maxrossell

Usually when an amp has a passive and active input, the active is the same, just with a 6db pad on it. Moreover in many models when both inputs are connected they resolve to the same input level. Give it a try.

[quote name='Josh - YUHH!!!' post='472455' date='Apr 25 2009, 11:52 PM']I'm currently in a band called 'Drowned In Entropy' - a progressive experimental metal act so to speak. I'll be recording a demo with them soon as well - does anyone know how I can get a Mastodon/Between The Buried & Me type of sound? To me, it stands out in a recording and that's something I want out of my recording - to be noticed!!! thanks.[/quote] I'd say that to get your average "metal" bass tone, the key would be to turn up the bass end, scoop out the low-midrange and boost the high end so you get a bit of string rattle. Then I'd compress the whole thing, and sink it quite low in the mix. A good tip is also to double-mic, or use a mic and a DI, and then put a bit of overdrive on one of the signals, it'll fatten it up and make it sound a bit more aggressive. Not too loud though, I'd mix it so you almost don't hear it but it's there.

Yeah, that's a killer deal. Thanks, man.

I've been looking at buying a bass amp recently, so I've been spending quite a bit of time on eBay, and in the past week I've seen a good two dozen bass amps go unsold despite the opening prices or buy-it-nows being set at half their new RRP or less, often far less than what people would think of as their real second-hand value. On the one hand I'm quite pleased about this because hopefully I won't have too much competition and might get a killer deal when I come to make a purchase, but on the other hand, is the economy really that bad that mass bargains are going unbought? Just last week, I saw an immaculate second hand Hughes & Kettner combo worth over a grand new go for £190. Virtually every Ashdown I've seen has remained unsold despite being very reasonably priced. Is this the economy or what?

That's a little bit country.

[quote name='SteveK' post='471425' date='Apr 24 2009, 12:38 PM'][b]"Bulk up"[/b]? [b]"Put on a couple of pounds before you go"[/b]? Can someone please explain why? I've played these places many times in the last 25 years or so, and never once felt it was necessary to bulk up. Never once heard anyone say, "We should've bulked up before leaving home". These countries have food, it ain't expensive, and some of it is quite edible. Steve EDIT: When I say, "these places", I am referring more to the former Eastern Bloc countries.[/quote] It's not a rule, but last time I did a stint it involved heavy performances on a nightly basis, quite a lot of partying, and we rarely got a chance to eat three squares a day. I lost like ten pounds.

[quote name='Clarky' post='471312' date='Apr 24 2009, 09:50 AM']I am always nervous of someone who is listed as having been an eBay member for many years and with no transaction history (this guy has only one feedback comment from four years ago and not a single transaction since), always makes me think (rightly or wrongly) that some dodgy shark has assumed a defunct/dormant eBay address[/quote] Not always. It's taken me three years to build up 19 feedbacks. I only sell stuff here and there, and I think it's been a year since I last sold stuff. The ad looks legit enough, plus it's collection in person so I assume he'd take cash on collection.

Avoid drugs. Don't binge drink (a few is fine but the wrong hangover can put you out of action for two days). If you're single, make sure you have condoms on you at all times. Be VERY careful who you let near the tour bus, and do anything you can to avoid fights. In terms of physical prep, I'd say you could do worse than to put on a couple of pounds before you go, because you're gonna lose 'em on the road (unless you cram burgers at every rest stop, but as someone else said that's asking for trouble). Top tip: Most convenience stores these days have prepared salad in sealed bags. One of those will set you back about the same as a packet of fancy crisps. Have a bag of salad every day (or more if you like 'em). Just snack on 'em as you would crisps. Sounds silly, but it makes a massive difference to your health and wellbeing. Also, don't take a laptop, and maybe only a couple of books. If you take a bunch of your own entertainment, all that happens is that you'll have travelled through some of the most breath-taking places in Europe but you'll have missed them all because you were staring at Facebook or Stephen King.

