Nebadon2000

Since 1974 up to present I have had only 1 Bass at a time [Have Acoustic Takamine for couch noodling now].

Being a low paid Amateur Club Bassist[100-300 Gig] with maybe a thousand Gig's and DIY recordings of the 1 Original Band I played with was lucky I guess; never had a problem.

From 75 to 2001 had a American 1975 P [Sold it; thought I was done] 2002-2013 A 2001 American P, 2013-16 EBMM REFLEX 2017-2019 EBMM Stingray 90's,12-2019 to present Fender Ultra Precision.

My luck also was good with Amps also had an SVT from 75-80 playing 3 to 5 Gig's a week never had a breakdown.

I played hard and loud most of those 45 years even now😀

The 2X8 is a 4 ohm cab standard but you can special order an 8 ohm. Have not been able to hear GRbass Aero Cabs but their number one on my radar.

For me I am eyeing the 2X12 Slim but 4x8 is a consideration. The Trace Elf 2X8 I listened to was impressive

Vintage to me means 50's to 70's and prices reflect that. If looking for value a good 'used' Fender Precision 2008 to recent would be my recommendation.

Might as well also give new Pro II a listen and feel.

A used Markbass CMD 121P will handle small gig's easily and do medium sized clubs also for about 450-500 for mint one. [30lbs]

If you prefer 2x10 the CMD 102P used should be similar priced at 38lbs

I see string manufacturers are selling BEAD string sets GHS Boomers has a set with 3 gauge sizes. I have seen a few others also names escape me now.

On 20/03/2020 at 18:55, hooky_lowdown said:

 

I'd go for the Vintera, lots of cool colours, and an excellent happy medium.

👍

Flat can be tricky; in my experience when amps are set at at noon on all EQ controls it is sound/tone designer wanted using various popular Basses and speakers including their own. There are outlier's whom have 2-10-2 as flat so when you have controls at noon you get Scooped sound a pleasing tone when used solo like in shops when auditioning and controversial for live full band use. 

When auditioning amps for me I like to find an amp with balanced overall frequency [to my ears]  with good clarity[articulate] and coherence with a tone I like set flat per manufacture with my Bass. That also is accurate enough to let you hear the difference in Speakers and Bass's.

I then mostly keep controls Flat and mainly use Technique and small adjustments on my Bass EQ or tone control to adjust tone preference for song's and subtle adjustments for room. [can use pedals also] Not fond of drastic baked in sound that makes all basses and speakers sound similar with dominant baked sound even if it's a pleasing one.

Also important is an amp that can keep its overall balanced sound at Gig volumes; many change their character drastically when pushed.  

👍 for Roundwounds

I just bought one of these for my CMD 121P, on it's way;

https://reverb.com/item/19910861-markbass-leather-amp-handle?utm_campaign=BundledCheckoutMailer%23notify_buyer_purchase_complete&utm_source=sendgrid&utm_medium=email

If you want a Sadowsky Bass get one with a headstock that looks like this; 

There are 5 B Stocks of Metroexpress on Reverb already.

43 minutes ago, Doddy said:

Patronising - It means to talk down to someone.

✌️

10 hours ago, Doddy said:

 

The rest I completely diagree with. Calling US Fenders and those 'entry level pro' is successful marketing and in reality, total bull. They aren't inherently any better or more professional than their Mexican or Korean counterparts, especially because CNC machinery is so accurate and consistent.

It's like I said earlier- in the professional world, no one cares what make your bass is as long as you sound good and play well. Don't get me wrong, I love and play expensive basses but ultimately no one cares if I turn up with my F Bass or my Sire. In fact, I know of 2 of the busiest bass players in London, one regularly uses Sire basses, and the other often uses an old Hohner B2A.

Bless your Heart. My feelings/opinion are based on my Experience and how 'I' perceive the Idea. I hear you but you seem to be making an 'Assertion'.

assertion - opinion dressed up as a fact

PS; Eliminating those whom have sold a multitude of Records; I know many of the busiest Bassist Live and Studio in my area whom use Fender Americans, EBMM and Sadowsky's. So What.

You may[it's subjective] consider a Pro Bass one that is carefully designed, built and with competent QC; using 'A' level Woods, hardware and electronics; durable with excellent tone.

But a  "Pro Bass" does not make a Pro Player [I am my own evidence😀]

But it may be safe to say a Pro Player will sound like a Pro Player with most any Bass.

