Peejay

Thank you. So many suggestions and all with good reason. Tried a Fender Rumble (100) today and it was plenty loud. I mean p**s the neighbours off three doors down loud. Probably more than I'm likely to need, but nice to have if you need it, so a consideration. Have read conflicting reviews about PJB. Some people rave about them and others think they're a bit weak due to small speakers???? Usual story I guess, some like some don't, but the problem is not being able to try all of them out, so you end up reliant on subjective web-based opinion (which I'm as guilty as anyone of!). Think I'll visit a store and try a few out. Eventually, it's a compromise, and bearing in mind I only play at home, I can't expect a small combo to deliver a 4X10/big amp output, so I'll go with what I figure I can get the most out of and if that means a bigger budget then it's probably worth it in the long run. Appreciate everyone's comments. Cheers

Yeah. Liking the look of the EBS. Just need a compressor/limiter and I'll have all need. Thanks for the heads up.👍

Wow. Thank you. Sadly, my stepson has brought us a COVID prezzie, so I'm stuck here for a few days. I'll keep an eye out on Gumtree locally (15m South of York, 20m East of Leeds) to see what's available. Much appreciated.

Thanks guys I don't have to worry about being overwhelmed by a drummer or a guitarist with a 100w Marshall stack as I only play at home now - usually to music on my iPad. All the suggestions are gratefully received. Tried both existing amps and fiddled with the EQs but still a little underwhelmed by both so a new amp is where I'm going. The Ashdown EVO sounds like a contender, as does a Fender Rumble, but I also like the look of EBS Classic 120 or even a Roland Cube, although the latter is more of a modelling unit but it does negate the need for pedals. I find a lot of amps are 'voiced' so I'd like something that is clean to start with, but where you can dial in decent tonal variation with the EQ and bass itself (I have plenty of variety in the latter aspect). I also have a Peavey TNT 160 in the garage but it weighs as much as a small planet and all the pots are crackly so it may end up at the local rubbish tip.

Hmmm. I guess I'm an old fart and used to 'normal' amps. Where do you get an EVO 180 from for that money? Neighbour is as deaf as a boot so...! Seen a Roland Cube for about £250 and an EBS for £300 locally. It's like being told to pee in the corner of a barrel!

EBS Session120 or Roland Cube 120XL? Not bothered about onboard effects if the amp is better.

Forgot the Epi Explorer Bass as well! Awesome instrument apart from mega neck dive.

Thanks guys EBS look really impressive and Mark Bass too. I have eight basses (P, J, Ric 4003, Gibson RD, Yamaha 1004J, 2 x EBMM), so plenty of variation as far as input in concerned, but as I mentioned, the amps I currently have deliver pretty much the same result, regardless of EQ. PJB tick most of the boxes, but the Peavey also looks interesting. Plenty to consider here and really appreciate your comments.

Hi folks I may already have what I need amp-wise, but I'd be grateful for recommendations for a combo. Currently have an Ampeg BA-110 and a Blackstar Unity 60, both of which are OK, but the former really tends to sound the same to me regardless of EQ setting and the latter, whilst it has some nice features (onboard compressor and chorus), just seems to lack something somehow. I only play at home now, so don't need a massive power output and 100w or so is probably plenty and mostly play rock, blues, funk-type music, so open to suggestions. Budget is circa £600. Cheers

Just bought some Hipshot HB1 tuners from them and spoke with Mark on the phone. Great guy who always seems to have the time to discuss things. Bought a Nordy MM pickup from them recently as well and very impressed with their service.

Sting

Quick update. Took the basses to the luthier guy who sorted my RD and really pleased with the results. The Nordy in the Sterling really does sound like an authentic pre-EB Stingray and the Delano in the SUB brings it alive. Both different but like them both and add a wide range of tonal variation to the collection. Cost me £100 including a new nut on the SUB so well pleased. Just need to update the tuners on the Sterling now! Like Gotohs best but not sure they do a version which fits, so may go Schaller rather than Hipshot.

