Count Bassy

So does this men that the existing head is actually only 300 Watts, and in the 5110 combo it's only putting out 150 Watts? If so that would go some way to explaining why I was a bit disappointed with the volume I got from mine, although my main complaint was the horrible clicking noise it made when the volume was turned beyond 1/3, and the fact that it wasn't that loud at that point. Alternatively I guess that may have realised that the speaker in the combo can't take 250 watts without making the above mentioned clicking, or of course it could be that they are using a different power module so that they can drop the price. For anyone who was following my other thread on this, mine has now gone back to 'Rockem Music' to go back to the distributor for assessment /fixing. I should hear something in the New Year. I've told Rockem that if it is faulty and it comes back fixed then I'll be happy, but if it's not faulty and this is just how it is then I'll be wanting my money back (and I'll pay the return courier).

[quote name='JakeFoordBass' timestamp='1324252679' post='1472347'] Cool, out of interest what bass did you use them on? [/quote] That was on a Fender Urge Mk1 (32" scale).

I've tried D'addario ground wounds as I was tired of the zing and twang of the round wounds. Initially I really liked them, but after a few months went back to round wound. Now about a year later I'm thinking of going back to them again. The Daddario one's do feel weird at first. Quite rough on the fingers, (left and right hands) - almost like the grinding process leaves lots of little burs. That seems to go after a week or so, but whether that's them actually changing or just me getting used to them I don't know.

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1324051884' post='1470338'] Cool... that's good to know. All I would add is.. if I set the input gain to the clipping threshold, and the master to 10 o'clock, it would be LOUD...! Is yours loud, too? [/quote] Well, it's slightly louder than my Marshall B65 combo (65 watts) at the point where it becomes unusable due to the 'clicking'. I know that perceived volume as a function of watts depends on many factors, but all the same I would have expected significantly more volume from 250 watts (its stand alone/8 ohm rating) than from 65 Watts, and at over £500 I would expect it to deliver. From memory I suspect that a Roland Cube100/120 would be significantly louder. I really hope that it is faulty and that it comes back delivering the promise as I fundamentally like the unit, and it is compact. If this one isn't faulty and this is just how they are then this isn't the right combo for me and (IMHO) its not worth £515. I'll let you all know what transpires, though I guess that will now be in the New Year. Thanks for your interest folks. The Count.

[quote name='Charla' timestamp='1323683395' post='1465628'] Does anyone know where I can obtain 4 unloaded 4 x 12 cabs or dummy cabs I can use to make a counter? Cheers Charla [/quote] Is this for some form of extreme Tiddlywinks?

Thanks for your thoughts chaps. Spoke to Rockem Music and it's being collected on Monday to be returned to Ibanez/distributor to be looked at, so full marks to 'Rockem' so far - not a quibble. I must say that I'm happy that I've made the right decision there. Also gleaned from them that this model is being discontinued from March, but they didn't know what was coming next. (I'll be spitting if its a 1x12 !!) Prometheans are obviously popular, if rare. They said that they'd had three in and they'd all gone in 24 hours! Thanks again, The count.

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1323984131' post='1469614'] ...can you force the input clip light on by cranking the input gain? [/quote] Yes, If I turn the gain up. If the output clipped when the input clipped I'd understand it. IF the output clipped at 9 I'd understand it, but this clipping at 3 -4 ish, with the input not clipping at all. Clive.

I posted a question on this a few days ago but that thread sank without trace, so I'll try again. I received my Promethean a few days ago and found that the power stage clipping LED is coming on with the master volume at about 10 O-clock, despite the input clipping indicator not coming on. Scouring the internet it seems that this is a common 'Feature'. What I am also finding though, is that almost as soon as it starts to clip each note I play starts with a very sharp click, which sounds almost as if its originating in the speaker itself (Couldn't swear to this). Is this also a 'feature' or does it indicate a faulty unit which needs returning? For an amp combo that's meant to be 250 watts this clicking means its usable volume is little more than my old marshal B65 combo (65 watts), which is obviously an expensive disappointing. Your comments would be much appreciated as if it does need returning then the sooner the better. I haven't spoken to the supplier yet, but thought I'd get your thoughts first. Many thanks in advance, Clive.

