Lozz196

I think it’s one of those comparison things, if the solo was written & recorded with humbuckers then moving to single coils will inevitably make it sound thinner. As such when single coil players write solos they write them to suit their instruments and make sure the song keeps going. I’ve heard some fantastic solos from Strat players in 3 piece original bands but when those bands do an occasional cover the solos (that were invariably done on Les Paul’s) sound weedy.

A Low End

Yes, that’s what I do, one PSU to the daisy-chain cable which then feeds my three pedals (Sansamp, compressor, tuner)

I had similar at a gig, only the jack was completely gone and I didn’t have a backup. Lesson learned, especially as I’d checked it was working before I set off.

I never take a backup bass to rehearsals but always to gigs.

I’m not so sure, some prices of used Mex Fenders seem higher than ever, as do some US ones on the bay. That said there have been some very good bargains on here. I should also add that most of the gear I’ve sold over the last year went on other sites rather than here, and I usually price to on here to match what the going rate is.

If the whole album is like that track (and available on CD) please let me know, I`ll happily take one off your hands.

Same for me in my old band, though it was the Tech21 Para Driver for me. In a 3 piece the guitar solos need to be worked out well so that they lift the song, with the bass staying largely where it was but maybe digging in a bit more, and the drummer using the ride cymbal stops the arsend of the song falling away. Having the bit of compression helps greatly as although you can dig in more the volume doesn`t really jump, just the amount of drive increases so filling out nicely. I also do a bit of Macca style note choice, same fret but one string down or one string up/two frets up, or some ghost notes on open strings, or maybe same string but either one or two frets down for one note here & there, it keeps to the original format if the solo is on a verse but just brings a little extra in. I`ve recently watched some live shows of bands like The Jam and Oasis, and on songs where they were originally recorded/played live with certain guitars (Rickenbacker for The Jam, Gibson 335 for Oasis) both have swapped on those songs to Teles for some reason. When the solos have kicked in it`s almost been like the band have downed tools for tea break, whereas before on live shows where they`ve stuck to the original guitar types the solos have really lifted the songs. So if one instrument lifts a solo, and another flattens it is it the solo arrangement that`s wrong or the instrument choice?

Johnny Was by Bob Marley Doesn’t Make it Alright by The Specials Both covered by Stiff Little Fingers

Agree, we were a 3 piece and that was something we were very conscious of avoiding, and did, but many 3 pieces don’t. Instrument choice does help though, easier to get away with it with a Les Paul than a Strat (from my experience anyway, as a not that good guitarist).

It’s funny isn’t it, with today’s so-called much better designed, much more efficient equipment we now need all these filters to get the perfect sound that we heard people in the 60s/70s/80s achieve from the supposed sub standard gear around at the time that wasn’t scientifically any good.

Depends on style of music, given that 3 pieces can sound empty especially in solos I’d prefer a humbucker equipped guitar rather than one with single coils. And yes, the answer to what are they playing is in general “too loud”.

In the end - after a few tryouts - I settled on the Seymour Duncan Studio Compressor, and have just set it to the manuals “even things up” setting. It doesn’t sound like it’s doing anything until it’s switched off which really suits me. Compression level fairly low, Attack on minimum, it levels everything out nicely, doesn’t affect the tone at all but just allows each note to have a greater clarity.

At band practice last night I had to travel light so only my bass, no pedals, and used the rehearsal rooms amp. With my band I use a touch of compression and I really noticed not having it last night. It just seems to sharpen up the notes, or because it does that and they’re sharper and more defined that then makes my playing more accurate.

Proof yet again that what sounds really bassy and warm in the mix just isn’t.

I’d forgotten that track, quite how given its so good I don’t know

CCR for me, don’t mind The Eagles but Credence def.

If it’s a man doing the sound he’s the sound man. Not sexist, just accurate.

If you liked the Ashdown sound and 300 watts with a 210 worked for you I’d look at one of their RM500 heads and either an RM210 or ABM Pro Neo 210. The RM amps are great, really powerful with a great sound and very flexible eq, plus on-board drive & compression, weighs less than 3kg. Each cab mentioned is under 18kg and an easy one handed lift. Later on you can always add in another cab.

Wow, I paid about £250 for mine in 2010.

I think that’s a very good point, if a bassists carrying capability is a certain weight then this is seeing what you can get within that limit. A new way of looking at things which I hadn’t thought of but which makes a lot of sense (funds permitting of course).

That’s what I did in my last band which was a 3 piece. A sort of cross between Duff McKagan & Lemmy, fills out the sound nicely. Add in a bit of compression on the amp then in solos just dig in harder, the compression acts like a limiter in not allowing the volume to raise but the drive increases a tad, further filling out the sound.

That’s not a bad idea at all, it certainly thickens the sound out, plus adds in some nice harmonics so ideal for adding in depth on guitar solos.

Model P is a good powerful pickup, been around for years and many have swapped out to it.

Yes, No, No I clean/lemon-oil my maple fretboards every time I change strings and haven’t seen any damage yet.