Marc S

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1493304595' post='3287323'] What's the KK like in a non-salsa situation? All the decent clips I've seen seem to fall into that bracket. [/quote] They are fine for other genres too. I bought mine from Happy Jack. He tells me that they are popular with Salsa players because at one time, the only bass available to Salsa bands in South America, was the Ampeg original on which the KK was based.... I've used mine for more folky, rootsy, bluesy stuff and it's great I recently added an additional pickup too. I had a Shadow preamp, with 2 piezo pickups (one for each side of the bridge) I replaced one of the Piezo's with a slap pickup (bought fairly cheply on ebay) and I really like the sound I get from that. It picks up more of the clicky / slap sounds when I'm playing that style. It's a great result for me too, as I've got a ready made backup pickup system - I can just revert to the KK fitted pickup if the battery in my Shadow preamp dies... The bridge fitted to the KK is unlike other EUB's, as there's a sort of metal bar around the bridge - I first thought this must be to protect the bridge. It actually does protect it when in the gigbag, but it's also part of the pickup system I'm really pleased with mine

[quote name='Tim Chapple' timestamp='1493302201' post='3287300'] ......the jazz pickup transforms it. I've heard a lot pf people are using the pbass pickup only - I've found that option lacking soundwise. Currently running both pickups with the tone rolled back just a little. [/quote] Both my fretted P's are now P/J's. I had the J pickups added by superb Cardiff luthier Dave Dearnaley I really like the tonal options a P/J arrangement gives you. As you say Tim, the J pickup can transform the sound you get. I usually set my amp flat first, then set the P pickup level, tweak the amp EQ, then dial in some J pickup to suit. I can't understand why all basses are not fitted with P/J pups I'd really like to try one of these P/J Mustangs. Thanks for posting your thoughs

Hello from just across the river Severn, in South Wales Nothing wrong with a bit of P bass GAS. I think every bass player should have a P bass in their collection I'm not familiar with that particular Aria. Although I played some old Aria's years back, and they always seemed great basses to me, and continue to have been highly rated by owners - so no reason to believe that the fretless acoustic Aria you like should be any different As for comments about acoustic basses. I owned an Ibanez electro-acoustic. It wasn't an expensive bass, but it was great quality, construction and sound, and felt lightweight & good to play. I didn't keep it only because my son loved it - and still does. Acoustic basses are great for playing along to CD's, records, MP3's, without needing an amp. If you have a quiet acoustic guitarist pal to jam with, you can usually hear the bass, but not with loud guitarists or several players... However, my old Ibanez sounded absolutely lovely through an amp - not quite like any other bass I've heard, other than a mates electro-acoustic. If you like the sound when amplified, even better. As I mentioned, they also tend to be very lightweight, despite being slightly more bulky than an electric bass guitar... Welcome to BC

Just adding a bit more here... lol But as I mentioned "playing a stadium" - I haven't done that, but I've played some outdoor gigs, in big wide open spaces... I once played a Festival with just a PJB 4x5 cabinet - again, I thought I'd be going through the PA, but on the day was asked to see if my amp could cope without being put through it... and it certainly did. Although the drummer wasn't particularly loud, we had keys, guitar, sax and a few vocals onstage, and it was a pretty big open space... Also, in my Elvis tribute backing band, we played a really big open space at a festival (Pontypool Park if you want to check it out) again, I wasn't put through the PA. Against said loud drummer, different loud guitarist and rather loud keys player. I used a Markbass CMD102 combo, with PJB 4x5 piranha cab, and again - it was more than loud enough.... When playing DB, I found the sound of 15" speakers to be rather "boomy", sometimes "muddy" and mostly with an ill-defined low end, so I sold my 1x15" as it was bigger & heavier than any of the other cabs I've used recently - and never sounded as good as a 4x5 or 2x10

