Musicman20

I like the innovation, and I like how they have tried to incorporate everything into a small bass. I don't personally 'get' travel instruments. Such a niche. I'd rather just rent any old bass rather than invent serious money into something like that. That headstock. Seriously? It looks like they just chopped off 2/3 of it and thought 'yeah that'll do'. It's a Fodera, it is bound to be super high money, but it really doesn't scream $12,000.....

Thanks - no I'm happy to receive ANY recommendations. I hope I don't end up buying one but I might....it's been nice to have zero interest in bass gear after finally getting everything I wanted. Focus is on cabs as the amps are sorted, but again feel free to recommend amps.

I very much doubt I will in any way be buying any more bass amps of cabs in the next 5 years or more as I am at the point of being content, and have been for quite some time. I also wanted space for more guitar related gear, mainly pedals, so I actually SOLD my Orange OBC 4x10. I am also now in the process of selling my Orange OBC 1x15. Both cabs sounded excellent, more so the 1x15, but the days of lugging super heavy weight cabs are something I do not want to dwell on. I have a few much lighter options, or just cabs that I prefer to use (TC RS210s, Aguilar DB212, Genz NX2 212T). So, although I don't envisage replacing the Orange cabs (but I'm keeping the amazing AD200b), what would the modern bass community advise would be a suitable replacement cab-wise for a big old 200W tube amp or small lightweight 900W Class D to sit on to generate a big sound but still be fairly light weight. Feel free to recommend anything, but as it would be replacing a fairly big rig, it would be interesting to know what people think I could get away with to generate just as much volume for if/when I need it. Discuss!

Pick since I was about 13, then learnt to use my fingers a lot more about 5 years back (or more). Now I can use both. I suggest that everyone tries both and gets to a good level. Plectrums really do have a good place in music...you cannot match the exact attack of a pick with fingers.

What a great song/album. No doubt this is some sort of real tube overdrive, but one that can be emulated by a VT Bass pedal. Sounds like some sort of neck humbucker to me with flats and/or the treble knocked down.

I really Trace amps. I've not played one that I dislike and my old one that I (unfortunately) sold on here never missed a beat once they sent me some different fuses. Never ONCE cut out or played up in about 10-12 years of use. Solid state amps have a place in my playing history and always will. The one reason I really like my Genz SMax 9.2 is that it is basically a smaller/lighter version of my old Trace amp when it comes to tone in the FET channel. Cool topic.

stevie - Good post. Makes a lot of sense. We should all be allowed to post our honest thoughts on a forum, as long as it does not offend. No one should feel they cannot state they like/dislike something, and it is absolutely fine to change your mind. I have eaten my own words with Boss pedals. Once looked upon with a little bit of a frown, I've realised that actually 85%+ of the pedals they manufacture are absolutely brilliant, especially when tested in a variety of settings (this applies mainly to guitar for me). I have told many a guitarist that my views on Boss have changed now I've used them without much outside influence.

Oh I hope not...well, whichever way it's still a loss.

Absolutely killer musician and song writer. Oh, performer, artist, etc. The list goes on. Very rare do we see someone who literally nails everything about music so well and so cool. My uncle, who is now in his 40s, absolutely loved Prince and still does. I can see him being absolutely gutted about this. I know very little about Prince and his music, which is a shame. Bowie is much more my type of music and songwriter, but both oozed talent and cool. I think losing these musicians so closely seems so odd because it literally is legends all passing on in short spaces of time. We aren't talking men or women in their final years when we might expect it or might feel they have led a long life. Bowie and Prince were both taken way way way too young. I am still getting to grips with the fact Bowie is gone. The way he just bowed out with that final album of pure genius...wow. The other strange part of this is that I don't feel we have any talent to that level now. If it is there, it has been unfortunately ignored a little because music is saturated with average people (and there is nothing wrong with average people!) and we don't seem to have any truly stand out performers who the world respects. In fact, I'm still trying to think of some. The Stones? McCartney? Iggy Pop? Perhaps the next generation of legends might be led by someone like Dave Grohl who again seems to be able to turn most rock music into pure gold, especially when drumming.

[s]People may be shocked to learn I am considered ordering one... I no longer used my Orange OBC 410 due to it being a dead weight and barely ever moving from my house, so that was sold about 6 months back. It sounded excellent, no issue there. Anyone experienced in what the high detail is like in this series of cabs? I do like to go from warm low mid thump to all out aggressive treble grind...[/s] EDIT - Absolutely no more room for any more large pieces of gear so can't try one! Also cannot stop going for more guitar effects so....there we go.

