Bottle

Good to hear some love for the micro heads - I've had my GK MB500 for a little over 18 months now and love it to bits. Not sure I'd trade it for anything bigger either - it works extremely well with either of my EBS cabs (4-Ohms, 1x15 or 4x10). Lots of IO on the back which is very handy (I usually run Bass > lead > Head > Cab, but can run tri-amped with the rest of the rig). I sometimes hang a SansAmp off of the Efx out loop for DI'ing into our PA. Did see the MB200 on here a while ago and thought it would be a great 'get you out of a hole' type head you could stuff in a gig-bag (it's only a smidge bigger than most DI pedals). Not so sure about gigging scenarios. TBH even [i]my[/i] GK looks a bit silly perched on top of a mahoosive 4x10! Anyway, your mileage may vary. I might like to try one of the MB200's out, and would certainly recommend the bigger brother to anyone looking for a decent compact head (it certainly performed well when up against an LM3 and GB Shuttle 3.0). HTH Ian

Yep, know that pain. Most 'modulation' or 'digital modelling' pedals eat batteries like no tomorrow - my Digitech BSW ratings plate told me that I'd need a 300mA power supply - about an hour from a good fresh 9v PP3 (if you're [i]really[/i] lucky and a patron deity is smiling on you). Not good really - they definitely all need powering from a wall-wart type or dedicated effects PSU. HTH, Ian

If it's anything like the Para Driver, then it'll work off of a 9v battery, a 9v wall-wart or phantom power - which method are you using? Just thinking it [i]might[/i] be something obvious like a flat battery. Then again, if you're using mains power via a PSU or phantom power off of the PA desk then it's more likely to be a fault in the unit. HTH, Ian

Depends on the amount of re-wiring you were anticipating, but I guess (without really knowing the hourly rates) that a guitar tech will probably charge you labour rates that would be approaching the cost of the bass. I see you're only just up the A11 from me. If you're down this way any time soon (A11/A14 junction at Newmarket) I can take a look at it one weekend. HTH, Ian

Just had to do this on my trusty Ibanez - the strap button on the top horn just kept coming loose. Five minutes with a drillbit to open out the hole, jam some cocktail sticks and a bit of a match in there with some fast Superglue. Let it set over lunch then drilled a small pilot hole for the strap button screw, and......job's a good 'un Hopefully this'll keep it in place. Any thoughts for a more permanent solution if this doesn't work? Dowel seems to be the favourite method. Ian

[quote name='Rimskidog' post='1131790' date='Feb 18 2011, 07:02 AM']Could all those genuinely interested pm me their contact details. I intend to contat everyone to find out whether there are things they would definately like to cover to work them into the programme Cheers T[/quote] PM'd!

Well, depends on whether you treat your basses as just tools to do a job, or whether you have a more personal connection to them. For me they are tools, but I have grown to love their different tonality, so when practicing, I generally reach for the Ibby, as it's in standard tuning, however, if I want a slightly different feel for a song, I may grab the Squier. Who knows what'll happen if and when I get another bass. If I got the Cort GB34A I've been after for ages, then I'm hoping that will bring something new to the mix, as my current two basses are both passive. Also, I've had great fun playing the Ray34 my friend has, and I'm looking for that humbucker style of bass, hence the Cort. Plus it's available in Candy-Apple Red, and I'm a sucker for Redheads I'm not sure I'd feel guilty for getting another bass, when I have two already - they all have their uses in certain situations, and I reckon I probably play my current two about equally, give or take a couple of gigs. I tend to favour the Ibby for church, but that may change soon. HTH, Ian

Not very often - we're all encouraged to listen to songs in our spare time to get chord changes etc correct, then we maybe meet up as a whole team maybe five or six times a year - so far we've had one full day this year, back in January. We've got another planned for next weekend. After that, who knows? I should say in explanation that we're a large worship team, so meeting up often is impractical for many reasons - schedules, availability of a large enough space, logistics of getting all the kit we need to the hall etc. We make do with someone sending out CD's to us every so often, along with chord sheets etc. We sometimes break off into smaller groups to run through some new stuff, i.e drums, keys, a vocalist or two and acoustic guitar. Personal time - maybe a few hours in a week, if I'm feeling like it. Obviously I practice a bit more in the run up to any time I'm playing (I'm down on rota for the next two Sundays, then a bit of a gap). Don't feel the need to endlessly practice scales, although I probably should!! HTH, Ian

Definitely interested in the online ones, and maybe also the practical sessions (I'm just barely getting started in home recording - laptop, M-Audio Fast Track Pro and Reaper is the limit so far!) Would this be bass-orientated or a more general recording-a-whole-band scenario? Ta, Ian