[quote name='dood' timestamp='1493065606' post='3285390'] NJ asked how users of 1x12 cabinets managed "You know who you are".. Those users are either playing in bands that don't need brain cell scorching volumes, or if they do, know how to get a great tone out of kit without the onstage volume onslaught. The kit is chosen for it's job, not how cool it looks?..... *each to their own of course. [/quote] Exactly. I've done the whole punk thing, blasted out through large, heavy cabs,back in the early 80's, when I was younger and so was my back! Let alone 1x12's, I use 1x10's. Epifani 1x10's (sometimes one, combined with a Markbass 2x10) An odd combo, I know a 3x10! But it's small, compact, lightweight and works surprisingly well. Last month, I played a charity gig, on my EUB with a drummer and singer / guitarist. I was lead to believe we were all going through a large PA system and the gig was held in a quite large hall. As it was a freebie, we decided to all go in a single car - mine. So I had the 3 of us, small drum-kit, guitar, my EUB and small bass amp - TC550 head and a single Epifani 1x10 When we got there, the people running it clearly had just hired the PA and had no idea how to put my EUB through the PA and time was tight as it was over-running. So I thought I'd just try the TC head and 1x10 on its' own. Now said hall was big - we're talking 40 feet floor to ceiling! - and it was quite a long hall, full of people at that.... But guess what - the 1x10 on its' own was more than adequate. In fact, I had my volume a little over half way, and the guy who was trying to be sound engineer asked me to turn down! The PA was quite large, and loud, judging by the bands I'd heard on before & after us. OK, our drummer wasn't the loudest, but he had to hit harder than he usually would, as the sound guy didn't have time to mic him up either In another band, with a very loud drummer (ex session guy, who's done heavy rock & metal stuff too) my 3x10 rig has never not coped, and we've played some very large venues. In fact, in the Ramones tribute band I was once in, with an uber loud guitarist - my old Markbass 2x10 always coped - and that guitarist always insisted on being stupidly loud! With modern cabs and speakers, If 2x10's and even my 1x10 can cope - 1x12 or 2x12 is surely enough, unless you're playing a stadium. So I'll ask the OP this question - massive speaker cabs - why put your back / muscles / knees / shoulders through it? I could never haul the old fridge sized cabs I used to lug around - let alone get a DB and other band members in a hatchback car

[quote name='Bass_Guardian' timestamp='1493222456' post='3286691'] Having the choice is nice. It's like your local takeaway only having the one dish you usually order..... [/quote] Wise words indeed Bass_Guardian Ah, I feel better about owning several now - thanks for that

Having owned and played a couple of EUB's, DB's, an Ashbory and currently the owner of a Kala I must say, there's nothing quite like an acoustic DB. The Eminence was definitely the closest in feel and sound (with some EQ'ing) The KK is also a great bass, and does feel more like a DB than some EUB's (sounds good too, and not just for Salsa!) Re the Ashbory and Kala U-bass suggestions - both are valid choices for a very small, portable option. They approach the sound of a DB, but they aren't quite there. There are indeed similarities in the their sound, but I never found them to be quite as satisfying or quite as natural. In fact, I found the Ashbory very tricky to play. I certainly disliked the strings it came with, and I did try a different set of strings, but also disliked the feel of those, and somehow, I just couldn't get on with it... I get on better with the Kala, and prefer the sound it produces. The strings IMO are better and produce far less "drag" on the left hand, compared to the Ashbory. But again, they're overly chunky, and a little "sloppy". I may try some Aguillar Reds on it, as they're slimmer and have more tension, apparently. Yes, an Ashbory / U-bass is a nice suggestion, but it doesn't quite cut it, compared to an acoustic DB. I usually carry the Kala as spare - just in case a string breaks or I get a pickup problem, and the Kala is so small, it's easy to pop in the car boot. I sometimes plug it in to jam about before the gig starts, or during a break between sets, and it does usually require more fiddling around with EQ and levels to get it sounding more DB-like. But perhaps this is an unfair comparison, when side by side with the "real thing" I'd still suggest the OP tries one though - they can be fun

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1493200002' post='3286367'] Argh, I don't feel well. I need to get out of this thread immediately. [/quote] My thoughts exactly! lol Actually, I've got too many basses. I'm trying to cut down at the moment, but I really can't decide which ones to sell.... I got them all because I like them. It's taken me a long time to find what I really like, and they are all (well mostly) different from one another. I will try to reduce the numbers - but don't think I'll ever get back down to just one

Yes, these look great. The shape of these has really grown on me too And I do like a P/J pickup arrangement these days Is yours the Mexican or US model? I'm also thinking about trying some D'Addario nylon strings now too

Hiya Mike. I've a gig on (festival) up the valleys - so might be tricky to get along Perhaps I can come for an hour at the start? Are punters welcome to bring gear / guitars along to trade with the stall holders? Good luck with it - hope you raise some cash for the charity, and hope you do this event again

