Mr.T

One word.... ZOOM. For a cheap 'multi' you will get excellent bag for your buck with a Zoom! Either: A used BFX708 can be picked up for very little money and I would highly recommend them. It will do about anything you need from a Fx unit. or: A B2 for a little more cash. (I have no a vested interest in Zoom, I just think that for the price they cannot be beaten).

The Line6 and the GT6b get very mixed reviews on their synth sections. Some people seem to rave about them and others state that they simply don't work ... I fell into the latter category. Hence, I have been thinking "Is this an input signal level issue?" (E-Bow... could be interesting?)

Over the past few years, I have owned and sold several 'multis' (Line6, GT6b) and have always found that the synths and octavers dropped in and out. I am now in the process of setting up my new Korg AX300b, and although I don't use synths I noticed when messing about at home that I am having the same issue with the Korg. Then I noticed that if I hit the strings really hard (for me) the synths and the envelope filters worked. Ok, I thought... I must have a very light touch (not something I have ever realised before). Then I thought... Would running a compressor (to boost the signal) before synth/octave/envelope effects be a good idea?

[quote name='BassManKev' post='329568' date='Nov 15 2008, 10:26 AM']wow, really suprised it doesnt have an eq, i wonder why korg didnt include one??[/quote] The amps (which can be used as EQ's) and drives are in the same section, so it only seems possible to use one or the other??? .... Unless I am missing something!

Thanks for the replies. I only use 'drive' type effects on a couple of songs, so I guess I could do it either way. i.e..... Stomp box for drive and Korg for EQ (There seems to be a couple of 'clean' amps on the AX3000b) or Drive using the Korg and use my amp EQ. I am currently thinking the first option would be simpler as I can use the 'Insert' on the Korg to run the external stomp box, and keep the whole thing operated with one foot. Also, my amp has a 12 band graphic which I like to set-up and then leave alone. What do you guys like/dislike about the Korg?

Hi, I have just taken delivery of a Korg AX3000b with a view to replacing my trusty old Zoom BFX708. Having spent a couple of hours getting it 'ready to gig', here are my first impressions of the main effects I will be using... Chorus... Nice, with lots of adjustment. Wah... Very good for a multi. Ring modulator (I only use this on one song)... Again very tweakable. Drives... They seem 'useable', but..... Here is my question: As the unit doesn't have an EQ (Surprisingly!) I think I might run a seperate stomp box and use one of the modelled amps to tweak the tone. If there any gigging AX3000b owners out there... How do you get around the fact that you cannot use one of the Drives and an amp for EQ'ing at the same time? Are you running stomp boxes with it, and if so... what? Hope that all makes sense.

[quote name='cheddatom' post='325854' date='Nov 10 2008, 12:36 PM']If you're happy with the 708 but want better quality, try a B2.1U![/quote] +1 The B2.1u is (in my opinion) exceptionally clean and quiet.... as well as being very versatile. I just don't like the display, so I don't use mine.

[quote name='grosa' post='326125' date='Nov 10 2008, 06:06 PM']you could so fit an 8x10 on that tank! its huge![/quote] ....It wouldn't do the paintjob any favours though!

I use Trace for gigs and a little Marshall B25 combo for home. With a bit of tweaking I can get very close to 'my sound' out of the little Marshall... and they are pretty cheap (and light).

[quote name='alexclaber' post='325238' date='Nov 9 2008, 12:36 PM']With your current amp it depends on how loud you play. You do have a good onboard compressor and those old TE heads are notably loud for their power rating so it certainly won't be quiet! But with a more powerful amp then it should match them in terms of max SPL. Alex[/quote] I rarely go past '2' on the output stage of the amp. ... So is that a "yes"? As I have said earlier, I don't want to compromise my current sound quality by 'going light'.

[quote name='alexclaber' post='324988' date='Nov 8 2008, 08:54 PM']The Compact will do a far better job for 99% of players and the unEQ'd bottom end is likely to be similar to the small Trace 15" but it'll handle more power down there (and thus you can easily add fatness with EQ without mud/boom/farting occurring). Alex[/quote] Would one of these 'Compacts' take the place of my two cabs?

[quote name='alexclaber' post='324245' date='Nov 7 2008, 03:25 PM']Which cab do you prefer the sound of, your 2x10"+5" or your 1x15"? Or more precisely, whose highs do you prefer, whose mids and whose lows? How do you set your EQ normally? What's your ideal bass sound? Alex[/quote] Ok, I have tried each cab (albeit in my front room), one at a time and.... Well, to my ears they don't sound enormously different! With a small tweak of my Status on-board EQ, I can get more than enough top, bottom or middle out of either cab without even reaching for the graphic on my amp. So... Do I need a tweeter.... probably not. What cabs no I get to replace these.... I have no idea! p.s. Anyone know the weight of a 'Big Deep One'?

[quote name='MoJoKe' post='324579' date='Nov 7 2008, 11:07 PM']The only thing I am noticing with the 708II is that it seems to be degrading my signal, even in standby. It doesn't matter whether I am using a passive or active bass, if I put the zoom between my bass and my MB151 combo, it makes the signal muddy and a bit distorted.... Plug directly in and it is all fine. Is that normal? If so, I don't like it!![/quote] Unfortunately, the '708' does degrade the signal. It is noticable when playing on your own, but maybe not when playing with a band? That newer B2 unit doesn't seem to suffer with this problem.

[quote name='alexclaber' post='324723' date='Nov 8 2008, 11:06 AM']For a moment I thought you were talking about your wife! Alex[/quote] ...Although she is pretty handy when in comes to load up the V-Dub!

