Musicman20

I knew this thread might surface soon. I managed to read a thread on Talkbass last week about this. Basically, Fender seem to have parted ways with SKB, (potential fall out, not sure) and they are now starting to roll out a NEW version of the 2008 onwards Amercan Standard cases. In the mean time, they are using the classic cases, as seen above. Thing is, the SKB cases really were the icing on the cake. Anyway, here is a picture of the NEW 'SKB-style' ABS cases, but I don't know who makes them: http://www.fender.com/accessories/cases/abs-molded-precision-bassjazz-bass-case-black/ They actually look really good. I am quite annoyed that Fender didn't announce this to customers, as the OP has basically just been given an older/heavier style of case without a choice! Don't get me wrong, its still a decent case, but it isn't what you paid for IMO. My thoughts? Make them send you the new ABS case. That is if the bass is right for you. If not, send back and wait until the new cases start shipping to Europe.

[quote name='jimbobothy' timestamp='1387713047' post='2314770'] Yeah, I was offered that. Thing is I took the top off to have a look inside at the power socket housing and whilst doing so had a little poke around inside lol! It all works as it should albeit the things previously mentioned. Me being me I've mentioned this to the shop and am waiting for a reply whether I can still send it back! Might have shot myself in the foot but will have to wait and see tbh. If I remember correctly the one I sent back also a had a fairly loud fan so hope that's normal. End of the day I've still got a good amp and if I can't send it back I'll ask for a partial refund or other form of compensation as the experience hasn't been great, 'new' in my book should actually be new! AFAIK it's not the shop's fault, could be the distributor sending out reworked items as new, however I don't really know, either way not a good way to do business I feel. [/quote] Genz will have sent it sealed, so it was either Fender UK or the store. I've had a similar issue with an expensive pedal, and after getting the same one back twice, I've now got a refund. Like you say, it isn't fair if you spend extra to get a new item and it isn't actually new! (Eg it's ex demo).

[quote name='jimbobothy' timestamp='1387628027' post='2313930'] ... another question , anyone else think the internal fan is a bit loud? Not that it would be an issue when you're pumping out any volume I guess! [/quote] Hmm, now you've got me on that. My Shuttlemax 9.2 is very quiet, and my Streamliner 900 is more so! However, your amp does contain two 600W power amps... It sounds like you aren't that sure about it. That's totally fine...if you aren't, just send it back.

Another great video !

[quote name='jimbobothy' timestamp='1387565886' post='2313524'] Hi Musicman20, I just read the manual after I posted the LED question lol! As far as I can tell the amp was a new replacement, however it's date of Q/C was 23/1/12, so it's nearly 2 years old! It works fine, just a bit naffed about the housing. It's not as bad as the broken one (err, obviously ) but still not too hot for a flagship amp IMHO. I do wonder about whether what we buy 'new' from stores is new, or as new, reconditioned, reworked, a warranty fix etc etc. The amp I sent back was perfect apart from the housing breaking, the 'new' one I received to day had a few circular marks on the top, a sticky mark on one corner etc, all wiped off so no real loss. It was also placed incorrectly in it's bespoke padding in the box. All a bit suspect but it could have been a 'Friday' one I suppose, mmm, What I've learnt from this is that if you're buying new then you're still taking a bit of a gamble, I think I'll just keep going for used stuff from now on to save the hassle ! [/quote] I agree. It's a bargain but buying new from big stores often means you have to take the risk of display items or retuned items. I've returned things before when they've looked used. Really annoys me.

The LED is definitely normal It says so in the manual. I think the housings are intentionally tight. Did you get a brand new amp this time round?

I need to get my 2013 Bongo 5 HH in this thread. The Bongo is indeed a stunning bass. I am very very impressed. The pre-amp and pickups really are special.

Can anyone comment on how the new ACG pickups compare with the sound of a Wal? The Wal bodyshape is just ultra cool.