Sometimes it's just down the the player and his settings. I've heard a guy make a Mesa 210 stack sound lacklustre, but to this day one of the best bass sounds I've heard was from this guy playing a chaeap Ibanez ATK into a Peavey TKO or TNT in some pub somwhere. I've never gigged with an Ashdown, but every time I've tried one I've found its sound to be pretty clear and punchy.

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' post='471120' date='Apr 23 2009, 10:03 PM']I notice in the info box Squier is spelt wrong, I thought that was all pull downs, so its ebay that has it wrong.[/quote] Yeah, eBay have that wrong. On the other hand, the guy is claiming that his Vintage Modified Fretless bass is: a: A Jaco Pastorius model (or "Pestorius" as he puts it) b: Discontinued c: Worth £220 second hand Seeing as I can currently get an identical bass brand new for about £215-£220 from most major retailers, not to mention that the bass (Squier Vintage Modified Fretless) isn't a Jaco signature, I sent the guy a nice email asking him to update his listing. Apparently this guy sells a lot of guitars, so you'd think he'd know better.

Jaco Pastorius model- now discontinued. Hmm. [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Fender-Squier-Jaco-Pestorius-Fretless-Jazz-Bass-Guitar_W0QQitemZ260398634247QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV?hash=item260398634247&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Fender-Squier-Jaco-P...A1%7C240%3A1318[/url]

[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ampeg-Portaflex-B-15N-Bass-Amp-Cab_W0QQitemZ300309982278QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_MusicalInstr_Amplifiers_RL?hash=item300309982278&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ampeg-Portaflex-B-15...A1%7C240%3A1318[/url] Check it aaaaht.

Hey hey guys, guys, come on. It's only a forum.

[quote name='skankdelvar' post='470213' date='Apr 22 2009, 11:45 PM']Hey, Max, are [i]you[/i] Emily? Is it a ..er... weekend thing? Y'know, stillettos, fishnets? Good luck with the sale - nice gear, nice opening prices.[/quote] Hee hee... No, she's my girlfriend and we share an account, it's easier than having two separate ones and we build up feedback faster. So sometimes you'll see a great big huge amp on there, and right next to it a teeny pair of high heels or a corset or something.

Buh, this is retarded. You could probably get a new Tanglewood Curbow with what it would cost to get this one renecked, if that's even possible (do they make spare necks for oddball budget basses?). Maybe if he chopped it up and used it as firewood the image of a great big ox would appear in the smoke.

[quote name='XB26354' post='470588' date='Apr 23 2009, 12:23 PM']Still a Fender shaped like a Jazz Bass.[/quote] Indeed it is. I'm not sure what your point is. I'm not saying taht Fender are ONLY producing sigs aimed at teens. [quote]Every musician that ever learned to play something reasonably well overplays. It's a natural part of learning. Acquiring taste or restraint comes with age and experience (usually) and has got nothing to do with which bit of wood you've got hanging round your neck. Who are these kids you talk about? I think these generalisations are in your head rather than in reality. It is also more due to general bias that if you don't have a Fender round your neck you're not a real musician. . There is always a place for Fender but they are not and never will be the only choice. My approach when other musicians comment on my choice of bass is to let my playing do the talking.[/quote] These kids I'm talking about are the ones I grew up with. They're real people, not just people I made up. I'm speaking from experience when I say that what I've noticed as I was growing up is that people who tend to favour a more technical approach to instrumentalism like more modern-styled basses with more complex options, and those who consider proficient technique to be of lesser value than other aspects of their musicianship tend to like more classic-styled basses with more straightforward options. This isn't some far-fetched fantasy. You can see it with guitarists as well. The more techy ones tend to favour the light, superstratty fast players with Floyds and all that stuff. The less tech-oriented guys tend to like more old-school stuff. It's not a hard and fast rule, just a general trend. [quote]You seem to see this divide between musicality and technique which doesn't exist. I think you'd be surprised just how technically proficient a lot of the bass players you mention that endorse Fender actually are. As I said before, if someone is overplaying it's because they haven't learned enough, not because they've become Mr Technique. My technique is still improving after 25 years and it purely serves my ability to express myself, be that lplaying 1 note or 100.[/quote] You seem to be confusing what I've observed with what I believe. I personally don't see a divide between musicality and technique, however again there are trends where one group of people will tend to work hard on their technique more than their songwriting skills or whatever, and another group of people who do the opposite. They're not at extremes, there isn't a clear separation, just two different approaches. People sometimes stay where they are, people sometimes go from one approach to the other, and some people successfully marry the two.

