spongebob

I can't think of one bass design I like that was designed after the 1960's....so pretty much all the above posts, then!

[quote name='Bobthedog' timestamp='1439151799' post='2840451'] I would think that the Fender Rumble 500 v3 would fit the bill. It is certainly within your price band new. I had 10 mins on the 200 version and was pretty impressed. [/quote] Massive +1 on this. I've got the 500 and 115 extension cab, and a 40 for home use. Superb amps/cabs, and with the vintage tone selected, these bad boys are just built for Precisions!

I reckon 'Close To The Edge' could tick a few boxes. Love late KC (far more than the earlier stuff, all of the Wetton-era records are just sublime) but the songs are quite short for 'Prog'!

[quote name='Raymondo' timestamp='1438623696' post='2835887'] +1 from me too. Your post reminded me of a documentary I once watched of them recording a track. [/quote] Thanks for the link - watched the whole thing last night. Really enjoyed it. I read online that the programme is actually a recreation of the recording of 'Towers Of London', as the album version was in the can a couple of months before. I have listened to the band's 'later' work, I just don't connect with it as much as the earlier stuff. I think part of the charm is the rhythmic patterns - there's a lot going on, often in the same song, and I love how Colin's bass fits in with it, adding to the overall texture rather than playing over it.

[quote name='Slipperydick' timestamp='1438698843' post='2836489'] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]The OP is ignoring any direct questions from myself and from others, which might help with finding an answer to HIS problem. So to be honest. I've kinda lost interest now.[/font][/color] [/quote] I am not ignoring anything. I have been reading and posting back where I can. I have also thanked posters on the thread for their help and advice. However, I am not an electrician. I took some basic advice when posing the original question, to hopefully gain some insight on here from those with far greater knowledge on the subject than I. That has been achieved. I also found it interesting to allow the thread to run - allow those with said knowledge to discuss it amongst themselves - to see what conclusion could be gained.

I love this kind of thing, even though I too am getting chills reading them! We played a gig a couple of years back. There was a guy sitting at a table rectangular shape with him and his pint at one end watching us. The table was quite long, we could all clearly seen him and his drink. Next minute, like a flash, CRASH! His pint glass flew off the table (far end, maybe 2 arm lengths from where he and it was) and smashed onto the floor. We finished the song, and collectively looked in disbelief at what had happened. Later that night, the owner was saying about a few of his staff would never go downstairs on their own in the building as they were sure something sinister was down there. Strange.

I haven't listened to much XTC for about 15+ years, but over the last week or so, been getting right back into it. Never really noticed before what a cracking player Colin Moulding is/was. Some really good stuff going on there! Must admit, I don't particularly like what the band did post-1982, when their drummer Terry Chambers quit. Proves what having a cracking drummer can do. I have heard most of the (later) stuff, and it leaves me a bit cold TBH. The 'Apple Venus' thing with Mike Batt's strings - and even Colin's songs on there should have been left in the vault...sorry! Appreciate Andy Partridge had his breakdown in '82, which obviously had an effect on the sound of the band and how they progressed. I think a big help is the production on those earlier records - the bass tones are very clear in the mix, with bags of presence. Amazing drum sounds too. Personally, I reckon 'Black Sea' and 'English Settlement' are two essential 'bass' albums.

Our band has been around for 3 years, and we're on the lookout for drummer no.5. They start, gig, and then leave! We've played with well over 10 in that time if we include the deps. As a former/resting drummer myself, our latest search has yielded such little response, I even considered doing it myself and getting another bassist. Backed out, though, as I can't face the prospect of buying all the gear - again - and having to get 'match fit' - ie practice - as I've not gigged for around 7 years. I used to combine bass and drum duties (in different bands obviously). As a result, I suppose I'm quite demanding of drummers - ie I expect them to be able to play - which some of our previous applicants simply could not do. One idiot was very hard to hear - he informed us that on occasion, he forgets to use his bass drum! Unbelievable! I did actually quit a band once over a poor drummer, I simply refused to gig with him as his standard was again, beyond bad. I'm not expecting Neil Peart to turn up, but someone who can at least get through a 4/4 song.....to much to ask?!

Got the Behringer box - and it doesn't make any difference whatsoever! It's definitely an earthing issue, just need a modern way to solve it.....

Thanks for all the excellent replies on this - far exceeded my expectations! Got the Behringer box coming tomorrow - so I'll let you know if it does the trick....