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1387421414' post='2311845'] except if, like me, you don't like SR5's narrow string spacing... it's the reason I don't own a SR5. [/quote] I had demo'd a few Lakland 35" wide spacing 5 string basses before I realised I may as well stick with EBMM for 5 string basses. I found that after a few weeks, I adapted and started to prefer the 17.5mm spacing on their basses.

[quote name='grayn' timestamp='1387460155' post='2312194'] Also, fom my experience, EBMMs always seem far nicer than high end Fenders. Just may taste, of course. [/quote] Agreed. Price point is similar as well. But, I actually quite like the tone from the video demo's.

Actually, now I have seen pictures of these, they look quite nice. I'm intrigued to what they sound like.

Here we go again...

[quote name='TRBboy' timestamp='1387230912' post='2309756'] Yes, quite right! It's just that until this weekend, I hadn't heard any negativity about Markbass cabs, and this was quite forceful negativity! It just made me wonder if others feel the same way or not, and whether my perception of the quality of sound from Markbass products was way off or not. I reality, the majority of my gigs are in dingy pubs, and I thinka Markbass rig is more than ample for that! [/quote] Markbass cabs are pretty damn good. Good quality, average prices, light and compact. The most expensive cabs are not always the sound you want.

[quote name='Ghost_Bass' timestamp='1387300232' post='2310461'] [size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][/font][/size] [size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Ok, let me clarify this now that i have a bit more time before somebody makes a wrong assumption:[/font][/size] [color=#444444][font=Calibri, sans-serif][size=4] [size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]From a big lot of 1x12" (2-way designs only) cabs i had the chance to own/try (Aguilar, Eden, EBS, Fender, Genz Benz, Barefaced, Markbass, Bergantino, and some more i can't remember now) i never heard a low-end so deep as in the DB112 (the Eden got very close).[/font][/size][/size][/font][/color] [color=#444444][font=Calibri, sans-serif][size=4] [size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Of course this doesn't mean that that cab was the best of them all, quite the opposite actually, that's why i sold it. It had a huge mid scoop, i found myself not hearing my bass on stage, only feeling it. The shape and weight of that cab was also a big factor that made me sell it. Not easy to grab, heavy as hell and odd to place on stage.[/font][/size][/size][/font][/color] [color=#444444][font=Calibri, sans-serif][size=4] [size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The DB112 is a great cab to have at home or maybe even for recording, great sound on it's own but in a band mix it gets completely lost IMO and IME, doesn't cut through. (The Eden cut a bit better but it was also a bit too scooped for my taste)[/font][/size][/size][/font][/color] [color=#444444][font=Calibri, sans-serif][size=4] [size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]My reply to MM20 was based solely on low-end extention.[/font][/size][/size][/font][/color] [color=#444444][font=Calibri, sans-serif][size=4] [size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Cheers[/font][/size][/size][/font][/color] [/quote] The DB112?! They are one of the most thick in the mids cabs I've heard....they really kick in the mids and project. The GS112 have the huge low end and mid hole.