[quote name='Steve Browning' timestamp='1493124296' post='3285794'] I wonder what sort of packaging would be required to withstand the knock that did that to a piece of wood? [/quote] Maybe an additional wooden box?! So sorry this has happened to you. This is why I hate sending musical instruments or equipment by post It seems you take out the insurance etc, but then they don't want to cough up Lets face it - that must have been one hell of a whack As has been suggested, it may have been a forklift Some good advice on here, which is great, and just why BC is such a good forum As others have suggested - stick to your guns, and let them know you're not going to take this lying down Most of all though - best of luck with it, and let us know how you get on

[quote name='philw' timestamp='1493191614' post='3286275'] ........What about the NS Omni Bass? Much smaller than all the other suggestions 'cause it's 34" scale. I've always liked the Omni Bass idea and do occasionally (like, well, now) wonder about swapping my NS CR4 for one: [url="https://thinkns.com/instrument/ns-design-omni-bass/ns-design-omni-bass-nxta/"]https://thinkns.com/...omni-bass-nxta/[/url] Phil [/quote] Yes, I'd seen the Omni bass too. It definitely looks very interesting and certainly one to consider for those switching straight from Bass Guitar, as the scale length is the same. I've not had the chance to try one, but wish I could, out of sheer curiosity if nothing else... The only problem is, that they're rather more expensive than the OP's budget, and they don't seem to come up second-hand (maybe as there aren't many around anyway?) Marc EDIT: If you do manage to get one Phil - let me know - my sister lives in Brighton and I promise to bring nice biscuits!

[quote name='TPJ' timestamp='1493043355' post='3285118'] Buy [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/291335-fs-clarkson-a-one-off-eub/"]Beedster's Clarkson EUB[/url]. If I were nearer to him I would have bought that for quiet practice and better transport. At £200-250, what a deal [/quote] I was about to suggest this too Beedster is a top BC'er and that's a good price Re the swivel problem mentioned above - I meant to mention that in my comments about the Stagg, but yes, it definitely suffered from this problem. Although not always (depending on surface etc) - I did see some suggested remedies for this on here somewhere.... But the add on "appendages" for the SLB also look a good solution - maybe you could fashion something to suit Beedsters EUB?

PS. "The point" had closed due to a single complaint! And "Fuel Rock Club" is under threat due to yes, a single complaint! And the resident who filed the complaint is renting, and not even an owner occupier!

[quote name='LewisK1975' timestamp='1493039213' post='3285052'] This really grates doesn't it, move next to a pub well known for having regular music and then start complaining about noise. FFS! Surely if you think it's going to be a problem just don't buy the house in the first place? I despair, I really do. [/quote] Yes, it's a real annoyance to me, and many others too. I mean, would you buy a house next to the sea, then start complaining that you don't like smell of salty sea air, and can't bear the noise that seagulls make? This problem is spreading, and has already closed and threatens to close several venues in Cardiff. Several years back, a great venue called "The Point" closed because someone bought a trendy flat in Cardiff bay, and complained about the noise. It was in a disused church, and was a great, atmospheric venue. Actually, the church had lain empty for years - so turning it into a venue for music & the arts saved it from dereliction A few weeks back the Womanby Street area of Cardiff (known for several live music venues) lost it's superb "Dempseys Bar" and now complaints from residents threaten to close both "Fuel, Rock club" "The Moon Club" next door and "Clwb Ifor Bach" (known as "The Welsh Club") opposite!!! When will this lunacy stop? The whole reason for buying a city centre flat, or staying in a hotel in a city centre, is to enjoy the "vibe" and atmosphere of that city? Isn't it? Take away all the venues and music bars and you have no reason to live in, or visit that city centre.... grrr In the ongoing case of the single complaint re Fuel Rock club, a well known chain of pubs is attempting to convert their pub into a hotel - methinks that this is an attempt to create further rooms where guests can stay, and not be disturbed by live music, and / or for that corporation to take over the whole street, and buy up the other clubs. We all need to act now, to save our live music venues....

Another +1 for lowering the height of the pickup here on each of my P basses, the pickup under the E string is slightly lower (closer to the body) than it is under the other strings And yes, new strings and set-up will also help

Both fab clips! What a great band Thanks for posting