Musicman20

UPDATE I’ve had a good test of 5 string basses recently, ranging from £1000-£1400. I’m looking for a really good Jazz style 5 string, which has the ability to do just normal passive single coil Jazz tones, but perhaps with that little extra active ommphh. Firstly, I really enjoyed the feel of the EB Stingray 5 string. This isn’t a Jazz style bass but it had a really comfortable neck and the pickup had that comfortable resting position. I find with my Stingray and Jazz I play much better with my fingers because of how the pickups are placed. Even though EB basses aren’t ‘the rage’ at the moment in the UK, I definitely think their basses are excellent quality. The tone?! Punches just like I want. Secondly I tried a Fender Jazz 5. Granted, it wasn’t a USA model, but that wasn’t available. This was a Mexican Jazz, and the neck/string height wasn’t comfortable for me. I know it’s much cheaper, but it really didn’t feel anywhere near as good as my USA model. Thirdly, I played a fair few Laklands Skyline models in a fair few stores! The 55-02 really didn’t suit me for some reason. Its not a style of bass Id normally consider, and the active elecs weren’t to my liking. I know these have a lot of fans, but this bass was overshadowed by the JO5. The JO5 was great. The neck was incredibly easy to play. I didn’t even realised I was using an extra string. Once I jumped back onto a 4 string, it felt weird! So, its ultra vintage, it has that Jazz tone, and it goes deep! My only worry is that perhaps it might struggle with it being only a passive design, but this is probably nonsense. The DJ5 I tested was such a brilliant looking bass. The block inlays and binding are a visual treat! DJ5 was a breeze to play. Lovely thin neck, lots of Jazz tone. Same worry that it is just passive…but that B sounded great as did the JO5. Now the DJ5 has gone….Im in limbo waiting for something to set my sights on for my next purchase (probably mid 2010). Im starting my quest now so I get it right first time. What I wanted to know was has anyone played any other 5 string basses that just ooze quality and vintage vibe, but aren’t over £1500? Or are near that price? With my first ever 5, I don’t want to go custom. I haven’t got a clue about what I would possibly want from a custom, so that’s waiting until I’m older. I am now willing to test the water with other more modern manufacturers as well, just to get a broad view of all the 5 string basses available. I wouldn’t mind going for a manufacturer who specialise more in 5 string basses. I know the new Fender P 5 is a great instrument, but Id like a Jazz ish tone. I’ve been looking around at Clover Argo basses, other Clover basses, possibly Roscoe, I did consider Spector due to their excellent finishes, but Im not sure I can handle the bodyshape! Im going to visit the bass specialists and check out all the 5 string options. I have no worries about a rig built more for 5 string now; the LM3 and Bergantino will handle it with ease. Anyone want to chime in?

Check the thread here.... [url="http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-basses/40021-big-poppas-ultimate-bass-torture.html"]http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-...ss-torture.html[/url] But, as a taster: [attachment=33379:VintageS...mGreen01.jpg] I am one happy man.

Ive only started to properly appreciate Jaco more recently. His tone is awesome, his playing is immense. Changed the way we view the electric bass. Matt Freeman is also a very talented bassist. True, he isn't doing it the 'proper' way with fingers, but he knows how to kick out some very fast bass shred. Not many punk bands have bass as good as that. Bridging the gap between a more musical punk bassist and a fast finger technique is Brian from A Wilhelm Scream. Posted before, I know.....listen to the tap 25 secs in [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFcw8BDAmRc"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFcw8BDAmRc[/url] I appreciate any good bassist from every genre. I think the bassist that first screamed to me 'look at me playing the bass and being more technical than the guitarist' was Flea. I will reseach more into Jaco now...I should learn more about him. Basically, I love bass. the end!

Build quality on the Genz will...IMO....be better. The Schroe might appear to sound louder in the mix. If it was me, Genz.

[quote name='SisterAbdullahX' post='606103' date='Sep 22 2009, 09:16 PM']LIke I said in one of your other threads, you've got quite enough gear to be going on with, young sir! Leave some for the rest of us!![/quote] Tell me about it! Still interesting though...as much as I dont need any more, its always good to buy it when you can, because as soon as I move down south and have a gap between jobs, ill be skint.

Bumping this for Linus...

[quote name='chris_b' post='605974' date='Sep 22 2009, 07:18 PM']Ha, ha, did you really expect to get a considered opinion about a competitor’s product?[/quote] True! So what do you think as a user of AE112s?

[quote name='Bill Fitzmaurice' post='605891' date='Sep 22 2009, 05:48 PM']The power output of an amp and power handling of a cab are not directly related to the sound levels you can get from them. Also, the thermal rating of the cab doesn't indicate how much power it can actually make use of. In the case of the GB 212 it might be able to take 300 watts before reaching the excursion limits of the drivers, and that's a generous estimate. So don't assume that you'll never need to run more than the 212; you're a lot better off assuming that at some point you will and plan accordingly.[/quote] Bill How do you rate the Bergantino Neo line...mainly the AE112? Thanks

Hmmmm Ive had the same thoughts as you for a longgggg time. I would definitely keep your 2x12, as those Genz cabs are pretty damn fine. With a 1x15, no matter how 'small' and light, its still not as small as I wanted. Unless you go for the Schroeder 15+L. My Orange 1x15 is a fairly good size, but still for some types of gigs/home practice, its too much! The Aguilar DB and GS 1x12s are not light, but very easy to move. They weigh approx 45lbs max. Not light for a 1x12, but they pack a punch. I love the DB series cabs....much more to them than I ever expected. But, I still want a 1x12. Id definitely consider saving and going for Epifani or Bergantino. I think the Aguilars are more reasonably priced though.

