Musicman20

[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

[quote name='Beedster' post='773900' date='Mar 13 2010, 09:20 PM']I think the TF has your name on it [/quote] +1 hahaha

The DB212s are bigger than the HS410 but lighter. If you want smaller check the DB112 or GS112 and roll the tweets off or just buy the tweeterless cabs, (although they are easier to sell on with tweets).

[quote name='lojo' post='771925' date='Mar 11 2010, 06:11 PM']I used to own one, fantastic cab, sorry but never used it with a 5, did however gig a rock covers band with it to great effect If it were easier to lift id never have parted with it[/quote] They are massive in weight/size to match their massive vintage punchy tone. I dont play anything lower than drop D....but it handles this perfectly. Not tried a 5 string through it. A few hardcore bands use these in low tunings. Architects springs to mind!

[quote name='HMX' post='773862' date='Mar 13 2010, 08:30 PM']Just an update here. I took it into Mansons for a setup after putting the strings on. I went to collect it today and they said that there is upward bow in the neck and the truss rod is the tightest it can be - meaning major work or a new neck. They told me to take it back to where I bought it from - under warranty. But hey, guess what, Reverb no longer exists! They recommended that I pack the bass up, give it to them, they will send it to Fender who will put a new neck on and send it back. Makes me wish I never got rid of my Spector or Precision. So gutted here. £450 I won't see for a couple of weeks at least.[/quote] Owww heck. Is yours a MIM 70s Jazz? When did you get it from Reverb? I got a bass from them and luckily it seems spot on, but at least Mansons are sorting it for you. Cheers

[quote name='yelees' post='773818' date='Mar 13 2010, 07:20 PM']Haven't tried flats yet, I know that's an obvious move.. I'm considering just letting my rounds get uber old / cruddy. Not from experience, but I've read that if you want to dig in you don't really get a lot of grind from a flat in the same way as you do from a round. But I guess you can't have it every way. The DB112's look the nuts and I know a bassist who uses a 212 and loves it....[/quote] I have two DB212s, and despite the fact the can be a bugger to move around (apart from the casters) they sound HUUUUUGE. You can go from old fat motown thump to a more aggressive articulate tone. Very nice tweeters. I never used 12s until I heard the Aguilars and now I wouldnt be without a 12 cab of some kind.

[quote name='JTUK' post='773860' date='Mar 13 2010, 08:29 PM']I don't know your combos but I'd put a Markbass 102 combo on you list It is a great sound out of the cab. and you can add an ext cab to get close to 500watts from the amp. You would need to look at 2nd hand but your budget should do that easily.. Also look at Eden 2x10 combos for more of the same. Or....look for a 2 hand LMll amp which are about for around £375 and get yourself seperates... Maybe a more flexible way of doing things but keeping the set up lightweight and compact.[/quote] +1 Look at the Markbass 2x10. 1x15 or 1x12 combos. Very popular and a great sound in such a small package.

[quote name='largo' post='773837' date='Mar 13 2010, 07:44 PM']That's cool, although I'm sure he built his business on at least part of his reputation on Basschat. Wonder if he'll start coming back to the forum when/if his business starts to drop off again ![/quote] I think the problem is, once something negative appears on a forum, it does affect the business literally straight away. Forums can make or break business in such a niche market. I imagine he wants to stay out of the basschat world for a while as there were a few negative viewpoints being put across. The problem is, thats what happens on forums, no matter HOW GOOD your product is. If a 'duff one' makes it public, the forum will hear about it. Ive seen it happen to quite a few businesses.

[quote name='henry norton' post='773445' date='Mar 13 2010, 10:21 AM']+1 on that. For 1300 quid you could get a luthier made Precision or for allot less you could put one together using Warmoth parts or suchlike. I know there's nothing quite like having the 'Fender US' transfer on the headstock, but there are allot of other options out there that'll give you better hardware, better pickups and more usable controls. Having said that, if it could [i]only[/i] be a US Fender, the TF is about the closest there is for me.[/quote] I think its just that the TF ticks all the boxes, and despite the fact I could get one made, Id probably not have the good resale value the TF seems to hold. I am unfortunately a Fender fanboy haha. The finish is nitro I do believe, and the spec is different from the standards, plus it has that lovely ebony board. This is what attracts me. [quote name='wateroftyne' post='773450' date='Mar 13 2010, 10:29 AM']FWIW, the fit'n'finish on the TF is excellent. The pickups and circuit are custom, too. It's a cut above standard 'production line' stuff, IMO.[/quote] The overall look of the instrument is great. How does the nitro wear? [quote name='wateroftyne' post='773488' date='Mar 13 2010, 11:06 AM']Yep, I think it's agreed that that's the TF's only real flaw. It's nice that the J pup is buffered so it's still nice and hefty when solo'd.[/quote] The J pup sounds massive on your vids and the TF demo vids. I know the selector is a bit odd, but the tone is bloomin spot on. Basically, I want to be able to have a Precision/Ebony fretless, but with the nice j pickup....so I think this might be a good choice. What other options are there around the £1200-1300 mark with similar spec? Eg P pup, j pup, nitro burst. ebony, drop d tuner?

