basshead56

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='731964' date='Feb 1 2010, 05:43 PM']However one man's 'work of art' is another man's 'pretentious fussiness'... and that could be said of Ritter, Warwick OR Alembic! [/quote] +1 I think all of the above are awful looking, but i´m sure they are all great to play. In terms of the Warwick Signature issue, I reckon that as long as the craftsmanship is of the highest quality, the price is somewhat justified. Signature models are usually pretty decent, hence someone lending their names to them and I´ll bet that Warwicks are no exception. As I sadi before, i personally do not like the look of Warwick basses, but their reputation for quality can´t really be argued with. Though I will say that most manufaturers should consider rechecking their prices, as many people are no longer in a position to spend as much on gear as they might have done previously.

Have you considered the Ampeg B500 Dr programmable head? Four channels (all FSW-selectable), two inputs (meaning not having to change cables-leave two plugged in) Its a great amp. 500watts into 2ohms. and all in a handy 2U rack unit. and it's the last US designed and built Ampeg (aside from the new Heritage models) Didn't like the idea of a digital Ampeg initially, but can't recommend it highly enough!

The body of the jazz, the neck of the Precision and the pups from a Precision= best bass in the world! The jazz is a better looking machine, but for the sound, it's gotta be a Precision!

[quote name='retroman' post='731324' date='Feb 1 2010, 08:05 AM']Looks solid, and straight enough to me, but I think the asking price is a bit steep. The installation of that neck pickup looks a bit of a bodge to me, and looking at the wear on the front of the body, it's been played a lot. Me personally, I'd wait for another to come up [/quote] +1 Wait a bit mate, you could get a much better one at that price

[quote name='leftybassman392' post='730484' date='Jan 31 2010, 12:39 PM']Actually, Dave Marks has an interesting perspective on this one... [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzGSEgRgkSU"]Here...[/url][/quote] Excellent video. Simple and to the point, but you wouldn't believe the amount of idiots out there!

I want. :wub:

Sounds to me like he´s cooked your cab. I´d be wanting more than a bit of the repair costs! It´s that guys fault IMO. if he plugged the head into the cab, he´s to blame! If someone wants to use my rig, I´ll consider it-provided I´ve sen them play before (so i know what I´m dealing with), and they are happy that they cant mess with the eq´ing and set gain and volume levels, (and no kid metal bands!!! ) but I won´t let guys swap amps and cabs-all or nothing. And I never lend an amp to someone if they´re playing a gig that Im not at! Gear aint cheap and most guys using borrowed gear are less careful and respectful of it, in my experience

[quote name='antti' post='729454' date='Jan 30 2010, 08:50 AM']Did it once. I ordered my Ampeg SVT-CL and Trace Elliot 1015H without ever seeing these in "live". I will never try anything bass-related beforehand any more. It went so well. [/quote] I bought my VBA400 without trying and am thinking the same!

Hi, Just seen a nice set up over here. Bassman 100 and silverface 4x12 I have a VBA 400 and 4x12 so sorted for valves and power really, just wanted to know if I take a punt, what would be a fair price for a fully functional setup with no real scuffs or tears? I saw on another thread someone found one at less than 500quid? Or was I dreaming? I have no idea about these amps, other than the fact that the stock speakers are apparently awful and will need replacing and that the 100 became the 135 around 79 or so. Any and all help appreciated lads, Cheers, Col

Stunning!!! Price is crazy-like on anything pre 1980 these days, but a beautiful instrument!!! Truly b*ner inspiring!

[quote name='gafbass02' post='729175' date='Jan 29 2010, 08:36 PM']I found the new thunderbird very disappointing. Poorly finshed with overspray and blemishes, and the pickups had no punch or top at all. Worst of all was the substandard fret job. Some were visibly higher than others causing all sorts of issues. It went straight back![/quote] Perfect copies then! I´ve heard of Gibson Thunderbirds with similar flaws. The Tokai one I tried (it was a silver colour) sounded great. nicer feel than the Epiphone one.

[quote name='Jag_Bassist' post='728102' date='Jan 28 2010, 08:56 PM']i might go for the av because it will hopefully give me more of a heavy vintage tone and it comes with a fan which is a big bonus cos ive heard the svt-2s overheat very quickly[/quote] I´ve not heard much about them overheating before. I know someone who forgot to take the back cover of his rack and played a 3hour gig with an Ampeg (don´t know if it was a 2,3 or 4PRO though) and overheated it. But all the higher end ones have heat protection circuits I think. The AV/CL SVT´s are great but kind of 1 dimensional. The 2 PRO has a wider array of tones, I reckon anyways. The problems associated with Asian made Ampegs stem from the first few runs of ´Vietnampegs´ Before Ampeg moved again, they were poorly assembled in Vietnam. Most of the range suffered a sharp dip in quality. Prices in Europe dropped and so did confidence in the brand. LOUD shifted Ampeg to Korea and pushed for higher quality. The current Ampegs are fine. Still excellent quality. However, there has been an increase in price again (2nd in 9months) Many people (mostly old-school players, Americans and purists) are gutted that Ampeg is no longer a true american classic and are therefore rubbish. While they are entitled to their opinions, I don´t agree. They are still Ampeg amps. Still sound great. Also, I do not agree with the fact that they now cost the same (more in some stores) than when they were a US made brand. When they were in the US they could differentiate themselves in the market by claiming to be one of the last non-asian made amplifier producers and as brand heritage is important to their image, they could command a premium price. but I think price should be reflective of marketplace/consumer perception and cofidence (sorry, marketing is me background) And the biggest insult is the fact that they will charge even more for the Heritage series this summer! Anyways, to me, Ampeg is the daddy of bass amps. whatever about recent goings on (Fender and Gibson have QC issues too), they are great. I would truly love if they moved back to St Louis again, but I´m not going to diss them based on being made in Asia-everything else is these days! To quote the prophet Dick Valentine (Electric Six) "They call this Making Progress"

