dave_bass5

I too await an early report. Very keen to get one so I can cut down on leads etc. I prefer the way the BDDI works with the EQ always active. I used to have the drive stuff off and used it more like active EQ. To me that's more sensible as its still a head that should have some form of EQ availbe even if you aren't using any sort of drive/distortion. Then again I suppose that's not really the idea of this head.

I don't think that's what some are saying. Of course those songs will sound better played on the original instrument, you would also need the right amplification as well to really nail it though. But there is no reason either of those songs can't be played on any bass. I agree that a more versatile bass will help you sound more authentic, but it's not always about the bass used. Strings, fx, amp, cab, the way it's played all contribute to the tone we hear on the recording. The G&L does sound like the right way to go though. I've seen a few west end stage shows where these basses have been used and they sound very versatile, and I think that's the answer. Versatile, not authentic. I've also seen quite a few covers bands (both clubs and weddings/functions) where the bass plYer is using a P or Jazz bass, and these two sound just as good in the mix no matter what the songs were. If you are going for authentic then you won't get one bass doing it all, you will end up compromising for certain tones. My view is as a lot of music over the decades has been played on Fenders then that would be a good stating block. An acts as would certainly give you a much wider range though. It's all good fun trying to decide what to get, I'm sure whatever you get will work. As for the high end basses comment, well GAS and need are two completely different things IMO. Some people like buying and collecting basses, some convince themselves they have to have certain basses to get by, some are impulse purchases, some just like change etc. End of the day I don't think most take all their basses out to gigs, and I'm sure some rotate basses at gigs without much impact on the overal band mix anyway.

[quote name='GrammeFriday' timestamp='1439043289' post='2839611'] If I genuinely believed that any bass will do, and that it is all down to the player, then I would sell everything, buy a Squier Classic Vibe P (which are cracking basses, btw) and put the rest towards a new car or a nice holiday. [/quote] But surely every genre of music has been played on many different types of basses. There is no standard bass for any as far as im aware.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1438951545' post='2838933'] I suppose the amps that [i]don't [/i]burst into flames just go on and on! [/quote] Or fix themselves. My MAG started to distort at all levels just over a year after i got it. It was in the Bass centre for six weeks and they couldn't find anything wrong with it (although could hear the issue). They had to just give up and give it back (minus a knob). its actually a lot better these days. Very strange.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1438947388' post='2838862'] I did have quite a lot of GAS for that, and still do to a certain extent, mainly because it wouldn't need a preamp or pedal in front of it. But neither does the ABM, so I've gone off the boil somewhat. I suppose it's down to whether hauling the ABM gets tedious. But it really isn't [i]that [/i]heavy... I yearn for the time when men were men, there were no Class 'D' amps and no power steering! Everyone had huge biceps, even the dweebs, dorks and nerds!! *Does heavy weights while scowling and smoking a fag* [/quote] I like it for the fact that its going to be very close to what i use now, but without the extra leads etc. I normally run my MN head flat and let the BDDI or DarkGlass do all the tone shaping, so having it all in one box really appeals to me. Having owned an ABM i agree its not THAT heavy but due to the way the band has gone recently im already carrying more than i used to back and forth, no point making it worse. That was one reason for replacing the cab. Im not a particularly strong bloke but i dont mind carrying heavy things if i have to......i do try and get out of it if i can though lol.

Nice, please do as its probably going to be a toss up between that and the new Tech21 500watt head.

I must admit this thread has got me interested in Ashdown again. I still have my MAG307 C-115 that i use about once a year, and actually dont mind using it, but its only used in emergencies. I could never go back to a heavy head, but the Rootmaster 800 looks very attractive.

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1437914214' post='2829906'] I just ordered two for my Barefaced cabs... let's see how long it takes. [/quote] I ordered one for my new BF cab at the weekend. It's probably going to turn up when I'm on holiday.

I think i posted some pics of the internals, along with Mark earlier in this thread, although it might have been another thread.