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='773812' date='Mar 13 2010, 07:12 PM']IMHO a pair of Aggie DB112's will do the trick for you! When my long standing rig (of 15years) developed a terminal condition, I spent a long time d1cking around with loads of cabs (neos/10's/12's/15's etc) before I found the tone I wanted in the DB's. For me they have the old school thump but have enough clarity that you get heard and can hear what you are doing. As has been said already though, they don't have that oomph in single form but doubled up they exceed expectations.[/quote] +1 Aguilars will be great as well.

Markbass Jeff Berlin Combo? I agree on the Shuttle and HS410...although it's more than the amp than the cab being too 'hifi' I think. I also found that cabinet brilliant...but it is extremely clear and transparent. If you want a little more vintage thud have you tried flats on your bass?

Well im thinking of ordering the new Jazz 5 Deluxe (once reviews come out) and the Franklin Fretless in burst all at once and get a discount....thats quite a hefty order so i hope id get it cheaper. Ill see what happens, but thanks for the comments guys... I would go for a vintage 70s P fretless but id love that bridge Jazz pup

I know a few of you have owned or own one of these. They seem quite rare and sound absolutely stunning through the demos. Ive seen WoTs videos and it makes me want one even more. My 'fund' for a custom (£2.5k plus) which I had in mind (please note not actually saved this yet, it was an estimate of my max amount for a bass to be purchased in 11 months for my 30th!) would definitely cover a new Fender Deluxe Jazz 5 as per the thread below, and would also provide a large chunk towards the fretless fund. Ive always wanted a fretless, but I think a 4 would be enough, and I think id like the option of a P and a rear Jazz pickup sound. They are also in the perfect colour combo. GAS has hit big time. Good job my band is earning.

[quote name='harmonicfish' post='773017' date='Mar 12 2010, 06:02 PM']Hmmm, lots of advice now... which is all greatly appreciated, but I don't think I can follow all of it at once without causing some sort of paradox in my brain As for saving up enough to do it properly first time, I'd love to, but that's involves finding out what a 'proper' setup is for me (which, by the sounds of it, I have no chance of getting right first time). I realise second hand is a more sensible route to go down. Sadly I seem to be drawn to all the shiny new things that won't be sold on cheaply for a while yet (e.g. The Promethean, the TC electronics kit, and now I've made the mistake of reading through some threads about the Barefaced Midget too). On the plus side for the Promethean, if I were to get the combo, I could always keep the 1x10 as a nice compact cab for home use, and the actual head should have plenty of capacity for whatever I plug it into in the future. Anyway, I've got a nice big google docs spreadsheet of specs and prices building up... time to hit some more shops for a play around I think.[/quote] I recently did the same thing. You cannot go wrong with TC and Markbass. I tested a lot of gear. Obviously we all have very different tonal goals though.

My budget for a 30th custom bass means I can get one of these then pick up a fretless at some point.

Ah yes: Snagsby Band Links in my signature

[quote name='JTUK' post='772893' date='Mar 12 2010, 03:57 PM']An East Retro deluxe will drop straight in but if they are aiming at Sadwosky, then they will have to hit ther pre-amp as well.. Will gtrgtr get one in asap..?[/quote] I reckon soundslive will get them in first round here and no doubt guitarguitar will get them as well. I reckon they wont get over here for a good few months anyway. Their pre-amp needs to be good....the last Deluxe I had was the P with the Humbucker and split P pup...not my thing. These new Jazzes seem nice though.

Hi Ill chip in a bit. Id make sure you basically try and save as much as poss the go secondhand. A good cab will keep its value. A cheaper cab will never really shine. A few years back I had a great amp, and basses, but poor cabinets. I never really looked into it that much. Once I started getting more serious about bass, I sold the cabs, (they were immaculate but lost a fair bit due to the fact they were run of the mill cheap Peavey cabs) and the newer cabinets made a huge difference. I had what is classed as the ultimate 4x10....Berg HS410. Great cab, very expensive. Sold it to fund my TC RS210 x 2. I was that impressed I bought the RS212 as well. TC dont mess about...Im really impressed. There are clips of the RS210 vs very very expensive cabs and even the owner of all them admitted the RS210 was incredibly good, esp for its size and price. Its isnt neo, which for me was a plus point. Dont take my word on neo though. High end neo cabs are great, I just prefer ceramic. A 1x10 will really struggle IMO. The Hartke head recommended is your best step, then a quality 210 or 1x12 to add to. Even a 1x12 will struggle though.

[quote name='JTUK' post='772863' date='Mar 12 2010, 03:30 PM']yep, if it plays as good as it looks...this could be the way for you to go... and you'd get it quicker as well.. It looks like my custom....[/quote] Yep. I can probably get it in 6-8 months if I save well. Not only that, its £1000 cheaper than getting a custom. OK, I wont get that custom 'feel', but I cant really say no to the fact this ticks all my boxes and no doubt still has the classic Fender growl in passove as well as the active. Lets hope the active is decent....if not I suppose I could wait and upgrade it at some point.