[quote name='alexclaber' post='324709' date='Nov 8 2008, 10:40 AM']Be honest, you want to turn up to gigs on your bike don't you? Alex[/quote] Would be cool! ..... My Sharan doesn't quite have the same impact

[quote name='4000' post='324516' date='Nov 7 2008, 09:27 PM']What I'm currently trying to find ........ is something that gets close to the tone of my old pre-Kevlar Trace 4x10 (or even the 1153 compact 1x15) but in a lighter package.[/quote] Sounds like we are on the same mission! I have gone from... 1 x 15 The big old one. to 4 x 10 Even heavier. to 1 x 15 (1153) & 2 x 10 + 5 (2103). And now want to go 'lighter'.

[quote name='Delberthot' post='324629' date='Nov 8 2008, 12:44 AM']As far as carrying cabs goes- The recessed, non moving ones (like the ones Schroeder uses) are more user friendly for carrying one handed rather than the hinged ones that Trace used. You don't say where you are from - you may be surprised to find a lightweight cab owner near you that may let you try.[/quote] You hit the nail on the head... It is as much a problem with those hinged handles. I weighed the cabs last night and they come out at around: 1 x 15 = 55lbs. 2 x 10 + 5 = 70lbs. Not lightweights, but not ridiculously heavy either! .... and I am West Cornwall.

[quote name='alexclaber' post='324466' date='Nov 7 2008, 08:25 PM']I can totally see that, those old TE cabs, particularly the 2x10"+5" were really great for their era and still stack up well now. Before spending any money it could help to try each cab individually - you might really miss that 5" speaker if you go for a conventional woofer+tweeter cab but then again you might not. Alex[/quote] Good advice, thanks. I'll try that and report back.

[quote name='alexclaber' post='324245' date='Nov 7 2008, 03:25 PM']Which cab do you prefer the sound of, your 2x10"+5" or your 1x15"? Or more precisely, whose highs do you prefer, whose mids and whose lows? How do you set your EQ normally? What's your ideal bass sound? Alex[/quote] Hi, Good question but... I have only ever gigged using both of them together, so difficult to say which one I prefer. I set my amp EQ with the middle slightly cut, and tend to only adjust the bass boost on my Status to suit the venue, turning the treble cut on the bass for one or two numbers we play. I guess I would describe my sound as 'Old School'.... kind of warm but with a ring to it (If that makes sense). I don't like 'farty' or 'clanky' sounding bass. I play mainly finger style (with the odd slap and pull off) and use chords a fair amount. Ideal bass sound? Pino when playing with Paul Young... without so much chorus. Mark King... His solo stuff when playing 'fingers'. I am not wanting to change my cabs to get a better sound (although warmer would be nice)... It is really just a weight thing!

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='324180' date='Nov 7 2008, 01:31 PM']Not surprised your back is shot... look at the bike! [/quote] Fortunately, I don't have to pick the bike up.... I didn't exactly build it to be lightwieght! If only I still had my Bass roadie, this wouldn't be an issue. I could get the big old Trace 4 x 10 out again.

Here is where my thinking is at... so far! Either: One Shroeder 1212L (19kg) or Two Zoot 1x12's (12kg each) (Either option would cost about the same at £550-£600). ... and keep my Trace GP12 250smx head. I know that the only way to be sure is to gig them, but all comments will be gratefully received as I will have to buy either set-up mail order and take my chances.

[quote name='Delberthot' post='323661' date='Nov 6 2008, 06:50 PM']I sold my nearly mint vinyl 1153 with replacement Celestion 300w 4ohm driver and vinyl cover for about £200 a couple of years ago. You'll find out loads about lightweight cabs here. my tuppence worth is that I now run a single Schroeder 1212L which would easily replace your 2 cabs and come in at around your budget[/quote] There seems to be an almost overwhelming choice of cabs available. The problem I have is that: 1). I am a bit out of touch with whats hot and whats not. 2). I live miles away from a big music store. 3). I have bought gear from shops in the past, only to be dissappointed when gigging. I read up on the Shroeder which gets rave reviews.... not sure about having my amp so low to the floor? It is not 'size' that is an issue here, it is weight... (My back is pretty shot!). My Trace cabs are awkward to pick up as the handles don't seem to have been designed with 'lugging it across a car park on your own in mind'. Would be nice to load/unload my cabs without waiting for a hand from one of the other band members.

[quote name='dannybuoy' post='323484' date='Nov 6 2008, 02:57 PM']So do I but I like the idea of really cheap cabs at the moment and I know that 1153 is a good 'un that's really good bang for buck. Check out Alex's cabs at barefacedbass.com. You might be able to get away with replacing both of your cabs with a single 'Big One' (it's not that big).[/quote] Thanks, I'll take a look. How much would you pay for a 1153 in very nice condition?

[quote name='dannybuoy' post='323467' date='Nov 6 2008, 02:44 PM']I thought the 1153 was pretty lightweight for a 15 anyway - I was actually looking out for one to add a bit more bottom to my 10" iAmp 350 combo so let me know if you want to get rid of it![/quote] Hi Danny, The 1153 is fairly light... it is my 2x10 cab that I find awkward at about 65lbs. I'll pm you if and when I sell. I just like the idea of 'really' light cabs.

[quote name='Musky' post='323465' date='Nov 6 2008, 02:40 PM']So at a guess you'd be saving maybe 10lbs. Most of the weight comes from the wood in the cabs.[/quote] Hi Musky, Sounds like I'll have to look into new cabs to go 'light'. I'd never heard of lightweight bass cabs before joining this forum a few days ago. I live in a sleepy backwater and obviously need to get out more!!!! I've trawled the net and there is just sooooo much choice.