Bridgehouse

Cor, that was hard.. tried to get a photo with some checking, and you can just see it on this one, just above the reflection of the lamp..

[quote name='largo' timestamp='1489525784' post='3257714'] Thread hijack alert.... can someone please tell me why some of the early Fender basses get checking on the finish whereas others don't? [/quote] Just before anyone else does answer - this one does have checking on it - you can't see it in the photos but it does. It's so fine that it's really hard to get the camera to pick it up. But it's there tho..

[quote name='Norris' timestamp='1489352888' post='3256322'] Don't get the Fender. I don't want anybody else getting such fabulous tone in such a compact and lightweight combo as I do. Nothing to see here. Look elsewhere [/quote] Don't worry - I didn't. See my other thread. EICH T1000 1000w head, and Vanderkley 1200w 4ohm 2x10 cab... You're safe. There's no way they will sound like your Fender!

Jack - just looked at the specs for the T900. You're right - the EQ for it is different. So, I'd say you have to hear it for yourself - the T1000 is different. I like the EQ on the T1000 from what I've heard so far and the two boost controls seem to be very flexible. YMMV.

[quote name='Jack' timestamp='1489332153' post='3256082'] I'm really interested in those EICH amps, specifically I think the 900 for me. One things that's put me off (I'm yet to hear them in fairness) is the bass and treble controls seem to be at ludicrous frequencies. Who's producing 30Hz or 8kHz? I'd be really keen to read your review, especially concerning the eq. Enjoy the new amp, very jealous! [/quote] On the T1000, the Lo band of the EQ is at around 70hz, and the Hi band is around 5khz. (Lo Mid is 250hz and Hi Mid is 800hz) I think you might be thinking about the Bass Boost and High Boost switches - the Bass Boost gives 12db at 30hz, and the High Boost 12db at 10khz. Both switches are totally separate to the EQ controls but do make a tangible difference the the sound - fuller, rounder, deeper and a bit more sparkly (to taste, of course!)

Imgur is great for hosting - and very easy - web based if you need.

[quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1489324819' post='3256011'] Yes, I've encountered that at least it's a nice simple fix. Well done [/quote] Thanks - I thought I was going a bit mad at first. Once I had the bridge off I thought "Aha, that's the culprit" Was glad it was an easy fix! Didn't want to face the prospect of getting a soldering iron anywhere near an untouched 64!

[quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1489321604' post='3255974'] What a good looking rig. Bet the 64 sounds mighty fine through that. [/quote] Funny story there.. I tried the 74 through it when I got home. It was as quiet and hum free as anything I've ever heard before. Silent. Even with quite a bit of gain up. With the tweeter on full there was a bit of hiss, but winding it down it was super quiet. I was really impressed. Plugged the 64 in and there was some hum. Not a huge amount, but clearly some hum. Oh oh I thought - grounding issue. Out came the multimeter - checked the continuity on the 74 for reference, all 100% perfect. The 64 however - perfect from pots and pups to the jack, but the strings weren't. Hmmmm. There was continuity from the bridge ground solder on the pot to the jack, but not from the bridge and strings. Strings off, and pulled the bridge. It was clear I was the first person to pop the bridge off since new (!) - and there it was, the ground wire bare end had sunk into the lacquer over time and wasn't making a good connection. Moved it, tightened it up and reseated the bridge. Guess what? 100% continuity and absolutely no hum. Clean as a whistle. Sounds superb. You live and learn huh?

Yes, I'll post some review thoughts when I get to use it in anger

Well, following the advice on my 'what combo?' thread, I went to Bass Direct today to try some out. Took about 2 minutes to get totally distracted by the Vanderkley cabs on display. They had the new 1200w 4 ohm 2x10 right there on display. Tried a lot of heads through it - best by miles for my kind of tone was the EICH T1000. Crikey it was articulate. Clean, with gain, boosted mids, whatever - just damned articulate and so much 'pop'. At the wattage rating of the amp, I can run it in bridge mode, putting out the full 1000w at 4 ohms straight into the cab. Got it home. Put the gain on about 3ish, and master on 4-ish. With the 64 P on about 75% volume I could have had pictures and plaster off the walls. Flippin' eck. Best bit? Cab is 37lbs and fits in the boot lovely. Head is negligible in weight - in a nice EICH gig bag. All up about the same as the Mark Bass combo or Fender Rumble 500. Ok, so I blew the budget massively, but I just couldn't resist......

