TRBboy

Hey guys, just been thinking about changing my rig this week, and I wanted to get some other opinions. I've currently got a Markbass CMD102P 2x10" combo and Traveler 151p 1x15" extension cab, which I've had about 6 years or so. It sounds great and I can't fault it in any way, BUT..... I've got GAS for a compact head and two 1x12" cabs (or a 2x12" if compact enough). The thought of an even more compact rig is appealing, especially because space is limited in some of the venues I play, and just for easier transportation really. I like the fact that I could just use one cab for rehearsals and small gigs too. I know I could just use my combo for this at the moment, but in reality I notice the difference without the 15" there. As far as a new rig goes, I would want to try to keep the cost down if possible, but I want a decent sound. GB shuttle 6.2 plus two focus 1x12" cabs looks a bargain, but I also like the look of the Aguilar TH500 with maybe a Barefaced Super Twin or something? Open to suggestions really, what do you think? The Hartke Hydrive cabs look good vfm too. I would be looking around 500w I guess. Would I be mental to let the Markbass go and massively regret it? You know how gas is.... Thanks for your help.

Just had a quick look on Thomann for comparisons sake, and the cheapest MM 'ray 4 3-band i can see is £1328.64 (most seem to be quite a bit more than this), and the cheapest Basic 4 is £767.10 (although there is a B-stock for £686.05). You could probably add chargeable custom options to a Basic order and still come in a fair bit cheaper than a stock 'ray!

Well I've owned two Sandberg Basic 4's and two Basic Ken Taylor 5's, and I really think they take some beating. The neck feel and overall playability is the main selling point for me, but they sound incredible too! I guess it depends whether you want an exact replication of "that stingray sound" that people get so defensive about, or whether you're just looking for the sound of a MM style humbucker in the sweet spot. For me, the Basics gave as close an approximation of a stingray sound as I would ever need, especially in a band mix, I think you'd have to be incredibly anal abut it to pick holes. The Glockenklang Preamp in the Basic is superb, plenty of adjustment but a very natural sound, and the controls interact very intuitively. The passive mode can be very useful too, and with the preamp set flat there is zero volume difference between active and passive. I think the Sandbergs represent superb value for money too, you can have a Basic handbuilt to your spec for less than an off-the-shelf Stingray. I've tried quite a few Stingrays over the years, and although I really want to like them, there's just something that's not quite right for me. As they say, one man's coq au vin is another man's chicken in a basket! As others have said, the only real way to draw a conclusion is to try both and see which works best for you. Might be tricky finding a Basic though, unless there's a friendly BCer you can tap up......

[quote name='Jabba The Hutt' timestamp='1385293647' post='2286427'] Folks, what am I doing wrong... ? I'm struggling like a fool to update my photos.... have tried to cut and paste them into this forum but no joy... maybe I'm just stupid.. [/quote] It can be awkward sometimes, but you should just be able attach am image, might have to use the full editor though. Otherwise if you use Picasa, Dropbox, etc, just paste the url.

I'm kinda surprised at this, because as far as I understood it, the bodies and necks are produced in the far east but the basses are assembled and set up in the Sandberg HQ at Braunschweig.... although I could be wrong. Knowing Sandberg, I would've expected fit and finish to be spot on even on the Electra range. I've not had chance to play one myself, but everything I've read has been very positive.

I know some people get pretty bent out of shape about it, but imho I think doesn't matter too much as long as it didn't look hideous. The neck is bolted solidly to the body and I really don't think a slight gap either side of the neck will make any tangible difference to the tone or sustain. In fact, I used to have two yamaha trb's, one had a tight neck pocket and the other had a reasonable gap. I always felt like the one with the gap had better response and sustained better, so make of that what you will. The other thing of course is that if you really like a bass that has a less than perfect neck pocket, it shouldn't prevent you from buying it unless it has a noticeable detrimental effect of some sort. Hope this helps!

WOW! Very sexy bass Pierre!

[quote name='paulieaudiobloom' timestamp='1383602875' post='2266570'] Ahhh found it! Quite hidden aren't they?! Do you know where I can date it? I looked onthe Sandberg site but couldn't find anything... Cheers :-) [/quote] You'll have to either send them an email (try [email protected]) or send a message via their Facebook page.

[quote name='paulieaudiobloom' timestamp='1383573630' post='2265980'] Does anyone know where I can find the serial number on my Sandy california? Cheers. [/quote] Hey man, it should be stamped on the back of the headstock (indented in Wood, no ink), although they can sometimes be pretty tough to read and involve a bit of tilting in the light and squinting!

