TRBboy

I take your point, but we're entirely reliant on backline, as our PA is only used for vocals. We run a pair of Yamaha 15" speakers. We do have subs, but rarely drag them out, unless they're really needed. Like I said, the guitarists don't want to ditch or downsize amps, so there's no desire to upgrade the PA. My current rig is a Markbass Stu Amp 1000w and a GR Bass 4x10", 1200w 4ohm, which I love. 😊

If anyone spots a BB405 for sale, could you give me a nod please? Thanks 🙏

Sounds like heaven BRX! Even if I could go ampless, I still have to help haul 100w valve heads, 4x12" cab, drums, PA System etc. 😅

I envy you guys who can go ampless! Unfortunately it's not an option due to the venues we play. There's no appetite for dropping loads of money on investing in a bigger PA system, as our guitarists have no desire to ditch their valve amps, so it's a non starter. Would mean I didn't need backline for the odd festival we do though!

Another consideration then; what does everyone think about the HX One?

Very, very valid points BRX! And you're absolutely right, especially as I'm a pretty sparse effects user, it would probably do me forever. I've been happily using the zoom B3 for at least 10 years 🤷

Another option! But then I'd be getting on for HX Stomp money, which is more flexible and more compact 🤷

Thanks, will check it out!

Well, @SamIAm is kindly sending me her B1 Four to try, with a view to buying it! Top BCer ❤️ Can't wait to give it a try!

Ooh that sounds interesting! Will have to Google that. I've always loved Darkglass distortion, but I'm too tight to pay that much for a single pedal! 😅 It was this video that really piqued my interest in the B1 Four again: https://youtu.be/VQb1D7MBmqk?si=Xq2KnChtYM3jtk5g

Oh wow, I've not seen any going so cheap, will keep my eyes peeled!

Hey everybody! Sorry to resurrect this one, but I thought it better than starting a new thread. I'm back around to completely reconsidering my effects (mainly after trying out an HX Stomp on Saturday!). I'm not a heavy effects user, so I'm not sure I need a top of the line modelling jobby, so I'm back around to thinking about zoom.... This time the B1 Four, which I know several of you recommended to me before. Mainly, I think the Darkglass sound would be really useful to me. Question I've got, is how does the QUALITY of the effects in the B1 Four compare to my aging B3? Are they as good, or lower quality because it's a cheaper pedal? Thanks! 😊👍

Aaaargghhh! I'm so terrible at making decisions 😅😬😵‍💫 I keep flip flopping on it, and this afternoon was pretty decided on just getting a zoom B1 Four! 😅 @fretmeister I've been looking out for used Stomps, but they seem to go for around £400 anyway, so I don't know if it's better just to get a new one and have the warranty, as it's not much more. Genuine question guys: although the stomp is clearly well respected, it has been out for a while, and I get the impression that a lot of die-hard digital/modelling guys are viewing the Line 6 range as slightly 'old hat' now compared to their competitors. What are your thoughts on this? How 'future-proof' is the stomp? Is there likely to be a newer version in the near future? Thanks 🙏

Thanks guys, all good thoughts! Will carry on exploring this and looking at reviews etc.

Hey everybody! 👋😊 My initial excitement after trying the HX Stomp out on Saturday is fading, as I realise that I only really use a few sounds with my band, and it's probably overkill. However, I do really like the idea of having one box that can do everything, and also be used for guitar, as I'd like to get back into home recording. So I've been looking at cheaper options, that balance good sound and features, at a reasonable price point. The Sonicake Matribox 2 has come into my radar, and looks like a really good unit! Does anyone have any experience with this, or anything similar? Would the effect sounds be as good as my individual pedals (drive sounds predominantly). Picture of my current pedalboard below, I use the M80 for my 'light drive' sound which I use pretty regularly, the Boss for my heavier drive, and the zoom for 'occasional' effects that I don't actually use that often (mainly chorus on a couple of songs, very occasionally fuzz, octave or phaser). I enjoy having a wah to use when the mood takes me, but it's not critical. Any help/suggestions/insight much appreciated.

You're right of course! I should have remembered, because while I was trying the EHB my guitarist buddy bought a tuner pedal and got a free Scan hat 🤦 @Jolltax the Sandbergs were kinda crammed on the end of the Cort stand - bit of a shame as Alan Greensall used to run a really good Sandberg stand when Synergy were distributing them. I couldn't believe the 'show deal' for an Electra TT of £979, when you can buy them for about £750 normal price..... 🧐 @Kyndainverse gorgeous bass, congrats for bagging it! ❤️ I didn't spot any other BCers there, but then I forgot to wear the BC lanyard I made, so I wasn't exactly helping matters. 😅 My excitement for the HX Stomp is easing a little today, as I'm trying to remind myself I only really use a few sounds, and the pedals I have sound fine. I still kinda want one though 😬

Well, that was a good day out! Managed not to spend some money, although probably would've if there'd actually been some decent deals on the Line 6 stuff.... A lot of really nice gear there, but as usual I was somewhat underwhelmed by a lot of things 😅 I fell in love with an Ibanez EHB1005SMS at Fairdeal Music, which was on a STUNNING show deal, but I don't really have the money, and if I'm honest I don't really like the aesthetics of them. The feel was incredible though, and I managed to get a wide range of tones out of it. Slightly let down by crappy knobs, but they're easily changed. Had a go on the Cort Space, which was beautifully made for the money and felt good, although felt a bit cumbersome in comparison to the Ibanez, and the horrible strings on it sullied the experience a bit. Very nice instrument for the money though! @skelf's basses looked incredible, that blue one is even more stunning in the flesh! Didn't ask for a go as I don't have the funds to even contemplate one of his glorious creations 😅. There was a reasonable selection of Sandbergs, although the 'show prices' seemed like more than usual 😅 I liked the blackout MXR bass pedals, they looked really cool! What I really fell for though (quite surprisingly) was the HX Stomp.... I tried that and the HX One, and although they both sounded great, the 'live' functionality of the Stomp is much better, and it has all the connection options I'd want (how does the HX One not even have a headphone socket?!). As I said, if they'd actually had a decent snow deal on, I probably would've walked away with one today. Very impressed though, and although I'm not a huge effects user, I think I could get a lot out of it. Reflecting on the EHB driving home, I'm seriously considering building myself a headed bass with the same scale length... So that may well be my next project! 😏

Gorgeous Mike, congrats! 😍👌 @fretmeister completely with your on the stock strings, I've never gotten on with them either. Been using (not so) super Brights on my Sandbergs for years (40-120 Nickels).

Anyone know if Bass Direct have a stand there?

No tips really, just have a mooch around and try out stuff that grabs your attention. I really like it for discovering things I hadn't seen before, and some smaller brands I didn't know about. You can get around the whole show in a relatively short time. I definitely want to check out the Sandberg, Ibanez, Cort and ACG stands.

Really looking forward to it, hope to bump into you tomorrow! 😎👌

I'm happy to play a 4, but I just prefer 5's. I'm just so used to having and using that B string. I often say that for me, playing a 4 string is like a 4 string player being given a 3 string bass to play! 😅

I don't know, but a Hiscox STD-EBS should fit. They used to do a Yamaha branded one, don't know if they still do. I've got one

Thank you for the concise answer 😅 I'm quite tempted to pick up one of the MM 5 string models as a project, with a view to moving the pickup forwards, but I'm comfortable with making a pickguard, it just takes time and elbow grease 😅