Lfalex v1.1

[quote name='Big_Stu' timestamp='1343828751' post='1755886'] Have you tried? [url="http://www.hohner.eu/index.php5?2183"]http://www.hohner.eu/index.php5?2183[/url] [/quote] That looks promising...

Don't Korg still do something like a DTR1000 or 2000?

[quote name='geoffbyrne' timestamp='1343777234' post='1755244'] I've never been in a band that genuinely NEEDS a second guitarist. G. [/quote] I'm at my happiest in a (nominal) 5-piece: Vocals, guitar x2,drums, bass

Ker-Slapppp!

From your OP, it implies that the output in passive mode is alright. If this is the case, the pickups are probably ok. That leaves the pre amp as the likely culprit. The cavity in these basses is hardly large, so a non-original pre amp might not fit. On the up side, the original unit is very basic, so a repair or replacement ought not to to be too expensive...

I have a B2a (5). Red light on = active. Controls should be V/V/ stacked Bass/Treble. Is there a screwdriver-sized hole in the control cavity cover? Mine has a trim pot for the pre-amp. Does yours have one. Is it turned down, perchance? Hope that helps!

Whilst I can see that some might pursue another player's sound/tone, it's difficult to say that those who claim they "engineer" their own sound truly do so. When you first pick up an instrument, part of the learning process is to establish the performance envelope of said instrument: What can you reasonably expect it to do.in a repeatable manner. As such, your expectations are [i]managed[/i] by your choice of instrument. When you move to another (inevitably) bass, part of your style, developed by playing your first instrument, comes with you. This then evolves to suit the new instrument as needed and so on [i]ad infinitum[/i] especially when effects and eq are thrown into the mix. Unfortunately, we're all limited by the contents of the signal chain that follows us, at least to some degree.

As with all minefields, let someone else walk across it. The only (bass-related) endorsement I'd even [i]consider[/i] would be strings. I will be wanting to play what I want when I want. End of. Shove the money (if any)

Then look no further than the BC marketplace... [i]Caveat Emptor[/i] still applies, but for variety and value for money, it's hard to beat.

[quote name='Steve G' timestamp='1343392189' post='1750038'] Well, just had a brilliant 45mins sat in the sun in the works carpark playing my Bass! Hope the rest of the work day goes so quick. Just have to think of a rain contingencey now [/quote] Most excellent! Mine's going back to work for tomorrow and Sunday.....

Given the way endorsements are going at the moment, EVERY endorsee will be playing Rotosound strings on Warwick basses through Hartke amps....

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1343205253' post='1746871'] There's no reason why distance should be an obstacle to getting a band together provided that all the members are sufficiently motivated. [/quote] Distance=cost. And cost is not "No object". Discreet mentioned an 80mile round-trip for rehearsal. Even in my car, that's almost £15 in fuel, plus (notionally) £10 in rehearsal fees, and a couple of quid in snacks/beverages. £1404 per annum for no return explains why I'll be staying in my bedroom, thanks. (Not to mention 350 hours or so of my life I'll never get back every year)

They do wireless basses now? Are they Bluetoof compatible? Seriously, I don't ever see a need to go wireless until I start playing stadia. I don't ever see a need to go wireless.

[quote name='deefer_dog' timestamp='1337765262' post='1664998'] It all depends on quality of wood and pups I would think. With both at the lower end of the scale, I'd guess you wouldn't have the crispness of a more expensive bass. Or am I just speaking sh*te? [/quote] Actually, no! My Squier VMJ is Maple/Maple/Maple, but nowhere near as "snappy" sounding as my Maple-bodied Warwicks. Whilst there are (many) other variables, I suspect that the bodies on the Warwicks are far better.

[quote name='Pinball' timestamp='1343211961' post='1747013'] Thanks all, lots of info there. I was well impressed with the Warwick Official links. It was great to see the exctional images of one of the basses and the sound comparisons are great. My ear finds the LX and Streamer Stage ll particularly nice. [/quote] The sixers generally have soapbars, the Js predominate in the 5s.. (Streamers) My LX6 has SD Basslines as standard (MEC didn't do big enough pick-ups back then) Don't rule out the J/JJ designs: Vampyre, Infinity, Dolphin etc.etc as nearly all off them have coil taps for J/J, and the use of the bridge unit as a humbucker doesn't detract from the overall sound at all. I actually prefer it. Check them out.

A sympathetic teacher you can "get on" with is worth their weight in gold. A money-grubbing "I'll teach you what I think, not what you want/need" is worth their weight in S**t. 20 years in, I'd STILL consider tuition, but I've yet to find a teacher that suits me...

[quote name='Prime_BASS' timestamp='1343222933' post='1747286'] This, I don't get the whole thing about needinga cheap beater, unless you really don't take of your instrument.... [/quote] Depends what other basses you have to choose from, I guess.. Besides, there are some gigs where an Alembic or Ken Smith might look...... Out of sorts. (Not that I have either!)

Enjoy the Silence (Depeche Mode) - Failure Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana) - Tori Amos Frankenstein (Edgar Winters Band) - Overkill Stripped (Depeche Mode) - Rammstein (!) All quite far removed from the original versions, but all at least as good, if not better...

Grr. Mobiles. I meant ^ this +1 I did it. Needed an evil bass for evil gigs. Bought a 500 quid Warwick second hand in here. Super bass. Sounds great and is pre dinged....

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1343221917' post='1747262'] Get a beater bass. If its the kind of punk I used to play (bordering on hardcore) it was pure mayhem in the crowd and on stage. I thrashed the hell out of a bass or two and they took it, but they were only £450 basses. Best bet would be a second hand Sterling or Ray already pre dinged. [/quote]

It's odd. Knowing there's a bass nearby definitely makes one feel better

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1343041591' post='1744060'] They make it out of graphite, and the newness and novelty has worn off hasn't it? If they could come up with just one modern and inivotive graphite bass... [/quote] Like a BassLab L-bow, perhaps? But really, isn't the Streamline modern and innovative enough? It's more like a distillation of good ideas into a concept with a specific remit (compactness/lightweight/ergonomic) without any flashiness. Maybe the rather Bauhaus aesthetics don't make it trendy enough?

[quote name='paul torch' timestamp='1343030748' post='1743868'] Luckily for me I work from home so can enjoy a lunchtime noodle. [/quote] Would that be a Pot Noodle, sir?

[quote name='Prime_BASS' timestamp='1342945887' post='1742918'] Although I use Sandberg Basic now it's still got that basic Musicman sound, harmonically rich, enough bottom to provide thump and enough highs to cut through. Excellent instrument and one that will stay with me for a while. I've had a fair share of EBMM basses and loved them all, but the neck on the sandberg is too good. [/quote] Watch out for other companies' Ray-alikes! Some of them are very very good indeed. I've owned and sold a 'Ray 5. Was a 1990 so still had AlNiCo magnets, not ceramic. Had the usual 3-way switch but no phantom coil on sc mode. Never got on with it. It didn't do the 'Ray sound I wanted. I've played a nice 2EQ at length, but keep preferring the 'Ray on steroids alternatives: Modulus Flea, My old Iceni, and my current Warwick Fortress Masterman 5 with its crazy 2x2EQ.

Finally got around to doing it! Took a Warwick Fortress Masterman 5, Korg Pandora, BIG Sennheiser 'phones (closed back, circumaural) Worked a treat, and I warmed-up quickly, then completely zoned out! Apparently, everyone in the canteen (20 people) was wondering what the hell was going on, but I was oblivious... Just played along to my MP3 player for exercise/entertainment, but it was all good.