I like the simplicity. Nice looking gear.

Quite the stunner that! I've always been a fan of owning a bass or guitar that might be a little more 'woah' in terms of standing out. I love a good sunburst, but when I get the Bongo out in Tangerine Pearl, that is when people seem to be more interested.

I think you will get a variation of answers. The cabinet is more visible, due to the size. The Genz SMax I have does look a little 80's, but it also looks solid, and sounds brilliant. I haven't wanted to try any more amps/cabs for a good 18 months now but I do luckily have a few to choose from. I think two of the most visually pleasing rigs I have seen on a stage have been either Aguilar DB or Orange stacks. Now, I think my Aguilar DB212 still is the most aesthetically pleasing cab I've owned. It is still my favourite for tone as well.

Fulltone have one in their range....

To be fair, I wouldn't have any need for this type of device, but, I have developed a lot of respect for their products over the past few years. I'd really like to try some of their (latest) 'normal' bass amp and cab range at some point in the near future.

I doubt i'll be opting for one as I have a great collection already (finally stopped wanting new basses), but it is a lovely looking bass!

Oh no - that's terrible to hear If I get into the position to go private I will.

...and the BEST times I have had playing music was when it was for our enjoyment, not money, just pure fun. Touring an album/EP with zero cares about profit, as long as we get some fuel money and sell a few t shirts, we didn't care. I rely on my actual job to pay me. If you are a working musician it is totally different.

I don't have any desire to go back to covers as despite the fact it was often fun, I just want to write and have that excitement of people enjoying music you have created. I literally have so many ideas I get confused and/or forget them so I now record it VERY basically on my iPhone for future reference. 95% of them are guitar parts. I would write the bass but I'm finding that guitarists just aren't what I want them to be, so I have to do it. I am frustrated and ready to finish another project as I feel my ideas just aren't being listened to and it is going in a very odd direction which I never wanted. Probably the worst few years I've had since being very young, but my career and personal life is decent, so now I just need the music to be sorted out.

Off topic and for a political debate, and I am not by any means ANY kind of expert on this matter, but isn't the majority (apparently almost 98.8%) of the NHS funds sought from general taxation and National Insurance. I've had mainly positive experiences with the NHS, most of the time. I think its a fantastic part of our culture, and I applaud those who work long hours within it. However, if the above stands true, we are in fact paying for our own healthcare, in a sense (even if it is just a small percentage of it), by working and contributing to the economy. My recent tax and National Insurance payments are insane. We also pay into a system that helps others. It is not for me to comment on the USA. I haven't spoken to anyone about it in years, but when I did, they just say those that had the means would buy their own insurance. If I could afford to (house saving denies this!) I would go private myself. I don't personally think that stating they provide for healthcare is helpful for anyone in the UK who also pays for their own healthcare by working. Sorry - no idea where that came from!

A Thunderbird should be played at knee height.

How loud do you need it to be? IMO (and I will be getting one) try the Roland Cube 10GX which allows bass, guitar and acoustic to be used through it. Practice amps just need to be basic and portable. This amp covers all of that and with a guitar and bass (not tried acoustic) sounds pretty damn good! Great for playing quiet but without headphones (although it does that as well).

I own a fair amount of EBMM basses. Don't touch the saddle height etc at first. The are the easiest bass to adjust the truss rod on. There are specific Musicman assistance videos, and a diagram which shows you which way the truss rod wheel needs to go. The only ever time I've needed a pre-gig / post-gig adjustment was when my Ray 4 was in and out of a cold van to a warm venue. The strings slowly went quite low, so the action was comfortable but not the way I like it, (basically a little too much fret buzz). All it needed was a VERY minor truss rod wheel adjustment....took seconds and worked a charm. They are probably the easiest bass to setup, just take your time. The reason I mention truss rod first is because if the saddles are at normal height (see their website) it's best to leave them be until a small truss rod adjustment is made.

I would personally opt for the EHX Bass Big Muff. As with guitar, you can buy hundreds of boutique clones, and some will sound a little better or more to your taste. I do think that most muff type bass fuzz ends up sounding 'fairly' similar, with a much more obvious difference with electric guitar.

For some reason I can't quote! Si - Aware that it is an excellent benefit for them to provide their employees with healthcare. They should be applauded for this, However, I do see it cited on almost every 'Fodera overheads' type thread. Probably straying into politics so I'll leave it be.