joel406

My EBS has arrived. Now to make a spot for it.

Who uses amps anymore?

On 27/04/2024 at 18:33, stewblack said:

I've been through a few and I have to agree. I really like my EBS too 

After watching the video I ordered one. Got their last one. Shipped confirmed. Landing Wednesday. 

10 hours ago, IanA said:

Fender Addict you mean…

Give the pickup a chance.

I have switched pickups on 5 of 6 of my bass's. I have a Precision that is stock. Original everything (strings being the exception).

The pickup just sounds amazing. My Dark Knight had a Quarter Pounder installed and a SD Apollo installed in the bridge position. It's a one of a kind now. Unique.

But give it a chance. 

Ahhhh...

The American Pro II

My favorite.

I only play 5 strings. But I have 4 of these. A Jazz in 3 tobacco sunburst. A Precision, also a burst. A precision in Dark Knight. I replaced the maple neck with a proper ebony. And the neck from that went to a custom build that has become my #1. I also have 2 American Pro Jazz. One a burst the other natural. Needless to say I'm a Fender guy.

Get a Quad Cortex.

Problem solved.

You're welcome.

I am using the Revolt (bass) and the CABM together on a board with a Keely Compressor Pro. The online interface made setup easy. I have the Mesa Subway 212 in the cab sim. Very powerful setup. I also have a Le Bass setup that is great. Two Notes is awesome. But look at the Revolt.

10 hours ago, Garsi said:

Unfortunately, due to price, Quadcortex is out of the question

Really?

I got two of em.

The Quadcortex has so much for bass (and guitar) it's not funny. With all the Mesa and Darkglass stuff on hand as well as a Noble preamp package out there the tones are right at your finger tips. And the Cortex cloud takes it even further.

Interesting match up.

I've always been interested in Pre Amp DI pedals. I run ampless with IEMs. But I have Mesa Subway cabs. 212 and 410. I prefer the D-800+ and the Epifani UL901.

But after listening to the clips. 

You should check out "Two Notes". The Revolt is something you should hear. And, if you can find one. A Le Bass is amazing.

But a Quad cortex takes em all out.

Best clarity by far.

Just use a good DI or pre map pedal and run IEMs. It's not that hard. What your asking for is just wrong.

Amps are obsolete. Good IEM's and a Quadcortex will sound better any day. Don't forget your wireless.

4 hours ago, BigRedX said:

I've just spent about 15 minutes scrolling through the Quad Cortex page and I have to say that as a Helix user I'm not particularly impressed.

 

1. Touch Screen. Guaranteed to go wrong at the worst possible moment. Sometimes I have problems getting my phone or iPad to recognise my fingers; and touch screens at supermarket checkouts? Forget it. Unless all the touch screen functions can be duplicated with the front panel controls this is a non-starter.

 

2. They dedicate far more time and space to amp and cab models than they do to effects. IMO amp and cab models are red herrings. They are things that get in the way of your sound, especially if you are using effects. Ever since I got my first multi-effects unit 35 years ago I have been fighting against the additional colourations produced by my amplification. Now I rarely use any amp or cab models on my Helix. They don't do anything I can't already do with EQ and drive modules. On the few occasions that I have used amp and cab models they tend to be ones that should be aimed at guitarists but happen to produce a sound that I want. As I have said many times before there are no rules when it comes to modelling devices, you can't break anything like you could with the actual amps and cabs. Also remember that many classic bass amps are the same as the guitar amps but with a different badge on and maybe the EQ frequencies slightly tweaked.

 

3. External PSU without a locking connection. For me on stage this is a disaster waiting to happen. For individual pedals on a pedal board it doesn't matter since everything is fixed in place and if you've built it properly nothing can become disconnected. However devices like Quad Cortex and the Helix Floor are the pedal board. I'm thankful every time I set up, that the power for the Helix is supplied by a proper IEC mains connecter on a chunky cable, and which can be easily replaced should it go wrong. Both the guitarists in one of my bands use multi-effects pedal boards with external PSUs and both are on their 3rd PSU since I've been in the band due to the weedy cables becoming irreparably damaged.

I've had my QC for 2 years now. Run ampless. IEMs. The sound is unmatched. Compared to Helix. Line 6 is done. Touch screen has been flawless as well. Amp modeler is amazing. IR's amazing. Effects are off the chart. External PSU is NOT a problem. My unit is on a pedal board and power can be handled in many ways. But if you have those kinda problems you should probably stay away from pedals entirely.

The Quad Cortex has the most dedicated to bass stuff of them all. Darkglass, Mesa, Marshall, Gk. All the effects. Even a pog that I keep in line. The ir's are great. And amp and pedal capture. Not to mention all the stuff online. The Nobel preamp is in there and I so love it. Helix is fine. But the QC has the tone.

I've tried a lot of compressors. All of em most likely.

