mcnach

[quote name='lemmywinks' post='1133135' date='Feb 19 2011, 10:18 AM']So you still haven't played one then?[/quote]


Save your breath, it's almost like...

[quote name='JTUK' post='1132914' date='Feb 18 2011, 11:32 PM']This will be a cheap and nasty bass.[/quote]


You know what? you're right.
It is truly awful. I bought one and repeated because my lighter broke so I couldn't burn a few notes that day.



better now?

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='1132892' date='Feb 18 2011, 11:09 PM']Bloody tempted to up the budget and get this, it's 10 mins from me.

[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270705421922#ht_1018wt_1139"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...#ht_1018wt_1139[/url][/quote]


That's a beauty!

An an Audere preamp, nice specs...

but, the best... it has a BLUE LED!!!!!

If it has blue leds, it's full of awesomeness. It's a rule.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' post='1132881' date='Feb 18 2011, 10:42 PM']I guess a Sub 5 would be over £250? Mcnash style modded OLP 5 could be nice and within budget?[/quote]

By the time you get the pickup and the preamp, unless you are lucky and find the right combo used quickly (unlikely), you're not too far from SUB5 money.
Yes, I think a SUB5 will be better than a modified OLP Although if you enjoy modifying basses, the OLP is not such a bad choice.

The SUB5 is rarer than the SUB4 but they still appear relatively frequently.

My SUB5 cost me £350. Worth every penny and more. It had a few scuffs on headstock and neck. A "prettier" one will easily get £400. That's great value.

I was making some quick clips of an MXR autoQ for another basschatter, and I figured I might as well post them here in case someone else finds this useful.

Bear in mind that this is not a review, I just plugged it in and made some noise, without thinking what to play, and twiddling knobs as I felt like it. The pedal does other noises too, but these are the ones I made tonight

This is the straight MXR autoQ, not the bass-dedicated version. Although I thought it worked well with bass, which is why I bought it.

It was recorded with a Zoom H2 thrown on the sofa, so sound quality is not great.

The very fret-buzzy bass is an OLP MM2 (Stingray style) and was played into a Behringer BXL450A practice amp.



Clip1[attachment=72607:01.mp3]
01 - starts with no effect, then switch on with only the filter envelope thing. Some settings were altered slightly as I go along.



Clip2[attachment=72606:02.mp3]
02 - more filter envelope, but adding a bit of "shimmer". Switched to only shimmer effect half way through.



Clip3[attachment=72602:03.mp3]
03 - filter envelope + a bit of shimmer. Shimmer only shows when notes are longer.



Clip4[attachment=72603:04.mp3]
04 - Shimmer, adding a bit of filter envelope. Slightly changing settings. Alternate dry/FX halfway.



Clip5[attachment=72604:05.mp3]
05 - Shimmer. Then add some filter envelope, mild.



Clip6[attachment=72605:06.mp3]
06 - moderate filter envelope with a touch of shimmer

This is truly a very beautiful beast ARGH! someone buy it before I do!!!!!!!!!!!!

[quote name='drewm' post='1131571' date='Feb 17 2011, 09:15 PM']I only have one pedal, a Trace Elliot SMX dual band compressor. That runs left-to-right because it's AWESOME. [/quote]


I doubt it.
I just turned my pedalboard 180 degrees and that did not improve the tone

[quote name='Ou7shined' post='1131581' date='Feb 17 2011, 09:37 PM']I'd be too scared. It might make me want to sell my 'ray. [/quote]

yeah yeah yeah, mock me all you like

[quote name='Meenie' post='1132524' date='Feb 18 2011, 06:05 PM']Ok, Here are some pictures of dubious quality......







[/quote]


That's seriously sexy looking. Although I'd love a '51 P-bass inspired one like the one in the drawings Wazoo posted a couple of days ago. Yum.

I think one day i'll buy one, if only to mess with the minds of drunks in the bar

Heh, imagine a cross between fan-fretted Brian Eastwood type of bass:

[url="http://www.brianeastwoodguitars.co.uk/bender.html"]Brian Eastwood - Bender[/url]

"whoa, like far out man!"

Red Hot Chili Peppers "Universally Speaking" zzzzzzzzzzz

but it's much worse for the drummer!!!!!

[quote name='Musicman20' post='1130645' date='Feb 17 2011, 09:46 AM']How hard are these to fit? Id quite like one for a Jazz bass.[/quote]


like they said... extremely easy and fuss-free.

The only issue *may* be with the depth of the cavity. There are so many versions of the Jazz with slightly different measurements. I suspect if yours is a MIA Jazz it'll fit fine. But check first: dimensions of the preamp are on the website.

