bassbora

So guys I am looking for suggestions and ideas for amps and cabs. A brief summary of my playing first maybe to give you guys better idea. I have been playing for 20 years now. I have been inactive for the last 9 years gigging wise but I am starting now again. I am subbing in a band and the guy is going to be away for a year. He has kindly let the band use his amp (Hartke HA3500 and transporter series 4*10 and 1*15 rig). That is fine and this is the amp I am currently using. The guy has indicated that when he comes back he is probably going to relocate and not going to be able to be with the band any more so this is most likely going to be permanent for me. This is just a cover band and the gigs are in pubs and small local halls. So in few months I might need an amp when the guy comes back or who knows if he would want to sell the rig. Here is my dilemma, I am not very fond of this rig at all. I have read here before that the amps are fine but the cabs are the week point. So my question is how powerful an amp do you guys think is needed and what kind of cabs? I have usually just used the amp that was available at the gig in the past and so I never really needed one so I dont really have much experience of amps. I have read plenty about them but never really had them myself. The band is a 5 piece rock band with a loud drummer and one of the guitarist is very loud. I dont ever use any effects so I wont need any effects loop and I would usually go for clean-ish sound. I play Warwick basses (Thumb NT and FNA Jazzman) and they are 5 and 6 strings and I play mainly finger style. I also have to take into consideration storage and transport so I have been thinking about size and weight of the rig. The Barefaced cabs sound like they would be the right thing and the Super 12 is then one I am thinking of but I dont know if that would be an over kill for pubs. I am also not sure what would be the appropriate amp for this setting and my style. EBS 350, TC Electronic (not sure which one would be enough or not too much) or possibly SWR. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated guys.

When I started playing (as also so many on this thread have stated) Warwick was like a holy grail. For me it was like something unobtainable and only pros would use them and could afford them. I started playing in 1990 and started reading Bass Player almost as soon as it started coming out. I remember the Warwick ads then had the guy from Scorpions and John B Williams. I also remember some fusion and session guys in the States on the ads. So there were all kinds of players well before the Nu Metal. Hope its not going to be too long but there are few points I would like to make. There have always been hypes about gear as has been mentioned. I remember the time when SWR and Eden were the amps to have but I am not sure if the hype is the same now a days. On to Warwicks. After playing a Yamaha for few years it was time to move up a class I thought and I wanted a 5 string. And it just so happened when I was looking I came across ’89 Thumb 5. I compared it to few different 5 strings I could get my hands on and the Warwick was a different class. (Ok I will admit that I had always in the back of my mind hoped I would find one). I think if it would have been Streamer Stage 1 I would probably had felt the same way. The best way to describe the difference between my Yamaha (RBX1000) and the Thumb is like going from a mid-priced Toyota to a 911 Turbo. I later bought a Stingray fretless but it was never close to the Thumb. When I saw a Thumb 6 fretless on the Warwick forum 2 years back I had to have it. And it is perfect. It feels exactly like the 5. Same thin neck same incredible response to your technique and I feel you can get so many different tones out of it. And the B string is the tightest you can find. I have read so many times people saying its just one tone but I have to say I totally disagree. And it works so well in any style of music. I have played them in jazz setting with subtle ballades to bebop and then funk and Metal. It always fits in. Mind you if you have read this far this is just my opinion and you might totally disagree. I very recently bought a FNA Jazzman for gigging purposes and this is my first experience of other than NT Warwicks. It is quite different and I am still exploring it. I am loving it but its not my Thumb. I decided to keep it this long in case someone reading this who had not experienced a Warwick would possibly understand the hype that used to be about them and should be about them (in my opinion).

Bought a Warwick FNA Jazzman 5 of Gadge. The whole transaction process was great. All communication was top both on phone and via email. Item was described perfectly and around 40 professional pictures provided of the bass. The packaging was an art form in itself. A cardboard case was built around a hardshell case and I am even keeping the cardboard box for future use. I had the pleasure of speaking twice on the phone with Gadge, he is full of information about gear and i have now decided on my next amp and cab when I upgrade! Great doing business with you Gadge.

