Pirellithecat

Hi Al, I have RCF710 Mk4's which are really good - get lots of positive feedback on their sound. We're using them as monitors tomorrow evening - I'll try my bass through them (alone) before we kick off to see how they perform at "gig" level volumes and get back to you. From previous experience I'm not optimistic though, especially with a 5 string.

That, Matt, is quality stuff! thanks for sharing! Couldn't resist having a listen to the VM5 vids too - sounds great. Very helpful, I'm certainly more in the VM5 sound camp than the VT4 for the kind of Sets I'm playing (rather badly in contrast!), so maybe pickups etc. should be the first "investment" rather than a new beautifully-made-wonderfully-playing-rather-expensive-and-completely-undeserved-treat!!! But they do look so good ........

Thanks Mattpbass, Which of your collection would you say is the most P and J. For me the VM4 isn't very "P" and definitely not Jazz, but is something else altogether - which is great in a covers band doing stuff from the 60's to the 2020's ...... which is what I seem to do most.....

Thanks Ead - I'm over on the wet west of Cumbria - I still have you're Black MIJ P Bass, which has been getting a fair bit of use recently and which, in a roundabout way, triggered this question. Think Blues. And, you're quite right - it's my question is pretty "narrow" - I can't rule out that I'm really just looking for a justification to buy a new bass that I really don'y merit! I could broaden it a little to ask, ...... "For those fortunate enough to have been able to compare the Bridge Humbucker on a Sandberg to the Jazz Bridge pickup, what , if any , would you say the differences are? " I'll get back to practicing ..............

Can I tap into this thread's wisdom? - I'm struggling to resist an acute attack of 'New Year GAS" and need counselling! I have a Sandberg California II VM but foolishly tried out a number of other basses yesterday. I tried the usual suspects, Fender PJ's, Charvel, Yamaha, which are all good in their own ways - the Yamaha BB734a was probably the "surprise", although a painted neck wouldn't be on my "must haves" list. And then, I tried a California II VT. It was absolutely fantastic. I can't explain the difference except that it was smooth, fitted like a glove (if a bass could do that?), was a delight to play and just looked great. Of course it was significantly more expensive, but it made ALL the other basses feel "industrial". I can't really adjudge the tonal character of this bass from a shop demo - there was no VM in stock and everything sounded completely different to my usual set up, so I wondered whether anyone who had owned/used both a VM and a VT might be able to highlight the tonal differences between the 2 variants. I am drawn to the Jazz Style Pickup as it seems to add a more contrasting tone to the P pick-up than the Humbucker. It might be that the Humbucker is great but not what I expect in terms of adding a bit of "bite" to the tone or that the jazz is just more familiar to me. So if anyone can share their experience/opinion of the differences that would be really helpful. Even if that's just to provide a plausible rationale for negotiation with my "understanding" partner!!

Many thanks - I think that the mind set of "too complicated, a hassle, gets in the way, can't hear my drums" etc. will make this an impossible task. I did try the Mic above the drums, but as its the drummers vocal Mic this doesn't work too well. I'll have another go though, who knows, I've got progress from "Nah" to "OK I'll put on a headset for a quick listen ...... Nah" in 12 months so another year or two should do it. Next step is to put a dedicated mix to a dedicated active monitor and await so much feedback (from his non directional vocal mic) that it's clear it's not and option. Then repeat the "have you thought about IEM's". To be honest it's not my problem that he can't hear the vocals or the guitar, but as this leads to time keeping issues - especially when things go a little arwy, it affect the band too. Hey ho!! The EAD10 does look like a good solution though, but a tad costly.

OK ...... hopelessly optimistically tried to set up a monitor mix for our drummer at rehearsal. (guitar/bass/vocals) BUT his kit isn't micced so he doesn't like the fact that he can't hear himself (properly). He normally uses "ear plugs" so I was hopeful it would work ..... but he's not content. Is there an approach that might work ... short of miccing his kit?

Happy New Year Al. How's the Zoom L8 panning out? I've finally managed to get some interest for going in Ears (well, me and the Drummer at least!!), which means, if I can convince the others, we'll need at least 4 monitor mixes .... so potentially a new mixer. How are you finding the onboard FX's on the L8 and is it straightforward to add an external source for stereo music provision during breaks etc??

Weird isn't it! But, for whatever reason, different profile/neck sizes make an implausible difference to how comfortable a bass feels to play ......... to me at least, could be what you're used to I guess. I do spend more time up in the dusty areas on my Jazz Neck (38mm) profiled bass than my others (39.5, 40mm) when I'm "noodling" - it just invites you to explore!

My Japanese Squier Precision from 1994(ish) has a 40mm nut - it's a nice size/neck, pretty easy to get around and comfortable. They come up from time to time, are very well built and are around the price of a new decent Squier. They are thinner, back to front, than the Sandberg I have, but not as thin as, say a jazz or many of the Ibanez necks.

