Musicman20

Minor update. OT again - but relevant to the above as I don't think I can stomach the Ashdown combo for every rehearsal. It looks like a fairly early 4x10 combo. I had some time with it again last night, and still, despite hearing the difference the EQ was making, it felt like it had zero clarity. I think I might still consider a BB2 as I'm using a 5 string all the time now, and it would be nice to have some depth. I'm just worried it is going to be far too much low bass for me.

Thanks!

I've not gigged for some time (career commitments and moving house 3 times in a few years) but the last run of gigs a few years back was basically just bass into a Tech 21 BDDI Sansamp, make the mids flat, (e.g. take out the scoop) then straight into the PA. Add grit if desired, or not. Did I miss lugging gear? No. Did I notice any difference out front when sound checking? No. Could I notice a difference behind me? Yes, but enough volume from other sources to make it absolutely fine. If I gigged more often I'd invest in in-ears.

I've seen one for under £300 new. Are they actually worth it or are the upgrades going to basically make it a mid priced instrument?

Unfortunately not, the more exotic colours were not selling, apart from to weirdos like me (who happens to love a nice sunburst/tort/rosewood Ray, but also likes the more exotic colours like Tangerine Pearl). They have streamlined the bass side massively. Despite the Ray and Ray 5 still being no doubt one of the top selling bass guitars (I imagine the Ray 5 is still almost an industry standard for a 5 string), guitars sell MUCH better. Why? Because it is definitely a more popular instrument. Whilst they probably don't want or don't need to have an artist bass, I think they SHOULD consider a Ray 4 and 5 in the spirit of say Flea. I'm sure he would switch to all Musicman if they did a really interesting Ray for him. Active passive switch, mutes, modern contours, new Flea pre-amp (lotssss of sizzle), maybe a roasted neck for stability, ebony board, and some outrageous colours.

To be fair, that is one hell of a big player in the rock scene, and he is definitely a good bassist, without a doubt. I've been involved in the squabbles on here, and I've almost opted for a BF rig to prove myself wrong (and the fact it would be supported by a UK warranty with a manufacturer you can contact etc is one big part of that) but the 'cynical' side of me wasn't sure. Well done to be fair!

Just noticed these are also £299 approx. on Amazon. Excellent price!

I don't think I've ever really paid much attention to placement/ports/tuning. I just put the cab down where the sound man wants it, and go from there. If I'm borrowing a cab, I have no say. I don't really think much attention should be paid, apart from usual common sense. I doubt the hundreds of bands I see live really care...they just enjoy the music. The PA does most of the work anyway.

The worst part of all this is that the prices have rocketed AGAIN. Since when were Roadworn basses almost £1200?!?!?

It IS much better than it used to be, probably 2008 onwards as noted above. Just be careful to check everything, in person if you can, or indeed using the return policy if needs be. I've still found issues but in general it is much better. I've actually found better QC with their guitars, e.g. a MIM Baja Telecaster (beautiful guitar, much better than my old MIA 99/00 Tele) which is just outstanding. Had a few issues when they rushed out the Sherwood Green Johnny Marr Signature Jaguars - I tried a few and the nitro was very poor. Sounded stunning but my MIM Baja Tele put it to shame for fit and finish.

No offence to the GK, but I bet the Peavey outlasts most micro amps.

Thanks guys, sorry yes OT again! I did try all options with the EQ/buttons etc. Something was missing....but it could have been the actual combo itself being in need of repair. It was almost too warm and bassy, despite a fiddle with the EQ.

To be fair to Fender, despite whatever issues you might experience with their instruments on the odd occasion, if you go down that route it will still be a 'Fender' in ten years, which holds a lot of 'value' in terms of how people perceive it. I know the market isn't great for selling anything still at the moment, but, a Custom Shop Fender completed well will be a dream for some players. However, I do see the point about Shuker/Maruszczyk. Fabulous looking basses (and no doubt play and sound great) at probably half the price or less.

Nice, and nice environment to be playing bass in!

I've no idea what the USA prices are. I've seen a significant rise on EBMM and Fender products recently, and it seems a lot of the UK stores are all sticking to one set price (or close).

Wow!

We have a lovely old (and quite large) apartment but no lift. 3 flights of stairs! Imagine even taking a 40-50lb cab up after a 12 hour day. Moving in almost finished 3 grown men off. However, it did push me forward on selling the Orange cabs. They even have a decent PA so to be fair, I could just use the Sansamp.

Had I not been offered to use the new rehearsal Ashdown 4x10 combo, I would have been more interested in a smaller do-it-all-up-to-a-certain-extent light cab. Alas, paying £3 for a 3 hours on an Ashdown is a small price to pay for not carrying a cab down 3 flights of stairs and trying to get it into a New Beetle. Off topic, but jees, this Ashdown combo unfortunately keeps with the generalisation of 'wooliness'. Loud, bassey, but not enough clarity at all. Barely any sparkle, Massive mid dip when flat I think. Shame as I wanted to investigate more Ashdown gear but it is an old combo any may well be in need of TLC.

Stingrays are just IT when it comes to tone for me. No matter what the EQ is.

Definitely missed out on one of those at the offer price. Damn my indecision. It would have been PERFECT for what I want to do right now.

I'm not a fan of cabinets that extend really low into deep bass. I'm probably just not used to it; most the cabs I seem to play around with are no doubt designed for a more low mid kick with tighter bass. I tend to find really deep bass sounds great when you play E and lower (especially on a 5 string) but then some of the notes seem thin. Just not my cup of tea for a bass sound....but then again it'd be boring if we all liked the same thing. Don't think string gauges should be fiddled with just to fit a cabinet....gauge doesn't make THAT much difference IMO.

Cheers Dave. Well finished cab.

Strangely, I tried the MXR and wasn't massively into it, plus the unit came to me looking used. I then bought a Boss LMB-3 for lower than retail on Amazon, and a Budda Chakra off ebay (still cheap on Amazon) and they seem to be less 'transparent' which is what I was aiming for....a more obvious change, but they can do subtle. It won't allow me to copy the link at work! Go on Amazon and search for Budda Chakra and buy it for £49!

Sibob - it was just out of curiosity from moving from Fodera (arguable the most expensive new basses out there....or one of) to a nice but not crazy priced Super Jazz. I have an Xotic guitar pedal, and I will be buying more. I'm shocked the company isn't more popular.