Musicman20

[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.

[quote name='lojo' timestamp='1387213277' post='2309475'] Nah, it's just that moving that heavy gear doesn't leave you with enough energy to get mad [/quote] Probably true haha! Yes, this is getting out of hand. If anyone has a Gen 3 in the NE that they are gigging I'm more than happy to come and see your band and take a listen/look. I am intrigued by the changes etc. I also have no problems with eating my own words, or changing opions if its necessary.

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1387211402' post='2309428'] None of these comments strike you as being slightly, er... patronising? I am a big strong guy, and I [b][i]choose[/i][/b] to use lightweight cabs. So maybe I am taking your advise after all! [/quote] Nope. No one has to take any notice of anyones opinion. I just offered it, that is all. Comments aimed at me? I'm suprised how calm I've been, but that's me.

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1387208664' post='2309359'] Not sure if I should break this to you, but you don't need to be injured to have lumbar problems. They tend to come along as a freebie when you get a bit older. Also (and I'm not suggesting that you're laughing at it) but lumbar problems share one key element with sea sickness ... only funny until it happens to you. After that, you take it deadly serious. [/quote] I'm pretty aware of this having had a close friend suffering from horrific back problems at the age of 27 and still having them now 3 years on. There is no need for a medical discussion. I offered my opinion, and I got that advice off an old friend who has always carried gear around with a trolley.

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1387208294' post='2309351'] I think you are the one coming across as "obsessed"! I have no back-related problems as such, but I am in my late forties now. No matter how many people are in my band, they are not there when I load my car up at the start of the night. Often, as I am first to get to most gigs and rehearsals, there will be nobody there to help me load in. I have a busy life, so I don't want to waste my time doing things I dislike. I dislike carrying heavy, awkward-shaped objects around (when there is an alternative). I have done my time transporting a Trace Elliot stack by myself. Weaving in between drunken punters and posing singers carrying two large, nearly 50kg boxes (sometimes one in each hand!) soon gets wearing, as does skinning one's knuckles on countless doorways and bannisters. Nowadays, I can concentrate more on the actual playing instead of the furniture removal. If that gets on your nerves, well I'm sorry - but that's [i]your[/i] problem! [/quote] I have a problem now?!?!? I'm slightly confused.

[quote name='alexclaber' timestamp='1387205004' post='2309289'] Could you stop going on and on and on and on about the aesthetics of our cabs until you've seen one of the generation three examples then? [/quote] I was being quite open and honest, that's all. I've also been polite about it. I've seen a few pictures of the Gen 3 cabs, but I realise this isn't the best way to see it.

It's worth noting that I am MORE than happy to be proved wrong or that things have changed with the new Gen 3 compact, If that small 12" cab can perform like the original but with more high end, then that is only a good thing.

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1387184240' post='2308987'] "[i]Prove[/i]" what? You're talking about personal preferences there. How can they ever be "proved" other than to yourself? [/quote] I don't think you need proof, because its pretty usual for a cab without a mid or a HF unit to not be able to bring out the treble snap and nuances that SOME players really like. Even some of the 12/6 designs still don't extend far enough for some. I think the appropriate description is 'dark'. I personally like having the choice, so roll off or on, with variables inbetween.

[quote name='Bass Culture' timestamp='1387189989' post='2309058'] of a novelty to offer a product designed to appeal to customers on the basis of performance rather than aesthetic considerations. [/quote] ...but you can achieve both, and its not just aesthetics.

[quote name='bassman7755' timestamp='1387191932' post='2309077'] I get that its no big deal to you, but why does it annoy you that its a key factor for others ?. Personally I detest gear that looks like a 1960's "gramophone" but if other people like that sort of thing and are prepared to pay some premium for it then thats fine by me. [/quote] 'Annoy' was perhaps a strong wordI realise this is a serious matter for anyone with injuries, but there are no doubt many who have no issues, have a full band of willing helpers, good transport, etc, who have developed this obsession with the new technology regarding 'one schelp from car to gig'. If you want to go that route, just use in ears with a high end DI. Then you don't need the cab!