[quote name='GreeneKing' post='468481' date='Apr 21 2009, 01:52 PM']My networking starts today. I don't want to burn any boats but I could be so much happier. My mind's dwelling on this knob too much, being told I'm trying to be young and that modern music is dire is a step too far. Okay I do have wider tastes than most but the guy's such a music bigot. It's not just music he's a complete old letch and has such a middle class superiority thing going on.[/quote] Screw it, burn the bridge. I've been in bands with idiots like that. It's not always the lead guitarist or the singer, either, it can be the bass player, the drummer, the rhythm guitarist, the keyboardist, as long as they're idiots they can take a band south with them in a matter of weeks. I was in an originals band a few years ago where the bass player would systematically reject every new idea that we had, but refuse to come up with any of his own ideas. When asked what he wanted to play, his stock response was "I dunno, just not that". Nightmare. Put it to the other guys frankly. "I can't work with this guy. He doesn't give a s**t about making this happen properly. I'm leaving, I'll be forming another band and I'd love you guys to be involved, but not him." Lead guitarists are ten a penny. It'll take you a week to find another one.

[quote name='horribleman' post='470373' date='Apr 23 2009, 08:36 AM']Yeah. I don't have a bass amp. I doubt I'll ever gig, so it will be purely for practise. Are Orange as good as their guitar counterparts?[/quote] You mean Orange bass amps? If you're talking real-deal, all-valve Orange, you're looking at some big dollar. Wouldn't be my first choice unless I had a lot of cash to lay down and it had to be really British-sounding gear, but that are brilliant at what they do. However logic dictates that if you're only throwing down a few hundred on a bass and you'll only play it at home, you're better off getting yourself something small, cheap and cheerful.

This one's me a year or two ago.

[quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='470153' date='Apr 22 2009, 10:48 PM']Just a thought here - I was having an idle moment in a local store today & two pretty cheap basses literally blew me away... 1. Squier Classic Vibe Jazz in white with tort guard - If you think Squiers are cheap basses, think again. This thing has the glossed neck/board, excellent fit & finish, no earth hum, hi-mass bridge with brass saddles, lovely chrome work/frets & does the classic jazz sound sooo well that it's unbelievable it's only around £250. 2. Ibanez Jet King. Massive sound with loads of fundamental bass (more than a Precision) but still loads of tone with no muddiness. Great to play. Usual great Ibby fit & finish. Again, only £250. My point? You don't have to spend £4-500 to get a decent new bass [/quote] True dat. Especially since the OP hasn't mentioned whether or not he has an amp, and those things can get expensive, so saving a bit on the bass cost could be a nice thing.