Hamish you aren't closer as you could have come to me and played mine through my Retro Two 10 :-) I had the chance to put mine up against a Fender MIA last weekend when trying out my Retro. Although the strings on the V7 weren't as new as the MIA, and im pretty sure the MIA had steels and not Nickels, i felt it held its own in passive mode, and kicked the MIA out of the room when active was engaged lol. I think the V7 is a bit more middy, not quite as scooped as the MIA, but as every Jazz bass ive ever owned has sounded slightly different anyway i dont count this as a negative. The EQ is very, very powerful though and its unbelievable value for money. I dont use mine at the moment, I just dont need that 5th string, but i plan on getting a 4 string early next year when i get bored with my P bass.

Nice write up. I had one of the 307watt versions just before i switched to Markbass. This was used with my 1210R cab and the very first gig i was told to "turn right down" by the venue owner (it was a large function room). Now, ill be the first to hold my hands up and admit i call them the Pillow amps. I just never felt it had the punch or sparkle of the MAG it replaced. Same cab, same output rating. Saying that, it was probably just the fact that it was deeper and more rounded. It certainly vibrated the room more than the MAG, although i did find i would run it with the master higher up. Given the choice id prefer the ABM over the MAG tone now, but back then i wasnt too impressed with the output level. Maybe i should just have gone for the 500watt version, the cab could certainly handle it. I never really found the tube to do anything, but again i probably wasnt pushing it hard enough. These heads seem to be all over the TV during Festival times, so they must have something going for them. If they weren't so (relatively) heavy id like to try one again.

[quote name='bassbora' timestamp='1438769119' post='2836993'] But what to get and how big? I have always known what I want/need/like from a bass and I know for a fact I will never buy one again but I just cant get excited about amps and cabs. [/quote] Ive been exactly the same. For me the rig is just something that sits at the back of the stage and makes sure i get heard. Ive gone through a few heads and cabs over the years but never really had a "wow" moment with any of them. Some have been a disappointment, and they have been short lived, but other than that if its functional then it stays. Might be worth looking at the BF range, they get a lot of love around here. I have just got a Barefaced Retro two 10 cab, and although ive yet to gig it it does seem like a very nice, small cab. Not the smallest as its a 2x10, but its not big either. Its very light and the footprint is smaller even than my 1212L. Low end seems to be there with loads to spare, and although it doesn't have a tweeter or horn it has a nice smooth top end, Its been designed for a more retro tone, which is exactly the type of music we play.

[quote name='GrammeFriday' timestamp='1438684361' post='2836324'] How hard can it be?! [/quote] I'd expect a good majority of the styles listed were played on passive Fenders, and i cant imagine any of these humbucking basses getting that close. Its a non starter really, and more of a GAS release....IMO of course :-) Saying that, the G&L's do look like the most versatile for covering most things but not really needed IME.

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1438682405' post='2836299'] So, 60 posts and 59 suggestions. If we are correct and that many different instruments will work then, your style, ability, note choice and how you EQ will make your performance fit and not the instrument you choose. [/quote] Right then, lets sort the amp and cab out next lol.

I think you have made the right choice. You could get better but as already stated the overall footprint probably wont change enough to make a difference (assuming you have the 2x12 cab on its side) You could get a 1x10 cab which would save a bit of space and might work well at very small or quiet gigs, but then thats one more thing to store. We used to do a few very small gigs but we just had to make do. One thing i started doing was to put my rig (also a 2x12) next to the drummer (not the kit, the drummer himself). This is normally empty space and did help with space on stage. Not idea for him as it was very close to his hi hat but it worked ok.

[quote name='Stealth' timestamp='1438558366' post='2835474'] Im inclined to disagree. There are some real one trick ponies out there that even the most magic of fingers wont drag away from what they do best. [/quote] Like what? Just interested to know your views. A lot of what you ill be covering was probably recorded on these type of basses anyway. Agree about the Laklands, i had a 55-01 and it did seem to cover a lot more ground sonically than a standard P or J. Oh, and dont forget your 5th string :-)

[quote name='bassbora' timestamp='1438088363' post='2831519'] I play in a rock cover band as well and I am using GB Streamliner 600 and Berg AE212 for that but since the other project is not that loud I find that rig a bit of an overkill and maybe a bit of a show of. [/quote] Although i know what you mean doesn't owning one rig per band seem a a bit of a show off as well ;-) If the above rig can cover two gigs, and lets face it its not a big rig, then why spend money on a second rig? [quote name='bassbora' timestamp='1438331368' post='2833554'] Thanks guys. I think I might look for a small cab but use the Streamliner. No point getting more gear when both I don't want to and don't need to. I am one for keeping it simple. [/quote] Exactly. I can see the point of a smaller cab if you really dont need or have the space for anything larger, but, you already have a cab that will get you heard, so again......

