Dan Dare

I had the old 2x15 Bassman cab many moons ago, which sounded fab. I'd be surprised if you need more than 4x10 unless you're playing very big stages. You really need to try some options. Our views of limited value if they don't suit your needs.

For the money a decent quality powered cab' would cost you, you're probably better off with a separate class D head and cab. Won't weigh much, if anything, more, you can use it as just a power amp (use the FX in) and cab if need be, but it will do the full standalone job should you need it. I picked up a mint, hardly used Bugera 1001 head for a coupla hundred, which I use as a power amp to drive additional cabs and which doubles as a spare head if mine goes down.

[quote name='stu_g' timestamp='1493550410' post='3289024'] I get the impression sometimes they dont even have the parcel they just stealthily leave a card without knocking. [/quote] Yes indeed. I once opened the door to the postie as he was about to leave a card. "That's OK", said I. "I'll take the parcel". He explained I'd have to go to the local depot for it. So you're right.

Another thought. Try the FX send from the 800 into the FX return of the 500.

If the output from the 800 is at line level, which I should imagine likely if it is to drive a powered cab', you should be OK. If you connect it and start with the master volume of the 500 at zero (the input gain shouldn't have any effect if you're using the FX return) and slowly raise it to test it, you shouldn't do any damage. In my experience, GK are helpful if you send them an email query.

If you want to splash out on a preamp/DI, have a look at the Basswitch in addition to Sansamp and others. Expensive but good.

Having re-read the OP, a standard DI box will not substitute for a speaker. It doesn't contain a dummy load, so if you're using a valve amp, you must connect one of those or a speaker to avoid destroying the output transformer. Some solid state amps are OK without a load (although they can get a bit hot - probably best to use one).

To answer the OP's question, yes, I have 2 of those Palmer DI boxes and they are much better than their price suggests. Made in Deutschland, not China like most budget priced models. They do a more deluxe model, too, with a better transformer, which is excellent and which I also have a couple of.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1492910888' post='3284086'] You should be happy with and be proud of the brand you play. Why be a pretender? My first bass back in 1965 was ordered from a Sears Catalog, cost $40.00 and 2 weeks shipping time. When it arrived I was on top of the world and I kept the Silver Tone logo on it. Blue [/quote] Some Silvertones are quite collectable these days. Keep anything for long enough and it will become cool.

[quote name='Stylon Pilson' timestamp='1493040440' post='3285084'] No, I misread, and I hit her instead. Now my band are calling me a cycle path, which seems like a somewhat abstract insult, but whatevs. S.P. [/quote]

+1 for Peavey. An old 15" Black Widow equipped cab will surprise you and they're plenty cheap.

It's important to be aware that the band is not the only or main attraction for a lot of people. Pubs, clubs and the like are not concert halls. People may wish to chat, have a drink, watch a bit of TV, etc, etc as well as listen to the music. When I see a band in a club or pub, I don't listen attentively to every number. I may enjoy the evening overall and appreciate the band, but I'm not there solely to see them. Nothing wrong with that. We don't have the right to demand total attention from an audience.

[quote name='mikel' timestamp='1493023593' post='3284835'] There is a lot to be said for recording this way, its the recording of a performance, a moment in time, I know it can also be done with multi track, one track for each instrument, but still all playing at the same time. That is my preferred way of recording, but I suppose the temptation then is to go through each track and modify even the slightest imperfections. Ergo its no longer the performance. I could never get my head around recording each instrument at a different time, it just goes against my ingrained perception of music being an organic performance and musicians playing off each other. I have done this once or twice in studios and its not my idea of a good time. [/quote] I agree with this. Whilst I'm not enough of a luddite to think it fine to leave obvious faults on a recording and am happy to correct/overdub them, the spirit of the performance is what is most important. When it gets to the stage where you replace/re-record every part, that's a sign that the original performance was not good enough to start with.

I think the trick is to give people enough of what they know/like and sneak in some newer/original stuff under their guard. That way, everyone is happy.

I think "honesty" a fair comment. Also appreciate that such a recording environment does not work for everything.

A lot of so-called "charities" (shades of Smashy & Nicey) are nothing of the sort.

[quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1492805124' post='3283434'] I must be getting old, I don't recognise a single song in that list! [/quote] me neither

[quote name='leschirons' timestamp='1492795151' post='3283329'] I would have thought that as you're discussing issues that are "threatening to tear the band apart" a nice meal in a restaurant is not an ideal situation anyway. If it all gets heated and goes 🍐 shaped just before the main course arrives, that's going to feel like a very long and uncomfortable evening. [/quote] Agree with this. A "nice meal" not an ideal setting in which to talk business, especially if there are contentious issues to sort out. Partners a definite no-no, in my experience. Perhaps the guitar player invited her deliberately to forestall any awkward issues being raised?

I doubt it would be worth it. There are other timbers which work in that application. Gibson, for example, is using things like Grenadillo, which seems to do the job perfectly well.

[quote name='peteb' timestamp='1492850177' post='3283603'] Also remember that the bass you want to trade has to be vaguely fit compatible with their stock list. No one really goes to Bass Direct for a s/h Harvey Benton bass! [/quote] Very good point. Even if you have something nice, trading in should be regarded as a convenience - you will usually get a better price selling privately, as a dealer has to clean, sort out/set up and guarantee any instrument, which costs them, before they even think about making a profit. Having said that, Mark at BD is very reasonable in my experience - certainly better than a lot of dealers.

Know what you mean. It's infuriating. The trouble with sites like Gumtree is you cannot mark people down (as you can via feedback on Fleabay) if they mess you around.

Can't stand fret rattle and have a heavy right hand, so ultra low action a no-no for me.