casapete

I loved it,despite the odd 'moment'. Nate appeared to be using a couple of Hartke LH amps, with Hartke Hydrive 1x15 and 4x10 cabs. He played keys on a few including Superstition (which had Stevie on keys on the original.)

But then listen to the Otis Redding version - groovier still, and without all the distorted guitar overkill too!

[quote name='chris_b' post='863458' date='Jun 10 2010, 04:40 PM']As far as I know, British made Maine were sold in the 70's and early 80's. they were bomb proof, very heavy, never broke down and sounded pretty good for guitar. I've known 3 guitarists who used them but have never heard a bass version.[/quote] +1 Maine made guitar amps/combos/cabinets, which often featured metal domed speakers (McKenzies?), and I think did make a bass range (Maine Bassman), but cant remember a 2x12 combo. Seem to remember a fairly compact 2x10 guitar combo being one of their designs. (the guitar amps usually featured reverb and a master vol/distortion control.) AFAIK all of Maine stuff was solid state - cant remember seeing any valve designs. Was briefly in a band which had a Maine PA head - 200 watts/graphic /5 channels etc which was a hell of a lot at the time! Was well made honest gear that took a fair bit of abuse,still see the odd item for sale so must have been ok!

I generally use my amp set flat - only use the tone controls where room/stage dictates i.e. to get rid of boom etc. Keeping it simple works for me.

[quote name='mike6182' post='860708' date='Jun 8 2010, 09:35 AM']Hi Everyone, Later this year I'm due to have surgery on my left hand & I won't be able to play bass for at least 3-4 months. I don't want to let the rest of my band down, so I said I'd look into getting a keyboard to play bass on instead (one-handed obviously!). As it happens, I had been thinking for some time about getting a keyboard to experiment with & try a few bass lines. I'd really appreciate any advice on what kit would be suitable & how to approach this. We play mainly rock covers, both classic & recent. Cheers, Mike[/quote] Hey Mike, Same thing happened to me when I broke my arm! I ended up using a Roland D5 synth through my bass amp - the band were ok with it so it must have been ok! We play everything from 40's swing through to Kings of Leon, and the basic bass sounds were all fine for this. The D5 cost me £80, and I still have it. Would reckon on trying any synths you can - the D5 is a bit antiquated so you'll probably find better. Novation bass station / Roland Juno / Korg X50 were all mentioned to me as possibles too. I had no problems running the synth through my GK rig, in fact using it that way made the difference less noticeable to the band sound - still ran the amp DI into the PA as usual. I ended up enjoying the change/challenge of playing bass keys, especially not having a Stingray round my neck on marathon wedding gigs too! Good luck, you'll be fine!

[quote name='hillbilly deluxe' post='860028' date='Jun 7 2010, 04:06 PM']Im not sure what you mean by lower end one.The Hohner is a licenced copy of the Steinberger.The Quality of the Hohners imo,are really good.I know that they came with different pickup configurations,and came in active or passive types.The only ones that i have tried are ones with the EMG active pickups (same size as a guitar humbucker) Mine was my main gigging bass at the time,good sound and tone. I believe that there is a Steinberger Spirit model available now that is a licenced copy,i've seen a few,and the quality did'nt look as good as the Hohner to me.I will get another one someday.[/quote] +1 to the above. The Hohner is a cracking little bass, a lot better than the Spirit models IMO,which I think are only available as a passive design.

All the time - empty room soundchecks are nearly a waste of time for us, often we just line check everything (to make sure of no nasty surprises) and then sort it out 'on the fly'. A pain, but so much time saved on soundchecks that have no relevance to later in the evening etc.

[quote name='Beedster' post='854439' date='Jun 2 2010, 08:28 AM']So that post might have been a bit flippant but I always assumed it was true, that is, if you have two boxes with four speakers that have the same build and characteristics (ports, materials) as one box with eight speakers, there will be little difference, is that not the case? Is it the case that 410s tend to be designed/built with different characteristics to 810s? Interesting points about an 810 being easier to move, but that's most certainly not my experience having used a couple. OK, it might be easier if you can slide or roll it, but not if you have to get it around tight corners down the stairs into a basement bar. I'd love to have an 810 by the way [/quote] My old SVT 8x10 (and presumably others) was built with 2 speakers in each one of four sealed 'compartments' in the cab. Apparently this configuration helps with the unique sound of these beauties. Not sure if any 4x10's are built the same way, mine certainly are n't! Have used two 4x10's and they dont sound as good as the SVT 8x10 to my ears anyway. Just wish I still could manage one, but would rather take a couple of lightish 4x10's on a gig these days-handy to be able to use just one cab on smaller venues etc, and with a wheeled case/trolley a lot easier to cart around IMO.

In the late 70's HH did a great 2x15 with a clip on detachable front panel. Weighed a ton but great design.

+1 for Dave Bronze. Saw him with Clapton, great player with a natural unfussy style.

Steve Wright played Bobby Womack's 'Across 110th St.' on his Radio 2 show earlier - pure class.

Just heard that there is to be a Faces reunion this year. The band will be Ron Wood, Ian McLagan & Kenney Jones from the original band, along with Glen Matlock on bass (ok so far!) and .....Mick Hucknall taking Rod's place!!!! Good grief, WTF? Apparently they're doing a summer festival appearance at Goodwood on August 13th. Should be err...interesting?

[quote name='jakesbass' post='844629' date='May 21 2010, 09:17 PM']I'm watching it now... great player! And Russ Kunkel has a great sounding kit[/quote] +1 Always loved his playing and his attitude/approach. Seem to remember at one time James Taylor planning live dates/tours around when Leland was available. Then when people like Phil Collins started using him for their sessions , James seemed to start using Jimmy Johnson more - another great player too.

I had a Combo 300 maybe 20 years ago,similar to yours. Found it okay, but not overloud and very heavy too on the single handle! As for now, reckon you'd be looking at asking say £125/£150 for it perhaps? Bit old school for nowadays, but great USA unit built like a brick outhouse. Would be ideal for a rehearsal room etc. Cheers Pete.

I'm sure am not the only one who will advise you to buy a decent secondhand combo - you'll get better sound and build quality for your dosh. Many combos crop up in the sales section on here (including Ashdowns) and if/when you come to sell or part exchange it you wont lose much in depreciation too. Another option is some of the ex-artist Ashdown stuff currently on offer at www.theacademyofsound.co.uk Been some cracking deals recently if Ashdown floats your boat. Good luck.

[quote name='Ou7shined' post='832164' date='May 9 2010, 01:32 PM']Rewiring the pup isn't as easy as you may think. Basically the pickup you see from the front has 2 pups inside. It is inside the pup that the wiring is done. If you start buggering about with a soldering iron you risk losing the pup altogether. The good news is that they are excellent pickups and don't need upgrading. If you put a Wizard or any other pup in you will lose out (imo) and ultimately devalue it. Here are my 'ray and sub pups side by side. [/quote] +1 to the above. Great basses that don't require any messing with, just play and enjoy - whats not to like? I have a couple of Stingrays and a SUB - the SUB is pretty much as good as the Rays. Seen a few recently for around the 350 quid mark, which makes it in my opinion the best bass for the money. Do it, you won't regret it.

Just sold a piano to Alex (for the keyboard player in his band.) Met halfway - classic M'way services deal! - quick easy transaction. Top bloke, would recommend to all. Cheers, Pete.

Ronnie Lane

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