Musicman20

Hey I want to run my Aguilar Tone Hammer, Sansamp BDDI, and Polytune for my bass rig. Guitar rig will be a 9v delay of some kind, reverb, and the Polytune. Instead of buying all the power supplies, Im gonna go for a power bank/block. Will the T Rex Fuel Tank Jnr actually be enough for the Aguilar Tone Hammer? (you can double two 9Vs but its 120 mA max.). I want a small and isolated unit. Anyone know the the Tone Hammer mA? Cheers Gareth

I think my budget will only allow a second hand Sadowsky...plus shipping from the USA just involves more costs and stress if it has to have anything done to it. Shame they dont have a UK 'port of call' so to speak. Im leaning more towards a full UK built instrument.

[quote name='MythSte' post='761870' date='Mar 2 2010, 02:55 PM']My vote would be on Sadowsky or Overwater. But i can't confess to playing all that many super J's, I just know these two have really stood out to me in the past. Really though, I dont think you could (or should) be unhappy with anything in that price range. Get yourself down to the gallery at some point and have a tickle on them all![/quote] +1 I agree....its Sei/Overwater and very possible Sad USA (prob out of budget)...but if im honest, im attracted to getting a UK instrument that can be looked after by the manufacturer and setup every now and then. Not only that, you get 'more' for your money with a UK instrument. My only problem is that Im nowhere near London and its a HELLISH journey from up here to London. It would have to be a fast rain otherwise I just wont have the time. Ive got a few months to decide. Apparently Overwater isnt that far away....

How much does a USA Sadowsky retail for?

2008 USA Precision (new type) Oly White/Rosewood Black guard and Tort....bought from Clarky. Sold to Jigster....then regretted it but picked up another pretty quickly thats also an absolute belter (2009 Sunburst/Rosewood/Tort). All it needs now is for the Fender strings to die so I can put on the TI flats that are waiting for it. The Fender strings are actually quite nice so Im in no rush

Nigel...as much as you might be encouraged to stop dancing so much, I suggest otherwise. If its a fun and funky band, dancing is part of it. Worst thing ever is watching musos lording themselves onstage and being absolutely note perfect but looking like they dont enjoy it. My ex band was chaotic on stage. Nothing like what you play, and not as pro...think early 80s american hardcore punk like Minor Threat...with more complex parts thrown in. We threw ourselves about onstage and yep I made mistakes....but the crowd and the band enjoyed it. As I have matured, I definitely agree that being tighter/pretty much nailing it is really good for more 'subtle' types of music....but you still have to enjoy it. Hope all is well..it sounds like the gig went down well anyway.

White, aged white, or burst with rosewood or maple. MUST be brown tort plate. Block and inlays also brilliant. Other options incl the more pastel colours like light blue and seafoam green. This has got me thinking....I think my 30th bass has to be aged yellowing white.

