SiOfBass Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 haha, that is one awesome collection, god knows how long i'd have to wait to get a setup like that. thru necks are the proverbial sex but i only have one and its not as nice as the smiths kudos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted August 4, 2007 Author Share Posted August 4, 2007 The Smiths have proved surprisingly versatile - they're more than capable of fitting into a rock setting because they're so full sounding and sit in the mix so well. I've managed to get away with a passable motown sound on the neck pickup too. However I have needed to use pretty neutral sounding solid state amps as they have an inherently mid scooped colouring as instruments. I wish the finish wasn't so soft though, I've lost count of the number of tiny grazes and nicks my fretted 5 has collected. Its possible to mark the wood with a thumbnail too easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted September 22, 2007 Author Share Posted September 22, 2007 [u]Amp Porn update time![/u] I bought Alemboids Acme B2's today and this is the result with the Trace V8: Phwoaaar! Does that look like a no-nonsense rig or what? Despite me blowing a light bulb fuse in one after an earth switch issue on the amp, they sound phenomenal. Really tight, full and crisp! The V8 valveyness doesn't give me the glassy highs of my GK combos but in terms of relentless low end thunder, this rig is the absolute sex. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve-soar Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 Nurse? he's out of bed again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted September 22, 2007 Author Share Posted September 22, 2007 *wibble* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7string Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 Great collection of basses and an interesting commentary too !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted November 10, 2007 Author Share Posted November 10, 2007 Another update: Having sold my Jaydee Supernatural Mark King and the sale of my Smith BSR6GN is pending payment of balance, I've added [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=3611"]Flanker[/url]s Celinder Update P to the collection this weekend. Its going to come in handy for those motown numbers we do. So now the harem currently consists of: 02 Smith BSR5GN 05 Smith BSR5GN fretless 93 Pedulla Pentabuzz 79 Alembic Series 1 graphite 98 Celinder Update J 02 Celinder Update P 77/78 Musicman Stingray 79/84 Musicman Cutlass The Pentabuzz is the odd one out of the group in that there aren't any songs I can use it for in band at the moment. So I'm thinking about selling it despite it being a thoroughly magical instrument (I know I'm going to kick myself). Also Jon Shuker reckons he'll be starting my headless 6 (similar to johngh's) on the 25th. I should add at this point that I've been having some issues with the Acme B2 cabs and the Trace V8. I had the V8 looked at and it got a clean bill of health but when I plug both cabs into the amp, the low end starts farting. However plugging one cab in doesn't create any problems at all. Not quite sure why although it might be an impedance thing? I'm going to try it this weekend with the Mesa Boogie Strategy 400 into one cab linked to the V8 while its powering another to see if I get farting still. If not, then it looks like the cabs are too powerful/inefficient for the head! That would be a shame coz I really like the sound of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted November 11, 2007 Share Posted November 11, 2007 [quote name='Crazykiwi' post='86693' date='Nov 10 2007, 10:49 PM']Another update: Having sold my Jaydee Supernatural Mark King and the sale of my Smith BSR6GN is pending payment of balance, I've added [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=3611"]Flanker[/url]s Celinder Update P to the collection this weekend. Its going to come in handy for those motown numbers we do.[/quote] Hold on, say that again. [quote]Having sold my Jaydee Supernatural Mark King[/quote] That's what I thought you said. Blige, I never thought I'd see the day... I thought your JD was as attached to you as my Wal is to me. Christ, I bet you had to think hard before putting that one up for grabs mate. Fabulous looking collection though. You're right, the V8 with those cabs looks the absolute poodle's. A real "oi, are you looking at me?" rig. And I can still vouch for the general beautifulness of that fretted Smith 5... part of me really wishes I'd taken you up on it when you offered to sell it to me a few years back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted November 11, 2007 Author Share Posted November 11, 2007 [quote name='BeLow' post='86872' date='Nov 11 2007, 02:20 PM']CK - couple of thoughts on the cab / amp problem. Have you tried the cabs paired up with a different head or different leads. Just an ouside possibility that one of your leads / cabs is wired to put the speakers out of phase with the other? If this is the case you will replicate the problem with the other amp.[/quote] I've tried the cabs as extensions to my GK combos and no problems there. But good point on the phase issue, it never occurred to me. Would that result in [i]distorted[/i] lows though? In the past, I've normally just noticed it as a lack of sound, despite seeing the cones working hard. [quote name='Rich' post='86884' date='Nov 11 2007, 02:54 PM'] Hold on, say that again.