I have had Thumb NT 5 (89 Emg) for 14 years. Bought Thumb NT (6 Bartolini fretless) and between these two I will never need any other bass to satisfy my needs. I dont care about the weight and they are just amazing. Over on the Warwick forum you will see that the main moderator thinks the Thumb NT 5 are among the best Warwicks there are. But I have played Streamers as well. Excellent basses and to be honest I guess if one would have been for sale when I bought my Thumb I might swear by the Streamers. I would probably recommend the Streamer. Like everyone says its conservative in shape and sound so it might appeal to more people than a Thumb. But then again only you can be the judge of this. Hope this was of any use to you.

First Bass Owned: Squire P bass 'Go To' Bass: Warwick Thumb NT 5 'Your' Bass: Warwick Thumb NT 5

[quote name='thodrik' post='1134806' date='Feb 20 2011, 09:03 PM']I for one have never liked the 'toilet bowl' look of Musicman Stingrays,[/quote] Almost pissed myself over this. I am guilty of having owned a fretless toilet bowl. My problem was it did not measure up to my Thumb.

Has anyone experience of a 5 string version??

Thanks guys for all the info (and please keep it coming). There seem to be more options than I expected. I always looked past Corvettes (guess its a snob wanting only old NT Warwicks). The opinions seem to differ quite a lot one player's dream bass is another player's nightmare. I love the bubinga tone so I will probably always lean towards them. My 5er is equipped with EMGs and yes it growls like there is no tomorrow. The Barts in the 6er are a lot mellower but deeper. But I am not too fussed about the pickups. I have an old Sadowsky outbord preamp which I would run with it and that piece of kit can make mediocre pickups sound good (bought it to use with Yamaha RBX 1000 if anyone remembers them). So I think the sound can be beefed up if needed. Has anyone experience of a 5 string version and then how is the B string? I think it will be pointless to compare it to my Thumbs so I am not too worried about that. If I in the end will get one (need to get this past the wife as most of you guys will have experience with ) it will have a purpose and by the sound of it Corvettes are well built and should be able to take a serious beating. You guys are really selling this too me. This is starting to sound more than a good idea.

I have been playing Warwick Thumb NT 5 for 14 years. Its an '89 and I bought a '89 Thumb 6 fretless over a year ago. Love these basses and they have always been everything I look for in a bass. I have been fairly in-active playing wise over the last 8 years, only done a bit of teaching so my trusty Thumb has been enough. Now I am faced with possibly gigging again (just a rock cover band in pubs). So I was thinking I am not that keen to take my Thumb where it can be crashed into by drunk people or worst case stolen. So I was thinking about finding possibly a gigging bass that I dont mind if it takes some beating. Since I have been playing Warwicks for years now (sold my Stingray because I never could get used to the body shape and it was not a 5 string) I can only think of Warwicks to possibly get. I have never looked seriously at other models than Streamers (I have always wanted to get an older SS2 5) and Thumbs so I dont really know much about the 'less pricier ones'. So I was wandering if anybody with experience of Corvettes could tell me their thoughts on those basses and possibly the differences between them (not $$). I am not sure if there are differences between Prolines (does that exist) and Standard and are there other options?? I would be looking for a 5 string so if you have experience of those how is the B string? Also the FNA Jazzman looks like a good contender but I dont think it would be within the budget. I am thinking about spending maybe £400 - £500 but this is all still at the maybe stage. But all info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks BB

[quote name='brick' post='1093153' date='Jan 17 2011, 09:35 PM']hey dude i was really looking for someone who could teach at pretty advanced level, really should have mentioned that in OP[/quote] Where abouts are you? How advanced are you looking for? I was teaching advanced reading, jazz chord progression and improve. Not sure if that is something you are looking for.

ahhh the good old stretch in PoT. I just knew this was the problem when I read the title. No help we can give you just practice practice practice and try to make the stretch. Took me years to make that stretch sound good. Just to comment on few of the things here. Why bother with this piece?? Well I have taught it to my students it in the past and the same did a teacher of mine. I think it is technically challenging but also stretches your imagination on what you can play on bass. It is a beautiful composition and not just one of these solo pieces to show the rest of bass players how fab you are (well maybe a little).

