Bottle

[quote name='owen' post='488393' date='May 15 2009, 12:05 AM']Line out from the Lowdown until something you want turns up. You might even like it as it is.[/quote] That's actually what I had in mind until I can get a dedicated pre. The pre-amp in the Lowdown is pretty decent; just need more volume for my on-stage sound Going to re-do the rig this weekend and try out the power-amp stage. Will let you all know how it turns out Thx, Ian

Cool!! I'll keep an even wider eye out on the For Sale threads Thanks for all the advice Ta, Ian

Hey Chaps Thanks for the fast replies. Have been looking on the For Sale threads for a while, will keep an eye out. Cab-wise would a 4x10 be the best bet in terms of an starter/entry level cab? (I've really not had any experience with anything that size!!). I've also seen a lot of 2x10/1x15 combinations on the gear threads - how do these compare to a single 4x10? Thanks!!

Howdy All Been lurking in this section for a while, but now have need of the massive amount of expertise in here !!! Basically the church I play bass in on a Sunday have moved venues - we are now in a 400 seat auditorium with a stage, and my poor little Lowdown 110 just isn't cutting through the on-stage mix (even after being DI'ed into the PA, and having a wedge monitor mix - I blame our drummer ) What I'm looking for is a decent amp/cabinet combination, that's not too heavy (we have to set up and pack down for every service, and there's a flight of stairs involved). I have a PA power amp that says it's capable of pushing out 500w into 8Ohms in bridge mode, so I'm looking for a pre-amp only (and would welcome your input). Rack-mount and 1U preferable, although not essential!! What choices do I have for a budget of around 200-300 quid? Cab-wise I'm not sure what I'm after - I've only been playing for a year, and until now the Lowdown has been fine, but I don't feel I'm getting the most out of my Ibanez 5-string. Kind of tone I'm looking for is hard to describe, but not aggressive, just mostly clean tone, think Flea on Stadium Arcadium, if that helps. Occasionally will need to dig in, but I'm only playing finger style at the moment (pick and slap to follow!) Anyway, hope that's enough information to get started - let me know if there's anything more to be added Ta, Ian

Not sure I could part with my precious instruments in such a horrific way!! Checked the box 'frankly obscene' but would also consider getting rid of my older bass by giving it to an up-and-coming player / charity (perhaps) But that's just me

I've made up a couple of leads with the R/A connectors, and have occasionally found the sleeve to jam when disconnecting (embarassing to say the least, as the amp goes 'thump'!!!). Seems to have sorted itself out though. Wouldn't hesitate in buying more when needed and certainly can recommend them

Got two - both Ibanez. A GSR-180 in tobacco sunburst, which I bought a year ago to re-learn what I knew nine years ago (not much - most of it had fallen out :-) ) An ATK-305 in natural finish, so I can join the 5-string club (and I'm mostly gigging with it at the moment. Just restrung it as well) Piccies to follow (when I get the time) Having a GAS attach at the moment - basses or amps? Can't decide Cheers, Ian

[quote name='thepurpleblob' post='456788' date='Apr 7 2009, 08:38 PM']Both 4 and 5. I tend to stagger between the two. I actually started on a five then "discovered" four and and now back to using a five about 50% of the time. There's also the issue of a 4 with a de-tuner that I also use (open drop-D is a different thing to fretted low D on a 5). It's all so complicated!![/quote] +1!, although I've started the other way 'round :-) Have been playing a 4 (Ibanez GSR-180) for about a year now, and with a regular playing slot in my local church, have found it a bit limiting, especially trying to get a decent low D. Bought a 5'er off member MMC on this forum a couple of months ago (another Ibanez, ATK-305), and haven't looked back! I'm liking the tone I'm getting (it's currently strung thru-body for the extra sustain), but feel I need a better combo amp (cue the next round of GAS!). I also find the versatility more rewarding, as I've got more options for playing around the fretboard - I like the comment in another thread about learning basslines without having to resort to open strings, makes transposition a [i]lot[/i] easier! I've also played a 5-string fretless, which I really liked, so that will be my next bass...once I've bought a new amp + cab, then, who knows, indulge in some 6-string goodness (what tuning? F# - G or B - C? Choices, choices!) Anyway, great poll (how about a button marked 'all of the above'!!!). Have fun! Ian

+1 for Neutrik - always use them for Jacks and XLRs. IMHO best for stage use where they'll get plugged and unplugged repeatedly. Very consistent mating and demating. I recently bought a couple of Silent R/A 1/4" jack plugs for my bass lead - works pretty well. I nearly always make my own patch, microphone and instrument cables - [url="http://www.canford.co.uk"]Canford[/url] are a good source of Neutrik hardware and cables (pre-made or cut length). HTH. Best of luck, Ian

[quote name='cytania' post='417164' date='Feb 23 2009, 09:19 AM']Ibanez make a huge range of basses, all of which have a great finish and build quality for the price. IMHO Ibanez's all have a particular sound - clean, bright, ringing, piano-like - whether it's from their rock range or their jazzy funk types. I went for something a bit dirtier for my second bass but I notice my Ibanez has a singing 'cut-through the mix' quality my growly Spear doesn't.[/quote] +1 I've got a couple of Ibanez basses - a GSR180 4-string, which I bought new about 9 months ago, and immediately liked the tone, especially for an 'entry-level' bass. Been playing it lots, especially now I have a regular playing slot in church on a Sunday. But I've just bought a second-hand ATK305 (my first 5-string), and I'm getting into the richer tone I can get out of it, plus some of the extra features on the bass - seriously have a look at the ATK range. Best piece of advice (and I am a novice when it comes to playing, so don't take it as gospel) is to try out several basses in your price range, and find the one that fits [i]you[/i] Best of luck Ian

[quote name='Hamster' post='413186' date='Feb 18 2009, 03:53 PM']Gear Acquisition Syndrome [/quote] OK, well now I understand - is that chronic upgrade-itis? Talking of GAS, bought a nice Ibanez ATK-305NT second-hand off a board member last night - looking forward to giving it a thorough playing today and tomorrow, and hopefully getting to gig for real Sunday morning...yay!!! Ta, Ian

[quote name='Telebass' post='412516' date='Feb 17 2009, 10:14 PM']Welcome! And yes, GAS is incurable...[/quote] Hmmm, I've seen the acronym, but excuse my n00b-ishness, but what does 'GAS' mean (and I don't mean post-ingestion of solid sustenance ) Cheers for the Welcome!! Ian

[quote name='Hamster' post='411960' date='Feb 17 2009, 01:43 PM']Hi Ian Welcome to the site! There's a lot here to whet your appetite![/quote] Excellent!! Already suffering from bass-envy and upgrade-itis (incurable) Ta muchly for the intro, Ian

Howdy Folks Well, I first picked up the bass about 9 years ago, played for a couple of months but never really took to it. Last year was inspired to pick it up again and I've been playing seriously for about 9 months now (April 2008 onwards). Got myself an Ibanez 4-string bass, which I really like, can't beat it for the price. Have been playing in church for around three months, and on-and-off with a friend for a couple of months - it's really helped my playing style and timing in general. Music-wise, well, I play a lot of contemporary Christian music, but also like some mainstream stuff (Smashing Pumpkins, Raconteurs, Incubus etc) Take Care Ian EDIT: Well, I forgot the Muse and Radiohead influences....and my bass teacher is always getting me to try new stuff on me...