Count Bassy

Thanks for your thoughts chaps. Spoke to Rockem Music and it's being collected on Monday to be returned to Ibanez/distributor to be looked at, so full marks to 'Rockem' so far - not a quibble. I must say that I'm happy that I've made the right decision there. Also gleaned from them that this model is being discontinued from March, but they didn't know what was coming next. (I'll be spitting if its a 1x12 !!) Prometheans are obviously popular, if rare. They said that they'd had three in and they'd all gone in 24 hours! Thanks again, The count.

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1323984131' post='1469614'] ...can you force the input clip light on by cranking the input gain? [/quote] Yes, If I turn the gain up. If the output clipped when the input clipped I'd understand it. IF the output clipped at 9 I'd understand it, but this clipping at 3 -4 ish, with the input not clipping at all. Clive.

I posted a question on this a few days ago but that thread sank without trace, so I'll try again. I received my Promethean a few days ago and found that the power stage clipping LED is coming on with the master volume at about 10 O-clock, despite the input clipping indicator not coming on. Scouring the internet it seems that this is a common 'Feature'. What I am also finding though, is that almost as soon as it starts to clip each note I play starts with a very sharp click, which sounds almost as if its originating in the speaker itself (Couldn't swear to this). Is this also a 'feature' or does it indicate a faulty unit which needs returning? For an amp combo that's meant to be 250 watts this clicking means its usable volume is little more than my old marshal B65 combo (65 watts), which is obviously an expensive disappointing. Your comments would be much appreciated as if it does need returning then the sooner the better. I haven't spoken to the supplier yet, but thought I'd get your thoughts first. Many thanks in advance, Clive.

Hi My new Promethean arrived today. I've only played with it for about 30mins, but I have a bit of a concern: As those with one one will know this has two clipping LEDs, one on the input and one on the output (combined with the power LED). I have set this up so that when playing the clip LED on the input is just at the point were it never comes on. But when I turn the master volume up the output clip indicator starts to flash to red with the volume at a around 9 - 10 O-clock, and when this clip LED is coming each note starts with a sharp 'click'. The thing is that if I keep the volume below the point where the output clips than this beast is no louder than my old Marshall B65 (65 Watt). This thing is meant to be 250 watts as a stand alone combo! Is this normal.? Have I done something wrong? Is this a duff unit? Should I bee returning it. Quick feedback would be appreciated in case I end up having to return it. Clive.

[quote name='crez5150' timestamp='1323634645' post='1465310'] Hi Guys I'm working for Headstock Distribution in the UK (though not on the guitar side) and can honestly say that if you have any issues with UK bought stock, they are a very friendly and efficient company for sorting issues out. Having spent a few weeks in the office there listening in on the phone calls, the team are on the case. Hope that is some reassurance... [/quote] Yeas that is reassuring - thanks. [quote name='crez5150' timestamp='1323634645' post='1465310'] .... PS I hear on the Grapevine there are more developments from Ibanez regarding this range of bass amps...... ;o) [/quote] Now you tell me !!! (Joking by the way). Would those developments include a 1 x12 version perchance? The Count

Well, I've done it ! Now it's time to repent at leisure!! One actually came up on E_bay this morning, brand new, from Rock-em Music at £515, so I've gone for that rather than Thomann. I'll let you all know how it goes! Thanks for you thoughts, The count.

As per the title I'm very nearly ready to buy myself a small lightweight but pokey and sensibly priced combo (Christmas present from my wife), and the Promethean seems to fit the bill - On paper! Therein lies the problem. In today's world of internet shopping you can't get to try this stuff, and £550 is an awful lot of money to spend on something you've not even tried. I've hardly seem any bad things said about them ( a few comments about hiss, and one about clipping), except when compared with gear that costs twice as much. I know that Thomann (seem to be the cheapest currently) will take stuff back if you're not happy, but I'm still feeling a bit uneasy about pressing the 'buy' button. Anybody out there got words of reassurance for me, or even words of warning? I need to press the button soon if I'm to get it by Christmas. Thanks, The Count.

[quote name='simon1964' timestamp='1323474386' post='1463872'] "If you tolerate this" is a fantastic song. The root note plodding may be simple, but it works IMO. [/quote] "If you tolerate this" is an awful song (IMHO), beyond redemption by any bass line.