I usually dont comment much here but I thought I might. Changing from 4 to 5 is different for us all. Different size of hands and all that. I had been playing for 7 years or so when I finally bought my first and only 5 string. It suited me perfectly. I have been playing that bass for 14 years or so now. No its not SR5 but a Warwick Thumb NT. I will never buy another 4 string. I sold my SR4 because of it missing that crucial B string. Like someone said I found that you play less up and down the neck and more vertical. I have to say I never found it a problem slapping on a 5 string. When I bought a 6 string I found it more of a transition than changing from 4 to 5. What I would suggest is go to a shop and try out as many 5ers as you can. You can read all the advise but a 5 might not suit you at all and the hipshot extender might be more for you. If a shop is not an option you might find a very cheap 5er on here and could try that out.

[quote name='wal4string' post='1083567' date='Jan 9 2011, 08:40 PM']From the Alanis Morissete album Jagged Little Pill.[/quote] Thanks for that. When ever in the past I wanted to convince folk how a bassline could make a song I played them this song. Never failed to convert people to the greatness of bass.

Hi there Dont want to sound a bit harsh but I dont see that there was any question regarding gear, let alone cabs. But anyway, I replied to a post few days ago with similar question, I think the title is 'starting again' have a read through that and see if the replies from me and the other guys here on the forum are maybe also helpful to you. If not let us know and I can maybe then reply specifically to your thread with some different ideas. Cheers

My first good bass was a RBX1000. Bought in 93. The headstock was 4 in a row instead of 2 on both sides if you know what I mean. Light as anything but it was lacking a bit sound wise so I got a Sadowsky outboard preamp and it sounded like a lot more expensive instrument. I never come across these basses anywhere. Has anyone of you Yamaha guys ever seen one or tried one??? Traded mine in 10 years ago for a fretless Stingray which I never really used. Should have stuck with the Yamaha. Great basses though and I always wanted trb5pii they looked amazing back in the day.

And just after I sent in my reply I see that someone (sorry cant remember the username) has posted ramble on transcription. So I am not the only one suggesting JPJ. Also I forgot to mention you will find stuff Nate Watts has done with Stevie Wonder. Someone recently had on here Do I Do which is a good start and try to find Master Blaster.

