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SamIAm

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Posts posted by SamIAm

    NPD - Zoom B2Four

    in Effects

    Posted · Edited by SamIAm

    I've mostly used multi-fx, with a brief forray into individual physical pedals, but to date had yet to find the 'perfect' setup for me.

    The B2Four is not perfect, but it ticks most of my boxes.

     

    The Great

    Build quality - Feels solid, all switches feel solid and have a nice positive click to them, the display is clear (Tho perhaps a wee bit small) and can be seen when the pedal in on the floor. The up/down/left/right switches alos have a nice click and can be used with my foot.

    Size - Small and light enough to carry in front pocket of my gig bag.

    Power - Can be driven from a 500ma+ 9v supply (One comes with the unit) and also via the USB-C connection with a power brick or from a computer.

    Control Interface - Without doubt the best user interface I've seen from Zoom (I've tried the MS-60B, B3, B1XFour) this blows them away (imho). The up/down/left/right switches are large enough to allow foot control and have a nice click to them (I would prefer them in a diamond pattern but these work well). It is easy to select up to three patches using the main foot switches, combined with the patch memory/effect foot switch it allows me to easily select one of three patches and to toggle the first three effects on/off, this works well for my gig needs.

    Input - Single 1/4 inch for bass and an aux 3.5mm for stuff. There is also an expression pedal input to drive the 3 or 4 pedal control parameters.

    Output - DI with gnd lift, mono/stereo amp and a 3.5mm headphone output (No need for an adapter). According to Zoom the The DI MODEL affects the output of the BALANCED OUTPUT, OUTPUT and PHONES jacks.

    Tuner - Responsive and deals with my 5ers. I miss the LEDs of the B1XFour, but this does the job.

     

    The Good

    Sounds - I like the sounds.

    You can hear some of these here

     

    and Bass The World gives it a good review

    The could be better

    Preset Patches - Not uncommon, but they do not reflect the sounds I'm looking for, but easy enough to change.

    Software - IOS only at present and paid for (tho only about a quid) :( I do not understand this at all! Fortunately I've an iPad so can use this, but my phone is Android and my main computer is Apple. Hopefully Zoom will release other versions or ToneLib will add B2Four support. The device offers fairly good on device editing so this is not a major issue, rather a nice to have.

     

    Overall this is a win for me.  A single pedal that can do what I need, small enough to easily lug about, it can be powered from a USB brick and allows iPad programming (tho the on device editing is fairly good) and with a DI output for the odd occasions if I need it. 

     

    I will dig deeper for a while, but I suspect that my other f/x units will go up here on BC for sale.  Updates will follow as I learn more.

     

    A great video about how to use the unit

     

     

    Sam x

    • Like 3

    Are short scale basses really as bad as they say?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    12 minutes ago, Mykesbass said:

    Have you tried Newtone Strings? Lots of folk on here rate them highly (I've only used them for guitar), and they will make custom sizes.

    Thank @Mykesbass, I've not tried them yet, but I am likely to.  Ideally I'd like flatwounds which sadly they do not do; I did attempt something to use longer flats with a mechanism a bit like that used for fixing strings in a headless setup, but it only resulted in a decent set of strings being trashed :(

     

    Sam x

    • Like 1

    Are short scale basses really as bad as they say?

    in General Discussion

    Posted · Edited by SamIAm

    I play short (well sub short) scale bases and love them. They are

    • Kala fretless 5er ubass at 23 in which has a lovely thumpy sound in the upright space
    • Ibanez GSRM25 28.6 in 5er which is my fav, the low B needs a delicate touch but sounds good
    • Ibanez GSRM20 28.6 in 4er ... not used as much but as the spacing is wider then my 5er I am using it to try to learn slap

     

    Soundwise I'm happy with them all.

    The big benefits for me are less stress/strain on my fretting hand and lighter weight and a slightly lower chance of putting someone's eye out with my headstock lol.  Only drawback is trying to find suitable strings for the two Ibbys.

     

    Sam x

    Zoom B2 Four

    in Effects

    Posted

    Amazingly my the B2 four was just dropped off ... I was not expcting it for another 4 hours!

    Seems solid, like the small size ... but it does have a 'rattle' when shaken as mentioned earlier.

    Now to figure out how to use it and set up some patches and see if I like the sound.

    I found a long but deep youtube about using it.

     

    Sam x

    • Like 1

    Zoom B2 Four

    in Effects

    Posted · Edited by SamIAm

    16 minutes ago, dave_bass5 said:

    Haha. Ive just ordered the B2-Four from Amazon. Got it on a 5 month plan so no big outlay, and it’s a UK version. It will be here tomorrow. 

    Damn you @dave_bass5, having missed one here on BC I've been 'forced' to do the same; it is projected to land tomorrow.

    Perhaps we can compare notes :) 

    Sam x

    • Haha 1

    J Pickup Sized Ceramic Bar Magnet?

    in Repairs and Technical

    Posted · Edited by SamIAm

    9 hours ago, Baloney Balderdash said:

    I got a ceramic pickup that has a single flat long bar magnet attached under the pickup/pickup poles, but it is broken, so I am looking for a replacement, it's a standard sized neck pickup, anyone who knows where I can get one?

     

    I have tried Ebay, but I am not sure how to search for the right size and strength of the magnet?

     

    I don't mind that it isn't the exact same strength as the old one, as I have no way of measuring it, just that it isn't two weak or string to work properly, and I'd rather have a bit too strong a magnet, rather than one that is weaker than the current one.

     

    Is there any chance that you can identify the pickup model & manufacturer and contact them?

    Failing that, I'd start with physical dimension of the existing magnet and google based on those.

    Sam x

    • Like 1

    What elements make up a great gig

    in General Discussion

    Posted · Edited by SamIAm

    For me

    • Playing with a group who I've played with a lot and we have fun together
    • An audience who are into what we play (Dancing/Joining in the songs)
    • Adaquate stage area - double if they have a good sound system
    • Good sound tech and time to sound check
    • Easy load in/out

     

    My all time favorite gig was when my old band played the main stage at the Brighton Dome, it ticked all these boxes (and then some) ... I still get tingles whn I think about it!

     

    What makes for a great gig for you?

     

    Sam x

    • Like 3

    Ultimate bedroom rig

    in Amps and Cabs

    Posted · Edited by SamIAm

    On 16/04/2024 at 21:36, lemmywinks said:

    I'd get this setup then buy red leather sofas to match.

    16803054_800.jpgimages?q=tbn:ANd9GcQHmsQVsJ1c_jSfZLt7YQX

     

     

    My setup is close ...

     

    BCbedroomsetup.thumb.jpg.aaa7a90cf2c398bc6d7e4302f27f6fdc.jpg

     

    But no red sofas! lol

     

    In fact it is my gigging setup for small gigs and I hook up a PJB C4 for more oomph when required.

     

    Sam x

    • Like 2

    Time of the Fivers?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    I play short-scale, I've one 4 and two 5s (With BEADG) and prefer the 5s.

    The string spacing is a bit narrow on my GRSM25, but I like it as I can stay in one position (usually about the 5th).

    Hopefully soon (in the next year or two! lol) I'll build Phoenix, short scale headless 5er with 18mm bridge string spacing and then I'll be in hog heaven!

    Sam x

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