martthebass

I don't think looking for the right Stingray or Sterling is any different than looking for the right P or J bass. Each one I've had has been subtly or grossly different to the others, you eventually find one that is just right. Also, while flexible, the single H isn't the swiss army knife of the bass world and doesn't work well in all situations/musical genres.

The original USP is that the (originally US production only by Leo F) was that it was one of the first widely available active basses with a humbucker positioned towards the bridge as opposed to the normal 'sweetspot'. This gave the unique character to the sound which was widely employed in a number of Genres but certainly made famous in FunK (e.g. Bernard Edwards). 40+ years on the EB Stingray is an evolution of the original design that you think is up there with the original or not - opinions vary. I'm sure a number of experts on here will give a fuller description, I for one generally love them and have had a US one in the bass line up since 1990 although my current two are a 2016 Fretted single H 3EQ and 2001 Fretless single H 2EQ.

That is very true.....always switched off, totally unnecessary imho

Me too, didn't need to set up my Streamline in 7 years........why oh why did I let it go

I appreciate your comment Chris but in 30 odd years of playing, a BF cab (a compact gen1) is the only cab I managed to crack the shell on and bust the handle off. I'm sure construction has improved since the early days of production but it managed to put me off them as a brand.

Watching this with interest. As a long time MarkBass user but on a 2 x NY121 basis I'm looking if a swap out is on the cards. Perfectly happy with the current MB sound though so it could still be a like for like renewal. The only cabs I've experience with in your line up above is Barefaced - really couldn't get past the flimsy construction in comparison to the MB but couldn't argue that the sound wasn't good.

I tried really hard to get into it, but like some others have said, 30 years plus of playing bass made my hands (and brain) incapable of making the leap.

I have no idea I’m not his PA. However isn’t this argument moot, he can and needs to continue to protect his intellectual property so he does?

I guess JH wasn’t CEO then. Apparently he still has a leg to stand on so he continues and gets most fakers stopped (outside of China - nobody can control them!).

There is a counterpoint to this. In order to protect their intellectual property, RIC have to demonstrate that they are pursuing all instances where 'fakes' are being transacted, if not then they lose their intellectual property claim. JH (albeit an derrière in many respects) is taking this to the letter. We might not like his methods or personality or whatever but that is the route he is advised on to protect his business interests.

Looks like us 'older' people are destined to have to relive music from BBC 4 and Sky Arts then. I thought that music always had lots of genres and sub-genres and part of the fun was making magazine programmes that gave a cross section. The fun of watching Echo and the Bunnymen followed by Black Lace on TOTP in the 80s......so sad we'll never see its like again

I think part of the reason I've lost touch with 'today's music' is that I see so little live content (or miming to stuff a la TOTP) on TV.

I also like the taperless neck profile, not so keen on the thickness at the nut though on the 4003 but you get used to it

I think that Ric had some QC issues (anyone remember the paint finish problems of 2010?) and they were not the best at dealing with these issues if you weren't based in the US but I think they are past that now. If you got a good one though - happy days, my 2010 4003 is well built and plays well, certainly in the same quality bracket as my MM basses. I'm with you regarding the 'one-trick pony' bit, anyone who says that hasn't spent any time with one, it's no more a one trick pony than a Jazz. I'm also with you on the thief magnet bit - it's the only bass I've ever had in 30+ years that someone has tried to nick during a gig!

But you could argue that on much of what comes out of the USofA there has been a similar escalation on RRPs coming into the UK - look at the recent prices on Fender and Musicman basses?

We arrive about 2 hours before 'showtime' unless it's a WMC where they dictate the time the band has to be set up by and when the first spot is to start. Van with drums and PA is emptied into the venue first then each guy sorts their own stuff. Drum placement first then respective sides for Guitar and Bass with Singist out front/central. PA set up by singist, lights sorted by Bass and Guitar. Aim for sound check within 45 minutes of first fill then 15 minutes for sound check which gives plenty of contingency time if there's a problem. Pack down is finely honed to try and get everything out and in the transport in less than 45 minutes. Each member sorts their own stuff first, Guitar, Bass and Singist get their respective stuff out and in their transport. Then all muck in to pack down PA, lights and help drummer get these and his kit back in the van. Designated guy picks up payment and we're off..

That's fine BRX....so it's in your experience/opinion as opposed to all encompassing and fact. I'm not surprised that basslines are augmented/fixed at the studio otherwise tricks would be missed but it's a stretch to infer that this is the predominant situation back to the dawn of studio recording?

I like the flexibility of 2 cabs. For small acoustic gigs I take just one cab.

I don't know BRX - I think Jim Lea was pretty handy on bass....and violin and piano.

It's a good job that I play in a 70s Glam band where men were men (apart from Suzi Q), taste was optional and synths were consigned to twiddly sound effects. Not a 5 string in sight and the recording was almost certainly done on a 4 string.

....if I was buying new, in a word, no. Very nice though, but at £5k for the rig I’d want it to pack itself into the car.

Ooops, my bad Pete, shouldn't do these things at work eh? Looking for 2 x 8 OHm cabs......(original post edited).

I've been using my current set up of a MB LM3 and 2 x NY121 cabs for going on 5 years now. Very happy with the sound, flexibility and stage footprint but it's getting time to think about a change (partly for tax reasons!). Thing is, to keep the weekend peace, I let SWIMBO have the 4x4 and I now use the VW Polo for gig journeys (up to 50 miles each way); the current cabs fit ok in the boot and all is good but I'm now familiar with what else is out there that would be equally suitable. Preferences would be for lightweight stuff, a 2 cab solution (each 8 OHms) and happy with 5-800W heads. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Great name for a band though Muzz......

Love the bingo, gives you a chance to get your dabber out!