[quote name='drthirkenstein' post='604965' date='Sep 21 2009, 08:58 PM']oh i dunno i have a gt 200 and matching 2,400 watt matamp 810 and i'd say that it doesnt really have that much clean headroom. however i borrowed my friends svt classic the other day at practice and thought it sounded totally sh*t compared to the matamp so i must like it! the best solution would probably be to get another gt200 or a slave and have the cab re-wired into two 410s...but then again thats silly money. i'm thinking of getting one of them warwick x-tremes or something similar and using that to power the bottom 4 speakers sort of like a sub. The clean tone IS beautiful; it's just that if you're going up against guitarists running 100watters flat out into 412s it doesnt have the power. But once you get over it and embrace the dirt of cranking the gt200 you will love it. That is what its made for. no pedals, just a musicman into an overdriven gt200 and it gives an awesome sound.[/quote] Like the sound of this! Even though im on the dark side....Orange....I get a very similar experience. Creamy and fat clean, but the dirt is what makes it so special.

I got in touch and got no reply! This was weeks ago when I saw the advert in London!

Indeed a strange look! Only certain manufacturers get away with being so bold...but they might sound tremendous. I never realised GAK sold boutique gear!

Suck out the mids as well. You can probably get the same effect with a solid state amp and a good dirt pedal....Tonehammer or the classic Sansamp BDDI.

Damn it shes too hot. Those guys are looking much older than she is....theyve 'haggered' pretty quick! Unlucky.

[quote name='pal1972' post='604039' date='Sep 20 2009, 10:17 PM']I like the look of the 2x15 but just wanted to get some feedback on these to help make my mind up![/quote] Id definitely look at every single option before laying out the cash. Ive never tried Zoot cabs, and they might be great. Id try everything you can and weigh up what you require out of them.

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='604031' date='Sep 20 2009, 10:11 PM']Me geeking out earlier.[/quote] That is the most blokish/nerdy room Ive ever seen.....in a good way. How many PCs/laptops? All you need now is a calendar of Hollyoaks babes....ive got one.

[quote name='Anders' post='604027' date='Sep 20 2009, 10:06 PM']Thanks for the input Monz and Musicman20! Good! I haven't really tried the Hiwatt head but i have read about some guys owning both such a head and Orange MK1.They say that they sound similar,not very different in sound or output. The reason i went for the Matamp was that it's PTP wireing,supposed to have great components (outboard transformers and so on),weighs a little less than Hiwatt 200 and is cheaper too. The thing is that i have tried the Orange MK3 and thought the sound was great but it was (distorting?what's the word in English)breaking up very early.It was just a tad louder than my other head Ampeg V4bh of 100w. So the Orange MK1 would be great but they are reeealy hard to find,so,the option was Hiwatt 200,but i bought the Matamp instead. When i talked to Jeff at Matamp on the phone he went on and on about how the Matamp delivers 200w rms clean sound,then the distortion kicks in.But can also be dialed in so the distortion starts earlier if you want.(like you said Monz) I can't wait ....[/quote] The Orange is a very dirty amp...suits passive style basses really well. Works well with my Stingrays as well, but the P bass is where it shines. A total powerhouse. Ive played 600W solid state amps before a few times and this thing just has so much more. Ive no idea how tube amps sound THAT much more massive, but they do. Enjoy...and get some pics!

Im guessing its probably a decent vintage tube amp, which is used for vids to add that vintage gear vibe. Last video I saw of this bassist starred the Ampeg 8x10 but with no amp head on it.

Those guys in that band are so lucky. Shes basically the hottest girl in rock and roll for a long time, and after hearing a live recording, her voice is actually very very good.

[quote name='Monz' post='603840' date='Sep 20 2009, 07:17 PM']Welcome to the brotherhood I played a Hiwatt 400 and thought it was lovely... very smooth valve sound with LOADS of headroom I then played a GT200 and was blown away by it's ability to do the velvety smooth valve tone and also by rotating the DRIVE dial 3 notches you get an amazing overdriven gritty valve tone with stacks of character and headroom.... needless to say I plumbed for the Matamp You will love it[/quote] +1 TBH, unless you are Metallica, as with my Orange as well, 200W tube is perfect. Fat smooth and velvety, then all out grind if you want it....without it being STUPID volume levels. The GT200 is still REALLLLLLLY loud... Some players like the ability to have more dirt at lower levels.

[quote name='Anders' post='603829' date='Sep 20 2009, 07:06 PM']Has anyone tried both the Matamp GT200 and Hiwatt custom 200 heads and can tell about the sound? I have just ordered a Matamp GT200 and i'm waiting to hear it.[/quote] Im sure there are many fans of both on basschat. You will really like the Matamp....no doubt about it. Im also VERY curious about the Hiwatts....Ive heard many good things about their high end amps.