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='1130702' date='Feb 17 2011, 10:39 AM']Im not sure if anyone answered your question about the BDDI having a un effected output but yes, it has a direct out (on jack only though) as well as effected XLR/jack. From the manual. "PARALLEL OUTPUT: 1/4 unbalanced direct output is hard-wired parallel with input jack. Instrument signal passes through, UNEFFECTED, to the input of your stage amplification system." With the BDDI you can turn the tube effect off by turning the blend control all the way to the left. This will leave you with just active EQ. Ive not used the DI out from mine as i will normally use the DI on the back of my amp, with it switched to pre EQ but its handy to have more than one, just in case.[/quote] I also use a SansAmp - the Paradriver DI, which is the same as the BDDI, but with an added mid-sweep control instead of the 'Presence' control. Works very well with my GK running clean, and the SansAmp sitting in the effects loop running an effected DI out to the PA desk. I've sometimes troubled the PA sound guy with a clean DI out from the GK and the effected DI out from the SansAmp, but that just seems to cause grief, so I've stopped doing it. I guess I ran into the same phasing issues that Dan's been dealing with. If I was that bothered about getting a clean signal into the PA, I'd have the 'clean' cab mic'ed up. I've looked at the multiple amps/multiple cabs setup (I'm currently running a tri-amped setup at home in my 'bass corner'). It does need some attention to detail, and if I was using the setup live or in the studio for recording/re-amping, I'd probably want at least five channels free on the desk (clean DI out from head, effected DI out from the SansAmp, the low-mixed 1x15 cab with a Sennheiser D112 or similar, a couple of mics on the effected 1x12 cab(s), and maybe a Beta 57 on the 'clean' 4x10 cab). I can foresee a horrible mess of phase cancellation, and other nastyness, even if the cabs are in iso rooms or gobo'd off from one another to reduce spillover. HTH, Ian

[quote name='Mrs Tinman' post='1128067' date='Feb 15 2011, 10:27 AM']Wedge it firmly in your cleavage [/quote] Now there's an idea, Mrs. T!!! I've been working on my pecs 'n' moobs, so they're in tip-top condition for just such an occasion Returning to topic - I don't usually use a pick - maybe in one or two songs only, so generally leave a couple out on top of the amp/cab and grab 'em as required. Ian

[quote name='Rumble' post='1126928' date='Feb 14 2011, 12:31 PM']I've only ever really had one bass at a time, but might reach into the sphere of multiple bass ownership this week. Whilst I play at church on a regular basis, I haven't 'gigged' for a couple of years, but I don't miss it in the slightest. For me, playing bass is something I do because I enjoy it and it helps me to unwind. I'm also starting to come round to the idea that there might be occasions when playing different basses (whether it be at home or church) might just enhance the enjoyment factor..........and then again I might just be trying to justify owning more basses than I can play at any one time![/quote] Pretty much sums up my experience as well - I currently only have two basses Still GAS'ing for a Cort GB34A or GB35A (can't decide on a four- or five-stringer next ), but will have to wait a while... Ian

Seen a lot of suggestions for the SansAmp - could I also throw in my £0.02? Try the SansAmp Para-driver - it's the same as the BDDI but has a sweepable mid control (which is very good). Roll off the blend i.e. 100% dry and it acts like a three-band pre-amp and DI in the same box, or use the blend + drive controls to add some valve-y warmth to the mix. I've recently taken to trying the SansAmp suggested settings for 'Active bass simulator' which is the mid sweep and the three-band EQ all the way to the right, blend on about 75% wet/dry ratio. Works a treat with my all-passive Ibby jazz bass, just needs a smidge of 'drive' and it's there. HTH, Ian

Think my Ibanez had the original strings on it for two-and-a-half years - only recently changed them for a set of DR Hi-beams. Based on the answers above, seems quite a short time, really Ian