While I still have an Empress and a couple of MXRs around I fell in love with the Keeley Compressor Pro. So bad in fact I bought 5 of em. In fact Sweetwiter is delivering #5 anytime in the next 2 hours. I even use one with my Quad Cortex. My Revolt and CABM board. One with each of my Mesa Subway boards, my Le Bass board. I ordered #5 as a floater to use when I have to use an amp.

Warning! 

Subjective comment coming.

Keeley Compressor Pro is the best compressor.

8 hours ago, Jean-Luc Pickguard said:

Coke & Hookers

Happy birthday to me.

32 minutes ago, bass_dinger said:

Rather than something to play, I would get somewhere to play.  So, would $4k be enough to fit out a basement room with soundproofing, a few mics, PA, drumkit?  Then, you can invite your friends round for a jam session, and the $4k would buy you a rehearsal space.

For me, playing with others is what has made me a better musician*, rather than buying additional kit.  It is the hours invested in playing that gave me the skill to appreciate those better instruments. 

* better, when measured from a very low basepoint . . . .  

Great reasoning.

But that is already taken care of.

1 hour ago, TRBboy said:

Honestly, describing what you like and don't like, I would HIGHLY recommend trying a Sandberg California TT5 passive. Ticks all your boxes, and the neck feel is on a whole other level.

 

You could spec a completely customised instrument, even a masterpiece one to be honest, and still come in under your budget. Not the fanciest bass you can buy for that money, but really would fit the bill for you.

 

Here's mine 😊

That is more like it. 

I have considered getting another Lull. I did try a 34" scale PJ that was gorgeous. At the time I wasn't keen on the 5K price. But times change. Especially once the wife gives the go ahead.

Alembic is always on the radar. I'm watching the used stuff. But 9K for a 30 year old bass ain't a happening.

But I've heard nothing but good things about Sandberg. So on the radar they go.

Perhaps I didn't think this through enough before asking the original question.

Here's a little background.

Having lived most of my life paycheck to paycheck, I find myself liquid. I didn't win a lottery. But I had rich family. So does my wife. Now we have land that is of great interest to oil companies. So we now receive regular checks from that. This is from my wife's family. I just straight up inherited 8 figures.  This all came to past in 2018. I've played music since 4th grade. Bass since 8th grade. Out of high school in 1979. 

So...

Bank account got fat quick. I was able to try every amp in the world. "Literally". I've owned many instruments in my day. Switched to 5 string (permanently) about 8 years ago. Hopelessly addicted. And I now find myself hopelessly in love with modern day Fenders. They just fit me. Jazz or Precision, it don't matter in the 5 string world. I have 5 wireless units for instruments. 4 wireless IEM units. And 2 pairs of molded IEMS that work flawlessly. I currently own (and love) 2 Mesa Subway D-800+ heads. One custom Epifani UL901 head. 2 Subway 212 cabs and 2 410 Subway cabs. 

The list of gear no longer owned is staggering. But I find myself currently well stocked.

Quad Cortex.

Two Notes Le Bass and Revolt, as well as a CABM.

I have both of the current Mesa Subway Pedals. And a load of Keely, MXR and Empress compressors.

I'm forgetting things. Being I have 6 pedal boards.

I have 2 Fender American Pro 5 stringers.

I have 3 Fender American Pro 2, 5 stringers.

And one custom built 5er.

Wanted to go more strings but every 6 I try my hands don't like. 

I do not care for "active' instruments. But would consider them. I have had a couple of Mike Lulls. But 35" scale isn't for me.

So the real question is ....

For the Bassist who has everything. 

What would you get?

With $4000 usd.

Yes I am in the US.

It's your birthday.

The wife says. Go buy what you want.

Musically...

With the world as your oyster.

What. Are. You. Buying.

By the way. You have roughly a $4,000 usd budget.

Hartke has never impressed me. The new stuff is the worst they have ever made. No power, no body and worst tone in the business. 

9 hours ago, fretmeister said:

 

 

Unless your band doesn't use or need a PA. Bit stuck then! 

Then... You mean..

When it's not a band?

Having owned the Legacy 800. Fusion 800 and 1200. And being a lifelong GK user. The latest line GK has is a terrible disappointment. I fought with all of them and lost every time. Sold all of it. I am now living happily with the current Mesa Subway system. Their 212 and 410 cabs are truly the best in the business. Their D-800+ was my sweet spot. And yes I did own the TT-800 and the WD-800. Both fine amps. Just not for me. I also recomend the current Epifani offering. The UL901. Crazy good tone through the Subway cabs. 

While I keep a stock of these amps and cabs on hand for when needed. I always chose amp less for live gigs. The Quad Cortex blows it all away. Quality IEMS beat any cab.

Wal's piqued my interest years ago. Before that was Alembic. 

I'm so happy with my Fenders.

Nothing beats the Mesa Subway D-800+.

But the Epifani UL901 sure comes close.