Count Bassy

This just illustrates that Bass players , including Jaco Pastorious, are pretty much a minority interest in the wider world. I'd never heard of Jaco Pastorious until I discovered this site (and I'm still not a fan).

The strings on my Ibanez SR505, which are the ones fitted when I bought it (second hand), have gone furry! I assume that they were coated strings and that this is the coating dying and coming off. The strings also seem to have gone very dull sounding, with poor sustain, which I assume is related to this. Is there anything I can do to make these playable again? Is there a way to get the remaining coating off and would this help anyway? Do I just need to fit new (non coated) strings? The Count

[quote name='Bill Fitzmaurice' timestamp='1325465942' post='1483487'] +1, and that's another reason why even rating amps with watts is of dubious value. They should be rated by voltage swing, just as light bulbs should be rated by lumens, which completely removes the fudge factor. But that's very much diametrically opposed to the goals of marketing. [/quote] And current capacity. A 100v voltage swing is no good if it can only deliver 0.1 amps! But then if you talk voltage swing and amps you're quickly heading back towards watts, or VA at least, and then are we talking peak voltage swing or RMS voltage swing, and so on, and round we go again!!

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1325556966' post='1484441'] Personally, I don't think a 112 is enough for anything but quiet practices myself... and they wouldn't work for me, so I am always prepared to run two. since you don't drive.... man-handling 2 x 112's doesn't seems a good idea to me so you may be forced to go 212. You may be lucky in that your situation might work with a 112 and it would be a cheaper entry with the choice to add another later. If you don't gig atm..then this route makes sense. 2 12's are better but your options of moving them don't make this easy [/quote] I know someone who has a Vanderkley 1 x 12, with a smallish Markbass amp, and the sound and volume is stunning, easily enough for a pub gig I would have thought. I'd be after the same rig myself if I thought my playing warranted it (The speaker is £575). I notice that the Bass direct site recommends two of these for 'maximum' efficiency, but from what I've heard one is well loud enough for most of the gigs that I'd be interested in. Clive EDITED TO ADD: I see that they also do a 1 x12 600W cabinet, but that's £700. I guess that small and light can do loud, - if you can afford it.

Stand by me

[quote name='charic' timestamp='1325438100' post='1483145'] Whichever way you look at it Dingwall make great basses and if you want a fanned fret p bass then there's not much out there so [/quote] Exactly what I was going to say! I actually spent about 90minutes jamming on a Dingwall last night and have got to say that the fanned frets felt natural very quickly, especially at the head end. Got slightly confusing at the dusty end where the amount of 'fan' actually gets more than the fret spacing, but still got the hang of it by the end. The other thing I noticed is that although the G string is 34" the stretch at the dusty end seems easier than with parallel frets. Almost felt like a 32", which is what I normally play. What I really want to try is a fanned fret 5 string where the G string is 32"! Do Dingwall or anyone do such a thing?

I have a Westone Quantum (32" headless) with the 'Magnflux' pick ups. Staggering output level - equal to my active basses, and an excellent range of tones from two pick-ups, two volumes and a shared tone control. Probably the favourite tone of all my basses.

[quote name='crez5150' timestamp='1325179417' post='1480673'] That amp has been bridged to run at full tilt.... the dip switches relate to each input and nothing to do with the output stage [/quote] That's not how I would read it. IMHO it looks like they've just linked the two inputs together so that its working as two separate channels from the same signal (i.e. two channels mono). As someone has already said, they haven't read the manual (possibly didn't have one) as there are switches specifically to do that. Not quite sure what the 'bridge' switches do here, unless they simply invert one input signal against the other so that the outputs are anti-phase to get the full voltage swing for bridge mode. If in doubt RTFM.

32" scale 5 string with 16mm spacing, but cheaper that the Status Mark King 5 string with the bendwell. (Headless is not compulsory, but not a problem either). I could then sell off most of my current basses. Does anyone out there make a fan fretted 5 string where the G string is 32" (and the narrow string spacing)?

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1324664435' post='1476897'] Were you able to try your head with another cab? [/quote] Yes, I tried through my old Musicman Audiophile HD212 (8 ohm, 600W, 2 x12" + 6"), and it sounded pretty sh*tty and distorted (This cab normally sound beautiful with my DBS 7400). To be honest. it was probably that test that made my mind up that it had to go back.

So does this men that the existing head is actually only 300 Watts, and in the 5110 combo it's only putting out 150 Watts? If so that would go some way to explaining why I was a bit disappointed with the volume I got from mine, although my main complaint was the horrible clicking noise it made when the volume was turned beyond 1/3, and the fact that it wasn't that loud at that point. Alternatively I guess that may have realised that the speaker in the combo can't take 250 watts without making the above mentioned clicking, or of course it could be that they are using a different power module so that they can drop the price. For anyone who was following my other thread on this, mine has now gone back to 'Rockem Music' to go back to the distributor for assessment /fixing. I should hear something in the New Year. I've told Rockem that if it is faulty and it comes back fixed then I'll be happy, but if it's not faulty and this is just how it is then I'll be wanting my money back (and I'll pay the return courier).

[quote name='JakeFoordBass' timestamp='1324252679' post='1472347'] Cool, out of interest what bass did you use them on? [/quote] That was on a Fender Urge Mk1 (32" scale).

I've tried D'addario ground wounds as I was tired of the zing and twang of the round wounds. Initially I really liked them, but after a few months went back to round wound. Now about a year later I'm thinking of going back to them again. The Daddario one's do feel weird at first. Quite rough on the fingers, (left and right hands) - almost like the grinding process leaves lots of little burs. That seems to go after a week or so, but whether that's them actually changing or just me getting used to them I don't know.

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1324051884' post='1470338'] Cool... that's good to know. All I would add is.. if I set the input gain to the clipping threshold, and the master to 10 o'clock, it would be LOUD...! Is yours loud, too? [/quote] Well, it's slightly louder than my Marshall B65 combo (65 watts) at the point where it becomes unusable due to the 'clicking'. I know that perceived volume as a function of watts depends on many factors, but all the same I would have expected significantly more volume from 250 watts (its stand alone/8 ohm rating) than from 65 Watts, and at over £500 I would expect it to deliver. From memory I suspect that a Roland Cube100/120 would be significantly louder. I really hope that it is faulty and that it comes back delivering the promise as I fundamentally like the unit, and it is compact. If this one isn't faulty and this is just how they are then this isn't the right combo for me and (IMHO) its not worth £515. I'll let you all know what transpires, though I guess that will now be in the New Year. Thanks for your interest folks. The Count.

[quote name='Charla' timestamp='1323683395' post='1465628'] Does anyone know where I can obtain 4 unloaded 4 x 12 cabs or dummy cabs I can use to make a counter? Cheers Charla [/quote] Is this for some form of extreme Tiddlywinks?

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)