IMHO American Fender, G&L, Yamaha BB, Ibanez Premium and similar are entry level "Pro" with Ibanez Prestige, EBMM, Lakland maybe a tad of a step up in overall quality then we get into Sadowsky NYC, Fondera, Wal and the like.

Back in 70's [and up to now] many "Pro Players" got their Basses of the Wall at Sam Ash like the rest of us, my guess looking for better they spawned things like Fender Custom Shop and many of Boutique builders we see now [Sadowsky NYC etc.]

Maybe if they put 'Sadowsky' were Metroexpress is now  and Logo on Back of headstock?

13 hours ago, Stub Mandrel said:

As supplied  fitted to my Flea bass which I realise I have now had for 11 months played nearly every other day on average (I even managed to gig it once before lockdown!) and though not as bright as they were still sound passable.

As our birthdays are only 12 days apart I think we should get treated to a new set 🙂

Posted to talkbass recently;

"When I bought my Ultra Precision that came with 7250M my thoughts were what strings I would replace them with. But the overall sound was excellent with Fenders on Bass; so I kept them on. After breakin they were great. Kept them 10 months stayed in tune and intonation never budged and still sounded fine [just a tad dull] before I changed just 2 weeks ago to Markbass Ultimate 45-105 [I have been willing lately to be Guinea Pig hence Bass and strings] Bass has been a winner will see with strings soon [so far smoother feel, warmer tone out of package]"

If Markbass strings don't workout I will be buying another 7250M Set. Yes there are most likely great strings from many manufactures available but this time I will go with 'What I Know'
 

Gruvgear has some nice straps; I bought the FABRK, comfortable, contemporary and easy to adjust

Fender 7250M [45-105] Age well, stay in tune/keep intonation, inexpensive and sound excellent. IME

Original Post:

I just installed [handbuilt] Markbass Ultimate Nickle Rounds 45-105 on my Fender Ultra Precision. [Had Fender 7250M from factory]

First impression out of package;
The soft touch claim is accurate and although being HEX core they are pliable and bend nicely with a well balanced tension. Slightly less than Fenders.

Fresh; the overall sound is somewhat warmer than Fenders or other Nickle's I have used when new.
They are very coherent and articulate; E string tone is deep, tight and focused all strings have a nice articulate grind and bite.

I will see how they progress during break in but as of now I am pleased, are they worth more than twice the price as some excellent production strings [$40] ; maybe not looking at it that way but for $2-4 a month depending on how long they last I am fine with that; a small investment if it makes my playing experience a little better.

On 26/10/2020 at 05:37, Cat Burrito said:

I think the bronze strings pump out the volume but compromise on tone with an acoustic bass. Personally I prefer flats on an electro acoustic bass as the tone is more to my taste... but of course the volume is compromised.

I hear ya, If I was going to plug in for Gig's I would try some La Bella LTF. The tone with GHS Pressurewound Bronze is more than acceptable for me just noodling/practicing on couch mainly.

Those older Trace Bass Heads sounded great and was an actual Trace Elliot; the Elf is a Peavey you already got one sort of😀

7 hours ago, achavarin said:

my only issue with Rays is that it is a "one trick pony" (but its a darned good trick!). 

SBMM now has HH versions with Roasted Maple neck; may be more versatile and also do that 'One Trick'

On 01/10/2020 at 04:25, casapete said:

Look forward to hearing your thoughts on the GHS set. I’m a long time user of bronzewounds, and always been fairly happy with what I’ve had. Started out using Elites, then went onto D’Addarios and now Fender 8060’s ( which I have a feeling may be made by D’Addario?). The Fenders are well priced and last a reasonably long time, although don’t seem to give much warning of when they need changing! I’ve been meaning to try some other types of strings for a while now, so keep us posted. Cheers.

Just got them on yesterday but my first impression aligns with GHS own copy; [would add they feel great also]

from GHS website;

"GHS Pressurewound Bronze strings are an exciting development. The final cover is run through precision rollers during the winding process, slightly flattening the wrap. This process results in the first phosphor bronze bass string that does not have harsh and abrasive overtones and finger noise, just a smooth mid-focused sound."

PS; My broken in D'Addario Bronze had less of the negative effects described and sounded pretty good but unless you were careful string squeak was annoyingly loud and disruptive. The GHS have the good qualities [loud, bright, clear, easy to fret] but none of bad quality's.

Here you go; https://www.musik-produktiv.com/gb/ampeg-heritage-50th-anniversary-svt.html

Should get a few Quid for Aggie and Markbass to cover VAT and use Thunder Bass for home practice

SWR 400S but I like my Italian class 'D' Markbass