There is a certain amount of worry attached to newer Ampegs, as people are fraking out over quality. There are loads of threads on talkbass about this. Personally,I like the idea of an American made Ampeg (have a good few bits). Though as far as I can tell, there is no difference in the higher end tube stuff, compared to the older US ones. In terms of a choice, I´d go with the 2pro-less of a pain to lug around really, and way more versatile. If you don´t want to take the AV, I´d be interested, seriously

If its purely a value thing I´d recommend a second hand Fender Rumble 100 They pop-up second hand all the time for around 100-150. Good value, 100 watts through a 15 speaker. Plenty of kick, well able for pub gigs, 3band eq, and it has a D.I. out that doesn´t run hot to the desk-very simple. The youth centre where I run band nights has two of em (i sold em my old one)and they love them. It wouldn´t be my first choice, but it is a very practical one. There is also a Laney RB-something or other- combo that would suit. Or of course, there´s second hand Trace Elliot combos. I personally only like the the V-Type Trace stuff, but the old Trace stuff is like proper military hadware and is almost indestructable-and VERY loud!

[quote name='farmer61' post='726035' date='Jan 27 2010, 08:49 AM']I'm guessing that the Studio is the chepaer model??? Cheers[/quote] Yip, Studio is cheaper than the standard model. The Studio line was basically Gibson´s version of a cheaper USA built series-like Fender Highway One series, or Musicman S.U.B. series The studio also has a smaller body and headstock. Same pups,wiring, controls and tuners as the standard. Better bridge on the studio than the standard too. The first run of studios also came with the same Gibson cases as the standard (there were a limited number of brown/pnk int. ones with studios)The rest were grey or black. Also, there is no standard V string- this is only a studio series option

These are lovely basses. The bass player in my sis' band has one (and she STILL has my Mike Dirnt P Bass!!!) and it sounds brilliant! Her's is a weird silvery-white colour with a gold pickguard and maple fingerboard. I had a look at it when she first got it (just before Christmas)-2nd hand and it was in good shape. Just needed a clean, some new strings and a quick set up. The range of sounds you can get out of this is unbelievable. The EQ (I think mid and bass?) and pan pot are great. I know lots of people are not huge fans of Fender on-board Pre's, but I quite like it-simple but effective. It doesn't weigh a ton either! If I had a spare 300 lying around (and didn't have a 78 P with J pup mod) I'd definately get one! But hey, thats just me!. As far as I can remember, when these came out, there was a choice of an awful navy blue colour, silver or black-all with maple boards and gold pg. There was a passive mim deluxe P aswell, never tried or heard one though. Think they came in black or fiesta red. Hope thats some sort of help anyway

[quote name='xesusxesus' post='725560' date='Jan 26 2010, 06:36 PM']does anybody knows what model (i mean what year, what pick ups... ) is using Dean Bernardini of Chevelle? he's got a killer sound.[/quote] From the few videos and live bits I´ve seen, he´s weilding a Black Gibson Thunderbird (standard model) As for pups, not 100% but I reckon they´re Gibson stock. And that tone is, I reckon, The classic TBird into a Sansamp driver

Either a Tanglewood Elf or a Squier bronco would be my recoms anyway. The Elf usually goes for about 40-60 pounds. Usually a weird light Blue colour. They are great for adults too-as a travel bass and a very cheap alternative to the Fender MIM P Bass JNR The Bronco from around 50 pounds secondhand. There are also a few Cort shortscales out there worth looking at.

[quote name='Dodge' post='725149' date='Jan 26 2010, 01:54 PM']+1. If I need any really underexposed photos I'll know exactly who to go to.[/quote] +1 Brilliant!

I regret selling mine. Loved the neck and the pups are fantastic! Much bigger sound than most Jazz basses. May consider buying another once the Precision Obsession has passed me by

looking into a second hand one of these in very good condition, so would like to know what they fetch these days. Also, where are these made? Are they Korean? Any help appreciated

Hi guys. Recently changed my effects set up and would like to run my pedal board at rehearsal now too. I am using an Ampeg B500dr head with two BSE 410HLF cabs. Effects board has: EHX Bass Big Muff Distortion EHX Small Stone Phaser EHX Doctor Q Envelope Filter (nano) EHX Mole Bass Booster (nano) EHX LPB1 Linear Power Booster (nano) 9v pedal supply Now, usually, when I run ths setup live through my Marshall VBA400´s effects loop-no problem whatsoever, but when I connect them to the Ampeg B500dr, there is a distinct loss of punch/clarity and even a touch of distortion. I have tried messing with the effects blend knob on the front of the amp, but this only makes the distortion more noticeable. What should I do to get around this?

As a matter of interest, is the one you are thinking of buying new or second hand? what kind of figure do they want for it?