chris_b

The collar of the input socket on my TF is slightly proud of the nut. Not by a lot but it's there. You say your old cables "stay in a little better". What does that mean? Do they stay in or only pop out now and again? Does anchoring the cables at the amp end fix the problem? If it does then the cable is at fault and you don't have to damage the amp in order to fix the problem. I just threw away an old and cheap instrument cable because it didn't fit any of my basses properly and caused noise when the cable was hanging between the bass and the amp. My OBBM cables don't have any of these problems.

[quote name='vinorange' timestamp='1480410981' post='3184066'] I was considering a gentle trim of the socket collar to allow the jack to go in slightly deeper. It may be all I need to do to avoid any change of cable / socket.............I wonder if I should try that first with my dremel or a hack saw. [/quote] Nooooooooooo. . . . have you tried other cables yet? If the socket is soldered directly on to the board you might break the joint and cause more damage. Identify the actual cause of the problem before you start hacking away at this fantastic and expensive amp!

OK, I missed the instrument cable bit. . . most of the advice is still good. Use foam to stop the vibrating amp, anchor the cable to a handle on the cab and switch to an OBBM instrument cable. Plus maybe some repair work if the Planet waves cable has stretched the jack socket.

You can get started via Youtube. I don't slap very well and I've never been in a band that wanted me to. Most slap players seem to be wedded to the "[i]a lot isn't enough[/i]" concept of bass playing. The more notes they can fit in the better it seems to make them feel. I've yet to find a band that thinks the same way. I was once actually thanked by a band for [i]not[/i] slapping.

If you don't have a Speakon on the cab, OBBM can supply a Speakon to jack cable.

[quote name='vinorange' timestamp='1480288621' post='3183174'] It only spits the cable out due to vibrations from the cab [/quote] I've never had this issue with my Thunderfunk, but mine is in an SKB 4U case and the case sits on 2 pieces of 3" thick foam. On the other hand why isn't the OP using Speakons? I know amps are probably designed to cope with vibrations but I'd rather not put them into this extreme environment. I always put my amps on foam, since having a lot of problems with my last valve amp 20 years ago. I don't know anything about planet waves cables but I always use OBBM's Speakon cables.

Good choice with the 2 210's. I used 2 210s a few years ago for my big rig and they really rocked out. I spent most of the 80's and 90's with 15's (EV's) and they sounded pretty exceptional but since using modern cabs with 10's and 12's I can't see me using 15's again. You can make informed decisions between old and new amps (valve vs D class) but for me there's no contest, modern cabs beat the cabs of yesteryear every time. The only exception I'd make is the Fridge. They'll probably go on forever.

[quote name='Daz39' timestamp='1480076127' post='3181464'] I recall seeing 18" Trace Cabs back when I bought my 15" in the 90s. I was staggered by the physical size - and weight. [/quote] I used to play through a Mesa Boogie 118. It was half the size and weight of an 810! IME it really is a good time to be a bass player.

I saw Ry Cooder and David Lindley (just the two of them) at the Hammersmith Odeon, about 26 years ago, and they were surrounded by at least 30 guitars set up on stands. I have no idea what they intended as they only used about 4 each.

It really depends what styles of music you're playing and how much you want to copy the originals. You can take as much gear to a gig as you want. You can even use it all. Excess is what rock is all about, but I don't play with guys who feel the need to use more than one of anything. I played with 2 guitarists last night. One had pedals one didn't, both bought two guitars, only used one and they stayed in standard tuning all night. Both managed to sound exactly right for songs which ranged from blues through rock to pop without any faff. I only take one bass to a gig. I've never had an instrument fail or broken a string and one always covers the songs I've been asked to play. IMO there's a satisfaction when you can make "less is more" work.

Surely the reason the OP is loosing some oomph when using one cab has nothing to do with the amp, but is the result of running fewer speakers.

You download the voucher and take it to the audiologist. Check first though, because some don't accept the voucher. The ACS website has a list of places that do accept.

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1480156137' post='3182035'] . . . . the big problem with the lightweight heads is keeping them on top of the amp while plugged into your bass. Wander too far away and your head follows you off the cab and onto the floor. [/quote] Both those things can happen but that's User Error not the fault of the amp or its design.

. . . this and you can upgrade each part separately. IMO modular rigs are also better because you can mix and match depending on the gig.

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1480117482' post='3181880'] No, I mean why would you want to take a speaker cab that's been designed to be a speaker cab, and mess with it ? It just seems odd, I don't see how you'd gain anything. [/quote] Ah ha. . . crossed wires. Sorry. I don't see why either.

This bass looks so modded that I'd say there is not much "vintage" or "original" value left.

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1480109313' post='3181827'] Why ? [/quote] Because Alex moved from an interested DIYer to a manufacturing company. No companies publicise their prototype work.

Only some Neutrik plugs are dual use. My Aguilar TH500 and Mesa D800 Subway [u][b]cannot[/b][/u] take 1/4" jacks.

The master on my TH500 used to be on 12 o'clock with my Bergantino CN212 but with the Barefaced cabs it's now on 10 o'clock and it's louder. BF cabs are very good at turning watts into SPL.

A passive P bass with flats.

I've always called them ghost notes.

A great song. Chuck Rainey at his best (good luck with that part) and Steve Gadd.

Good choice.

It is easy to understand why AC is playing the best bass lines for U2. I love 8th note, root, basic riffs playing. Locked with a simple drum pattern and pumping guitar there's nothing better at making the hairs stand up on the back of your neck, from Elmore James to U2, ZZ Top, Quo, AC/DC etc etc. There are a lot of great bands that use a rhythm section in this way, because it's a very effective style of playing.

You'd better not take the bass out of its case after all this!