[quote name='GrammeFriday' timestamp='1382818641' post='2257002'] Hey, TRBboy! Just catching up with this thread and was looking at your post of 5th September, and thinking 'great specs, but wrong choice of hardware - black would be much nicer with the cherryburst' - and then reading on and lo and behold you went with the black! Excellent choice! This bass is going to be a thing of beauty and wonder. Please show pics when it arrives! [/quote] Thanks man, it should be a cracker! The wait is killing me though I'll be sure to post pics when it arrives. Love your fretless, very nice indeed. I think the matt finish looks good on these, plus it kinda sets them apart from other Fender-a-likes.

I've used alcohol wipes (and a pick if it's really gunky!) before, because the alcohol flashes straight off and doesn't get into the wood. Avoid getting it too wet if you do use a cloth because it'll get into the gain of the wood and raise it slighty, and may cause problems where the frets are seated. Just use a slightly damp cloth if you want to go this route, preferably a micro fibre one. The reason you should NEVER use lemon oil on a lacquered maple board, is that the oil inevitably gets under the lacquer eventually (again, where the frets are seated and any other cracks or breaks in the finish), and will cause it to start lifting and coming away from the wood. This quickly becomes a slippery slope.....

[quote name='EBS_freak' timestamp='1381837941' post='2244323'] My, my. Pretty bass in your Avatar. What is that? Is that a Ken Taylor? Got any close ups? [/quote] I put a few pics on the BC Facebook page before (3 altogether): https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151195889451045&id=594761044&set=o.278029458876065&source=46&refid=17

Thanks, yeah it's the Basic Ken Taylor 5 I had built last year. I love it! The ebony fretboard is lovely, I wanted to keep it black/white, and not risk a lightish piece of rosewood spoiling it! Haven't got any pics here at work, but there's some more on the Sandberg Love thread in gear porn I think.

AFAIK, all of the Glockenklang preamps (including the Sandberg preamps) now have the passive tone control, with the exception of the stacked pot versions that Glockenklang do.

Sell the Clover to me for £50

Anything is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. I think used prices have gone up a little recently, but there's still plenty of bargains about. The way that be prices have gone up has shocked me though, especially Fender prices and suchlike. The fact that you can easily buy a handbuilt, custom spec bass for less than an off-the-peg US Fender is crazy in my opinion! Don't see why people are still buying them tbh, but I guess as long as it says Fender on the headstock, people will part with however much they have to....

Love it! Looks so much better with the maple board, the standard 50x basses look a bit boring to me. Personally, I've always struggled with the low B on ibanez Soundgears, but I reckon after you've lived with it a bit it'll be just fine. Your technique will probably just have to change a little, resulting in you playing the B a little more gently than you're used to. I bet it feels easier to play than your Grind though! I changed to 34" 5ers because although the B is great on a 35", I didn't like the increased tension in the other strings, and the extra length. Anyways, enjoy! I hope it brings you much pleasure.

Love this video, I have to watch it on a regular basis! Such inspirational playing! I only just found out today that Sharay released his first solo bass album a few weeks ago, need to get it. Had a quick listen to the samples, and it seems pretty eclectic with some gratuitous grooving! If you like sharay, check out his (and others) playing on some of the New Direction, Joshua Troop, and Chicago Mass Choir stuff. Personally New Direction's "Destiny" album is one my favorite albums ever, seriously good musicianship and vocals! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NUynLf06mo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfuhrO2osv4

A 34" scale doesn't necessarily mean a slack B, but it can do. The bass needs to be well designed for a 34" 5er to work well imho. Of course, on the flipside, although a 35" scale 5er will have no issues with a sloppy B, the neck does feel that bit longer, and all of the other strings are under increased tension too which can make it feel like "harder work". This is precisely why I don't like 35" basses any more. Personally, I would expect that the BG250 would be ample for your needs (and probably better than the Marshall), although maybe it's worth ringing somewhere that stocks them and asking their opinion?

Personally, in your position I'd go for either a TRBX505 or an Ibanez SR505/605 (prefer the 605 myself!), and probably one of the TC Electronic BG250 combos (whichever speaker choice you prefer. I'd probably go for the 12"). It's all down to personal preference and what suits you best though, so you really need to get out there and try as much stuff as you can, if at all possible.

Congrats, nice bass for not much cash! I think .045"-.130" is about the popular gauge for 5ers, but personally I prefer to go a bit lighter ( usually .040-.125"). It really all depends on the bass and your playing style though, you'll only find out what works best for you through trial and error.