtube.com/watch#playnex...&v=SJYX2Fkpuzg[/url][/quote] Thanks for the review. Darren and co are always helpful which is what keeps me going back hahah. I agree on the Genz front completely. They just do not sound that amazing flat....and yep they dont have that 'build' feel that the MB amps do. I think if you really dig MB amps, you probably wont dig the GB amps as they are much more brittle and bright. Obviously though, a lot of players really dig the GB amps and cabs, as its each to their own. I thought I might like the hi-fi tone and bought a Shuttle 9.0, but I had a few problems with it and it wasnt really my thing so I sent it back for a TC RH450 which is fantastic and can definitely do the old school thump and more aggressive rock tones. Now I realise hi-fi just isnt me...at all. Its not the bass tone I searching for.

Thanks for the indepth review. I must admit, you do have to be careful with the cabinets...which it seems you have been but it has still suffered injuries. If im honest, despite the fact I dont like carpet covered cabinets, it is the best way to cover a cabinet if you want them to stay looking clean and new. I have made 'feet' for all of my cabinets in my signature, and the TC ones need them in particular. They are not exactly 'feet', just strips of carpet cut out to the right size that stops them marking the floor or the cabinet when I put them down. I also bought covers for all my cabs just to prevent small knocks causing scuffs etc. If you added another cabinet, eg an RS210, you would achieve a much louder/fuller setup. I am going to try the RS210 on its own soon, but I suspect it wont cut it like I dont expect it to on its own. You never know though. What do you have your 'preset' volume on? You can change this for each preset to make sure all basses seem the same volume despite their output. What type of band are you playing in? I dont think any 210 will compete with a really loud rock band unless you use it for just monitoring for yourself. I hope TC resolve your issues. I myself am not a fan of those trolley type setups, but they do work out for some players. I bought the normal cabs then bought a standard fold-up trolley off Amazon.

[quote name='Legion' post='774166' date='Mar 14 2010, 10:56 AM']I seem to have a busy day today - I'll chime in later [/quote] Thanks