Thanks for all your input. Having considered it all I've gone for the 17s based on the fact that they should prevent further damage but not isolate me too much (especially given that my hearing is already down in one ear- due to an old infection not noise damage). They should be here in about 10 days and I'll report back how I get on with them. The Count

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1322246087' post='1448645'] I dont want to go down this route in this thread really but 415 volts is measured between 2 phases (660 across all 3) so it would just earth across your tongue like the battery does from one terminal to the other, it [i]always[/i] takes the eaisest path to flow so it would not earth through your body although the surge [u]would[/u] be massive and [u]would[/u] fry your tongue in fairness [/quote] It doesn't quite work like that. Each phase of a standard three phase supply is referenced to earth (240VAc). Because of the 120 deg phase difference a 240Vac supply gives 415Vac (RMS) between phases. If you stuck two phases on your tongue then there would be a very large current between the two phases due to the voltage and the low resistance. However each connection would still be at 240V relative to earth, say your feet, so you'd still get the current flowing from each phase to earth through your body. If the supply had a limited capacity then the available then the current would be divided according to the voltage and the resistance between the various connections, but if the supply is effectively limitless (which any three phase supply is likely to be - in terms of the currents through your body) then each circuit would draw a current as if it was the only connection. So, if you stick a three phase supply on your tongue you'd still get a current through your body the same or worse as if you just stuck as single 240V supply on your tongue. Do not try this at home (Or anywhere)

[quote name='paulconnolly' timestamp='1322247645' post='1448669'] Can I ask: How much do these cost? When you say moulded are they a "one size fits all" or specifically moulded to your ear shape like a hearing aid mould? If specifically moulded who does it and where do you go to get it done? [/quote] These were £120, and are the ones custom moulded to your ear. Bought the plugs off the net, you register them on line and they direct you to a local audiologist to get the impressions made. In my case the audiologist was a Scrivens (the opticians) in Rugby. Impressions etc. are all included in the original purchase price.

NOTE: Just checked and the choice is actually 17 or 24dB (rather than 22dB). Apart from that the question remains the same

NOTE: Just checked and the choice is actually 17 or 24dB. Apart form that the question remains the same I've bought some pro-guard moulded ear plugs. Impressions all done and ready to send off, so the question is Green (17dB) or Red (22dB) filters. My son (a drummer) has the 22dB ones and says that you can still hear everything fine, and still hold conversations, so why wouldn't you go for those. Spoke the the bloke at Proguard who said that the 17dB ones are generally enough. Being a bass player I do spend quite a bit of time stood next to the drums, and the drummer in one of my current bands is particularly loud. So which would the collective wisdom of Bass Chat recommend? Thanks in advance, The Count.

[quote name='Fat Rich' timestamp='1321464483' post='1439537'] Sorry but this flow chart is nonsense. What's gigging got to do with anything? Chop off the bottom few boxes and it'll be spot on. [/quote] Especially the box that says 'You've probably got enough' Replace it with 'what the hell' and an arrow pointing to 'buy more guitars'

I.e. somewhere where I can actually try one out? I don't mind paying a few extra quid over the on-line price for the privilege. I'm in Daventry, so anywhere in a 50 mile radius would do, which includes Birmingham, Leicester, Coventry, Milton Keynes etc. Don't really want to be bothered with central London as I'd want to take my basses to try through it, so want to be able to park somewhere close. Any ideas ? Thanks The Count PS. Just realised that you have to be careful typing 'Count'!

[quote name='charic' timestamp='1320494242' post='1427509'] did you have it insured? [/quote] He did have it insured, but I suspect it won't cover theft from a 'non-secure' place (i.e. a gig), you know what these insurance companies are like. Understandably he's gutted.

Just a pointer to another thread in the Basses forums that I've started. Went missing in Northampton last night. Decided to put a pointer to that thread here as well as I suspect that it will get seen more. Thanks.

A black 4string Mexican Fender Jazz complete with Gig bag went missing from the back room of 'The Racehorse' in Northampton last night. Somewhere between 10.30 and 11pm. This belonged to the bassist in my son's band, who were playing at a multi band gig there. It is possible that one of the other bands picked it up by accident, E-mails have been sent to them all, but no replies received yet. Hopefully this was a mistake and it will be returned, but it is possible that it was actually stolen. It's a bit battered and has a white rectangle stuck on the upper horn. I will try and find photo's of it and should have the serial number soon. Local shops have been informed and E-bay will be watched, but if anyone should come across something like this for sale in odd circumstances please be wary, and/or let me know. Thanks in advance, EDITED: Here's a picture. Of course the White rectangle is probably easily removed. From the multicoloured 'Balls' I guess they're D'addario strings.