Thanks for all the help and guidance. Decided to err on the side of caution given all the advice about possible pitfalls and took the bass to the guy who did a part refret on my Gibson RD Artist recently. For £25 plus a couple of gallons of fuel it's not worth risking making a hash of things. He's also fitting a Delano and a new nut to my SUB 4 so I have two MM types to choose from.

👍 Thank you.

Thanks guys. I was planning on joining old and new wires rather than solder terminals on the delicate circuit board/pre-amp, but the heat shrink is a good idea. Where would you get that from? Battery will be out. There's nobody local that I'm aware of who I can pass the job onto, so I'll need to have a go myself I guess.

Wise words and thank you. I was going to take a few photos on my phone to use as reference, but one at a time and patience seem to be the way to go along with pre-tinning. I have the finesse of a buffalo so hopefully it will work out OK. 😁

Brilliant advice. Thanks guys.

Hi all I've just bought a Nordstrand pickup for my SBMM Stingray and the connecting wires are tiny! Does anyone have any hints and tips on how to go about unsoldering the existing wires and then soldering the new ones on? Any help gratefully received. I suppose a decent soldering iron would be a good start. Cheers Paul

I always wanted a Ric having played an old 4001 years ago, but could never really afford one. When I left my previous job I decided to buy one as a leaving present to myself, so bought a used black 2002 4003 (without the trick tone control) which had just had a pro set up. Waiting list is well over 12 months for a new one and £2k+ so the £1300 I paid felt like a bargain, especially as the bass is largely unmarked - it was bought by a Bruce Foxton fan who didn't actually play much and it's never been gigged. Hated the neck pickup cover so bought the bezel with thumb rest from Rickysounds and after a while I just got used to it. As others have said, the neck doesn't taper much so it's a bit of a baseball bat, but action is nice and low with no buzzes, so it plays pretty well. Thought about a Hipshot bridge to replace the weird Ric version but not got round to that yet. That new Babicz looks the business though. The pickups definitely have their own individual character, but I manage to get some decent tone variation by experimenting with balance and tone controls. You pays your money and takes your choice. If you don't like 'em buy something else. If I fall out with it I could probably recoup my investment.

Not necessarily the 'greatest' but faves are: Joe Walsh, Nils Lofgren, Kirby Gregory (formerly of Curved Air and Stretch - check out 'You can't beat your brain for entertainment', Chris Rea - amazing slide player, Clapton, Gary Rossington (Lynyrd Skynyrd), etc. Prince was a great player and had his own distinctive sound. Lots of brilliant players who aren't household names. Guess it all depends what you like and what you don't.

Thanks. I've owned it since new and despite its weight I love it. Neck has only ever needed one quarter turn of the truss rod in all that time. It's not that complicated really and I rarely use the onboard effects to be honest, but it's so versatile without them. Hopeful that I'll get it sorted without too much fuss.

'78 RD Artist. Had it from new. Bit of an issue with the output but should get it fixed shortly. Sounds awesome and really versatile. Great for upper body muscle tone too as it weighs a ton.

I think it's oxidation that's the issue. 43 years old and bound to have a few issues. Amp tech says he'll check that out. It's really the only problem I've ever had. Neck is that good that it's only ever required one tweak of the truss rod. Apart from a partial re-fret and replacing the 3 point bridge with a Hipshot it's all original.

Thanks for your reply. It's possibly a poor solder joint or pot because all the onboard stuff works fine. Found an amp guy in Leeds who will take a look in a couple of weeks so fingers crossed. I'll change the battery connector anyway based on your suggestion.

Hi all I wondered if anyone could help with the above. I've owned my '78 Gibson RD Artist Bass from new and it hasn't been gigged for years, so it spends too much time in its case. I love the versatility of the bass (despite its weight) but recently noticed that the output volume had dropped massively. Changed the battery and no difference. Everything seems to work OK apart from the output is lower than all my passive basses, so suspect that it may be a pre-amp issue? Anyone resolved a similar problem, or perhaps know someone in Yorkshire who could fix it? Thanks in advance. Paul