[quote name='JTUK' post='760664' date='Mar 1 2010, 12:55 PM']Happy birthday in 4 days time Gareth, You know what I am going to say....but I'll say it anyway. Commision a Jazz5 from Sei, pick your core woods and finish and I think you'll go for paint. East pre and Barts. I also think you would prefer a dark wood board, so get that blocked and bound. So, basically, a vintage vibe with a modern bite to the sound. If you are ever down my way, you can try mine. Fine tuning stuff would be to run the pre off 18v which I think is better, which pups, soaps or singles looking design and the colour of hardware which should be chrome. Maybe a subtle flame or birdseye neck, not too OTT, Side LEDS an option, but no one really uses them and I have no idea how long the battery is supposed to last anyway. Forget the money, you'll not go too far over it, IMV[/quote] Thanks! Yep, Sei are definitely one of the options I want to consider. Shame Im absolutely nowhere near London You are right on blocks and binding though! [quote name='BigRedX' post='760854' date='Mar 1 2010, 04:00 PM']As well as the other choices mentioned you should also consider Overwater. If you like that sort of thing they do some tasty looking super-J basses. Personally if I was in the market for the ultimate 5-string Jazz I'd get myself down to The Gallery and talk to Martin. Remember they've a whole shop full of fantastic basses, so if you're unsure about any points you can try the basses in stock and let Martin know what you like (or don't like) about them. I found this very useful when I was unsure about weight/tone issues of using certain woods and again when it came to choosing pickups. Being able to play with the features I wanted to know more about helped considerably when faced with what looked like overwhelming choices. Finally remember that guiding you towards what you want from a bass is part of the job of the your chosen luthier,and if they can't do that then you should look elsewhere. Don't feel as though you need to have every aspect of your bass mapped out by yourself before you meet them. I went to see Martin of Sei Bass knowing that I wanted a Flamboyant Offset 5-string fretless bass. I had a photograph of a Nordstrand bass for colour reference and I said I wanted to be able to get that Mick Karn Japan fretless tone. Martin did the rest.[/quote] I am definitely considering Overwater. The website has some very nice looking basses! I also like the other models they do that arent J basses...the Perception. I dont want anything neck through...thats not my taste. [quote name='Clarky' post='760866' date='Mar 1 2010, 04:09 PM']Hi Gareth How about one of these with a r/w board? - Nordstrand Nordy 5 in seafoam green, yummy. From BassDirect[/quote] I do love that colour. More options! Hhahaha. [quote name='thodrik' post='760955' date='Mar 1 2010, 05:11 PM']Top end 5 string jazzes with a £2500 budget, so much choice! Since it is a long way way off you could try a few models to see which bass feels like 'your' bass. Any combination of Sandberg, Nordstrand, Sadowsky, (the metro range is around the £2000 mark anyway). Overwater as well are known for making great 5 strings as well. I don't know the pricing of the US Laklands, Alleva Coppollo or the Fodera NYC range, but they are also in the same bracket of high quality Fender J-style basses. You could also try Fender as well, you just never know you try one that for some reason plays like a dream! For the 'wildcard' I would suggest trying out a Vigier Excess five string that is coming out in a few months. Not vintage at all and some people don't like the lack of a truss rod, but if its like my four string it will pack on hell of a punch and will be built like a tank! With any of the listed brands in this thread though, quality control should not really be an issue. Happy hunting![/quote] Thats the thing...ive got a lot of options! I was thinking Sadowsky but if im honest, i dont want to part with £1800+ on a non-US Sadowsky. Dont get me wrong, the finish and fit is flawless on the ones I tested, but the sound wasnt what I was looking for. The rest Im definitely going to consider. Thanks [quote name='ErlendDL' post='760995' date='Mar 1 2010, 06:00 PM']What you want is a Dingwall [url="http://www.dingwallguitars.com/pdf/SuperJspecsheet.pdf"]Super J[/url] 5-string... [url="http://www.dingwallguitars.com/html/products_superj_tn_gallery.html"]Super cool interactive finish selector thingy.[/url][/quote] I do like the idea of a Dingwall, but the fan frets are too 'modern' for me. Im only 28, but im old school! [quote name='JMT3781' post='761198' date='Mar 1 2010, 09:08 PM']Shuker or a Nordstrand... do it! Bass direct have a couple of lovely Nordstrands in stock Or check out the shuker website, i was stuck on what design i wanted for my special birthday custom, every idea i came up with myself was silly, so i seeked inspiration on the website![/quote] Shuker did come into my mind...but I think....although not 100%, that id like to get something that isnt totally custom...just a really nice tweaked model thats to my specs. Thanks everyone. A LOT of choice....keep it coming.

If you decide you dont want to build, and still want a quality sounding 2x10 with a small footprint, id certainly suggest a TC RS210. There is huge thread on talkbass about the quality of tone even compared to really really high end cabinets. You are looking at £370 for the cab....ish.

[quote name='sk8' post='760657' date='Mar 1 2010, 12:53 PM']what about full custom? Zoot Shuker ACG RIM etc etc[/quote] I did think about full custom....but Im not sure I could ever choose exactly what I wanted! It is an option though.

Hi everyone I am 29 in 4 days and counting. I would like to start thinking about ordering a bass for my 30th that my girlfriend and family are going to contribute towards. I know its still a LONG way off, (thankfully) but I realise some of my options will take a little extra time. Basically, I want an absolute belter of a 5 String Jazz Bass, (possibly MM Humbucker). No messing about, no corners cut, no cheaper options. I want to go all out! I have a lot of options in mind....but I want it to be the perfect 5 string Jazz. So, budget? Id say no more than £2200, possibly upto £2500 if its REALLY special. Ive given up on finding a 5 string that I like between £900-£1200 so this is why I thought Ill just save and wait to see what other options I have. So, my options so far are: Overwater Sei (if I can afford it) Roscoe Fender Custom Shop (again if I can afford it and if they actually make high end 5 stringers) Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray 5 H or HS (yep, these are well within budget....around £1300-£1400 new) Lakland US (again if its within budget...Im guessing these are more) So...tons of scope. I would put Alleva down, but they are out of budget What are your views? Should I go for a more 'custom' option, or a more off the shelf model? I dont want second hand, and I basically want no problems with QC which ive had on the other 5'ers Ive tried to buy recently, (poor paint, misaligned logo, poor pickguard cutout, etc). What sound do I want? - Vintage with bite. I love the tone of a passive jazz, but a wicked East pre-amp might tempt me. I dont want anything too polite. Style - Again, more towards the vintage bodyshape, but Im willing to try something new with colours or have a very nice piece of wood and have no colour. If I go for the Jazz 5 it would be perfect to have blocks and binding! I could be cautious and go for the Stingray 5, but im not sure as yet. I can probably afford that in 6 months. If it is well under budget...eg £1400 or something, I have no problem with this. I only put the budget to say what I would spend. Id like to spend less, wouldnt we all, but I think I have to be realistic. If Im honest, Ive seen some nice basses for around the £1400-1800 mark...which isnt so bad. Thanks Gareth

