Kebabkid

Update - I have to say, first impressions of the Behringer BDI21 are very good and it does the job with the amp I have and offers significant tone shaping and a much improved sound. I've yet to try it direct into the PA, but that was never my intention and that side is very well covered by my Zoom B1xON, which I have for headphone practise and as a backup. Not bad for £19.48 and for now, holds off forking out for a better brand bass amp. However, if I was shopping, the EBS Magni 502 (210) would be top of my list and they've gone for some favourable prices on here. Thanks folks for your input and suggestions and it's a handy bit of kit.

I know and the BDI21 is the last 'reinforcement' purchase, and a cheap one at that, as you can't polish a turd. If it isn't quite there, it's a new rig Cheers

Occasionally, I play rock and pop and for that, I use the Session model in the Cube (based on an SWR Goliath), but my main gig is in a Ska covers band (Madness, Specials, Bad Manners, The Beat etc) and for that I use the Concert 810 model (based on an SVT with an 8x10) or their Super Low Roland model) - if you listen from 2'21 onwards, you'll hear the models I mention and they're not bad. I just needed some added bite, a bit more character and as just mentioned, I'm giving the Behringer BDI21 a punt with it. If that doesn't work, then new amp/rig - cheers

Ok, after binge-watching various preamp and EQ demos over the last 24 hrs, and given the bass amp I have, I'm taking a punt at the cheaper end on the Behringer BDI21 for £19 from Amazon as it seems to do what I want i.e. an enhancer, tone-shaping (shame it doesn't have a mid control, but the amp has Low and high mid controls ) - the Tech 21 VT Bass also sounded good, but costs £249! Let's see and thanks folks for your input.

thanks everyone for the suggestions so far. @Boodang - I'm not after going the full modeller route and just want to see if I can add some better EQ options, tone-shaping and those amps are more for reference, but all of sudden, I'm liking the Ampeg sounds. @PaulThePlug - thanks for the offer and the BDI21 is £19.48 on Amazon and so I'll see and may get down to a few of the Surrey shops this weekend to try some stuff. The Tech 21 VT Bass, Ampeg SGT DI and Aguilar AG are coming out tops at the moment and need to be tried. Cheers

Yep, it makes sense what you're saying and the sounds are ok, but I'd prefer not to spend too much on my bass rig, if it can be helped (I'm a guitarist first and foremost) and I'm just looking to see if I can get there by adding a pedal. Of course, it could be like adding Ferrari wheels to a Ford Fiesta, but the Ampeg, Tech 21 VT and Aguilar AG or Tonehammer sound decent in demos and do folks here have experience of those with their existing amp?

I have a Roland Bass Cube 120XL that I've been using live for several years and it's ok with it being a compact, all-in-one solution, but I've never been 100% enamoured with the sound and I like different sounds like an Aguilar, GK and Ampeg. I know it's not a brand known for bass amps and so before I think about updating to a more powerful combo or head & cab, any suggestions for something/pedal that could reinforce the sound and bring it more in line with better brands e.g. Tech 21 VT Bass DI? I have a Zoom unit that sounds great on headphones and direct to PA (it's my back up), but the amp models don't sound great into the Cube even with cab sims off (? preamp fighting preamp) and the Cube doesn't have an fx loop to allow me to bypass the preamp and utilise the power amp and speaker. Also, of note, I use Sire active basses. Thanks

Very sad news and along with Cetera (Gary), we were lucky to catch a scaled down Cloudbusting gig at The Half Moon, Putney where he got up and played but also regaled us of KB stories and he chatted to us. Such an integral part of KB's sound and success and much more on the personal side of things plus a great player. R.I.P

Thanks to everyone for a great day and particularly those who assisted and organised it all. Good gear and people and fabulous guests and a bloody enjoyable day. Cheers, Cos

If able to come and I do hope so, a Sire S7 or S3 (4 stringers), Roland Cube 120XL and possibly a Zoom bass unit or HX Stomp. If my mate Si comes, he'll bring his Wal wedge. As always, cheers to everyone involved in organisation of this, Cos

Nice to see Ian King @Kingbassist on tele tonight for the National Lottery Big Bash playing in the houseband and doing a fine job. Nice one and Happy New Year everyone