dclaassen

I would appreciate the collective's opinion on this... We are putting together a start-up country/Americana band. Great personnel, but so far, (2 mos) we have gone though a drummer (without one at the moment) and 2 guitarists. I have not picked up on any particularly toxic vibes from the BL, but often am too dense to pick up on stuff. Also, the two in charge have cancelled several scheduled rehearsals (day before or same day), which, honestly, bugs me more. I passed up Champion's League tickets tonight to attend a rehearsal that has been called off 6 hours before it was due to start. So...thoughts? They are really talented, and we could have a great group, but...... Thanks in advance...

Good to hear all these stories! I gigged a bunch in the US (Nebraska and Texas) then was not playing for 20 years. Auditioned for a rock covers band, got in, started playing gigs which suddenly dried up. Have not played with them, or really heard any news from the BL for about 16 months. Auditioned for a 50's-60's covers band, they liked me, but I could not at that time commit as I had a brand new granddaughter. They used and hired another guy...fair enough. Also auditioned for a couple of "bands" that were not really serious. I finally joined my current group, which is a new group hoping to start gigging soon. Really enjoying it (country cover and originals band). I think you just have to be both patient and persistant.

Old story, but it goes that, in preparation for space flight, NASA spent bunches of money to invent a pen that would work in zero gravity, later marketed as the "space pen"... Russians used a pencil 1. turn down amp or push "standby" (don't even open that can of worms...:)...) 2. unplug active bass or... leave it plugged in during the break, and replace your battery a bit more often

Do Black Beauties come in Multi-Scale yet? Got them on a 5-ver and love them...

Twins with mine...you are going to LOVE it!

Usually referred to as 110v by us old American boomers…:)

I just started gigging again after a few decades off. I am very happy with my basses, although one needs a new Jack, and I love my amp head, but will gradually upgrade my 4x12…probably keep the 15. No GAS, just a plan…:)

Nope…I just started by saying that I often am underwhelmed by the newer, lighter smaller rigs.. sorry you got offended by the expression of my opinion.

You are correct sir…your 1x12” rig would blow an old Ampeg out of the water.

Nice list…I preferred Night of the Living Dregs andOP’s live in Russia albums though…

Depends….I’ve heard some of these small speaker, lightweight rigs that are not far from that…🫤

But does it sound like music being played through an iPhone?

Yup

I have a Fender which is set up for US 110v...I just use a transformer...no fuss

I think this might (mostly) be a generational thing. I did my first rehearsal with my new-to-me Trace rig (4x10 and 1x15) and love the reassurance of being more washed in bass tone than just hearing it. It's not louder, just......better? I'm not sure, for most of the stuff I play, I need flat response....with everything else we do to change our tone (bass, strings, pedals, etc) why is that so important?

This exactly...Spector decided to place the jack right where you cannot use any type of non-hanger guitar stand....don't even get me started about what Yamaha did with the BBNE2....

How long do you need it for?

I’m not a big fan of Mackie speakers, especially compared to RCF. They just do not have the same balanced projection…just my opinion

I think I paid about £50 for the Elixers on the MP5. LaBellas flats that came with the fretless…both these sets have lasted a while. Just put Black Beauties on the Yamaha…those were around £40 IIRC. Don’t need super expensive strings, but have tried and hate cheap ones.

Was a huge Buffet fan. Great musician who would just pop into a bar and start singing…

Really enjoying this discussion. I think it’s mostly academic for me because, after 50-plus years of playing … 1. It’s way more about the instrument than the amp ( unless either/both are crap) and playing tech 2. I like what I like with a produced sound, and have a good idea of how to get it, but can’t quantify the process 3. Live gigging tone is different than sitting at home alone tone. 4. Most of it is in our heads anyway. Bass players probably obsess over tone more than anyone. 5. Nobody else cares. Submitted with both respect and ironic smirk.

Same here::::

I’m going to try using just the 410 cab at next week’s rehearsal.