Nobody seems to know, he'd said he's never seen it before! I think it could as said above - improved earth getting interference....although not from anything within this house, as we tried a socket totally isolated. I may well try the Behringer box - thanks for video link - might just solve it?

Yes, sorry to say we tried that - different amps, different rooms and sockets, even isolated one single plug point (everything else off) and it still did it! I did find a possible solution to my problem - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-MICROHD-Hum-Destroyer-HD400/dp/B000KUD2G4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438433339&sr=8-1&keywords=behringer+hd400 Anyone ever tried one of these? It looks like just the possible job....?

Hi-fi is all fine - and I have tried 2 different amps and, multiple leads...and they're the same! Hope I'm not causing too much of a headache on this!

Thank you for the detailed response - really appreciate your help on this from an expert. The amp has been tested - I have also tried other amps/cabs and leads, all have the same problem. Got all the certs, quite a confusing read! The other day, we turned everything off at the distribution board except for the hob socket, and plugged in....same problem! When I use the Precision, it does cut out most of the noise, whereas the Ricky amplifies it. The amps do not buzz unless you put a lead in, even without a bass, it's one big buzzing noise. Hope this clears it up a little....!

Hoping to tap into some technical brains here! A few weeks ago, we had some electrical work done on the house. Moved in a month or so back, and initially, all was fine with my amps. However, the house previously had an earth stake in the ground, this was replaced by a new distribution board, and all earthed to the current regulations. The trouble is, since then, my amps are buzzing really loudly. Worse is when I play the single-coil pup'd vintage Ricky, it's like a wasps' nest until you touch the bridge! We temporally removed the earth from the main fuse, and it stopped (but of course this was replaced immediately!) What can I do here? Is there anything I can use between the socket and the amps as a noise-reducer? Or is there a proper electrical cure? BTW - I have written this post with technical assistance - I am not an electrician, but I do know some! Any work will be carried out by professionals only!

Something to browse at the 'bus stop'?!

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1438098263' post='2831627'] I bought one based purely on a soundclip from Spongebobs one which he had on here. [/quote] I can't tell you how much I enjoyed reading that! Tell all your friends to buy the EP! I hope you're enjoying your new one too, Lozz. Trust it's got 'the' sound? TBH I haven't played a single bass that has sounded so big across the range. I've played one other post-2012 Precision, and that was the same. Amazing basses, really. I know some knock Fender, but my experiences have always been good....and these new basses are fantastic - and considering general bass cost, not bad value either. I think most of us could just buy one and play it for all of our playing lives as a sole bass, and save a fortune!

[quote name='theyellowcar' timestamp='1437925096' post='2830044'] I actually have the Rumble 40, and it is overkill for a bedroom amp - I never drive it past 8 o'clock on the master. That said, it's really compact and light so it doesn't take up loads of room, and it's nice to know I have a bit of headroom to play with if ever I need it. [/quote] Hope this makes sense, but is it a clear sounding 8 o'clock? When I run my Orange (checked and it's 20w) that low, it sounds terrible. It's either too loud, or cutting out! I was thinking that a 40w would provide a clearer tone, even at a low level?

More great stuff - loved that.

I've posted this here, rather than the amps section, as it's not a question related to any individual brand/model. Essentially, I'm thinking of changing my Orange practice amp - think it's 25w. Looking at a Fender Rumble, as it would match my main rig. So no gear enquiry there! However, I like the options on the 40w model. Just a bit worried that the size is a bit of overkill for a practice amp. For our trio, it wouldn't be gig size...mainly for indoor use unless I'm backing some Morris dancers! So how big is yours......?!

Great video, loved that!

Simon's back? He was my tutor. Though he was only 19 at the time! ....and I was a mere 11!

[quote name='Billy Apple' timestamp='1437295268' post='2824830'] I did, yes. Put in on Gumtree and it was bought by a BC'er! It was a lovely bass, but a bass of two halves. The neck was beautiful, perhaps the nicest I've ever known, slim with a super-low action and I loved the parallel dimensions. The body was a different story. I couldn't get on with the rear bout, too sharp and too high which cut into my forearm. All I can say is I gave them a try and they weren't for me. Never say never, but I can't see me trying another.. Maybe a 'S', who knows? I've had a bit of a road to Damascus conversion with Spectors, which have a near parallel maple neck thru, but with the shape of the body all sorted out.. A super Ric if you will [/quote] Ah, sorry to hear that. As much as I love them - saying that I'm not keen on the new ones - they are the true Marmite bass.