I'm sure that cab performs excellently! For me the finishing touches would be black screws, different badge/repositioned. However, I can't get over how good the amp would sound,work and look with a pair of DB212s

[quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1387138959' post='2308632'] I know you mean well but it is probably best to avoid giving advice on issues you have evidently not experienced yourself as you clearly don't understand or appreciate what the issues involved and have just ended up sounding patronising. Rest assured that lightweight gear makes *all* the difference. Easily lifted cabs, lightweight basses, even access to my slip-on shoes so I don't have to tie laces! [/quote] Not giving advice, just my view! Please do not take offence. I probably don't appreciate it, no, but then again I didn't appreciate moving my old bands Orange 4x12 guitar cabs about. I'm surprised none of the band did any damage considering we lugged them up/down stairs. Extremely awkward cabs. I'm probably very lucky not to require light gear, but the big difference to me is lightweight heads. The cabs, not so much. It's more about form factor for cabs, with me anyway.

[quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1387134949' post='2308557'] See now, here's the thing. I am a big fella. For 25 years I used to shift heavy weights down the gym, looked after myself physically. 100kgs of Trace Elliot rig in and out of the car, no problem. Then - bang - lower back problem resulting in a weak sacro-iliac joint. I can assure you it isn't all in the lift, as I am equally sure that a load of other people on here who have issues with their back will tell you. Sorry if it gets on your nerves. I'm not overly impressed myself with having to live the rest of my life wondering when I am next going to have to ask help putting on my socks. For me, and people like me, weight is of paramount importance when choosing gear. And Barefaced cabs are a Godsend. [/quote] No I agree, there is no need for excessive weight, and we SHOULD ALL make sure we don't put pressure on our backs. I am lucky to always have assistance with moving gear. IMO - If its too heavy and wide to move yourself, use a £20 trolley off Amazon and get a friend to help with the lifts. Thing is, even a light cab can damage your back!

The 'carry'/'weight' thing gets on my nerves a little. I am a skinny guy. I look after myself and hit the cardio a fair bit, but I am not that strong and I know it! It's all in the lift, staying healthy and being super careful! Just ask for help!!! However, I've never once thought 'this is too much to carry' when you have another band member, who will usually need a hand with a heavy 2x12/4x12 guitar cab, or a heavy Fender combo. Then you have the PA and the drums in their cases. If you are on the tube or metro carrying gear, then you are braver than me! I would just take a bass and a decent DI if that was the case. I would never lug ANY cab no matter what the weight over a long distance. It's nice to be able to get cabs that are pretty light, but it isn't everything to me. The king of cabs after MANY trials is still the Aguilar DB212, which is just under 70lbs and a big box! I need to A/B it more with the Genz NX2 as the Genz is much easier to move and sounds brilliant, but my all time favourite 'tone' is the DB212.

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1387092579' post='2308060'] Horses for courses, naturally - but to say any BF cab causes lost signal is just wrong (IME). [/quote] I do not by any means have masses of high end treble, and some of my basses are strung with flats, but when I used a Stingray, I want to HEAR that treble snap more often that I realise. A Ray with flats sounds great, and a Ray with new nickel rounds also sound great, but if you have the new nickel rounds, and you want that Stingray bite and cut, it isn't as audible without a little tweeter. It sounds darker. I can prove this with my current Orange 1x15, the test I did with a Compact Gen 1, and the cabs I have here that do have decent horns.

I was fair in my vote. I've tried a Compact, and gigged it. I would personally like to understand the pricing structure VS TKS, which offer similar cabs, with very luxurious finishes, and have to be imported. Its hard to compare models, but the TKS cabs are actually cheaper and they come from Sweden. But, that is my curiosity, and no one has to even think of answering that!

The Max 12.2 is just two power amps in one amp.

Whatever happens with Ric and their dealings, I still want one. RIC 4003 PLEASE.