Hi My new Promethean arrived today. I've only played with it for about 30mins, but I have a bit of a concern: As those with one one will know this has two clipping LEDs, one on the input and one on the output (combined with the power LED). I have set this up so that when playing the clip LED on the input is just at the point were it never comes on. But when I turn the master volume up the output clip indicator starts to flash to red with the volume at a around 9 - 10 O-clock, and when this clip LED is coming each note starts with a sharp 'click'. The thing is that if I keep the volume below the point where the output clips than this beast is no louder than my old Marshall B65 (65 Watt). This thing is meant to be 250 watts as a stand alone combo! Is this normal.? Have I done something wrong? Is this a duff unit? Should I bee returning it. Quick feedback would be appreciated in case I end up having to return it. Clive.

[quote name='crez5150' timestamp='1323634645' post='1465310'] Hi Guys I'm working for Headstock Distribution in the UK (though not on the guitar side) and can honestly say that if you have any issues with UK bought stock, they are a very friendly and efficient company for sorting issues out. Having spent a few weeks in the office there listening in on the phone calls, the team are on the case. Hope that is some reassurance... [/quote] Yeas that is reassuring - thanks. [quote name='crez5150' timestamp='1323634645' post='1465310'] .... PS I hear on the Grapevine there are more developments from Ibanez regarding this range of bass amps...... ;o) [/quote] Now you tell me !!! (Joking by the way). Would those developments include a 1 x12 version perchance? The Count

Well, I've done it ! Now it's time to repent at leisure!! One actually came up on E_bay this morning, brand new, from Rock-em Music at £515, so I've gone for that rather than Thomann. I'll let you all know how it goes! Thanks for you thoughts, The count.

As per the title I'm very nearly ready to buy myself a small lightweight but pokey and sensibly priced combo (Christmas present from my wife), and the Promethean seems to fit the bill - On paper! Therein lies the problem. In today's world of internet shopping you can't get to try this stuff, and £550 is an awful lot of money to spend on something you've not even tried. I've hardly seem any bad things said about them ( a few comments about hiss, and one about clipping), except when compared with gear that costs twice as much. I know that Thomann (seem to be the cheapest currently) will take stuff back if you're not happy, but I'm still feeling a bit uneasy about pressing the 'buy' button. Anybody out there got words of reassurance for me, or even words of warning? I need to press the button soon if I'm to get it by Christmas. Thanks, The Count.

[quote name='simon1964' timestamp='1323474386' post='1463872'] "If you tolerate this" is a fantastic song. The root note plodding may be simple, but it works IMO. [/quote] "If you tolerate this" is an awful song (IMHO), beyond redemption by any bass line.

Thanks for all your input. Having considered it all I've gone for the 17s based on the fact that they should prevent further damage but not isolate me too much (especially given that my hearing is already down in one ear- due to an old infection not noise damage). They should be here in about 10 days and I'll report back how I get on with them. The Count

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1322246087' post='1448645'] I dont want to go down this route in this thread really but 415 volts is measured between 2 phases (660 across all 3) so it would just earth across your tongue like the battery does from one terminal to the other, it [i]always[/i] takes the eaisest path to flow so it would not earth through your body although the surge [u]would[/u] be massive and [u]would[/u] fry your tongue in fairness [/quote] It doesn't quite work like that. Each phase of a standard three phase supply is referenced to earth (240VAc). Because of the 120 deg phase difference a 240Vac supply gives 415Vac (RMS) between phases. If you stuck two phases on your tongue then there would be a very large current between the two phases due to the voltage and the low resistance. However each connection would still be at 240V relative to earth, say your feet, so you'd still get the current flowing from each phase to earth through your body. If the supply had a limited capacity then the available then the current would be divided according to the voltage and the resistance between the various connections, but if the supply is effectively limitless (which any three phase supply is likely to be - in terms of the currents through your body) then each circuit would draw a current as if it was the only connection. So, if you stick a three phase supply on your tongue you'd still get a current through your body the same or worse as if you just stuck as single 240V supply on your tongue. Do not try this at home (Or anywhere)

[quote name='paulconnolly' timestamp='1322247645' post='1448669'] Can I ask: How much do these cost? When you say moulded are they a "one size fits all" or specifically moulded to your ear shape like a hearing aid mould? If specifically moulded who does it and where do you go to get it done? [/quote] These were £120, and are the ones custom moulded to your ear. Bought the plugs off the net, you register them on line and they direct you to a local audiologist to get the impressions made. In my case the audiologist was a Scrivens (the opticians) in Rugby. Impressions etc. are all included in the original purchase price.