I went to put one on a non-Fender Jazz copy, and found I needed a few extra mm depth. Fortunately I have a router so it was ok. That's what took me the longest:
- loosen strings and lift bridge
- lift bridge pickup
(to be able to place the router over the cavity. <5min)
- use router manually, adjusted to remove about 4mm from the bottom (5-10min)
- clean, refit (10min)
- install preamp (<5min)
- test & smile

Most people don't have the depth issue and can do it in 5min.

[quote name='silddx' post='1128405' date='Feb 15 2011, 02:45 PM']I have just bought another pre from John, and I simply can't say enough about the quality and design of his products, and his incredible customer service.

He gives Basschat members 10% discount, although I refused it this second time as I consider it an introductory offer, his prices are perfectly fine anyway. His communication, attention to the customer's needs and the advice he gives are testament to the very best intention to provide exceptional customer service and support and products. It seems completely natural to him. His aftersales support is ace too.

His preamps are built to the highest standards and sound fantastic. I can't wait to get my new J-Retro 01 into my new Jazz Bass!

We really need people like John running businesses in the UK.

[url="http://www.east-uk.com/"]http://www.east-uk.com/[/url]

EDIT: I just found this recent thread which proves my point [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=118830"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=118830[/url][/quote]


+10 at everything.

when I wanted to replace my 2EQ in the Stingray (I wanted extra mids, without losing the 2EQ character) I wrote to John to find just how much of the 2EQ it retains... he was very helpful and reassuring talking about how he used his own Stingray to model the rpeamp, sending pictures of his testing apparatus and all... And I got him to install an active/passive switch por just the price of the new pot required, and he even made it cheaper than what he quoted me initially.

Very good service. I had no idea he offered a 10% discount, that would have made me nearly £20 richer! But I'm happy to pay full price. The results are fantastic.

The J-Retro01 I have was bought used, here in basschat, so I didn't have to deal with him that time... but it's another incredible preamp.

[quote name='pikeman' post='1132425' date='Feb 18 2011, 04:33 PM']I went in to my local Sue Ryder shop on the off chance they had a bass left. No such luck.
I came out the proud owner of a new guitar stand for £7-99. Packs up nice and small and fits in my bag a treat.
Now to start modding it. [/quote]

It makes sense... sell them teh basses... then tehy'll need stands!

[quote name='Johnston' post='1132397' date='Feb 18 2011, 04:09 PM']I agree with the £60 just to shift.

But then they never really marketed them how many people didn't see them until it was posted here?? I know if I ever seen an instrument of any kind in a charity shop window I would assume it's a donation rather than a sourced in stock item.[/quote]


If I saw these in a SR shop at £120, I wouldn't even bother to enter. At that price tehre are just too many well known brands that offer something decent. I wouldn't associate a charity shop brand with something of decent quality when it comes to a guitar.

Even at £60, I didn't even consider it at first. I expected it to be crap. Like those kits on eBay for £52.
Until Tom bought one and posted some pictures and comments... and eventually I figured that for £60 I'd gamble.
Then I got mine and the rest is history

Nice idea by SR. But it would need some serious marketing, or a very low price to get them into the guitar-buying public in enough numbers.
£120 new? I *know* I can get a "known quantity" brand, used, for that. Why would I try on a total unknown that I'm already biased against because of its provenance?
I think that's what made them fail.

[quote name='JTUK' post='1132330' date='Feb 18 2011, 03:16 PM']I very much doubt these would be it.... they fact that the components would most likely be very dodgy and poor quality would seal it. Most of you guys seem to be swapping them out, so that suggests you might agree.

You can flood the things with decent fittings but you'll not get that money back, for sure.[/quote]


*very much doubt* you say.
Again, that's a [b]belief[/b] you have, and is not based on experience.
You *may* be right, in principle. But you have no experience. It gets tiring soon.

swapping: *most* only swap the strings (which are TERRIBLE).
Many swap pickguards. That does not improve a bass.
We pretty much all simply just set it up.
Even the pickup is not bad. I'm only changing one of them, not because I can't afford to swap more (yeah, I spent all my money buying cheap basses to mess about with and can't afford bits and pieces now ).
One had a bad neck. Others swapped it because they wanted a cheap body as a donor for a neck they already owned.
What did I miss?


If you think it's about getting the money back soemhow... then maybe that throws some light at your attitude.
I don't think anybody here is thinking of getting any money back. Not any more than you get you money back if you spend £40 on booze one evening.