Well here are some suggestions and its only something has suited me. I had three different teachers back in the day when I was starting out and they all kind of went for the same approach material wise when teaching. Because this was a Uni level studies I went to separate theory classes (basic theory, ear training, jazz chord progression and improvisation). All these classes did not have books mostly jazz charts and a lot of info provided on black board but if you are wanting this kind of information as well I could also suggest some books which have been very helpful for me. All teachers had classical music. Bach is very popular in this case and you should be able to find books on Amazon called Bach for bass or something like that. Bach stuff is really good for technique. These are often pieces of music written for other instruments such as cello or trombone so will give you good work out. One of the guys used Latin rhythms which was great for working on timing. Possibles are Funkifying the Clave: Afro-Cuban Grooves for Bass and Drums but you could look for Latin Bass on Amazon. Also loads of stuff you can find on the Internet (Google is the bassist's best friend). For theory and jazz I have found the books by Ed Friedland really good and have few of them myself which I have used for my students. But here are the biggies and remember this is only my personal view and has suited me because I loved the music. Its the three Js. For rock John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin is brilliant. I love the music you might not but try to nail songs such as Good times, bad times Ramble on and Lemon Song. This will really be good for you reading as well. One of my teachers got these back in the day to get me some more rock and not just all the jazz he was feeding me. Jaco is the groove and tone monster for me. When I heard him play for the first time I was so blown away and inspired. You might not like him so I would check out stuff on youtube before buying. But here are the books The Essential Jaco Pastorius and Jaco Pastorius: The Greatest Jazz - Fusion Bass Player. Both JPJ and Jaco have tab which I hate but what I did back in the day was photocopy the song I was playing and cutting the music off and gluing on another page. But here is the best advise I can give and that is James Jamerson. Standing in the Shadows of Motown: The Life and Music of Legendary Bassist James Jamerson. This book is highly recommended to any serious bassist. No tab here so this is for sight reading. I was not into Motown at all before one of my teachers introduced me to this book. Songs are at all levels here but you should be able to start out with the simpler songs and move on to the more complicated stuff. I still come back to this book when I am trying out stuff and I have used it for teaching and one of my students actually bought the book he liked it so much. The material in this book will stretch you rhythm wise and reading wise. This book along with the JPJ stuff brought me leaps forward as a bass player. I have also always gone back to Red Hot Chili Peppers and then specially The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik. Flea plays brilliantly on this album and you will actually find similarities with Jamerson in some of the lines. You might also want to check out Rocco Prestia (I have not looked into that myself so I dont know if those books are good or not) But you can also find transcriptions online of many great songs. All kinds of material is available here on basschat as well and people are all willing to share their experiences and what has worked for them and what has not. What worked for me might not work for you so these are just my thoughts but I hope it helps you in some way.

Check with WarwickHunt here on the forum. He has posted few times about exactly this topic and is the expert on all Warwick related matters .

Did you find any information? I see no one replied to you and was wandering if you still needed some ideas. I've been playing for around 20 years and have taught bass as well to a fairly high level. What kind of music are you interested in? Do you read music or is it just tab? What do you want to get out of studying? The last one question is probably the most important. If you are doing this just for your own entertainment but also to improve but you are not planning to become a virtuoso or professional I would find music that I enjoy and is challenging and therefore will improve me as a player. If you are wanting to take this to a high level then I would work on reading (that skill will enable you to tackle more complicated music and open so many doors) and theory. These are just some quick thoughts but I could recommend books if you tell me what level you are at with reading (tab) or theory. I'm also sure that most users here have different ideas for you as well.

I have 2 Warwicks. Both Thumb NT 89. 5 st fretted and 6 fretless. I have tried few other Warwicks and always liked them. I have tried and owned many other brands (Fenders, Yamaha, Musicman Sadowsky and so on) but there was always something about the Warwick I loved. I have to say it was just a chance I ended with Thumb. It was the 5 string (used) when I was changing from 4 string to 5 string and I guess if it would have been a Streamer I would have bought that and kept. I can understand all the things many people dont like about Thumbs. I dont find it neck heavy, I use a wide leather strap and I dont find it too long a reach to the first fret (I am 6,1 so tall enough not to find it difficult) but I have seen shorter people finding it uncomfortable and can see why they would not like the Thumb. But for me the look of wood, the craftmanship and tone was always the thing which did it for me. I dont have enough spare cash to splash out and buy more but I would love to have more of them (streamer 1 and 2 and I love the FNA Jazzman 5 with J MM config). And I am also too attachted to the two of mine to sell them to try out another types. I had Yamaha RBX 1000 (was the flagship of the RBX line in the early '90s if anyone remembers) and it always felt fairly good. But I have always compared the Thumb and the Yamaha to cars. It was like driving a mid priced Japanees car and switching to a German car (911). It was such a difference in instruments. Anyway cant remember what the question or purpose of this tread was originally but I hope I have not added just random nonsense.

[quote name='Kongo' post='866322' date='Jun 13 2010, 07:56 PM']+1 on the strap! With suede backing it both stops the bass moving AND with the width u cannot feel the weight, and I dont have the best spine in the world. 3-4" should do.[/quote] another +1 to that I have both Thumb 5 and 6 NT and with a wide leather strap with suede back no neck dive what so ever. I even strapped them on just to make sure I was not taking rubbish.