Cheers Russ. Yes, leave it for a few weeks. I've just ordered a cover for it as I'm worried about it getting knocked. At least this will keep it in good condition for you lol.

Well today was the day I got to plug it in and see what's what. First impressions are very good. I was worried about lack of top end but with a bit of help from my Darkglass I could go from Motown warm to Foxton bite. So far only played it at work with a Jazz bass, but it sounded full and deep no matter where I was in the room. it's certainly got a more traditional sounding tone, it's going to be a nice change from the 1212L's mid hump. I think BF will respond more to tonal changes, and that's something I've been missing since I got the 1212L. It's a great cab but I've always felt it added too much to the tone of whatever was going through it. The only downside I can find, and this is purely a personal thing, is I wish the handle was on the side rather than the top. I find cabs like this so much easier to carry using a side mounted handle. Less bumping in to things as the footprint is smaller. It would also make placing my Markbass F1 flat a lot easier. As it stands it won't sit flat. Not a big deal though, it's not going to fall off. All in all, very happy and really looking forward to gigging it.

He just needs to polish his act up a bit ;-)

[quote name='alexclaber' timestamp='1438190555' post='2832437'] The Gramma pad is for mechanical decoupling, not acoustic, so it still couples the good way, just not the bad way. And it'll affect the hybrid resonator's port the same as if it was onto the floor. I'd try it with and without the Gramma - you may find you can leave it at home except on particularly boomy hollow stages. P.S. I have had words about the cleaning of that grill - it should have been properly polished before it left, not just wiped clean (hence the residue). Give it a quick rub with a soft cloth and it'll look nice! [/quote] Thanks Alex. Ill certainly give it a go with and without the Gramma. Problem is most of my gigs are on big hollow stages but im guessing this cab wont be as boom as my 1212L so might be more controlled. No problem about the grill, i only noticed it in the shots. For some reason the shots make the cab look worse than it is in the flesh. Ill give it a good wipe down later. [quote name='Oopsdabassist' timestamp='1438194089' post='2832477'] Oh Dave, now one of your pics has gone and got someone in trouble!! [/quote] Oh dear, i hope its not too serious :-)

Yeah I got all that before, I understand it's tuned differently to most cabs, and that its at its best on its long edge. What I'm not clear about is using it upright with a gramma pad. As these are designed to de couple the can from the floor I'm wondering what the effect will be.

Cheers Russ. Same time same place next week lol.

Cheers Guys. Yes its 15" high when sitting the right way up, and 24" when on its side. Ill have it on a Gramma pad so i guess we cna add a few more inches to that. Its very light, i can already appreciate how easy the get in and outs will be. Although my 1212L is a neo cab its still pretty heavy if i have to carry it too far. The BF will be a pleasure to carry. @Alex, I'm just wondering how this will work on its side (so port facing down) whilst on a Gramma pad. Any drawbacks to this?

And here we are. The cab is in our basement so please excuse the not very tidy shots. [url="https://flic.kr/p/vGDGNk"][/url] [url="https://flic.kr/p/vGDGNk"]Barefaced Retro two 10[/url] by [url="https://www.flickr.com/photos/davebass5/"]Dave Pearce[/url], on Flickr [url="https://flic.kr/p/wE1xLZ"][/url] [url="https://flic.kr/p/wE1xLZ"]Barefaced Retro two 10[/url] by [url="https://www.flickr.com/photos/davebass5/"]Dave Pearce[/url], on Flickr [url="https://flic.kr/p/vGvxiA"][/url] [url="https://flic.kr/p/vGvxiA"]Barefaced Retro two 10[/url] by [url="https://www.flickr.com/photos/davebass5/"]Dave Pearce[/url], on Flickr