fretmeister

I want one!

Because we like to use the gear we own? I've had amps where I couldn't use them when supporting woodwind instruments because the fan noise was obvious in the room. (Including a Mesa, it has to be said).

Up a gauge on the ones you already like. If you are just in Drop D then you might only need a larger E string. When I did that a lot I used a 110 for E. I wouldn't bother swapping all strings just to play half a tone down though. 50-110 are likely to be really tight in e flat standard. I'd just get used to it being a little lighter instead.

I was mainly using flats with the treble knocked back a bit too. I've just restrung my first one with Newtone nickels as I'm going to be doing a bit of recording and need a bit more bite for that.

I've got 2 now and I was about to say - I'm not finding them hissy - but then I remembered I've mostly been playing through my Helix and that has an amazing noise gate so I might not be noticing. I think I'm going to go passive with one of them - probably an Aguilar PJ set. The 1960s winding version.

Yes, but no. Not if you are swapping between fingers / pick / slap. They have massively different volume peaks that can't really be made the same in the mix just using the hands. Sure - could change the amp volume when slapping etc but it's much easier to have a bit of compression. Every "I'm just a bass, cable, amp person" bassist is still getting compressed by the FOH guy for the mix.

Nothing wrong with those if you want a P. Sandberg Electra is another good choice but a bit more money.

Newtone website lets you specify the length.

I just got my first set of Newtones for my 32 scale 5 string. I like them! I went for some custom gauges that I might adjust a bit when I need a new set, but overall the sound is solid and they are easy to play.

Deffo Chromes.

It's on wheels.

You'll never get a power supply under a booster. You might be better going for the Ikea solution. Google "Ikea Gorm pedal boards" and you'll get the idea.

I've had 5 hernias...

I haven't used one for years - and then only when the venue or rehearsal space were providing the backline. Usually with a well battered old 8x10 I much preferred them to other Ampegs I've tried / owned.

I was just surfing ebay and saw a recent completed sale for an Ampeg SVT-4 Pro at only £280! I know heavy gear isn't as popular anymore, but that seems astonishing to me. What are they, about £1200 new? Madness. As my band has just imploded and I don't have to worry about moving kit around I'm halfway tempted to get one as a house amp!

Nobody bullied anyone. Robust rebuttals were put to the original premise. That’s all. The OP wasn’t remotely balanced.

I'm having a Calzone delivered. It probably gets slayed by [insert the OP's favourite meal] in every department though. I just hope to god I can decipher the ingredients.

Actually that's a very good point. What if the composer likes that tone? Did he write the music for him or for you? Just because an audience member doesn't like the tone doesn't mean the composer / bassist does't like it.

Because the sound check wasn't done? Because there's an incompetent on the mixer? If you can't hear the bass then you can't comment on the tone. You can't hear it! You can only comment that the mix is bad. How do you know whether it's "processed" if you 1) can't hear it, and 2) can't see the signal path? Pedals on the ground doesn't mean they are all in use. Sometimes they are used for little embellishments.

What if your aim is not to have a clear tone?

If you like. You are right for you. Everyone else is right for them. There are many bass parts written specifically with selected FX. "Hysteria" for example. Play that with a P and an SVT but without the swirly bits and it won't sound right. Every person who has started a thread like this has been myopic and only considered what they like to play and their own set list and not the needs of other players or even what the composer of the tune wanted. These threads are always worded like a "MY SOUND IS BEST" approach (or like you did claim your opinion about a subjective matter of taste is "fact") rather than an entirely reasonable "My favourite sound is..." Is a P and the SVT a fantastic bass sound? Yes. Will it "slay" every other sound in "every department" - of course not. That's beyond silly.

Oh good. This thread again. I hadn't seen it for a couple of weeks so I was getting anxious.

Sitting down gigs are fine with stands. Nothing else.

Still better than a music stand. /LightThatTouchpaper

Ooo! Nice!