spongebob

I've used a pick for years, I prefer the sound - of me using one - as when I play fingerstyle, it just sounds a bit of a dull thud. I can't sound like other people! I like the 'cleaner' sound a pick provides, less thump. I do practice it at home, and I have got better, to the extent that when I dropped a pick at a gig, I just finished the number fingerstyle. But for me, I am a pick player. Coming from a drumming background, I just prefer the more percussive feel I can attack with using a pick....I suppose my style will always be a bit like drumming on a bass!

I love the looks of the Jazz, but I just can't ever get comfy with them. I have owned a few, but we've never bonded. Real shame, as I love the way they look and feel when other players use them. Always a little jealous that they never sound any good with me for some reason!

[quote name='40hz' timestamp='1429049331' post='2747530'] It has annoyed me for years how bass is/has never been mixed in on this programme. I can't think of many (if any) performances where it's even remotely stood out. [/quote] +1!

Fender USA Precision, Fender Rumble V3 500 and 115 cab. EQ all at midday, except for gain at 1. Bass volume on full, tone backed off a 1/4 or so. D'addario Nickelwounds. Since I started using this combination, I've found it works in every live/studio environment without changing a thing. This is why I must stop any further GAS, as it will invariably end in a strong sense of disappointment to compared to what I have right now. So why do I still keep looking???? I like to just plug in, and go!

[quote name='Norris' timestamp='1428775087' post='2744494'] I'm trying not to GAS for a 1x15 extension cab. I really don't need one. [/quote] Oh, you do! The 500 sounds even more incredible when plugged into the 115. I always play through both now. Sorry for the GAS.... [quote name='Big Bass Man' timestamp='1428823922' post='2744752'] After reading this thread, I'm seriously considering changing my MarkBass combo for one of these. I've never really been happy with the tone. These things really seem to fit the vintage / old school vibe I'm after! They seem really good value too ... [/quote] I sold my Markbass rig for the 500/115 set-up. No regrets at all - everyone comments how much better I sound now!

Never had Stingray GAS - probably only because I've never played a real one. I used to have a Jim Deacon passive 'Ray copy....and that kind of put me off! I would love to play one - but I'm a bit worried - as I know if I did, I'm sure I'd love it as they can sound soooo cool.

I've got just one - a 2014 Oly White/Maple USA Standard, bought it new about 6 months ago. Like some others, I've had a love/hate relationship with the P-bass. I've had a few before.... First ever bass was a Sunn Mustang P-copy. A good few years later, I also had - along the way - a couple of other US Standards and a Road Worn...and a Classic Vibe at some point. Not masses, but I have been P'd before! My problem is always the same - I love the looks and the tone, but I always miss a Ricky. However, my last one annoyed me so much, my solution was to go 'back to basics' and grab a new P. Don't get me wrong - this particular P is the best I have ever played, and for the first time ever, I would really, really struggle to part with it. Plays so easily, sounds the business - even my band love it! The idea was to become a mono-bassist, and just play it to bits. I've done 6 months now....feels a bit like coming out of rehab or something! It's just when I play a P - it's just me I'm sure - I always think that I'm being a bit obvious....but my rational side says obvious for a good reason, as it's bass that does it all, and you can set-up and repair at home....and it's stopped my losing money buying and selling other basses. I just have to extinguish other bass GAS, as the P is by far the best 'all-rounder' I've had - fits in anywhere, and has got all that presence. I know I'd hate to part with this one. Just have to ride out the GAS wave....

[quote name='Radchenko' timestamp='1428585223' post='2742708'] Thank you. Good description, and nice Precision bass sound :-) [/quote] Thanks! That's the Rumble 500 with the 115 extension cab, mic'd up. Standard USA Precision, with the amp all set flat, except the gain at about 1. A small aside is that the amp is a cracker on it's own, but add the cab and it's dynamite. I did consider a 112, but over on Talkbass they were raving about the 500+115 together. A 112 I'm sure will be equally pleasing to the ear!

I've got a V3 115 cab, and it's excellent - so I'd buy a 112 with confidence.

£20 a month? I think I'll stick with Deezer. Largest library of any of the streaming services, and sounds great as well.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1428339600' post='2740402'] I was going to say you should have no issues with gigging a 70s bass... ...but a RIC?? Oh no, no, no good at all. It will fail on you for sure! It'll fall apart after five minutes! Not really - it'll be fine. Don't worry about it. The issue is not about gigging the bass, it's about being a little bit more vigilant re theft prevention, imho. [/quote] I've had more attention at gigs with my Precision than I ever had with my Ric 4003's before - Fender's seem to be a magnet for idiots around here!

......because I can't resist a 4001.......especially a YOB! Just he idea of owning a 40-year old instrument as my sole bass worries me a bit, as I wouldn't drive a 40-year old car as my only transport!

A '74 Ric 4001. My dream bass - had them before - my never my YOB. I've had a '77 and a '78, and numerous 4003/04, but I'm current a mono-bass owner, and kind of would like to stay that way! The older stuff before always had a back-up. It's the idea of sticking with an 'old' instrument - never done that before with no safety net!

I've been window-shopping, and a 70's bass in my dream model has popped up on my radar at a decent price. Thing is, I'm thinking electrical issues, plus a million other things..... But how giggable is a 40-year old bass? I'd love a YOB bass - but it would mean me trading or selling my 2014 to fund it......I've had vintage before and (loved and foolishly) sold them, but never had one as my only bass...which this would mean.

