martin8708

I was in the market for a new cab to compete with a two ( loud ) guitarist's band as the Markbass cabs were wiped out by the Marshall's and Mesa Boogies . I did phone Mark a few times with some enquiries about some cabs , all questions were answered in direct ,matter -of - fact manner which is fine by me , as I'd rather someone cut out the bullsh#t and cut to the chase . I did make the journey to the shop which is a good few miles and a very expensive ferry journey for me , Mark set me up with a few different cabs ( took my own bass + amp ) and left me to twiddle around while he went to his office to probably answer the mass of e-mails that had built up over the week- end . Mark then came out , taught me how to set-up my Markbass EQ, did not laugh at my bad playing and managed a wry smile at at me using a Fender P - bass as my main bass . BUT - he did sell me a cab which was a killer cab that absolutely slayed the guitarists , we also chatted about the Isle of Wight and Mark seemed to appreciate the effort I made to visit his establishment. I would rather have expertise and knowledge than plastic smiles and shiny Armani suits ( and I deal with those sorts of t*ssers on a regular basis ) , so I will happily use Bassdirect with no hesitation at all.

I was in a 3 piece for over 10 years ( guitarist who sings / bass with backing vox / drummer ) and it never sounded thin . If you have a strong rhythm guitarist the sound will always be full , the only time I have been in bands with a weedy sound is when the guitarist plays continuous lead or solo,s that he's learn't note for note off youtube . There is a definite lack of good rhythm guitarist's around , everybody wants to be a rock-god .

Gallien Krueger amps , they probably sound great , but look Star Trekky (original series ) . Also difficult to spell. Don't like the name Genz Benz either , sounds like a child's bendy toy.

I have had the pleasure of owning an Alleva , and it was truly a wonderful bass , very well finished and incredibly playable and I would buy another without any hesitation . Life has taught me there are two sides to every story , we have heard an awful lot from the purchaser . Dealing with the public for nearly 30 years has also taught me you can't please all the people all the time . Stories and events become twisted and manipulated over time . With this outcry of disgust and horror , I eagerly await a wave of A-C basses to appear in the for sale section , so I'm off to raid the piggybank and click on wonga to pick up some bargains . But , I somehow doubt that will happen , as those that own one of Jimmy's bass's know just how good they are . I can't help but thinking those doing the most slagging off are people who have never owned or played an A-C bass and never have any intention of owning one .

Cool rig , I used to have a 2 x 604 rig powered by a Tube 800 , till I went down the Vanderkley route . The Tube 800 is stronger in the Mids , gives you a bit more of a cutting edge in loud bands and the head-room is great , good fun watching the guitarist fiddle with the volume knob on his amp while the Tube 800 is just getting warmed up .

I was considering taking my new acoustic guitar to Chandlers for a set up , so this thread has planted a small seed of doubt. I normally set up my basses and electric guitars myself , but I was going to splurge on a pro set up as the nut and saddle needs adjusting ,and acoustic guitars are ( for me ) more difficult to adjust . There is no-one on the Island I would trust , not aware of any one in Southampton or Pompey , and Chandlers seemed to have legendary status as guitar techs to the Gods . Is the new shop still worth the trip for the set - up ?

My old P bass My newer P Bass My old J bass Yamaha BB1200 Mo Clifton upright

[quote name='flyfisher' timestamp='1374954987' post='2155269'] Yep. In my wildest dreams of musical fame and fortune, JJ Cale would be what I'd wish for - a lifetime of playing music just how I wanted, the respect of my peers and none of that celebrity nonsense. [/quote] Agreed. Sad news indeed, JJ Cale was a big part of my musical diet when growing up. Thanks for all the great songs .

Did a gig at the Rythmtree Festival last night and the supplied amp was a Ashdown 2x10 combo with what looked like the Mark King head ( red face with loads of EQ sliders ) , it was pretty beat up so was difficult to establish what it was , but the sound was pretty good , great rock sound with a Precision bass . I've always wanted to try an Ashdown , sounded good to my ears so I'm quite happy to give them a go . ( thumbs up from me )

Happy birthday , Clarky . Enjoy Siena , lovely city , I believe . All the best.

[attachment=138633:Burt + Cruise + Santa Cruz 043.jpg]My most recent purchase ,a Santa Cruz 1927, 000 model acoustic guitar . Always played Ovations , so I thought I would have a stab at a normal acoustic , pretty good so far .

I politely declined the offer . ( no need for nastyness , the Island is a small place ) I'm probably a bit old fashioned , but It's a bit like your girlfriend / wife sleeping with some one else , and then saying lets get back together again . I would rather hang onto a small shred of dignity , than go back to a band with my tail between my legs . As we were practicing at some ones house , I was using my Micromark , I just never got round to telling them I had a Tube800 head and Vanderkley 2x12 cab as my main rig.