[/quote] Yeah, it was a combination of both a very good offer and the fact that I couldn't see myself playing it again in a band setting which spurred the decision. Plus I think the new owner will probably appreciate it a lot more than I have done recently. I have to say I haven't really missed it yet and my collection looks a bit more purposeful. Which, for someone in a constant struggle with GAS, is not a bad thing by any means. I love the Celinder P though, I took it to rehearsal this afternoon and played 'Do Ya Think I'm Sexy' on it which, with the flatwounds, sounded funky as hell. The rest of the band took the piss out of me asking me if I was heading towards using a separate bass per song. The sacrifices I make, eh? Anyways, I'm lovin' the sound of all the gear right now (the GK's still continue to wow me, is there nothing these amps will do badly?!) and its getting to the point that every piece of kit I have makes me go [i]oooh[/i] in some way. After spending years finding fault in some way with nearly everything, its very satisfying to be in that position. There's nothing that sounds like a flatwound strung P-bass for Car Wash, just like there's nothing that can replace my grungy old Stingray for the Chic numbers. Oh and the Akai Deep Impact + Smith 5 sounds superb for the bass line in "Shake Your Body Down To The Ground", we really nail that song. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcgraham Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 Read your initial post... [quote]I got the Smith 6 in 2004 after I sold my house in Plymouth.[/quote] Blimey! I didn't realise they were THAT expensive! You have a truly immense collection, proverbial tip of the hat to you sir. Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted December 15, 2007 Author Share Posted December 15, 2007 Update: Got one of these on the way care of Alex at the Bass Gallery to compliment my [url="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/crazykiwibass/Amps%20and%20effects/?action=view¤t=DSCF0990.png"]GK RB700 combo[/url]. Hopefully I should have a very tight, clean and powerful sounding set up on stage. I've decided that the Trace V8 isn't powerful to drive the Acmes in a way they need so I'm going to try and replace them with one of these: An EBS 212 neo, I'm going to be on the look out for a 210 neo to match and maybe I can take the RB700 head out of my combo if I need to use it with the cabs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete.young Posted December 16, 2007 Share Posted December 16, 2007 [quote name='Crazykiwi' post='104661' date='Dec 15 2007, 02:33 PM']Hopefully I should have a very tight, clean and powerful sounding set up on stage. I've decided that the Trace V8 isn't powerful to drive the Acmes in a way they need so I'm going to try and replace them with one of these: An EBS 212 neo, I'm going to be on the look out for a 210 neo to match and maybe I can take the RB700 head out of my combo if I need to use it with the cabs.[/quote] An excellent choice. I've gone one and it works really well with the Burman. No it's not for sale ;-) Have you tried using a Burman to drive each of the Acme cabs and slaving one off the other? Best, Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted December 16, 2007 Author Share Posted December 16, 2007 I have tried the Burmans and the Acmes together. The Acmes make the Burmans sound like they're putting 25w each! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted December 25, 2007 Author Share Posted December 25, 2007 OK I gigged the GK 210RBH on Saturday and it was awesomely powerful at the gig - loads of oomph and it was all clean. Amazing. However I started missing midrange towards the end of the gig, not sure whether that was me or the amp. I'll have to rehearse with it just to be sure it wasn't something to do with the positioning of the cab (it was stacked for the gig but I've had better results with the combo when its been angled). It might also be that the cab needs breaking in a little. The other was an EBS 212 Neo from Loudandclear. I have to admit I was absolutely astounded by the weight (or lack of) of this thing. Truly incredible. Yet the sound is very full if a little sizzly coz of the tweeter. The Trace V8 has taken on a new lease of life with this cab so I'm looking forward to trying it out! I may end up looking for a matching EBS 210 neo and then just taking the GK RB700 head out of the combo and switching between that and the Trace V8 depending on what basses are needed for the gig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted February 24, 2008 Author Share Posted February 24, 2008 I've now gigged the V8 + Neo 212 combo and its proved to be a devastating combination. LOADS of growl and huge bottom end. In fact, if anything I'd probably criticise the V8 for having TOO much bottom end - its a thunderous monster, difficult to tame with the paltry bass control supplied. Also the mid control doesn't seem particularly effective at times, I get the impression the controls can be interactive with one another too. I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY really wish that EBS made this 212 cab with a tilt-back option. I can't describe how good the GK RB700 combo has been SIMPLY because of its tilt back feature. Saves me having to park the cab 3-4m away from me on stage in order to hear it. Also took this gratuitous group shot of the basses today when I had some decent light. [attachment=5906:DSCF1201.JPG] Yes there's a 6 string, short scale, piccolo bass in there too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimmyC Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 You have some amazing stuff - close to 20k invested in all of them? eek Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birdy Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 [quote name='TimmyC' post='146827' date='Feb 25 2008, 06:54 PM']You have some amazing stuff - close to 20k invested in all of them? eek[/quote] It can't be far off and what a lovely collection. The way I justify what I spend on gear is by having a worse car than I could do if I didnt buy basses. Instead of driving round in a £20K car mine is worth about £2K. When I replace it it will be with one worth about £5K. The basses will depreciate less than a car as well, especially ones such as Kiwis! Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 I have had the pleasure of playing all of these at various times and think they are all exceptionally lovely examples not just of basses full stop, but of basses within the particular fields. For example, the Alembic is surely the best I have seen or played (on a par with R5R5's Europa), the Ray is just the holy grail as far as rays are concerned and the Pedulla and Jazz bass are just top notch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted February 25, 2008 Author Share Posted February 25, 2008 [quote name='TimmyC' post='146827' date='Feb 25 2008, 06:54 PM']You have some amazing stuff - close to 20k invested in all of them? eek[/quote] In terms of what I've paid? Nowhere near that much thankfully because I bought them all used for very reasonable prices. Replacement value is another thing though, esp. with Alembic and Cutlass but so much of it depends on market demand. [quote name='birdy' post='146845' date='Feb 25 2008, 07:20 PM']The basses will depreciate less than a car as well, especially ones such as Kiwis![/quote] Exactly what I keep telling myself. Although I could definitely do with more house deposit right now but the collection has been refined to such a degree now that I'd end up kicking myself if I sold any of them. I've got the best examples for every covers situation plus two very exclusive graphite necked collectables as a slight indulgence (*gh*) and a damn fine Pentabuzz. Plus the MIDI Shuker 6 is going to be on its way hopefully in a couple of months. But you know what? Its all very well having these basses and justifying owning them by using them live. I've been taking three to a gig until recently but changing between them is a pain in the ass mid set. At the moment I'm just taking the Smith 5 and the Stingray to gigs using either to cover the p-bass songs. Can't say I'm that happy about it, I really like using the Celinder p-bass for 'Valerie' and some of the Aretha songs we do and I miss having the p-bass sound. So I'm considering getting a 5 string 'gigging' bass consisting of p-bass and mm pickups in an alder or ash body with a maple bolt on neck. Kind of along similar lines to this Sandberg but with the MM pickup in a more authentic location further from the bridge. Whether I can still justify owning the other basses if I don't otherwise record with them is another question I may have to ask myself down the line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickThomas Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 Very Very nice collection!! ..... I thought you sold the pentabuzz a couple of years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted February 25, 2008 Author Share Posted February 25, 2008 [quote name='NickThomas' post='146991' date='Feb 25 2008, 11:11 PM']Very Very nice collection!![/quote] Cheers, small but perfectly formed I hope? [quote name='NickThomas' post='146991' date='Feb 25 2008, 11:11 PM']I thought you sold the pentabuzz a couple of years ago.[/quote] I think that could have been the matching MVP I had? [attachment=5962:pedulla_MVP_035.JPG] MVP [attachment=5963:DSCF0288.JPG] Pentabuzz Both in 'amberburst', the MVP went c/- the Bass Centre IIRC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warwickhunt Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 [quote name='Crazykiwi' post='146861' date='Feb 25 2008, 07:49 PM']Whether I can still justify owning the other basses if I don't otherwise record with them is another question I may have to ask myself down the line.[/quote] You're probably a short step away from where I was recently with the Warwick basses that I had. Even though I'm 'probably' going to regret selling each and every one I have to say that it has been liberating and the fact that some of them literally went from one string/battery change to the next with a couple of hours playing kind of consolidates my justification in selling up. I don't think you've quite reached the point of selling up yet because the decision literally comes upon you one morning when you wake up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted February 27, 2008 Author Share Posted February 27, 2008 [quote name='warwickhunt' post='147984' date='Feb 27 2008, 05:48 PM']You're probably a short step away from where I was recently with the Warwick basses that I had. Even though I'm 'probably' going to regret selling each and every one I have to say that it has been liberating and the fact that some of them literally went from one string/battery change to the next with a couple of hours playing kind of consolidates my justification in selling up. I don't think you've quite reached the point of selling up yet because the decision literally comes upon you one morning when you wake up.[/quote] You've made an absolutely fair point and well presented. I guess that will happen when I decide I'm not into enjoying the instruments per se as much (or the value tied up could go toward something far more important to me). Not there yet though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 You haven't 'woken up' yet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted April 12, 2008 Author Share Posted April 12, 2008 Here's one I took this morning - a trio of pre-EB Musicmans (men?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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