[quote name='silddx' post='1119345' date='Feb 7 2011, 07:57 PM']First time ever for me. I would, without question, never replace this bass without first trying the prospective replacement. This is the first time I have felt a deep connection with a bass. I hope it lasts. It's hard to explain, but I feel that the notes I play on it are given back to me by the bass, they don't disappear, every not I play on it brings the bass closer to me. The bass does not remain the same, we give to each other and take from each other. The bass and me are synergistic. It's harder to play than my Warwicks, it has four frets missing, it's passive, it's a funny colour, the frets are too skinny, it's completely old fashioned. But the neck is wonderful and it responds to everything I do. I realise it sounds stupid - it's wood and strings, but it's what I felt on Saturday night, and I still feel it. I truly loved my Warwicks because they were so reliable, great sounding and beautiful to play, but I never got this feeling from them. I don't get it from the Chris Squire Electra I built either. They are all tools. This is different. I wonder if the feeling will last? I've been searching for this feeling for a long time, once I realised it was possible. I had it with a guitar 20 years ago, a Aria Pro II that I modded very heavily. I wore the frets out after three years. I gave it to a friend.[/quote] Cool to hear that, Nigel! Didn't think I'd see the day when you (1) parted company with the Warwick, and (2) tried out, nay, loved a Fender bass. Just goes to show. TBH I've really liked my Squier Precision Special, but I'm currently using the Ibanez more. There's a certain [i]je ne sais que[/i] with the Ibby, especially after I modded the controls to fit a series/parallel switch. It's not a difficult mod to do, and opens the bass up more IMHO. In parallel mode, it's set up just like the stock controls, with one volume pot per pickup. Switching it into series mode moves the pickups into, well, series with the neck vol pot being the master control. Works a treat, and could do more for the Jazz than maybe spending a lot of time on the EQ patches. I found I got a big jump in volume (no surprise ), but also a big bump in the mids, which helped me at a time when I was getting lost in the mix. I found also by playing around with the EQ on my head a bit, I was able to get probably the best tone I've ever gotten at a gig - it was yesterday, at church. Which surprised me greatly. Just had my GK feeding my 1x15 only, and using your old SansAmp to go into the desk for the FoH. Head was set flat, with the bass just rolled off a smidge. I then used the 'Active Bass Simulator' settings in the SansAmp manual (cheers for digging those out for me, mate!!), with maybe a touch more drive than shown, and about 75% wet/dry blend. Was seriously blown away with how well the Ibby cut through. Just goes to show how good a passive bass can be when set up properly, with a little time spent dialling in the EQ. Anyway, it's great to hear you finding something new with bass playing. I'm continually looking for different sources of inspiration with my playing too, and I know what a bump it gets every time I try out a new bass. Best of luck with it, my friend Ian

Lots of micro heads will do something like 300/350 watts into 8 Ohms, and 500-ish watts into 4 Ohms, giving you a lot of flexibilty when it comes to changing your set up Markbass LMIII, Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 and Gallien-Krueger MB500 would all be in the same ballpark, as would the TC RH450 etc. Never noticed the fan kicking in on my GK, and I run it into a 4 Ohm load all the time. Plus you're unlikely to hear it in a gig situation, what with the ambient sound level. Just my £0.02 HTH, Ian

I'll chuck in my £0.02 worth if I may? Obvious: Bass (in soft carry bag, with strap and gel pad), Combo or Amp + Cab, long guitar lead with R/A connector (I would suggest that this is essential, especially if the output jack is on the side), mains leads for amp/combo (plus a spare), mains 4-way block or extension lead, SansAmp pedal, Tuner, short patch leads, XLR cable, Speakon cable or two. Don't normally take a spare set of strings, but sometimes a whole spare bass (in a different tuning as well, helps on certain songs). Some bits that usually make their way into the gig-bag: Pozi-drive screwdriver, Allen keys, spare batteries, plec's, cloth (to wipe sweaty strings down after the gig - you'd be amazed at the gunk that comes off of your hands during a long set), earplugs, and a couple of pens (black and red usually). I also take a couple of guitar stands and a collapsable music stand for my music folder. That's generally it. Over the years it's evolved to include all of the above, especially in the light of experience. HTH, Ian

[quote name='leroybasslines' post='1105898' date='Jan 28 2011, 09:21 AM']I think you're right - a lot of the players read but it's not their strongest suit. You rarely see gospel players in church reading, they might be given the changes for what their playing. I think that's why they do well as session players - they are incredibly quick of the mark and able to work on the spot without needing anything other than a rough idea of how the song goes! I play a bit in church and I think that it's an excellent way of developing as a player - pretty much every week you're asked to play 5 or 6 songs with different personnel and very little preparation. You have to be good and very sensitive to what's happening around you - it's not a gig and you're there to do a job and provide a service. I think that a lot of young musicians would benefit from that - I see a lot of players who are very inward looking and don't care much for what their fellow musicians need/want or the audience. Playing in situations like a church service helps you develop your improvisation skills, your professionalism and your ability to work under pressure. No wonder some of the guys playing in church in the US are in demand session guys! They've had a life time of playing the bass in those kind of situations.[/quote] This is what I'm talking about (and one of the main reasons I've gotten into playing bass) Glad I've got some awesome friends in my worship team - makes life very much easier, and we have a laugh and socialise together as well, which helps to bond the team together when we play. Ian