[quote name='jmsjabb' post='760498' date='Mar 1 2010, 10:28 AM']Wow, if we all had your encouragement in life, no one would learn anything for them selves or have fun in learning. What a pessimistic post Go for it, as said, find a cab you like. Measure it and build it. B&Q will even cut the wood if needed. Arm your self with some gorilla glue, and have fun! Sometimes science is not the important thing. Sense of achievement and pride counts. If it sounds good to you at the end of the day, job WELL done. If not, change something and try that.[/quote] Big +1. Let anyone try it out, if it doesnt work, they will learn and probably enjoy having a shot at it. I understand there is a vast amount of technical information to digest, but then again, I mix drivers and couldnt give two hoots as it sounds fantastic, (and YES, thats after testing these 'perfect science' cabinets).

[quote name='JMT3781' post='759741' date='Feb 28 2010, 01:31 PM']Hey Everyone! the new rig is finally Done! Almost anyway Glockenklang bass art classic pre Dynacord lx2200 class d power amp Mark Bass 4x10 x2 (one on order) Sounds sweet, am using a UK made bass, so big up for european gear [/quote] SAHHHHWEET!

I must state again, the headphone output is brilliant on this amp. Far superior to anything else ive tried. I cranked the tubetone for fun...and its actually very usuable for something like Muse. But, the sweet spot is about 1/3 tubetone...sometimes a littttle more.

[quote name='JTUK' post='760236' date='Feb 28 2010, 10:28 PM']You should indeed give it more time. I would use a bass you know inside out as some set-ups have just so much EQ, you are going to go round in circles with a new amp with so much scope.[/quote] +1....agreed.

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='760016' date='Feb 28 2010, 06:58 PM']Do the USA basses weigh less than the Skylines? I've owned a brace of Skylines (DJ and a pair of JO) and they were all pretty weighty beasts.[/quote] Apparently they do....not actually tested this.

[quote name='bobpalt' post='760007' date='Feb 28 2010, 06:47 PM']Its hard to explain, but the sound seemed to be all mids, with not a great deal of bottom, and our sound guy said it was masking the guitar sounds in some way? We had to dial a lot of the mids out on the bass, and a little on the amp, and turn the tweeters down, which left me with a warm fuzzy sound, which of course could have been due to the room, so I will reserve judgement until a few more gigs are under my belt. The bass sound on stage didnt travel to the far side of the stage very well though, when usually the guys can hear me fine over there. I did go to Bassdirect with the intention of buying a 210 and a 212, and actually preferred the sound of the 12s, but Mark explained that having a mixture of sizes wasnt always a good thing and the 10s would be great. I hope the addition of a single 12 may help? I didnt actually realize that the 212s would be that much bigger than the 210s either, which I didnt really want.[/quote] Ah I see. Hmm, I have settings but none of them are 'gig' settings yet. I was a little apprehensive about mixing, but I had an in depth email from TC (Uffe who seems to be behind the design) and he stated they are designed to be mixed. There is science that says you shouldn't, but damn it, it does sound good! I have dual 210s coming and a 212 so I have all options covered...the 12s do sound nice but I also wanted a vertical 4x10. The threads on talkbass are great, I'm sure they could help out. My advice would be to dial down the hi mids, boost the bass a few clicks, and fiddle with the centre freq. It's got great options...the most extensive eq I've used before. It is worth mentioning the first time I ever heard one in GuitarGuitar, the settings were awful and 'wrong' with the preset volumes way low. Next time I tried it properly and now I'm hooked!

That's a pretty good budget. What sound are you aiming for?

Do you mean the rig didn't have enough bottom end girth? I haven't gigged all mine yet, but I opted for a 212 as well so I had lots of choice. Despite the problems of mixing drivers, the rs212+210 sounds great to me at a highish volume. Are you missing the thump? Those tens are very punchy by nature. The amp has tons of low end...I have to back it off haha!

[quote name='silddx' post='759098' date='Feb 27 2010, 01:55 PM']I spend too much time talking about bass, buying and selling basses, reading about basses, looking at pictures of basses, watching bassists, etc., etc., and I need to scale that sh*t down and actually PLAY my basses. I think I have ability and musicality, but I'm not taking advantage of it, I feel neglectful and guilty about letting my bands down as a result.[/quote] Nigel, Im with you on this definitely! I spend too long GASSING and reading information when I should be playing and practicing. I have just joined a fairly pro band as well as a new originals band so I have to sort this out. Thanks....this has made me realise I have to stop being lazy and enjoy what instruments/equipment I have.

Yep....IMO, the new prices are plain crazy. Shame really