Bridgehouse

Just back home now! I’ll post thoughts tomorrow. I have videos of ropey playing on ropey jammed songs.. not sure that’s a good thing or not 😂

If they are saddle style elements - like the Ghost ones, then it's the tension on the saddle itself that affects the output. Break angle is where it's at..

It's going to get a proper workout tomorrow at the jam session, so hopefully I will be able to post more than just my opinions!

I'm in the market for a sub-20kg combo for general duties and when I need a quick and convenient amp to stick in the car and not take the FRFR setup. Mostly, it will be jam sessions, rehearsals, and some gigs where I need a reasonable backline (tho that's rare as it's usually PA support) The usual answer seems to be the Markbass Alain Caron 121 Lite.. and it ticks all the boxes, including being 16.3kg and a reasonable size. Now, the Rumble 800 is also within spec, at 17.7kg, and size wise is pretty much the same size as my Barefaced Compact (it's actually not quite as tall..) The AC 121 lite is slightly smaller, but only in as much as it's deeper but narrower and a touch less height. I've tried a Studio 40 and liked the modelling. Similarly I'm not shy of the modelling stuff, having gigged a Helix quite a lot, as well as a number of Preamp/DI pedals with amp and cab modelling. I wonder if this is something I should be considering alongside the AC121 Lite?

I think it will be different for us who have had Helix experience. As a full fat Helix owner pretty much since release, I'd proffer two bits of sage wisdom: 1. Helix is one of those things that at first seems not quite as good as it could be, but then you start building your own patches, using it in ways you didn't think you could, discovering additional things that are disproportionately more useful than you thought they would be, and the whole experience seems different over time 2. Line6's updates are more than crucial. At first, when I got Helix, the bass related stuff was okay. Not great, but okay. As updates have continued they have added Amps, cabs, effects, features etc that have made the bass side of things more than great. I would thoroughly expect this update cycle to continue and keep adding great stuff to an already great tool.

@Marcoelwray Just for you.. seeing as I had the bass ready for tomorrow, I thought I’d take a pic just like the famous Uberhorn Fretless one for your album

Most disappointed. I used to be able to confidently and happily say I’d never seen a Spector I actually liked.. .. or a Warwick for that matter 😜 Lovely bass!

If you like the stock patches then you’ll love what it’s capable of when you make your own. I think the Helix stock patches are pretty rubbish tbh...

You could be posh and say you settled on a bridge four...

For Sale - A particularly grim copy bass which frankly I can't wait to get rid of. £1 I've checked the wanted ads - nobody is going to want this sucker. From the minute I got this I knew I'd end up selling it - it plays like gristle. Never been gigged. No way I'd risk this in public Trades gracefully accepted - even for a pack of old used Ernie Ball flats I have dogs and smoke like a chimney. I let the dogs sleep on it and chain smoke when playing - it's the only thing that numbs the pain I'd link to my gumtree ad, but it makes me look like it's a scam. Action at 12th fret - about 1' 5" Weight - more than me, but less than the missus. No photos coming soon - it's hideous enough in the flesh without a permanent record I'm based just north of Peterborough. I'll wait for years if necessary to get rid of this. It's likely to be discounted tomorrow and every five minutes subsequently until I end up paying you. I'll ship this in a brown paper bag. It'll only improve it. I'm prepared to travel about 3 miles from home, on my pushbike, dragging it behind on a rope. Feel free to lowball me. I quite like it - it's a chance to feel someone actually wants to talk to me. Is this what you meant @skankdelvar?

I can imagine that pain... you are a brave man letting us ham-footed punters stamp all over your nice helix

There are rumours abounding that a real denim finish is on the cards

Yes, absolutely.

Well, this leg of the trip is Kings Cross (London) to Peterborough. From there it will go by car to just north of Spalding..deep in the heart of the Fens. Our part of the world is called “South Holland”.. which is ironically not the one close to you @Marcoelwray

Ah yes.. that bass does get quite a bit of attention

And here’s the evidence of it enjoying the journey to a new set of adventures!!

Nah, it’s not that impressive - there’s some *properly* impressive collections on here!!!

Yes indeed! Having met up with the fab @TrevorR in a well known coffee chain.. the famous bass continues it’s journey and is now winging it’s way north on the LNER service to Peterborough. Only the best for this bass mind, first class!

I think the size is all about compromise - for me the standout thing once you get into it (full fat) is the sheer enormity of the i/o options

A helix is very much driven by how well the patches are set up - I’ve had some that were awful and some that were frankly stunning... which is why I think it’s one of those things you have to spend time with to appreciate

Also - it’s nearly Black Friday/sales time and no doubt buyers with a handy bass budget will be holding on to see what they might be able to get. I’ve had a few guitarist mates say exactly that to me recently..

Me too! Normally with build threads I’m doing the assembly/finishing/etc. and it’s a refreshing change to have someone else doing the hard work whilst I just post the pictures 😂

Heheh - don’t fight it

I’m an absolute died in the wool P bass lover.. and I have to say, I doubt I’d put a lot of money into a new fender again. There’s something about a vintage P that I doubt could be really replaceable with a new build, and as such my 64 P is a keeper, but it’s too valuable to gig and use out and about regularly. I’ve tried all sorts of P basses looking for one to gig with - I’ve tried AVRI, Classic Player, standards, specials etc and I’ve not held on to any of them. I bought a used Finn 4 which pretty much straight away became my main gigging bass - it has the sound, but the shape isn’t that familiar P bass type of feel. Having now got a RetroB though, it’s definitely got the feel shape wise.