Yep it's a Japanese model and by the looks of it the Gotoh GB 10 is pretty much a direct replacement. Impressive response - many many thanks - I'll let you know if I get them and they fit! Cheers

Hi, Anyone any experience of replacing tuners/machine heads on the above? I've tried the Hipshot HB7's but the screws don't line up, so before drilling new holes I thought I'd see if any one had found a direct replacement. Many thanks

But surely .... a set of 932's now will cost the same as a set of 912's in a few months' time if inflation and the £ continue their current trends ......... well that's the argument to the Mrs ..............!! (I see a veto coming!). Good luck and please let us know if this confirms that a sub is unnecessary!🙂

Thanks for the update Al ........ I guess stealth is the way to go ....... "if you really want to put your Kick Drum through the PA Mr Drummer, we're going to need a bigger/better PA" moving to "now we have such a good PA perhaps I could put my bass through it" and finally, "yes Mr Guitard, I realise that you can't hear me, how would you feel about IEM's". OK ... I was dreaming! Good luck Al, I'm already looking ( ..... at RCF 912/932's and an IMF loan!). Do let us know how you get on!

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We use an old Soundcraft Spirit F1 16. This doesn't have built in FX so we use an external FX processor. Has three Aux Outputs (Pre, Pre/Post, P ost) and all the other bit's n'bobs including Headphone and (studio)monitor outs. It is "used and abused" by us and works very well. In terms of sounding good (minimal noise) and robustness it's great. Be better with on board FX's but otherwise great.

Al .... you have better hearing than me! I did a few songs recently with no amp/cab - the only way I could hear anything was to stand in the audience and play. They loved it ........ but I wouldn't volunteer to do that on a regular basis (too close to all that beer!). The PA was a 12inch Mackie affair so 912's should be much better !!

Yep - using A Genzler Magellan 800 plus a Mesa Subway 12 and 15 cabs. I think it would take a pretty good monitor to get me to ditch them and In Ears are a non starter in the band as no one else is keen! To be honest I could probably survive with just one cab, but the height of the pair really helps me to hear what I'm doing. But ....... , in a different band I'd be VERY keen on reducing stage noise and footprint!! Good luck and let us know how the 912's pan out. Is it "a thing" that the bass player often ends up as the sound guy (or guyess!)???

The 710's are great because of their size and sound quality. Especially in terms of transporting them. However, if I were to replace them, I'd probably go for an RCF 12" model as, having used the 710's a lot (2-3 times per week for the last 12months), I don't think a larger size would actually get in the way at smaller venues. In an ideal world I'd also add a sub for bigger venues as it doesn't really take up space if used instead of a speaker stand. But please, if it all works out, don't post how good it all sounds on here - I'm teetering and need NO encouragement to invest yet more £££ on gear!!! (although we do need a new monitor or 2 ...... and RCF 710's would work ................)

Hi. We use RCF Art 710ii's in a 4 piece Indie/Rock Band. We are loud! We only use them for vocals (x3). Drums are unmiced, rest of gear is 100W Marshall Guitar via 2*10, 40Watt Marshall Combo plus 800 Watt Bass Rig. Many folks (other bands) say they (we) sound great. BUT ..... I would not be happy putting Kick Drum/or bass through the RCF Art 710ii's. I've used them with a kick drum in a quieter band and tried them as bass speakers. I would not recommend them for use in this way. I'm sure they would be loud enough but I don't think that they are sufficient for bass - whether kick or bass guitar, in terms of the tonal quality of the bass frequencies - which are present but aren't great in terms of punch or clarity. (10inch drivers?). Of course I'm comparing the bass output to a Genzler Magellan 800 through a couple of Mesa Subway cabs!! I also think that there is/would be a decrease in the clarity of the vocal element in such a configuration. And this is why I'm in the process of selecting a Sub (eg RCF702ii) so that we can get a bit of Kick Drum via PA to keep up with the (noisy) backline. Don't get me wrong the RCF 710 is excellent. But it ain't a bass cab! Clearly no idea about the RCF 910. Probably not helpful, but I feel that for flexibility and not wishing to dominate small venues with enormous PA speakers, the 710's (or 910's) plus a Sub will be the way to go.

You know how it is, you muddle through and then think - why don't I ask someone who will definitely know the answer. Well - emailed Genzler last afternoon and Jeff Genzler replied within a few hours with all the information I need. Simple Pedal should work , but if LED'd it needs correct wiring to get the amp LED's to function properly. And an suggestion that a Genzler 4 On The Floor Pedal might be a good idea. Of course I can't justify a clever drive pedal ... but it is my birthday in 1 month's time ..............!! Anyway, fantastic customer service and another great reason to use Genzler Kit (if one were needed).

Hi, bought a Laney FS1 Mini to select Clean and Drive Channels on my Genzler Magellan 800 (couldn't find a supplier with stock of the expensive Genzler.). It's a latching switch with an LED which can be powered with a 9 volt supply. However, the LED comes on without a dedicated supply - I guess it draws power from the amp. I have a slight concern which is that, when using the footswitch and the Clean Channel is engaged (LED on Pedal illuminated), the Drive channel selector LED on the amp remains dimly lit. Anyone know whether this is a potential problem and, if so is there something that needs "fixing"? Many thanks

To protect whatever hearing I have left and to hear everyone including me, I really do need to get into IEM's! - Tried the ZS10 IEMs but found that they were too bright. (taking a direct lead out from the mixer Aux out - 2 different mixers, and also directly plugged into phone.) There was also a buzz on bass notes in the right earpiece so I returned them. My Headphones are orders of magnitude better (but not practical) and my Meters Ear buds are also "better" in terms of tonality (if a bit "mushy" and not so good in term of staying in your lugholes!) So, as an introduction to IEM's, is there an alternative that folks can recommend, not wanting to spend more than £100ish as a starting point? If it all works out and the band can cope with me using IEM's then I can invest more in future.