grubs

Hello to anyone who is interested! Back on here after a few years away. I have been running an Ashdown Evo 3. Head (575 watt at 4 ohms) with an ashdown 6x10 (4ohms) cab for the last two years. sounds great, plenty of head room etc etc. My problem is I have a dodgy back, and have recently decided to get rid of the 6x10, it was killing me! (what possessed me to get such a big rig? Vanity, Ego, Stupidity!!) I have traded it in for an Ampeg PN 410 HLF, a much more user friendly Cab, but still with plenty of power at 850 watts ( cab is due to arrive this week) Does anybody out there have any experience of pairing an Ashdown head with Ampeg cabs? The Ampeg PN 410 HLF is an 8 ohm cab, so I reckon I will probably get 300 watts from the Ashdown evo? This should be enough for the venues I am playing, pubs, clubs etc. I play classic / modern rock in a five piece band. (2 x guitars, drums and me! So I need to cut through 2 x Gibson L/P) playing Rick 4003, fender p bass USA with Seymour Duncan P/U & hip shot bridge, and a Sandberg California Custom supreme which for anyone who doesn't know will go toe to toe with any Fender or Stingray! Thoughts on the above would be appreciated. Thanks G

[quote name='Pbassman' post='918711' date='Aug 8 2010, 01:21 PM']Hi, and welcome. Having started a mini collection of basses (16 currently but lookingto offload as moving house soon) I can contribute the following opinion (no more, no less as I am not an expert) that may help. Rickenbackers (got an '83 4001) - great sound, hard to get get set up right and to maintain the set-up, and the top edge makes for uncomfortable playing over longer periods. Gibsons - have a Les Paul standard - heavy, big sound, comfortable neck, but expensive - but they do look lovely. G3 - have a 70s one which is very good to play. They have issued a new version now which looks pretty interesting but maybe pricey. Triumph bass - short scale, so very personal preference to play this. Musicman - have a Stingray - well balanced, light, distinctive tone, great for all styles, but there is something about it I just don't like enough for it to be top, but you could pick up a s/h one for around £900 which would be a great buy. (Let you have mine, with case, for £975!) Fenders - I've a couple of 70s USA PBs which I love - incomparable tone, great looking (sunburst w/roseneck and black w/maple), lovely feel. Of the other PBs, the '64 reissue and '57 reissue are also great but the neck is thinner, front to back, and doesn't seem to fit the hand so well - but again it's a personal thing. I've an original '73 Jazz bass - probably my favourite of all, so doesn't get played too much! Beautiful. '75 US Reissue is everything you expect from a JB, narrow, fast neck, great tone. Pricey again. Lakland may be a good option. When my local music was open, I tried to play any different one they got in - and generally a lot of the 'cheaper' end are very good too. Maybe without any re-sale value, but will provide all you need. I do not have much experience of Yamahas, Washburn, Warwick etc, etc. You have experience - you know what you like - it is just a case of trying what you can get your hands on. But for me, it would probably be Fender all the way. Good luck - you'll have great fun trying to find something. Phil[/quote] many thanks for taking the time to reply in such detail. i have heard that the Stingray is worth trying & i intend to do so. Aesthetically though i am drawn to the Fender precision, or Jazz. Another member has suggested the Geddy Lee Signature, which i also intend trying. 16 Basses sounds like more like an obsession rather than a mini collection! Ha ha! you must have a very understanding Missus! Cheers. Grubs.

[quote name='Chest Rockwell' post='919319' date='Aug 9 2010, 09:55 AM']Grubs, I was in the same boat last year, (hadnt played regularly for years, had a cheaper Aria Pro ) I looked around as best I could, borrowed a Fender Jazz that had that 'bass' character I thought I was missing and then played a Geddy Lee Jazz in a guitar shop and was sold. They're under £800 new and I picked one up on Ebay for just over £400. An 'expert' may find holes in it and the neck is a little sharp if you play slung low, meaning the neck can dig into the fingers/palm of the hand, but this is probably me as I stabbed myself in the hand accidentally(!!) a while back and i get that sensation. having the guitar higher slung would help. but the neck is Fast. everyone thats played it likes it. and they look great. anyway, there's quite a few on sale here at the moment. Try one out in a shop, then come here and pick one up. With that and my Orange Terror bass head, the two bands I play in are always happy with my sound.[/quote]

Hello. New to this & seeking some expert advice. Having given up Bass about 18 years ago i have recently realised how much i miss playing, ( been concentrating on Guitar) I am now in the market for a new model & am undecided. I am looking for a big sounding easy to play machine with a fast neck (Mostly play Indie Rock / Metal / Punk.) I have tries the Gibson SG re-issue, found it to be ok but felt a little cheap (and it shouldnt at those prices!) have tried the Gibson Thunderbird Which i thought was very good, but i have a sneaky feeling that i would be buying it for looks rather than sound & quality. I like the look of the Fender "P Bass special" & "Duff Mckagan Signature Model" but not had the chance to try one out. I have always aspired to owning a Rickenbacker, but having tried a couple recently i have to confess to being a little dissapointed (If i was willing to shell out £1700.00 - £2000.00 on a Rick i would have to be more than sure that it was the Bass for me, & im not!) When i played years ago i had an "Aria Pro" (not a top of the range model i hasten to add, although very reliable & easy to play) This time i am looking for something traditional, Ideally Gibson / Fender, not looking for Heavy Metal Cliche (BC Rich / ESP etc. I would say i play with fingers about 60% of the time & also use a pick. Generally looking for something versatile & Rock solid. My Budget is about £900.00 max ideally much less. Any Recommendations? Cheers G