spongebob

I have owned my Trace Elliot 715 SMC 150 watt combo for a bit. However, I have never been really keen on my sound. It's a fantastic amp, but I don't think it brings out the best in me (I play Rickenbacker). However, during two recent rehearsals, I plugged into different combos which totally changed my sound. First was an old Carlsboro....but last night was into a Laney...and what a superb tone. Does anyone on here play these, or have any opinions? I see that they come in at 150 and 200+ watts. My TA is 150, so that's probably enough for the gigs I do. The one I used wasn't near new... are the newer ones much cop? Also....any ideas on the value of my Trace, as a private sale and a trade-in? It's wooden cased, and the condition is superb, no joke! Now I've played the Laney, it's got me thinking about a change!

This coming Friday (14th), Dayfall will be playing a benefit for the Kent Air Ambulance in Sheerness. There will be 4 bands in all, and we are on at 9pm. Venue is the Ivy Leaf. If anyone wants any further details or directions, PM me and I'll happily provide what you need. Please come along and give generously!!

What's the opinion on the Squires? Are they radically different from the standard Mexican Precision? As a '2nd' bass, is the standard really worth the extra?

Thanks guys. This post is really growing, all great advice. Another question - what's the actual differences between the Highway 1 and the standard bass? Is it down to the country of origin, and the price!!

Price-wise, I suppose I'm looking at about £300ish, as it won't be my main bass (can't beat a Ric in my book - sorry!). Any idea on the best places to buy? Supply seems a bit short online - or am I looking in the wrong places? "* You are just as likely to get great Squire as a MIM Fender, they are out there, but the default position is as above. " I gather the Squires are quite a bit cheaper?

Bit of advice required here. I've always played Ric's, but am possibly after a Precision just for practice, the odd rehearsal and maybe the odd gig as well to mix 'n' match. I've a minimal knowledge of these basses - budget-wise, I'm not into spending huge amounts (save that for my Rics!), so as cheap as poss, within reason as it's got to be good enough! I'm just after one that offers good playing, and that big sound (re my other Steve Hanley Fall-related post). Also, where is a good place to buy? My internet searches yield very little. It must be easier to find one! I noticed on the poll that there is loads of Fender owners on here, so it must be the best and most informed place to ask. Please help!

[quote name='The Burpster' post='322402' date='Nov 5 2008, 06:42 AM']The bass is a natural finish US (MIA ) P with what looks like a Tort pickguard, and Maple neck. The sound is classic P - solid state 70s amp. You could get that sound with a 1/2 decent P (as importantly a decent P Pup) and something like an Ashdown or Trace Elliot rig (without going to the more expensive makers).[/quote] A decent P Pup? My abbreviation knowlege needs some work! What's that? Thanks to all the above. Nice to know what he used. I have also seen them a couple of times - in 1997, with the Hanley/Burns rhythm section (as I'm also a drummer, it was my dream night!), and in 2002, which I think was filmed. TBH, the '97 gig was the best. Better group, and more chaotic! It was just months before he sacked all the band, and the gig was looking dubious from the off. The band played the opening riff of 'Masquerade' for about 10 mins before Smith arrived, considerably refreshed. They proceeded to play the loudest gig I've ever attended - including Motorhead! I've not bought the last few LP's - I really should - but I found post '98 that the guys he was working with really lacked any identity or 'groove', like the old Hanley rhythm section. But I do hear that the new LP is a corker!

I've been a big Fall fan for years, and have always totally loved the bass sound and style created by Mr. Steve Hanley when he was a mainstay in the band. Question is, I know he played a Precision througout his time with them, but does anyone know any more about it? What was that colour called - it was kind of yellowey, with (I think) a black scratchplate. I'd love one the same! I'm no Fender expert - I'm a Rickenbacker fan through and through (I'm sure I saw a video clip with him playing one of these as well once?) - but the sound he manages is/was totally fab. Any idea how he got it?

I'd advise all bass fans to check out anything by Erase Errata. Totally brilliant bassing on a Fender Jazz. Saw them live in '03, one of the best gigs I've seen.

Rickenbacker 4003 (2008) in Midnight Blue Rickenbacker 4003 (2003) in Fireglow. I do totally LOVE these things! Next purchase......gotta be a 4001!

Thanks guys. I've bought a set of Rotosound nickels to try (they have, apparantly, blue stitching on the end) so there shouldn't clash with the blue headstock. If all goes well, I'll switch my other bass to nickel as well - but with a red headstock, I'll try some Ernie's or Elites as suggested above. Thanks to all!

Daft question here, so please bear with me... I've always used Rotosound stainless on my Rickenbacker 4003, no problem. However, I've recently acquired another, and have been reading about the negative effects of using stainless because of fret wear, as oppose to nickel. What is the general take on this? Am I right to worry? If anyone has any suggestions...please help! Also, I need a string that is chrome-coloured on the ends - whatever the type - the red Rotosound ends really clash with the head of a midnight blue Ric! I did have some Warwick yellow labels - perfect colour on the ends (!) - but they lacked the depth of the Rotosounds. Hopefully someone can help......

Just like to say a big hello to everybody here on the forum. I've been playing since about '92. Although I am also a drummer - started that back in '85. I'm a Rickenbacker man through and through - bass influences started with Peter Hook, Jah Wobble, Barry Adamson. Style-wise, I love that whole post-punk bass thing - although my own taste goes heavily into soul and jazz as well. Going to post my first question in a mo - so please be gentle!