When I've put an expensive preamp in a cheap bass, it was not with the idea that it'll become a more valuable bass. It merely becomes a much nicer bass to play *for me*. I play these things, you know?
The day I decide to sell it, *if* I do, I sell teh preamp separately or keep it for another bass.
If it were about cost we wouldn't buy new, as the minute you take a new bass out of teh shop, it loses a good chunk of % from its value.

aaaanyway, what's that saying about a dead horse?

[quote name='Johnston' post='1132281' date='Feb 18 2011, 02:43 PM']If I was to contact the same factory and get a run of the same basses with a J on the plate and knock them out at £200 would they somehow be better??[/quote]

I would love to do that.
Interestingly, I thought the quality/finish was comparable to what I'd expect to find for £189-199 in a shop, so that sounds like a good price tag.

I bet people wouldn't just say "it *has* to be crap". They woudl try, then say "nice" or "nah, not for me". The £60 one however some they might not even touch...

[quote name='JTUK' post='1132273' date='Feb 18 2011, 02:32 PM']If the action was 3mm, then it isn't playable, IMO. and nor should you bother.

Look, I am happy, ...well, not really, I don't care, as I don't have to play them, ... that they have a use but these can't be good basses.
Useable...?? but that depends what you want/expect.[/quote]

re: action comment.
I *love* that there are enough people judging instruments like you do above. It's provided me with great guitars at good prices over the years.
One of my Warwicks was sold to me at a great price because of teh high action... the guy tried to lower it but got lots of buzzing and gave up. It didn't even require fret levelling. 20min in my possession made it play great. Bargain

I don't know, I have had to set up *every* guitar I ever owned (and that's a LOT of them over the years), whether they were cheap or expensive handmade instruments. The only times I didn't was when I bought used from someone who liked the same action/feel as myself (and similar strings)
Maybe it *is* all down to expectations as you later say. I don't expect perfection, because I am going to adjust any instrument once I decide what strings it has etc. Even some minor fret levelling doesn't faze me. It's all straight forward stuff. And when I can't be bothered because I'm going through a busy period and just want a guitar ready for date X, I take it to my fave luthier who knows how I like them and gets it just right in a fraction of the time it takes me and charges me only about £45 inc. fret levelling and ocassionally a new nut (nut cost apart).
As long as it's structurally sound, neck is not showing worrying signs of instability, and components do the job (let's face it, it's not space-age technology exactly ), there's a good chance I can make it work. If the neck is comfortable, frets are well installed and I don't even need to do teh fret ends... then it's going to be a usable bass.

You should try to play some of the instruments I had to play when I started out!!! That would show you what *unplayable* means

I find your dismissal, without even trying one *set-up*, quite interesting.

I never said they're the best. And even nicely set up you might still not like it. I have tried some expensive basses that just did nothing for me. It's personal. But to dismiss a guitar because the components must be cheap (it's basic technology, even an upgrade is cheap! and/or the action is high (it's all adjustable to each individual player's taste!) is just... very interesting

[quote name='JTUK' post='1132184' date='Feb 18 2011, 01:28 PM']I just can't for the life of me see this as being anywhere near playable...[/quote]

have you tried?

it gets a bit annoying to hear those generalisations based on... *nothing* whatsoever.

I'm sure you know what's best 'though

[quote name='lemmywinks' post='1131880' date='Feb 18 2011, 09:47 AM']Well it's a decent enough bass for £60, there's loads of uses for it. It's always handy to have a cheap bass knocking about.

Yeah, everybody buying one is a bit of a fad and there are better basses for similar money floating about on eBay, but i guess we all have disposable income and it is going to a charity.

Not the best basses in the world, or even at that price range, but fun and i can think of worse ways to spend £60. I just have to resist the cream strat they have in my local branch, it looks lovely![/quote]


That was another point... which wasn't teh main one, I admit: teh charity thing.
I didn't buy them because of teh charity involvement, let's be honest! But it helped calm my "come on, really? you want what?" thoughts knowing that the money was ending up in the charity. Besides, I think a lot of us have added a little extra on top when buying online (I have). Which is nice, I suppose.
Although that wasn't the reason that pushed me to buy them, to be honest.

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='1131872' date='Feb 18 2011, 09:35 AM']I must admit i cant see why people are buying so many. I bet no one here will gig them that much.
I can understand buying them as a project bass but even so, to what end? spend money and/or time on them and then what?

Still, no offence to anyone here, i just dont get it.[/quote]



It's a bit of several things.

First one is... obsessive compulsion: at that price, if there's enough available "toy money", it represents a small expense. Some spend more in one evening out drinking. We all choose our outlets.

