BassAdder60

My error it’s actually this Faital Pro 12”

I’m now a MB user having played Ashdown, Ampeg, TE, GK, Orange ( you get the picture ) !! Firstly it’s the cabs I like as I use two MB58R 102. Cabs stacked in my band ( rock / pop ) The amp is the MB LM IV which I chose over the MB58R head as it has a metal case like the previous models. For me the instant difference is the EQ frequency choice as it’s not focused at the very low 40hz like some but more 60hz upwards. It never sounds wooly or lost in a mix and clarity and clean is its forte, It hasn’t got grind or grit but I prefer a good clean sounding tone even for rock as I hear it better in the mix and it has that formidable MB punch ! Low weight and sensible pricing also makes them a great package They stack equally well vertical up format ( amazing to hear as top speakers are closer to ears ) or in the traditional 410 style as below if more stability is required etc

I had two Ashdown ABM 210 cabs stacked so effectively your 4x10 cab. They never had clarity and were not the greatest cabs due to their low budget drivers used. As soon as I changed cabs the difference was noticeable and I found better more efficient cabs that made it easier to hear and got louder LFYS Monaco was one of those cabs and a single 12” Faital Pro speaker equipped was very loud and clear. Today I use two MarkBass MB58R 102 cabs stacked vertically and they are a joy to use and carry and sound very good

For my band and previous band where we were a trio of musicians playing rock I made sure my bass sound was Full and loud so when guitarist soloed it sounded full as a band I play with a pick on a PBass and don’t need fx etc and learn to palm mute for quieter parts and let rip for loud parts. A good amp and decent cabs are all you need in my opinion and play like a bass / rhythm guitarist !

I found the Ampeg Optocomp very good as a pick player but less so fingerstyle. The pedal added a bit of depth when using a pick I’ve noticed that true with some compressors on amps such as the Orange LBT also optical

Ashdown are used professionally which to me says a lot about the brand and support. Orange is the same and Ampeg and I suspect others to some degree I know endorsement deals play a part but Ashdown offer awesome service and you don’t have to be the original owner either

I had the 750 and 752 both great amps

I’m back using Ultex Triangles 1.0mm I love the brightness they achieve which can be toned down when required but allowed to clank out for rocky / punky songs Green Day etc etc

There’s a new 2 x 12 based on the 4 x10 size cab. That would be a good choice

LFYS Monaco 1 x12 will do it easily

LFYS Monaco problem sorted !

My choice would be MarkBass 58R cabs which are very light Perhaps a 2x12 cab and a small 500w head and that would be loud enough and light too I play in a rock band and use 2 x MarkBass 2x10 cabs and a LM IV or Orange Little Bass Thing So light and very loud and full

Yep I agree 👍

I’ve always set my PBass pickups to follow the neck profile. Does it matter ? I think for even volume per string having the correct string to pole piece height balances the sound more accurately. It works for me

Yep it’s definitely a zingy tone !

I’m finding it very close in quality to the Mex player series It’s brighter sounding with the ceramic pickup which is a benefit to me as my fingerstyle tone was never bright enough with other basses. Fitted Schaller strap locks now too and got a Fender gig bag FB610 to go with it

We rehearse in a low cost hall and we set up as a gigging band using our normal gear. Always done it like this so we get familiar to what we sound like live. We agree in advance what songs we are working on and play through them a few times. It’s also a social get together so it’s fun and as enjoyable as gigging. We also kick around new song ideas and try them if we can in a basic format and if they look like they will work we add them to the set

I’ve nearly had all three except I had the Squier Classic Vibe 70’s model The Squier needed better pickups as a mod apart from that it was good. Player series was a step up in feel and quality and sound. The Player II is one stage further in improvement and has a better neck, pickup and feel. I’ve just added a new Standard and it is as good as my old mim Player but not quite up to Player II series in build quality and tone but pretty close

I was looking for a second PBass to use alongside my Player II Nearly went Squier but decided to try out these new Standed series It’s a nice bass and fretwork and neck is lovely to play. Noticeable difference in tone from the ceramic pickups in as much as it’s brighter and clearer sounding, less warm and vintage and more modern Set up out of the box was decent apart from pickups were not set slanted to match neck profile etc Slight tweek on truss rod and she was playing sweetly Wasn’t sure about the Olympic White colour as it’s more cream than white but it quickly grew on me. I did own a polar white and I thought it was closer to that but I would say closer to cream Tuners are good and work well as does bridge etc For a £500 bass I think it’s a nice balance of quality, tone and cost. A workhorse gigging bass

I tried my LM IV with a MarkBass 210 single cab and it was loud enough but not full enough Adding a matching second cab and stacking vertically made the whole rig fuller at lower volume and I could hear it perfectly.

Seems like a right faff to have a pick handy ! John Deacon stuck his on with tape on the pickguard or in the gap between guard and bass body. I think you can get Lekato straps with a pick pocket too

Such a sad situation and the OP has my sympathy. I too would be gutted and the whole enjoyment and experience has been ruined Hope you get an acceptable outcome that you’re happy with

This post is so true and valid, thank you for an interesting read. I would also like to add that start up young or new inexperienced covers bands will go out and gig for £100 -£200 as they want to gain experience and this pushes prices down for better bands that should get at least £350-£400 Locally in Bury St Edmunds a well known music pub in the town started reducing its band payment to £280 after paying £350 and consequently poor quality bands became the norm. Result folk stopped going !! Venues never seem to learn and many particularly pubs are run by people who have no real skills in running an entertainment venue. Solo singers over backing tracks or loopers ( thank you Ed Sheeran ) have become the standard in many pubs and pay a single performer £200 ! Bands are forced to seek better venues or stop gigging !

So getting back to Greg’s post I think for others who are happy using an amp but they are not able to have several amps or digital multi fx or complex pedalboards I think he makes a good point and I appreciate him showing it. Might not be for everyone but I can see it has it uses that gives us options without adding more amps or heavy investment into ampless rigs and digital multi fx / PA Thank you Greg for a good review