dclaassen

Bass of choice into a Hartke kickback 12. I pad into Bluetooth speaker for tunes. No headphones needed.

I always find it fascinating to read these kind of discussions. I am an unabashed gear snob, always will be. Yes, there are inexpensive instruments that are well made, and can be made to be very giggable. Having said that, there are bunches of reasons why top-end instruments are worth the money. In some cases, it's the playability...the instrument can be a lot more responsive to small nuances in your technique. Other times, it's having a monster active system that lets you easily adapt to any and all situations. Fingerboards and fretwork are usually a lot better. I like ebony boards, so there is that. I'm not into looks especially but I guess that is the other factor. As far as using them, I'll play any of my basses down at the Dog and Duck..I just won't leave it unsupervised....:)

Is that a Nathan East Yamaha 4? I've played the 5, but was not aware they made a 4 string....nice!

Rumor...sorry

Rumer is that the "spike" on the headstock is actually a middle finger extended to Fender, Inc....

Agree....with one caution... Some of us are really blessed to have high end instruments in our collection. With the inflated prices of those basses now, I would not be able to afford the ones I have. The hard part is finding an affordable 5'er. I like the Peavey basses if you don't mind an older instrument, and can stand a bit of neck dive. I guess if I had to start over, I'd begin with a Mexican J 5....move up and down from there until I was happy.

whatever happened to blindly rootling around in your cable bag and using the first 1/4" one you lay your hands on? Worked for grandpa.....

Okay, but both quotes still beg the original question of which amp/cab combination, specifically. Also need to consider price point. If I was willing to plonk down a largish bundle of bills, I would probably go all Mesa, but I'm realistically going to go with what sounds great with a limited budget, and also what does not kill me to lug up a flight of stairs.

I use 2 Genz Benz 1x12's for most pub gigs and get a really nice sound as well. Old TE GP-12 SMX head, 5 string fretted and/or fretless. I am almost always trying for a vintage country or rock tone, but occasionally tone it down clean for jazz.

Okay...silly question. When you go to the clinics at this event, do you bring your bass with you?

I think the most important decision you have to make is about neck width and string spacing. I like full access to the neck, and feel that a lot of wider spacings don't work with me above the 12th fret. On the other hand, narrower spacings tend to lead to challenges with muting, slapping (not that I would know), etc. But...if it doesn't feel comfy in the shop, don't assume you will get used to it later. You probably won't.

I think the neck feel of a 5 is even more critical, and unique to each kind of bass. You really have to play them to know for sure. I echo chris b's advice, though....

I'd echo the use of the live videos..they also show people having fun. I tried to get into bands after 25+ years out, and in another country (I'm from the US). Despite having a degree in music and pretty decent skills, it was a long a interesting road. You do really have to kiss a lot of frogs. Now I am exclusively depping, and hoping to get some more of these locally. I think the big deal is actually meeting local working musicians. Go to local pub gigs and shows and just have a short chat. Hang in there!

I love my TE cabs, but have a very hard time with the weight. How many of you are still hauling your big cabs around for gigs? I don't gig as much, so will probably just keep my cabs, especially since I can't even give them away in this area.

Ariel Square four?...you had it EASY.... Our van was a VW micro-bus without an engine. We ran it Flintstone-like down the road in our bare feet.

The Korean built Jazz 24's have a sweepable mid...I've got one. We complain, but also are very aware that most sound engineers and many band members just want you to bring a P Bass......

I had them listed for quite some time, no takers. I guess I'm currently on the fence about keeping the 410, because the sound is amazing!

Not BF, but I replaced my Trace 410 with two Genz Benz 112's. Love the sound and I can carry both in at the same time. I honestly don't think you are going to get a "big rig" sound out of a smaller cab, but needs must.

My wife is very supportive of my gigging. We both want to travel and do other things as well, so depping is all that's in my future. I have 4 guitars on hangers in our study and usually keep a bass and a flattop on stands. My ex though.....I met her through the band I was in..she was best friends with the lead singer's GF. Went to gigs all the time. Once married however, she started pressing for me to quit. Stupid me, I did and sold a whole lot of great gear. That was '83, and I did not gig again until 2022.

Yes, I did...still would get rid of them. I'd even take some money for them. I bought the cabs in order to get the head. I am not hauling those around with me...:)

I am using the GP12 SMX head with the AH400 amp....using lighter cabs for small gigs, but, due to noone else wanting them, have the 4x10 and 15 in the garage just in case. Anybody wants them should let me know...

Totally agree here..I've done these types of gigs, and have actually damaged gear by playing on the ground. They should at least provide a pallet or something for the gear. You did a great job with the money issue. Noone should be upset about that....