Musicman20

The side gap is a port....eg like the Orange OBC115 or the Genz Benz Neox 212 (two side ports).

[quote name='implo' post='747665' date='Feb 16 2010, 07:27 PM'] Sorry man, no disrespect meant., of course. [/quote] Hahaha no worries! We all have different tastes! Good luck with the search.

I think I have had bad luck with Electro. Back 15 years back or so, I bought a lot of gear from there. They knew I did, and I continued to. This was before the internet prices kicked in and everyone shopped online most the time. I often found the items looked a little uncared for...which was a shame. Had the worst Fender experience with them EVER....BUT I will add as I pushed on they allowed me to exchange it for a Stingray which was new in (in my sig). I wasnt happy that they didnt offer to pick it up and realise it was quite bad for them to send it out in the condition it was in. Thank god the 08/09/10 Fenders improved, (not saying that all the ones before were bad, but you know what I mean). Over the past few years bought a fair few other bits totally over £1k, then I gave up. Why? I went in to have a test on Markbass, to see if I liked the sound. I think they assumed I was about 17 and skint, but I actually had £900 and was 26 with a well paid job. They said: 'Are you actually going to buy one or not? We are shutting in 20mins I dont want to mess about'. I said 'I wont be buying unless I like it, hence I need to test it for 5 mins'. I tested it, liked it, then left. Rude and patronising springs to mind, especially after Ive spent around £3.5k with them over the years. I very much doubt I will spend serious money with them now. Customer service is easy, Ive done it before in some past jobs. I also find their recent 'best' prices to be a lot more than most shops are selling for. I also agree with Linus; Music Ground (Doncaster) seem odd. Tried to sell me a beat up Fender Deville guitar amp for a massively inflated price...despite the fact the price of them new wasnt much more. I explained I wanted excellent condition but they tried to get me to buy. I didnt. Few months later I went to the Bass Merchant chaps and had a proper test/cup of tea/natter in a fun and relaxed environment and bought a load of gear from them and continue to.

Ah yes, I can see your point. But, the type of bands and venues I have to play would not warrant a bass worth that much money...I dont even like using instruments between the 850-1250 region. Things might change if I actually find a band thats worth having one great bass, but thats no doubt a long time away. It would also be nice to be paid for playing once in a while, which would make me feel less guilty for spending so much.

It's definitely the pickup and eq, hence why they don't sell them separate. A ray sounds unique

I do like the wt designs but the prices are way out if my league for the time being.

[quote name='alanbass1' post='747683' date='Feb 16 2010, 07:48 PM']Looks OK from the photo's. Have you played it, if it feels/sounds good then get it. Many 70's Musicman basses are heavy which is a no no for me. I picked up my Stingray in '79 and it weighs in a tad over 8.5lbs, which is light for a Stingray. Had from new and still love it: [/quote] WOW....

I LOVE white basses. Its not that bad a job, but I cant understand your frustration. Hmm...what about a Classic Series Stingray? Ok, its not vintage, but its getting there! Cheers

[quote name='dood' post='747282' date='Feb 16 2010, 02:36 PM']As far as I can tell, the 'Flat' setting on Rocco's sig head is meant to be his personal settings - probably more akin to the type of sound he is used too. Thus I suspect its a bit like having a RH450 with a preshape built in..err..sort of... Given that the EQ centres are all adjustable - I wonder what the benefit is?[/quote] This is basically it. But, those craving HUGE low end and quite a high treble extension would love it. They have apparently changed all the preset centres and the tubetone/compressor. If you like Rocco, and you like fingerfunk a lot, then maybe its the head for you. Me? I prefer just the standard...you can basically ALMOST dial in the Rocco sound anyway....at a gig probably no difference. Nice bit of kit none the less. Talkbass threads have a lot of info on this.

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='746894' date='Feb 16 2010, 09:33 AM']Anybody paired the RH450 with a pair of DB112s?[/quote] It definitely works a treat with the DB212s...

Stingray 5 of some sort. I currently love my Fenders and Rays...so I don't know else next, I think 5-6 basses is enough for me. Why? Because I also like collecting amps/cabs.

