leroydiamond

[quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1398333808' post='2432942'] I'm currently playing in an Orchestra. Trying to get the bass guitar heard next to the tuba and trombone is a nightmare! [/quote] Then ditch that TC kit you are using and get yourself a Markbass big Bang!

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1398333729' post='2432941'] Absolutely. That and the purchase of a Schroeder or Barefaced cab. [/quote]

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1398333110' post='2432925'] I'm in a 3+1 and have educated the guitarist on this point. Luckily he's relatively ego-free (for a guitarist) so all is well. Mind you I can't imagine how difficult it would be with two guitarists, keyboards, brass and three vocalists... [/quote] That set up would be challenging for sure. In such circumstances the bass player might well have to compensate, in order to hit on a tone that works best for the group rather than just the bass player

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1398331385' post='2432896'] Yes, guitarists are just as guilty as bass players of finding their sound in isolation then wondering why it sounds crap at gigs or rehearsal. Guitars should (imho) have some bottom end rolled off to leave frequency space for bass and kick. [/quote] +1. I currently play in a three piece and the frequencies that the guitarist's amp hit, leave plenty of space for the bass to cut through. However at a gig recently he was trying out a different set up and it crashed right in on my tone.

[quote name='Gazza 2905' timestamp='1398331895' post='2432901'] Sounds like a pretty reasonable expectation to me. [/quote] That sounds reasonable. If I have had some kit for a while and used it, then taking a bit of a hit is to be expected. In such circumstances, I do not go along with ' I want to get what I paid for it' camp.

As far as I know Fender pair the alder body with rosewood fingerboard and ash with maple fingerboard

[quote name='No lust in Jazz' timestamp='1398187846' post='2431411'] I agree that the F500 is a good amp, but its a little big to be called a micro - I'd be interested in a revised version... The title of this thread "[color=#323232][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]definately" (sic) [/font][/color]has to be a wind up, both TC and Markbass have a wide range of products to suit all tastes and styles, both are innovative and have their place, but one better than another - really? [/quote] ? They don't come much smaller than the The Markbass F500 Nor much better

The Markbass F500 is a cracking amp, and with a lot more oomph than the more common LM2/3. Within a rock setting, the F500 is probably the best micro amp I have ever used, with the ability to punch through the mix with considerable aplomb. Acres of headroom with this baby IME and superb EQ possibilities. Sadly it is no longer in production.

[quote name='Prime_BASS' timestamp='1398065378' post='2429914'] True, Aguilar for me I know I'll hate the treble roll off, and the puma, it's quoted 600watt at 8 ohm is tempting, plus it's tiny, but anything with a knob like 'taste' puts me right off. [/quote] I use a puma 900 and IMO the taste control is a real addition to the EQ possibilties with this amp.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1398096119' post='2430377'] Thomann have never scammed me. [/quote] Thomann have always been ace. Though they are an online business, yet they answer the phone promptly, are always courteous and ship promptly. Their 30 day no quibble returns policy is for real. I spent a few minutes reviewing some products I had received and promptly received an email giving me 40 euro off my next order!. Will the street retail shops be able to compete with such a service?.

[quote name='leroydiamond' timestamp='1398077081' post='2430091'] Rudy's shop is well worth a visit. A few years back I had all but purchased a boutique bass there, but when I turned up to collect it and pay it became apparent that the agreed selling price did not include sales tax, inflating the price considerably. Not sure if this is standard sales practice in NY, so be sure if you are making a purchase that the price being quoted is the full sales price, avoiding any nasty surprises. [/quote] I was informed by the sales person that if I was to go ahead with the purchase I would be able to get a tax refund at the airport. He was mistaken

I had been a long time Markbass user and a couple of years ago I borrowed a mates TC RH 450 rig with TC cabs for a weekend of gigs. the TC gear confirmed how good the Markbass kit was . IMO the TC gear was underpowered, very coloured and I was duly underwhelmed. I never had any reliability issues with Markbass gear.

Rudy's shop is well worth a visit. A few years back I had all but purchased a boutique bass there, but when I turned up to collect it and pay it became apparent that the agreed selling price did not include sales tax, inflating the price considerably. Not sure if this is standard sales practice in NY, so be sure if you are making a purchase that the price being quoted is the full sales price, avoiding any nasty surprises.

Yep there can be quite a variety regarding weight of fender basses IME. You would be very lucky to find what your after under 9lb IMO

Looks great. Super colour. What did you use to condition the fretboard?

The F500 has been out of production for 2-3 years as far as I know. A cracking little amp though. I used one for years and it never let me down

Neck dive is not an issue on my chambered Sadowsky.

Last night was brutal. Everything that could go wrong did and I will not go into detail, but the guitar player being tuned to concert pitch (we tune a half step down) set up the night from the off, as our opening number sounded like a bag of spanners falling down a stairs. on Friday night we played a dingy rock bar in a small town here in the west of Ireland and it was a great gig. the band played really well, but last night.....enough said.

I own a Sadowsky NYC and it is a wonderful bass. However I would recommend you try before you buy if at all possible. It is a hell of a lot of money to hand out and there is no guarantee that it will be your thing. The crucial advantage for me is the weight (7 pounds) and that has kept me in the game, as I have shoulder issues from 35 years of gigging. Plus I like The Fender style jazz body shape and pick up configuration. The Pre amp is wonderful and the vintage tone control is a fantastic addition, particularly when it comes to taming my maple fretboard. The support from Roger Sadowsky is top class. Obviously he is passionate about his product and is determined that the needs of his potential and existing customers are satisfied to the highest standard. The Stock NYC have a 12" neck radius, which is quite a departure from the standard Fender design, so In the hand the neck does not feel like a Fender IMO, though I understand that 9.5" Radius is available on custom orders. I purchased mine a few years back whilst in New York, so got it an excellent price when compared with with the new price they are selling for on this side of the pond. Would I pay the current U.K. asking price for a new one?, not sure. There are some excellent custom builders in the U.K. that would tempt me, as well as offer me a significant saving over a Sadowsky NYC. A used Sadowky NYC could be a good option, if you can come across one and the Metro option is definitely worth a look, though they tend to be a couple of pounds heavier than the NYC as they are non chambered (remember some players prefer the Metros because the are solid bodies) So a definite thumbs up for Sadowsky, but I would not order one just because of GAS. Find one, plug it in, and sit with it for a while and then decide

That Norman fella has an incredible left hand. The finger positioning on the fretboard is scary.

[quote name='JPJ' timestamp='1397047544' post='2420074'] Speak as you find and contra to the above, I've just completed a deal with JH82Bass and found him to be an excellent seller, friendly communications, and a pleasure to do business with. I would have no problems dealing with Joe again. [/quote] Indeed. Your description of your experience is at the opposite end of the spectrum to mine.

[quote name='JamesXP' timestamp='1396980085' post='2419435'] There is no VAT in the USA.. just sales tax in some states.. so 999$ + 20% VAT = 1200$ = UK Price [/quote] No sales Tax once they are being shipped outside the state so that makes it available at $999 plus shipping (typically $15-$20). And if you live in Ireland where there is higher tax than the UK, purchasing the Puma 900 from Thomann comes to $1240 ( 899 euro).

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1396978162' post='2419411'] Add on the VAT and they are the same price. [/quote] ?