[quote name='XB26354' post='470192' date='Apr 22 2009, 11:25 PM']Er. What? Well I guess Victor Bailey had better hand back his mahogany/rosewood/koa Jazz Bass signature then. [/quote] Not really a model aimed at teens though, is it? [quote]This is all preconceptions regardless of the player - i.e. play a Fender and you'll be good, play simple music for simple people, and you're "real" Play something with more than 4-strings or no Fender on the headstock and you're a poncey show off who'll overplay. Jaco played Fenders, two of the best Nashville bass players use Warwick 5-strings. Anthony Jackson, one of (imho) the most innovative and funky players ever to pick up a bass plays a 6-string with 28 frets![/quote] And once again, when you're dealing with teens, that tends to be true. The generalisations do have a foundation in reality. When I was growing up, the kids who had Fenders or aspired to Fenders played with picks, backed up rhythm lines and didnt really care that much about technique as long as the music rocked. The kids who had 5-strings or aspired to 5-strings, or six-strings, or active EQs or modern style basses, tended to overplay, to slap and pop all over the place, and generally to try to take their playing to places where no-one except a few other bass players (or Primus fans) really wanted to see it go. I'm not saying that one has more merit than the other, I'm just explaining why I think that people eventually gravitate back to the simpler instruments, as you say - eventually I guess most people grow out of wanting to be Mr. Technique and just settle into playing music for the sake of music. I'm also a guitar player. I used to own Ibanezes with Floyds and all sorts of other fiddly stuff, but these days I play a Telecaster. I could introduce you to thirty of my friends who went though exactly the same thing.

[quote name='largo' post='466679' date='Apr 19 2009, 12:41 PM']Bit of background.... My Markbass SA450 amp is DI'ed to the front of house as well as backline. [b]I set the amp up with enough gain to clip the amp using fingerstyle[/b] and then back that off just a bit then set my master volume accordingly, according to Markbass manual. However, when I slap/pop (sound's so 80's) my amp doesn't clip but our sound guy (also the guitarist) moans that I'm putting the desk into the red and I'm going to blow the PA speakers !!! For the record, I'm not going to buy a compressor. No rack space and no money :0( Anything I can do? Could he back off the line level to the desk or is he doing things correctly by taking me to just below clipping level as well? I'm not a sound engineer but would like to stand my ground if possible. Cheers,[/quote] To be honest, this is going to occur with any instrument where there's a constant level interspersed with high peaks. The most logical way to manage it would be for either you or the soundguy to get a compressor/limiter. Without that, the option is to use your slapping as the reference point for the PA's input gain, or as the soundguy says you might end up blowing the speakers. Of course this will result in your fingerstyle playing being too quiet in the overall mix, unless as alex suggests you manage to adapt your technique to bring them into line with each other.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the Kramer Focus 420S available in metallic black and candy-apple red, both with one-ply black pickguard: I just spent a good hour trying out basses in my local store, all through an Ashdown Mag 300 with all the EQ at 12 o'clock. Now I ain't saying that this bass owns everything else on all fronts, that would be foolish. It has an alder and nato ply body, it's relatively heavy, it's a P-Bass copy and some people aren't into that, it's got a thumb rest in exactly the right place to make it almost impossible to thumb-slap near the neck, and the bridge is total junk. However, and this is the important bit, for £150 (in the store price, you can get it for less on the net), it blows the more expensive Squier Affinity P-Bass right out of the water on sound, components and playability. For my tastes, it actually sounded better than the MIM '59 Classic Fender P-Bass they had in there too, not to mention that the neck on that thing is horrible. It fairly trounces the Jim Deacons (which are apparently SX basses), and I liked the sound of it better than the sound of the 70s RI MIM Fender Jazz. Sure, a Warwick Corvette Standard completely owned it. But at six times the price, you'd pretty well hope so. To be honest I didn't linger on the other modern basses because hey, it's a P-Bass. So I'd change the bridge, and maybe the pots and all that stuff. I'd probably keep the pickups for a while, because I reckon I'd have to shell out some fair bank to get something noticeably better. So I reckon that I could get the Kramer, a new bridge, some new wiring and a nice tidy gig bag at internet prices for under £180 all in. And for that I'd have a Precision that I'd hold onto and wouldn't be even vaguely embarrassed to use in any situation. And crucially I'd recommend it to ANYONE who wanted a P-Bass and didn't give a sh*t about the brand name, and I'd expect them to thank me for it. Make of that what you will.

Check it, it's an old Satellite. [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Satellite-169J-3-4-scale-vintage70s-plush-lined-case_W0QQitemZ190302745670QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV?hash=item190302745670&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Satellite-169J-3-4-s...A1%7C240%3A1318[/url]