BassAdder60

The RM series cabs have very average drivers and the boxes are made to a budget I tried the compact ported ABM cabs and they ( larger boxes ) especially the 115 had more welly and authority to the sound. The ABM Pro Neo and standard ABM cabs are far better but you’re right get a better cab / driver and they sound good even when pushed My SVT212AV sounds better the louder it gets ! Problem is it’s heavy but I can lift it fine and only need one cab

Good amp choice 👍

Ampeg Svt212av sorted Amazing cab and even one cab works very well ( they are 4ohms ) Ive had the PF115LF series and they are not a patch on the SVT212AV Highly recommended and not too heavy to move around

I love being in a band and gigging Im very relaxed and confident live so I can enjoy the night and my band buddies generally get a buzz from it. I love rehearsals and everything related to band work. If I could make a living from it I would !

Good advice … you need to enjoy it or stop doing it or change the part you don’t enjoy !

On and off I’ve been in bands for 40yrs and in that time I’ve only really enjoyed my current band. Ive learnt to only work in a band with people that are good to spend time with and are mostly more talented than myself ! I think if you’re not enjoying it and before quitting look for or start a new band more to your liking. Play different or better venues but don’t give it up as like most I’ve done that many times before. So to a fellow East Anglian based bassist decide if it’s for you and if not and you cannot influence any change then look for a new band. There are many bands starting up again so you have opportunities to enjoy playing bass how you like it

I’m very fortunate that the band I formed last year are fantastic people and a joy to spend time with. We enjoy rehearsals and a beer or two and just returned from the studio

It’s the issue with Norfolk and Suffolk music venues in the main So few decent ones left

PF800 arrived today and it’s a sweet match with my SVT212AV cab I’ve had these amps before when I had my Ashdown cabs and i always thought they sounded nice but nothing special! However … paired with the Ampeg SVT212AV cab it’s a lovely sound and easy to get a quick EQ that sounds good Even the onboard compressor seems good enough.. So pleased my Orange Little Bass Thing head will shortly be going up for sale as I don’t need three amps !! Will use the ABM600 for some gigs and the PF800 for others 👍

Dave Green at Ashdown was originally at Matamp so he may be able to help with any questions

I agree you ideally want a 500w rig through a couple of speakers ideally. If you don’t care about weight you can pick up some old heavy gear with decent power ratings I would look for at least at the two cabs you mentioned although the older ABM compact 115 cabs perform well if you have two of them. You sometimes see the cabs for sale circa £100 each ( were one or two on here for sale recently ) Ashdown stuff is really good especially the ABM series and RM series amps

New amp day .. new Ampeg PF800 on its way Had one of these last year that I purchased secondhand and later sold in favour of other amps. I miss the Ampeg tone so it will be a nice pairing with my SVT212AV cab

Yes very pleased so far. I did have to dial back slightly my input gain as although I couldn’t hear it through the speakers the DI was picking up a slightly distorted signal Small tweek and it was perfect for recording

Had a session in the studio Sunday and the ABM600 performed very well using the D.I. output post EQ Pbass did the job well too No need for a pick or flats just fingers, fresh roundwounds and good EQ

You may need to tweek the truss rod as they will have slightly more tension than the stock strings

Ask for Dave Green .. excellent guy

I think I’m making progress Adjustments to EQ on my ABM600 ( turned down the mids ) Using a 2mm JD Big Stubby pick and PBass tone backed off I’m getting a good sound. Naturally not the same as fingers but getting close. Im recording in the studio at the weekend and wanted to use a pick as I think it records better

If I recall the PF350 has a built in limiter and has a history of shutting down to protect itself. You may of been pushing the amp too hard with a single 112 cab unless you’re playing quietly ! I tried the PF500 with two 210 Ashdown cabs and it felt underpowered, the PF800 I tried was good. The Ashdown RM500 and RM800 both have plenty of power with one or two cabs.

From a fretting point I agree they are great. I didn’t like the plucking feel with pick or fingers. I can see for some styles they would be great, just not for me

I think you’re right .. fingers have a slow attack compared to a pick. Im finding thick nylon picks have less attack compared to say tortex

Resurrecting this old post as I’m looking at a similar challenge Playing in my rock band on my PBass with fingers I get a full sound. I love pick playing too but always miss the fullness of the tone even if I take out some mids and top. I also turn down my tone control on the bass Tried flats and it didn’t work for me Should I boost more low end on the amp ( ABM600) or something else ? I know I will not achieve an identical sound but somewhere close would suffice. Playing AC/DC, Lizzy, Foo Fighters, Green Day etc etc

I’m looking at the Elixir coated strings in gauge 45-100 for my PBass Whats peoples experience with them ? Worth the extra cost ? I play rock with pick or finger style and like a warm punchy and yet clear tone.

I’m swopping back to roundwounds as I miss the zing and clarity in my rock band I can see the advantages of them but I miss the roughness of rounds from a finger plucking sense

Update … didn’t like flats on my PBass after rehearsals Didn’t work in the rock context for me so back to rounds

Update .. band rehearsals and I didn’t get on with the flatwounds For my rock band I felt the sound was too mellow so I will be taking them off.