As an ex - Ricky addict, with a long list to my name, you have to please provide a sound a sample of your 4003 through the Rumble. GAS officially re-ignited.....

[quote name='Norris' timestamp='1428145645' post='2738445'] I just pulled the trigger . GAK price matched Musik Productiv's price (£413) Now off to Roq Solid... [/quote] Good shout Norris! £413 is an awesome price. One thing to watch - I got my first one from GAK - it was obviously a previously returned item. Someone had clearly had the front off before - but the main problem was a massive rattling sound from inside the amp whenever you played a single note. I rang them straight away, and it was speedily picked up, and I was refunded. Be sure it's not that one sent out again! I bought a replacement from Gear4music - great service - and the 15" cab from Thomann - superb price. +1 on the Roqsolid covers. Used to have them on my Markbass stuff, and didn't hesitate to cover the Fender stuff. I'd personally say their covers are better now than before - and they were excellent then! Just feel thicker and even more substantial. Look forward to hearing your thoughts when you get it. What bass(es) are you going to use with it? ....and then there's the shopping for the cab! They do a matching 2x10" now.....by all accounts very good as well.....or go for the 15"!

[quote name='Bassman Sam' timestamp='1428011962' post='2737158'] SB, you're not helping me GAS for a Rumble. I Nice playing and I love the track BTW, what strings are you using. Love that tone. [/quote] Thanks Sam - very nice of you to say. Strings were/are D'addario Nickels, 45-105 (EXL 165). Did experiment away from them with flats a few months back, but came back to these. Used them for ages before, and won't experiment again! Before I changed back, I did a gig with the Rumble (amp, no cab) with some Fender flats. Good enough, but I found the tone was stronger with the nickels. Or probably it's just me!

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1428009488' post='2737104'] Great tones and bassline there Spongebob. [/quote] [quote name='RandomBass' timestamp='1428044212' post='2737295'] Hey Spongebob, nicely done sir 😊 [/quote] [quote name='Norris' timestamp='1428066414' post='2737673'] Great tone! [/quote] Thanks for all the kind comments guys! I know you're a real P-bass fan, Lozz - really appreciate your kind words....if you like it, I'm hopefully doing something correct! Hopefully it demonstrates the great sound you can get - very easily from the Rumbles. EQ was set flat, just rolled a little treble off the bass itself. Track is my first I've written for the band (or was confident enough to present to them), so had to make it bass heavy! I spent years with my Ricky/Markbass set-up, only to never be satisfied with my sound, both live and recorded. Had the odd Precision before, but always felt like I was straying! Last Autumn I sold up, picked up the white P as my sole bass, and this year added the Fender rig. I've never had such a 'real' tone before. I read on TB that the P and Rumble is a great combination - I agree, and I hope it shows here. There's also a great 'bright' setting on the amp - just adds loads of clarity and treble. Fully open the tone up on the P, and it's instant early JJ Burnel - I love it, but can't sneak it too much into our Rhythm and Blues band!

I can chip in here as well. I bought one back in February - read some good comments both on here and Talkbass (I'm now in the Rumble Club there! ).Actually, it's also well worth a read, as there's hundreds of posts and good info. It sounds glorious on it's own, and I have gigged it that way. I also bought a Rumble 115 (15" cab) a bit later to add more umph....not so much volume, but sonic depth. TBH, you can easily get away with the cab as is. Stick the 15 under it, and you have instantly more of the same in abundance. Tone heaven! I changed over from Markbass to these, and I for one far prefer them. They just sound so much more, well, bassy. I use the vintage setting all the time, it gives you a lovely valve-y growl, real old-skool. Just to help - here's a photo of mine I took with my USA P Bass - [attachment=188174:20150306_201428.jpg] ...and here's a sound-sample, recorded a few weeks ago in the studio with same P-bass, and Rumble amp and cab mic'd up - [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA-xHT-cUC4"]https://www.youtube....h?v=mA-xHT-cUC4[/url] Let us know what you decide!

Thanks DB!

Please feel inclined to download or stream my band (The Howlin' Wolves) new EP. More floor-shaking rhythm and blues. It's our second release, 3 brand new tracks - including one by me, 'Bad Spirits' which you can hear with this - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA-xHT-cUC4 The EP, 'Leave It...' is available through Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, Deezer, Google Play Music, and all other leading outlets! Thanks for looking!

When I first heard 'Blurred Lines' I immediately thought it was a Marvin steal from 'Got To Give..',astoundingly so, IMHO. If they've have asked me before they recorded it, I'd have pointed out the similarity for say, a couple of million - could have saved them a packet!

Sold my Markbass rig - now have a Fender 500 combo and 115 cab. Lightweight, and awesome!

The 115 has got a handle on each side.

I ordered a Fender Rumble 115 cab over the weekend from Thomann. In plentiful stock (unlike the few UK stores who were only showing 1 in supply). Great price as well given the exchange rate. Order processed on Monday (they are closed over the weekend), and shipped the same day. Arrived via Parcelforce with me this morning! Once again, packaging superb, can't fault them. I've used them a good few times over the years, and they've always been excellent. Bit different to GAK the other week who sent me a faulty amp - one which was clearly a return or otherwise - the packaging had been tampered with, as had the front of the amp. Give them their credit, they did take it back and refund very efficiently. I think a few places in the UK could learn from Thomann!