*sigh* Kinda makes me wanna hang up my bass; I'll never be that good . Still, something to aim for one day, I guess Some awfully tasteful playing there too. Drummer was great as well. Quite like having a jam session, don't get to do it all that often. Had a good evening last week where some spontaneous playing happened, and I'm mighty proud of that. It's all down to practice, practice and yet more practice Ian

I've modded my passive Ibanez to switch between series and parallel wiring at the flick of a switch (just check out the build thread in my sig). There's a copy of the diagram I used posted in there somewhere - that may help things along HTH, Ian

Yep, think for now it's fixed - I managed to get the lid off to check behind the front panel, and I think it's good for now.... Tightened up the nut on the input jack and it [i]seems[/i] to have made it better Not sure how it will stand up to gigging yet - maybe will be OK for tomorrow (but I'm going to chuck the combo in the car as well, just to be on the safe side). FYI used a Pozi-Drive screwdriver to get the 10 (yes, ten!!) lid screws out - PZ1 size Jack retention nut needs a 7/16" driver, and the pots require a 10mm (go figure!) - luckily I dug out my Draper toolset and had the right drivers handy I think in the longer run it would be prudent to take the thing apart and remove the input/EQ board to give it a good going over visually and with a continuity meter, just to be certain. Maybe replace the jack as well. But for today, I think it's OK (famous last words!) Thanks for the replies Ian

Well, was just noodling in the front room this morning - accidentally stepped on the input lead to the GK . Think I've done some mischief, becuase now the input jack on the head has started intermittantly breaking up. I've managed to get the lid off for a look-see (in itself a bit of a challenge), and it appears the input/EQ board can move up and down a bit. I'm hoping it's just the input jack that's the problem, and not one of the traces or another component nearby. Pity the input jack is soldered on to the board, otherwise I'm sure it'd be a simple repair that I'm capable of doing myself. Does anyone know of a Gallien Krueger / general amp specialist in the Cambridge area I can take it to (alternatively, I can go through Bass Merchant in Colchester and have it sent back to GK, but the amp is out of warranty now, and it may take some time to do this) Damn shame (and pretty bad timing) 'cos I've got a gig tomorrow morning, so I guess I'll have to go to plan B and take my little Line 6 Combo until I can get the GK sorted Ian

Bit late updating my last gig 'cos it was on Wednesday evening (I've been busy!!!! ) Played at a church-organised event in Cambridge at St. Barnabas church, and it were packed - must have been around 200 people (it's probably the largest audience I've played in front of...ever). Surprised it didn't freak me out - just got on with the playing, and it was all good. Took both basses just in case we did something outside of the usual tuning, but ended up staying with the Ibanez for the duration. Only downside was getting to the gig - it's in the middle of Cambridge - so I elected to just take my dinky Line 6 combo. Lesson learnt. Venue needs a more 'appropriate' level of PA and bass amplification, so I'll probably use my 1x15 and/or the 4x10 next time. I noticed the house bassist has an Eden rig (looked like a 2x12 - pity I couldn't use it!) All-in-all it was a great night, played two sets, and generally knocked their socks off - everybody got up and danced and did whatever during the second set - it was mad heavin' Still could do with an active bass, the Cort's still on the list for this year, once my job has settled down a bit. This venue would have been the perfect place to give it the beans. Keep rockin' Ian

[quote name='jonunders' post='1089387' date='Jan 14 2011, 02:42 PM']+1 to all of the positive comments above. Brought my amp from them, very helpful and friendly but not pushy. Would definitely recommend a visit. Jon[/quote] Yep, it's where I got my GK, 18 months ago now (and still great)

[quote name='Phantomnin' post='1088870' date='Jan 14 2011, 06:03 AM']The Bass Merchant is brilliant. I've bought stuff there and they are always happy to let you try stuff out, and they don't stand over you either. It has a really interesting selection of basses. Hugely recomended.[/quote] And that for me is the mark of good service IMHO. I hate it when I go into a music shop and the sales assistant is hovering like a fly to make sure you don't mess up their wonderful display. I went to Bass Merchant back in November to look at a Cort and got to spend about an hour in there just trying the bass though my head into a one of several cabs (an Ampeg 8x10, a Gemz Neox 2x12 and something else - name escapes me for the moment). Darren and Chris were exceptionally friendly and really just left me alone - so much so, that when I've scraped the cash together later this year, I'm going back. HTH, Ian PS if you're up for a trip soon, I can always be persuaded to join in Mmmmm.... Stingrays