[quote name='SlipperySquid' timestamp='1387299725' post='2310454'] Hi all! Just looking for a bit of advice really on what course of action I could take or expect? My son bought an amp locally instead of using the internet as I'm a firm believer in supporting your local shops in any hobby I do so decided to pass this on. Anyway he decided on the amp (Not cheap by the way just under a grand, don't want to name brands or anything as yet) was over the moon with it until after 6 months it developed a fault, no biggy as it's warranted for 3 years. Took it back to the shop explained the fault and they said that it had to go back to the manufacturers. All well and good. Son was disapointed as he had two gigs back to back but these things happen. After a week I phoned to see if any progress had been made because in a couple of weeks time he would need the amp for recording. I was assured that they would phone the manufacturers and get a estimated time. After about another 4 days I had no return call but but decided to get one of my sons guitars frets dressed, new heavier guage strings and a full setup. So took that in and got the guitar off to there in house luthier. I asked again about the amp and the guy said they had heard nothing back but would ring again and follow up. Got the guitar back after a week got it home to find a pretty poor job over all, file marks on all the frets, intonation being out, strings not sitting in the nut correctly and even one of the frets still containing wear! Pissed off to say the least as it was supposed to be part of a Christmas present. Well today after nearly three weeks I decided to phone the manufacturer themselves to see what was going as as my son is recording tomorrow, to be told they hadn't even received the amp in question! and they would phone the shop in question. Low and behold within ten minutes the shop where phoning me explaining an apparent mixup (twice I asked and was assured that they would contact the makers of the amp and see what was going on) and the amp had been repaired by there own tech as they had diagnosed the fault themselves. (I was told the amp HAD to go back to the manufacturers to make sure nothing else was wrong with it) and that it was ready to be picked up. Now I'm pissed off....really pissed off but need some one with a sane brain to explain what I should do to make myself feel better? It's the lying that's really got me down...more than the sh*tty luthier work.There explanation of why it never ended up going to the manufacturers.....you'll love it. We never had a box to put it in......... Sorry to vent on the forum but hey ho.....If they had done what they where telling me they where doing then the "Mix up" would have been sorted sooner and my lad would be recording with his amp. I'll post photo's of the fret dress and set up later....no doubt that will also be another mixup. [/quote] I've been lied to before as well, and found out by doing the same, eg calling the manufacturer. I hope they put this right and re-work on the guitar for free. If not, name and shame. You were being supportive of a local store, and this is one of the reasons why internet/distance shopping is sometimes easier!

[quote name='Jonnyboy Rotten' timestamp='1387299583' post='2310449'] Going by your username and avatar I'm guessing you already made your mind up! I have got an OLP MM3 5 String which I love, so I would probably err on the side of caution and go with the Musicman if I had to choose without without getting a chance to play them, but I do love the look of the Dimension! [/quote] I am biased haha! The Stingray has been 'the' bass since I was about 14. Now I'm 32 and I still choose them. It is cool to see Fender branch out though.

Basically, Ray 4 and Ray 5 prices...or thereabouts. For that price, it HAS to be a Musicman.

I've never seen one up close, and I'd like to. Could the recent ACG pickups get you close? They are apparently a great Wal meets ACG type setup...and not £4K.

Nick bought a set of Wonder Wipes from me and was very polite, helpful, and friendly. Nick also contributed extra to postage once I realised it was higher than expected. A great Basschatter. Cheer Nick!

It is nice to hear this. I think stores are HAVING to make sure their service is top notch. I know the economic situation doesn't necessarily affect those that might stretch to nice music gear as much as others, but still, stores NEED to retain custom. My only gripe with any service is when they are great at selling, but not so great at the returns. This happens with any store, with any product, but I guess that is how things are. Customers should remember that you are paying the store, and the product is more than likely a separate entity, and part of the profit the store takes will be eaten by returns and dealing with manufacturer issues. That is why the shop exists, otherwise it would be direct like Carvin in the USA. The best service, outside music related items, is the clothing store ASOS. Fantastic sale/return/exchange service. Free easy returns. I know clothing is different but it makes online shopping much better.

I love Aguilar cabs. You also can't beat a Ray 5.

[quote name='TRBboy' timestamp='1387231493' post='2309762'] After trying some Bergantino and Vanderkley cabs at the weekend, I'm doubtful that any 1x12" cabs could deliver the solid low end that I'm after. Just wish there was somewhere I could try a BB2! [/quote] I'm sure the BB2 could get you more full and open low end, with it having a woofer dealing specifically with the lows. The TKS 12/6 is one of the designs that has the 12 handling the low end, with the 6 handling the mids upwards, (that is my basic understanding anyway). The low end on the 12/6 is just incredible...although you probably need to use a 5 string to appreciate it. The Berg HT112ER would have been good for you.