Yup , been sacked from a band , or " replaced " by another bass player because the other bass players amp was bigger than mine ??? He also had a full length leather coat and long greasy hair , so as a slap-head I did not stand a chance . I was fired by e-mail , about a month later I had another e-mail asking me to re join the band . Ahh , band politics .

[quote name='White Cloud' timestamp='1372938002' post='2131816'] I think you are in mourning for the band you were in and I think you have other personal issues bubbling away in the background. One thing I would say is that constant gear (or other materialistic) acquisition never ever leads to lengthy happiness...just a quick "high". [/quote] Spot on !! The (apparent ) need to change or buy new gear seems to be a distraction from some bigger problem . When I "left " a band after 10 years , it initially seemed OK , but like any relationship , it can really hit you harder than you think.

[quote name='redstriper' timestamp='1371410958' post='2113578'] The recession is not hitting every part of every market, in fact many business are booming, especially those that are able to adapt and work with consumers, rather than alienate them. [/quote] When I walk down the High Street and I am faced with the choice of 1) empty shop 2) charity shop 3 ) Poundland or 99p shop , I would have to say things ain't what they used to be . Yes , some sectors are doing well and bucking the trend , I believe Poundland made huge profits this year ,and Range Rovers order books are full , but I'm sure most of those luxury cars are heading for emerging markets or China ( or Cheshire ) I agree , we have to adapt to the new situation , but the simple fact is many of us are affected by the closure of shops/ factories / prisons /army barracks / police stations etc . Just my 2p

The bass guitar section seems to bumble along , but the amp section seems to have slowed to snails pace as far as new items are concerned . The economy and the new fee's are probably the easiest factors to blame , but I also think there is just a lack of confidence amongst prospective buyers as they prefer to hang on to the money they have , rather than buy themselves a new amp or bass. These days no job seems safe , even those working for civil service / government are not safe from the axe . People have just gone into self preservation mode

1) Watching an old VHS video of Duran Duran live in Rio , John Taylor was just so cool . 2) My best mate was a much better guitarist than me 3) Picked up a really cool Yamaha BB1200 from Yamaha Musicland for peanuts , I think they were just trying to get rid of it , ( that was 30 years ago )

I was looking for a second Markbass 604 cab , and Squibs for sale thread popped up in a google search . After seeing the Bass's on the settee thread , it was great to know there were other like minded folk who spent all their cash on guitars and amps . The " show us your rig " thread is great too.

Probably as close as you will get in touch / feel / vibe to a proper '62 P-bass without the Pre CBS price tag . Great bass , but my personal preference is still for my 57 Vintage Re-issue . So I sold it back to it's original owner . All P-bass's are different , I have six , so you need to play it to make sure it speaks to you.

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1365092201' post='2035246'] That Ampeg solid state SVT clone....450H?! AWFUL. [/quote] We had one of these in a local rehearsal studio , paired with an Ampeg 4x10 . After two rehearsals , gave up on the amp and plugged in my LittleMark 250 to the 4x10. For such a large box , it gave out such a weedy sound .

Welcome to Basschat , Tony . Its a great source of information , and entertainment . If you do have a Bass bash , let us Isle of Wighters know , it's good to get off the old lump of chalk every now and then . Martin

A true master of being able to sing and play great bass lines at the same time . Great use of space in his songs , with lyrics that really make you listen , inspired from his love of literature . And he's a tree hugger , top bloke .

£20 for a years worth of selling is pretty cheap compared to any other method that I'm aware off . Off topic can be a bit of a mine field , it makes great reading , but I have learnt to be very careful about posting comments as there always seem to be some one lurking in the ether wanting to take a swipe at you . A thick skin is a definite advantage to those souls who brave the forum . I suppose , if you can't take the heat , stay out of the kitchen. The help I have received from the gear forums is great , and the porn section makes great browsing , nice to see other people's stuff. So all in all , great website , gets the thumbs up from me.

Quick update , just for reference ; the speaker has been re-coned by Wembley Loudspeaker repair as recommended by BassBunny. Cost was £87 plus Vat , without the shipping cost , ( ouch ) Speakers working fine , so far , fingers crossed the other one doesn't blow. Quick note , I did phone Blue Aran in Southampton as they sell EV re cone kits , I asked if they could recommend a technician to do the repair , to be told by some disinterested youth that " we don't do that sort of thing , and we do not know any one who does " I went on their website to order a pair of Eminance horns , and low and behold , they offer a full re coning service on their website . I've used Blue Aran on numerous occasions , as I have built numerous cabs for guitar and bass, but I think their front line customer service needs to go up a notch ( or two )