[quote name='ukulelelab' timestamp='1489174768' post='3255040'] let me tip you over the edge : https://www.gbase.com/gear/fender-precision-bass-1962-sunburst-3 [/quote] Already tipped chap - 64 P now mine

[quote name='Beer of the Bass' timestamp='1489084978' post='3254290'] I get confused about what's considered high. I think of my bass as being set quite low at the moment, at 2mm (G) to 2.5mm (E) at the 12th fret. But reading through this thread, that might be considered high? I think double bass has messed up my perception of this stuff... [/quote] That's not high. High is putting your finger on the string and not really knowing exactly which fret it's going to land on 2 seconds later...

Ok. I need to consider amp and cab as well then. Is there any good reason I should look at the more expensive Mesa subway/darkglass etc route, or should I stick with the barefaced cab and standard 500w class D style head?

Yes, you're right - a list of everyone's current rigs If I went cab and head I think I'd rather go more down the line of tone I prefer. If I did that I know I'd end up darkglass microtubes or Mesa subway D800 and then the budget is shot!

[quote name='Bridgehouse' timestamp='1488925370' post='3253052'] I did wonder if a small head and cab would be a better choice, but I suspect this thread would be 12 pages long already if I'd have asked: "Which small lightweight head and cab for under £1k for normal gigging duties with FX loop?" [/quote] Having just said that - without wanting to break the internet with traffic, and by way of comparison, if I did go for a head/cab setup rather than a combo, for under £1k or so, and sticking roughly to the same weight/portability of the Rumble 500/MB 121 - what would you go for?

[quote name='Lw.' timestamp='1488924549' post='3253039'] In a choice between the fenders & markbass the fenders would win every time for me - I thought the markbass sound crap when I've used them (could just be me though). Tbh if it were me I'd get a small cab & head - so many more options for equal size/weight! [/quote] I did wonder if a small head and cab would be a better choice, but I suspect this thread would be 12 pages long already if I'd have asked: "Which small lightweight head and cab for under £1k for normal gigging duties with FX loop?"

Ok, so, suggestions so far are: - Fender Rumble 500 - Mark Bass 121 AC - Mark Bass 151p (but I think that might be a bit too big and heavy...) I think I may have to do some in-shop browsing..

[quote name='Marvin' timestamp='1488913425' post='3252913'] There endeth the thread [/quote] I see. It is indeed on the shortlist. Is there anything else I should take a look at before I pull the trigger and just get one of these?

I'm currently using a Helix for most of my duties. I'm about to order up a FRFR (FR800) from Barefaced to use live, but I'd also like to get hold of a combo to have for backup and knocking around, etc. - Up to £1k but preferably a lot less! - Lightweight - Enough volume for most normal gigging situations - FX loop so I can shove Helix through it as well Mostly P bass going through it so looking for classic thumpy P tone. What would you recommend?

[quote name='chrisanthony1211' timestamp='1488663537' post='3250947'] When I get some good quality photos up I'd be interested to see the comparison. [/quote] Let me know - I will take a pic of just the guard and post it...

Actually, 106.5mm

106mm

Don't worry chaps, I don't mind you hijacking my thread with tort porn - after all, my 64 does have a fine piece of genuine tort on for you to compare and contrast

[quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1488647595' post='3250782'] I've been thinking about a 5 string Precision for a long time, but a Yamaha Attitude Standard 5 came up on ebay so I thought I'd have a punt I got it during the week and although it needs a proper set up I used it at rehearsal this morning. This is the bit that's annoying - it cost less than 10% of the bass I usually take with me (a Marleaux), and it sounded fantastic. It sat in the mix like only a P can do. I didn't even use the other pickup selections - just stuck with the P into my M900 with a little bit of grit for warmth. It's got a huge sound with a nice grindy quality to the mids (not surprising as it is from the Attitude line), and the low B is really strong. It is now with my favourite local luthier for a full set up (might need a little neck shim), and I'm wondering if it might end up being my first choice. It's a little heavier than I usually like, but it's well balanced. Anyone else got one? [/quote] I've just ordered a multi pack of stewmac bass shims - shaped and unshaped - if you need one then you can have one.. they are .25, .5 and 1 degree each shaped and unshaped. I'm going to put the .5 shaped in the 64 P, but if you want one of the others then let me know...