Rumble

[quote name='Bill Fitzmaurice' post='286657' date='Sep 18 2008, 03:04 PM']Probably from the fact that most neo drivers are upper end, with better engineering and therefore better midrange response than the cheaper OEM variety drivers. While some may find the superior midrange of high end drivers too 'midrangey' for their taste, based mainly on what they're used to, accomodating tonal tastes is why amps have tone controls.[/quote] So the 'perceived' increase in midrangey tone from Neo driven cabs isn't totally mythical then?! It doesn't really matter why they have more midrange response, the fact is that they do which becomes more evident when comparing non-Neo cabs with their Neo counterparts from the same manufacturer and/or in a similar price band.

Like escholl said, the ones I've played through do seem to be more midrangey (I know it's not a real word, but hey...). Whilst I love the impact neo mags have on the weight of cabs, I can't bring myself to use a feather-weight cab that I don't like the sound of; instead I've gone for a top-notch small (Bergantino 2x10) cab that doesn't weigh much, but sounds incredible and will give most 4x10's a run for their money.

I have a Bergantino HS210 and can happily say that it's without doubt, the best cab I've ever owned. Light, compact, loud, beautifully articulate sound; I could go on.... Give them a look.

I've had both the JO5 and a 55-02 in the last few years. The JO5 was a fantastic bass with a beautiful jazz tone and really good build quality, but it's weight was just too much for my shoulder. It was replaced by the 55-02 was felt similar in many ways, but the Barts just didn't do it for me at all; too polite in every respect. I've heard lots of folks say that the 55-02 does a really good impression of a Stingray and a jazz, but mine certainly didn't - not to my ears anyway. I believe the Lakland PUP's and pre may be more capable on this front. I've recently replaced the 55-02 with an F-bass BN5; now that's a seriously amazing bass that does a good jazz impression and feels fantastic in the hands.

Funny that age should be mentioned, because I think that has a fair bit to do with it. The older I've become, the less this style of playing does for me. Sure, it's highly technical and for that Feraud has my admiration, but musically, it does absolutely nothing for me. I really do find it just to be a lot of non-sensical and fairly unmusical noise. Give me groove any day.

My ultimate choice would be DR's (Sunbeams or Hi-Beams) every time. I usually get my brother in law to bring me some when he pops over from the US. Like others have already said, they sound so full and phat, but with just enough zing that just lasts and last and lasts. I've even had one set in use for nearly a year and I'm not someone who likes the flat string sound. I've recently converted to EB's on my Stingray. Lovely vibrant sound that seems to last pretty well. I like the sound of D'Addario's but the fact that the B string isn't long enough on a 35" scale is a tad annoying. Rotosound - too rough on fingers and frets Elites - sound pants new or old and I hate silks! Hotwires (Status) are pretty nice sounding, but they don't seem to maintain their tone for as long as DR's. So DR's if I have money and EB's if not. That's my two-penneth!

I've had a Berg 2x10 for a few weeks now after having two Agi 112's and I have to say that I've been mightily impressed. Like Warwickhunt says, the Agi's have quite a mid-scoop so aren't really that transparent, but give a lovely warm sound that'll fill the air with bassy goodness! The Berg is more transparent and cleaner but without being sterile. It has plenty of low end and lovely true highs. The mids aren't harsh like I've heard on some cabs either and I certainly find it easy enough to hear myself in the mix. Add to all this that it's an easy carry and I'm really chuffed with it. There's even one for sale on this forum.

Played through it again last night, but did a little tweeking and it sounded great, so no changing just yet!

Are SWR warmer than Eden?? I always thought they had a reputation for being brighter? When I think about 'warmer' amps I start thinking Ampeg and Ashdown. Would this be true to say?

Warwickhunt, you're right in that I'm wondering whether there's something warmer than Eden. The Berg isn't a Neo cab; I've had two Neo cabs before and didn't really like them (midrange sounded too harsh and lacked a tight bottom end to my ears). I'm also loathed to go down the all valve route given the weight and potential expense. It may be that I just need to fiddle round with the EQ a bit more, but I don't like the parametric stuff for the simple reason that it's all just a little bit too complex for my liking! I'm one of those plug and play guys.

I've had a hardcase with the same problem stuck up in the attic for several weeks now and it's just about sorted! Tried the Febreeze thing and it just didn't do it for me. Probably because it didn't use the whole bottle!!

Like Warwickhunt says, there are a few more basic questions you may need to answer and they can only be answered by trying lots of different strings. Steel vs Nickel, round vs hex core, tapered ns not tapered, roundwound vs half-round etc.... Personally, I like the sound of Roto's, but hate the feel of them. I really dislike silk wraps. I prefer the flexibility of round core strings over hex and in general I prefer the vibrancy and zing of steel over Nickel. My string of choice are DR Hi-Beams, closely followed by D'addario's, but the only reason I know this is because I've tried loads over the years.

I've had an Eden WT400 head for several years now and in the main, love it. However, having recently got my hands on a MM Stingray and a Lakland 55-02 (& a Bergantino cab), I'm starting to wonder if it's just a little bit too clean. I've gone through my phase of wanting a really cutting sharp bass sound and now am after a warmer, fuller tone that can still be heard, but is unmistakably bass. Could the Eden be the issue or is it just a case of playing round with the EQ a bit more? If Eden does = 'clean', which other amps might I need to look at?

I have one of the sadowsky floor pedals / outboard pre-amps and it's fantastic. The freq's sound so natural, not artificial like the Sansamp (IMO). Currently in the pursuit of a decent jazz (if I can sell my Lakland) and lood forward to hearing the Sad pre with one.