[quote name='dave_bass5' timestamp='1320063399' post='1421688'] No experience with that although i have seen it mentioned a few times. There have been a few threads similar to this, might be worth doing a search and see what others use/think. [/quote] Dave, I've just done that search and find that I was asking the same question 3 years ago!, when I ended up buying the MP-BT1. The GTR1 was around then it seems, but was £265 at the time - twice the price of the MP-BT1. The GTR-1 can now be got for £160 via Amazon! Clive Edited to say - actually £190 seems to be more typical for the GTR-1, though some are on Amazon at £160

Thanks for your thoughts so far chaps. Just come across the Tascam GTR1. Seems to be like a MB-BT1, but with a basic drum machine built in as well (and recording and other stuff I don't specifically need), for around £160. Has anybody any experience of these?

[quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1320016904' post='1421414'] iPhone? There's many apps for it that have stonking sounds. if you don't need midi, then could be what you need. [/quote] Thanks for the prompt reply. I don't have an I phone, or know anything about them. Could I plug then bass in and have the drums and bass in the headphones?

As per my other post on drum machines, I've broken my vow of silence, so the pent up questions of the last 3 months are all coming together! My trusty old Marshall B65 practice amp has given up which means I can look around for something else with a clear conscience, especially as I am now rehearsing with a band again. I'm looking for something lightweight and portable, which would need to do practices and possibly smaller/quieter gigs (with extension cab if required). Things that spring to mind are: Ibanez Promethean P5110 at £450 ish Ibanez Promethean P5210 at £670 ish Probably abit outside my range Roland Cube 100 £325 ish. Discontinued, but still available Roland Cube 120XL £440 ish (worth the extra over the Cube 100??) [b] [size=4]TC Electronic BG500 210 £580 ish (the TC COMBO 450 is just too expensive)[/size][/b] I am an amateur and always will be, and am an OK player, but not spectacularly good, so I've got keep it real in terms of cost. For this reason I naturally lean towards the single speaker Promethean or one of the Roland cubes, and second hand is always an attractive option. Sound wise I tend to go for 'middy', but like a rich bass on occasions. I don't slap so probably don't need Hi-Fi treble response, and I generally have the treble tailing off a bit. MY main rig is a Marshall DBS7400 into a Musicman HD212 (2 x 12" + 1 x 8"), which I like the sound of very much. Any opinions on the above, or other suggestions, would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance. Clive

Having broken my vow of silence (I lasted three months) I thought I might as well pick the collective brains of Bass Chat. I have a Tascam Bass Trainer (MP-BT1), which is great, but it doesn't have any sort of drum machine beyond a basic metronome (useful but dull). I'm therefore on the look out for something which includes a drum machine/patterns. Doesn't need to be too sophisticated or programmable, just needs to knock out a range of basic patterns, but does need to portable and operate without a PC. Sort of thing I'm looking for is the Korg Pandora, or other manufacturer's equivalents. Most of these seem to have no/very limited MP3 'play along facility (as per the Tascam) so I'd probably end up with two devices in my case! I don't really need to record anything, and have little use for effects. Also, regarding the Pandora, I can still get a Pandora 4 for £99, whereas the '5' is more like £190. Obviously the 5 does more, but is it worth almost twice as much? Should I be considering the Pandora Micro? Anyone out there got any experience of such things and able to give me words of wisdom? Thanks in advance, Clive

[quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1319787030' post='1418498'] Anyway welcome back but why did you go and exhile yourself? [/quote] Nothing sinister, just found I was spending far too much time on here instead of playing my bass!!, and to be honest dropping out (of posting only - not reading) did give me a load of time back. [quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1319822110' post='1419060'] Wecome back Did you ever get that Leicester band thing sorted out? Or have you got a new proj. under way? [/quote] Well remembered Skank! I did get it sorted out in that I told them how I was feeling about the distance and a few of the other problems I was having (sound quality at rehearsals etc - purely acoustics - not a problem with the playing) and said that I'd understand if, given that, they found another bass player, which they did. All reasonably amicable, although I'd say it all in a conversation rather than by E-mail next time. E-mails have no subtlety. After a few unsuccessful auditions I started to wonder if I had been a bit hasty, but I've now found something else which looks promising, about 20 minutes away, so it all worked out OK eventually. The count.

Hello again, If I am right then a remarkable coincidence has caused me to break my self imposed exile ( have been lurking but not posting for about 6 months) Anyway, I seem to recall someone posting a photograph of a a car reg 'BA55 STU' several months ago. I only followed that very registration tonight, north bound on the M25 from the queue for the Dartford tunnel to the end of the road works (10 - 15 miles in all!). Wow (or nor if I'm wrong) The count