[quote name='Stan_da_man' post='745927' date='Feb 15 2010, 02:55 PM']I don't really rate the TC cabs, though the TC heads on the other hand... If I were after cabs I'd go Bergantino all the way.[/quote] I was thinking exactly the same thing...that was until I had a good 20mins on the cabs. To me, they have that brilliant vintage voicing, with a smooth hf capability. Berg are fantastic, no doubt. They are also 200-300 each more per cab...and for me seeing the depreciation recently, i'd have to always stick to second hand for Berg. I do like a warm slightly agressive voicing to my cabinets, not pure and airy, so perhaps that's why the TC cabs work for me, plus they have a great form factor and weight for ceramic.

[quote name='Duarte' post='745578' date='Feb 15 2010, 09:45 AM']Also, bear in mind that as the Ray is wired in parallel, there may be volume differences between each pickup setting (the Sterling is consistent as it is wired in series). I have an HS Bongo, and the single is GREAT. I solo it all the time - EBMM have done it very well.[/quote] Thanks! I was thinking that s might be quite useful for a more precision-esque type tone but with the eb balls.

[quote name='dub_junkie' post='745487' date='Feb 15 2010, 06:27 AM']I think the 3 way switch on the 5H is useful. Each of the 3 tones is distinct from the other and I use them all. The H has one setting the HS doesn't with the humbucker in series.This sound is the biggest sounding of the three settings on the single H with more mids but its also my least favourite(though not by much) If you think you'll use the neck pickup I say go HS.[/quote] Ah, right! Thanks, now I see what I have to decide on. Is the series option the least useful in you opinion on the h?

I would prefer the rosewood myself as I like the inlays, but I think I'd really want a sunburst or White....why don't they make them in other colours now?! I have two natural instruments and that's enough.

Thanks! I definitely think the hs is more my thing, and I'm leaning towards a Ray I think at the moment.

Bump amended the post.

Dave, my Warwick gas turned to Ernie Ball gas! I know where I am with a Ray, so I'm hoping to go for a Stingray 5 H or HS, (need to do some careful research). I am tempted by the Sterling 5, the proper EB Sterling, but Im not sure if they are too aggressive for my tastes! Cheers

A warm welcome from me

I tested one of these before I decided the Orange was more my thing. It sounded nothing like I expected, quite bland. Glad you got your money back!

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='743348' date='Feb 12 2010, 06:09 PM'] Errr... me! [/quote] +1

MIJ Fenders are great, but if you get a good 08/09 or a vintage, it just sounds massive and looks stunning. MIM ones I've tested myself sounded half decent but didn't feel right. The Squiers discussed certainly look good. Sometimes it's the feel...getting a low action can be impossible on certain basses that are cheaper. I'd love a nice MIJ P or J to thrash about on. I might pick one up second hand eventually. The one I sold to Nigel was great!

Another +1 for Darren at Bass Merchant. He has been very patient with my bring indecisive about my 5 string but I'm almost there!

Ok, so thanks to everyone for ongoing advice. I have whittled my Ernie Ball 5 string choice to Stingray 5 or Sterling 5. I've looked into the schematics on the site, apart from the Sterling ones that my phone won't let me view. I listened to some demos and I'm definite that the hh is too much for me. So, it's down to H or HS. I want to be able to get single coil tones as well as the classic humbucker at bridge tone, but what will I gain and lose with having HS instead of just H on both models? Is the serial/parallel switch useful on the Stingray 5 H? Does the single coil at bridge sound better with a H or HS?! Stingray 5 now has the same alnico pickup like my 2 Rays in my sig, which I know I will like. From what I've been told the alnico's are slightly warmer and less aggressive/hi fi, and more than classic stingray tone I love. Sterling 5 are ceramic pickups, more bite, diff plate, smaller neck profile and body?! I'm not 100% on what the body and neck differences are. Can anyone help? Perhaps a Sterling would be a good idea for a bit of variety. Colour is already decided! White with black or tort guard....classic vintage vibe Rosewood board. Advice would be great, thanks!