Hambone

On 04/02/2021 at 18:39, Skinnyman said:

I had a similar problem with a B3 when using it with a non-Zoom power supply. They seem to be okay with Boss PSUs but mine definitely had a tantrum when powered with an EHX power supply even though it was nominally the right rating.

 

Perhaps this is the issue. I am using a non-Zoom PSU.

On 04/02/2021 at 04:35, EMG456 said:

Something is definitely not right here - the B3 is part of my live setup and I've not had issues like this at all.

Is your power supply good? What happens when you back off the volume on the bass to halfway? Do you  have the B3 XLR output set to pre or post?

What does the headphone output on the B3 sound like when you just plug a pair of headphones in to it? That is to say bass into B3 input, headphones into L/Mono Phones output.

How long have you been using the B3 for and did you buy it new? You could try a factory reset on the unit to see if that clears it. If you have a load of your own patches then you would probably want to save them first - this can be done using the Zoom Edit and Share software.

This sort of problem can only be solved by logical process of elimination.

The headphone output sounds just as distorted as the line out. I have had the B3 for about 7 years now, and only just started using it again. I don't remember having this issue before. I have done a factory reset.

I tried my little Ibanez Mezzo bass rather than the Yamaha or PBass, and it sounds MUCH better. The Mezzo is active, and I backed off the bass volume as the B3 has no input trim. The Mezzo sounds great plugged straight into the mixer, too.

Thanks once again for the inputs!

Thanks to everyone for the replies!

It does seem that the Yamaha's pickups are hot, and that the B3 input is too sensitive, and not adjustable. I even tried setting the B3 to active, and I still get the same full-on tone. Even the headphone output from the B3 into headphones is too hot, so it's not the PA mixer causing the problem.

The only amp I have is a Fender Rumble 100, and although the tone isn't so full-on as through the B3, I don't like the overall tone, which I characterize as 'cardboard'. Also, our rehearsals and practices have to be 'silent', so it's IEMs or headphones. Perhaps I need a higher-quality preamp.

14 hours ago, NoirBass said:

I’d also add that the output on the 1025x is really hot. You’ll need to dial the input gain back a bit. I suspect that the high output of the bass and the high zoom preset level is the problem. I’ve recorded my 1025x loads of times and it sounds great.

Do you DI, or mic a cab?

I'm playing a Yamaha BB1025X through a Zoom B3, then straight into the mixer (QSC TouchMix) via XLR. No matter what I do with the B3 (tried tons of patches, EQ, different amp models, etc), or with the Yamaha pickup and tone controls, the only tone I seem to be able get is a slightly distorted synth-like sine wave with massive sustain. To my ears, it doesn't sound anything like a bass guitar! I get a more usable tone plugging into the Roland HS-5 mixer (using the built-in bass amp simulator) that I use for practice. I get better results with a P Bass, but I much prefer playing the Yamaha.

Any help appreciated!

Using MusicReader http://www.musicreader.net/software/musicreader/mr-ipad.html with AirTurn PED http://www.musicreader.net/airturn-ped.html

Works great!

Thanks for the suggestions!

I'm looking for a full-time course, but purely on performance. ACM Guildford used to do a year-long Bass Performance diploma (my son did it), but I don't think they do it any more. It's now a 2/3 year degree encompassing all aspects of music and the music business.

Any other recommendations in South London/Surrey? I don't think ACM Guildford do the one-year bass guitar performance diploma any more.

You're never too old!

I'm currently living in the US, but may head over for an open day or two. My son is an ACM Guildford graduate, and that's up for consideration, too. I'm not particularly interested in any of the music business courses, just the performance.

Perhaps I'll have a few years of function band life left in these old bones!

Thanks for the replies!

I'm not concerned about earning it back afterwards. It's just something I have always wanted to do, and I'll enjoy the challenge of learning.

I realize it doesn't suit everyone's needs or budget, but this really brings on the missing low end from IEMs: https://www.porteranddavies.co.uk/products/bc-gigster/

Although designed for kick drum, it works incredibly well for bass guitar, too. I use the throne, but there is a platform for playing standing: https://www.porteranddavies.co.uk/products/kt-platform/

Hi!

Having recently retired, and probably an advanced beginner, I'm considering doing a year-long full-time bass guitar course in or around London.

Any recommendations?

Thanks in advance!