Second: I personally find it fun to play around changing things and experimenting. Some from a functional point of view (string types, or pickup, etc), some purely aesthetic. I would love to do that with three top-quality P-basses. But I'm not that well-off

Third: It's actually not just a cheap bass. It is alright. It works. It feels nice. Will I gig mine? Probably not a lot, since the sound I'm after when I gig is usually a Stingray sound, and I have that base covered (4 & 5 string as well as OLPs, including a fretless one). But I don't keep a bass that I am not happy to gig with. I would compare these to Squiers in terms of quality. But cheaper. Oh, and I never liked Squier P-basses, but I *do* like the SR ones.

So it's a combination of things, for me. For very little money I get three substrates for experuimentation and fun and result in very usable basses. I will probably end up recording with one too. Although I use a Stingray 90% of the time live, with the band Seabass Kid we're recording a CD and I've used mostly the Stingray, but one song already used the G&L L2500 because it seemed to fit better in teh recording. There's another song where I think the SR I have with nylon flats would be perfect, so it's on the list of things to do next. If I don't gig them much it will not be because they're poor, but because I don't need that sound.

Oh, and another reason: they look pretty in the house. I don't like flower vases, I prefer basses

But that's just me, my opinion, taste and circumstances.

[quote name='Ou7shined' post='1131415' date='Feb 17 2011, 07:00 PM']Depends what you think an OLP is worth.... oops speaking to the wrong guys here. [/quote]


One day you will try my #1 OLP, and I'll make sure I capture the moment.

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='1131271' date='Feb 17 2011, 04:59 PM']Jesus they must be worth £450.[/quote]


I can sell you an OLP or a Sue Ryder P-bass if you like!

[quote name='casapete' post='1131473' date='Feb 17 2011, 07:57 PM']Just to let anyone in the York / E.Yorkshire area know - the Pocklington branch of Sue Ryder has 3 blue models currently in stock.
(tel.01759 304852). Last ones to arrive maybe?
Cheers.[/quote]



three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough three-is-enough

ah, I feel much better now. I'm not buying another one. I'm cured!

[size=1]edit: I already have three.[/size]

[quote name='Grand Wazoo' post='1131354' date='Feb 17 2011, 06:09 PM']I am in heaven with my Lollar which I've.... "picked up" no pun intended for £40 on the bay, otherwise they are close to £90 but it's the best I have ever tried, period correct, plenty of growl and some, and some, and some more... warm, deep, you need a decent set of pots to go with it, like original american CTS, proper wiring with a nice sprague capacitor and your there! (In heaven)[/quote]


Thanks for that. I had forgotten about these!

Hmm, it is looking like it'll be a question of a) stray from P-bass sound and get a DP127, or stay closer to classic P-bass land and go for a Lollar or maybe a SD...

[quote name='nick' post='1131382' date='Feb 17 2011, 06:34 PM']I like the Seymour Duncan SPB-1 myself. It's just a decent Precision pickup - nothing special, but punchy & growly enough when needed for me. Would like to try Wizard Trad at some point in the future. If you're after a lot of mids the SPB-2 'Hot' is better than SPB-3, which can sound quite scooped.
However, regarding the pickup on the Sue Ryder bass, just wondering why do you want to change it?
Fairly picky myself, when it comes to P-Bass pickups & as a matter of course always upgrade them to SPB-1's , but TBH found the stock pickup in the Ryder bass to be surprisingly good. Decided to keep it installed. Changing the pots & putting a PIO cap in it though...
Just curious(?)[/quote]


Well, I have THREE of those beasts. Yep, you read it well. Three.
Did I tell you that until a few weeks ago I used to go "P-bass? blergh!"

I don't know. This one seems to work for me. Having three allows me to explore sounds and configurations a bit.
I have to say I think the SR pickups are nice enough. I intend to keep two as they are, and modify a third one. While I'm happy with the sound, and they do a great slap too, I find it a bit "polite" at times. It sounds nice, but since I have three, I would like to change the pickup in one to get it a bit of extra "oomph". I call that "low midrang growl", but who knows what others call it. I heep hearing the DP122 is not growly but the clips I hear do have (what I call) growl in spades!

The way things are going right now with the three basses:
#1 stays stock, with Rotosound Tru-bass nylon-coated flats on.
#2 will stay stock too, probably, with another type of flats, non-coated and brighter. I'm trying D'Addario Chromes (my experience with flats is almost nil, so I have simply gone around listening to things until I could figure what looked like a good bet).
#3 replace pickup for something a bit less polite, and use my usual roundwounds. What I'm not clear is whether I want to keep a lot of the traditional P-bass character or not. I wanted to, but after hearing the DP127 I'm thinking I might as well stray.

That's all

Just having fun with P-basses after years saying "a P-bass? never"