NOTE: Just checked and the choice is actually 17 or 24dB (rather than 22dB). Apart from that the question remains the same

NOTE: Just checked and the choice is actually 17 or 24dB. Apart form that the question remains the same I've bought some pro-guard moulded ear plugs. Impressions all done and ready to send off, so the question is Green (17dB) or Red (22dB) filters. My son (a drummer) has the 22dB ones and says that you can still hear everything fine, and still hold conversations, so why wouldn't you go for those. Spoke the the bloke at Proguard who said that the 17dB ones are generally enough. Being a bass player I do spend quite a bit of time stood next to the drums, and the drummer in one of my current bands is particularly loud. So which would the collective wisdom of Bass Chat recommend? Thanks in advance, The Count.

[quote name='Fat Rich' timestamp='1321464483' post='1439537'] Sorry but this flow chart is nonsense. What's gigging got to do with anything? Chop off the bottom few boxes and it'll be spot on. [/quote] Especially the box that says 'You've probably got enough' Replace it with 'what the hell' and an arrow pointing to 'buy more guitars'

I.e. somewhere where I can actually try one out? I don't mind paying a few extra quid over the on-line price for the privilege. I'm in Daventry, so anywhere in a 50 mile radius would do, which includes Birmingham, Leicester, Coventry, Milton Keynes etc. Don't really want to be bothered with central London as I'd want to take my basses to try through it, so want to be able to park somewhere close. Any ideas ? Thanks The Count PS. Just realised that you have to be careful typing 'Count'!

[quote name='charic' timestamp='1320494242' post='1427509'] did you have it insured? [/quote] He did have it insured, but I suspect it won't cover theft from a 'non-secure' place (i.e. a gig), you know what these insurance companies are like. Understandably he's gutted.

Just a pointer to another thread in the Basses forums that I've started. Went missing in Northampton last night. Decided to put a pointer to that thread here as well as I suspect that it will get seen more. Thanks.

A black 4string Mexican Fender Jazz complete with Gig bag went missing from the back room of 'The Racehorse' in Northampton last night. Somewhere between 10.30 and 11pm. This belonged to the bassist in my son's band, who were playing at a multi band gig there. It is possible that one of the other bands picked it up by accident, E-mails have been sent to them all, but no replies received yet. Hopefully this was a mistake and it will be returned, but it is possible that it was actually stolen. It's a bit battered and has a white rectangle stuck on the upper horn. I will try and find photo's of it and should have the serial number soon. Local shops have been informed and E-bay will be watched, but if anyone should come across something like this for sale in odd circumstances please be wary, and/or let me know. Thanks in advance, EDITED: Here's a picture. Of course the White rectangle is probably easily removed. From the multicoloured 'Balls' I guess they're D'addario strings.

[quote name='dave_bass5' timestamp='1320063399' post='1421688'] No experience with that although i have seen it mentioned a few times. There have been a few threads similar to this, might be worth doing a search and see what others use/think. [/quote] Dave, I've just done that search and find that I was asking the same question 3 years ago!, when I ended up buying the MP-BT1. The GTR1 was around then it seems, but was £265 at the time - twice the price of the MP-BT1. The GTR-1 can now be got for £160 via Amazon! Clive Edited to say - actually £190 seems to be more typical for the GTR-1, though some are on Amazon at £160

Thanks for your thoughts so far chaps. Just come across the Tascam GTR1. Seems to be like a MB-BT1, but with a basic drum machine built in as well (and recording and other stuff I don't specifically need), for around £160. Has anybody any experience of these?