thodrik

[quote name='Joeyfivebags' timestamp='1397053792' post='2420173'] I'm assuming your using the d'addario .145, if so did you get tapered or non? Did you have any issues with fit at nut or bridge? Been contemplating going that heavy for a while but not if i'm going to have to get nut work done. [/quote] I went non-tapered as D'addario don't seem to make a tapered 145 nickel, at least one that I've seen. It went on but it was a tight fit at the bridge, but that was more down to the specifics of the Vigier Arpege monorail bridge, which is a fairly neat and intricate design compared to the lump of metal on my Precision. I have since switched to a Pro Steel tapered 145 which I think gives a much better tone. You might need a bit of work done at the nut, but I didn't anyhow, as I have always used a 135 minimum for a B string. Not been playing the five string Vigier much recently and I'm even thinking of selling it though so I can't really give much of an in depth account.. Back on topic, I have been using the 120-50 sets for the last 8 months of so on my Precision with no complaints. In terms of price and sound quality they are the best strings I have ever used for tuning down a few steps.

Different woods, electronics, pick ups, strings, finishes, neck radius, hardware, fret wire and construction techniques. It all adds up to a slightly different sounding bass. In a blind listening test they will all sound like jazz basses. In terms of looks, feel and playability an individual player will probably notice more of a difference. The small differences can end up determining which variant of the jazz bass model a player likes the best. Generally it comes down to 'play the one you like the most'.

I don't think that the valves in the SMX amps really do that much other than add a little bit of added 'warmth' to the sound.

I'd guess that maybe you are overthinking things. One persons 'versatile, all round sound' is another's 'thin, characterless and generic' sound. The best option is to just find some Aguilar stuff and try some. The amps aren't that hard to come by. In terms of cabs etc, people on here would probably advise against mixing different sized drivers in a single rig. They will also advise you to buy a Barefaced cab and to try numerous other amps. Essentially just buy whatever you want as there is a lot good gear out there.

I did a lot when I was younger and doing classical double bass and theory etc. I found them helpful in terms of knowing scales and improving my fingering, intonation and technique. I don't tend to practice them as much these days, but I haven't forgotten them. I wouldn't say that knowledge of music theory is all important,but it can certainly prove helpful.

I like all the bands but have no interest in going. I must admit I have become entirely fed up of the summer rock festival circuit consisting of the same old headliners mixed in some other bands reforming for a bit of cash. But then I am a grumpy so and so.

I used to be fairly low, but have raised it over the years as fingers have strengthened etc. Still, I generally have a lower set up than the average bass I will try in a shop, but I think that is more to do with having basses set up properly rather than having a preference for low action.

I have tried two, loved one and didn't like the other, but that was mostly due to set up. If I was to ever buy a Rickenbacker though, it would be this walnut model. Gorgeous.

Cry/Sansamp/back up amp depending on my level of preparation.

I've got it. Fairly flexible bit of kit. Capable of some really nice and some really harsh sounds!

Sound as good? Yes, sometimes even better. 'Sound as good' really meaning 'look as cool' to retro-hipsters? No chance.

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1394893579' post='2396390'] With the right accessories ( like this Rickenbacker bass for example) they could work as part of your outfit. [/quote] Love the amp and like the shoes. Starting to think whether it is worth selling a Vigier Arpege and EBS Fafner to obtain the funds...for the shoes obviously.

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1394998927' post='2397629'] Can you provide a link the the 5-string Balanced Tension set you have? Last time I looked at Balanced Tension strings to get the B-string even in the same ballpark tension as the others would require something massive, or a complete set of floppy strings. [/quote] Yes, I haven't seen anything on the 5 string Balanced Tension sets either. I use a 145 and even that isn't close to being 'balanced', though it works well enough.

It is far too limited to be of any real use, or much fun. No choice in terms of bridge, hardware colour, control knobs, types of inlays. Choosing one option often means that one of your other options is automatically changed. Also, no natural finish choice, which means that you can't really see any difference between ash and alder. Fender might as well have just put a catalogue of the different finishes and left it at that.

[quote name='badboy1984' timestamp='1394812851' post='2395547'] I have got the amp yesterday. Need more time to see do I need a service on the amp. Where can I service the old trace amp in UK these days? [/quote] Pretty much any tech who has worked on bass amps for longer than 10 years. Chances are they will have worked on a Trace Elliot at some point.

Not light weight, but second hand Trace Elliots are good in terms of value for money. An entirely different sound to any kind of valve head though, so don't expect much old school 'warmth', at least not without a pedal or two.

Can't say I'm a fan myself either. Horses for course though etc.

Boss TU 2 for the last 10 years nearly. Lost one and replaced it with another. If I lost one again, I'd maybe get the TU 3.

In my Rob v Jason in Metallica debate. I really like both. Rob is technically more proficient but Jason was not only a player but his backing vocals have really been missed since he left. Sometimes I think that Rob hasn't yet stamped his authority on the band in terms of pushing his ideas forward like Jason, but that is probably more because he is a generally laid back guy rather than him simply being a 'hired hand/session player' type replacement. I think Rob was a great choice for Metallica and fits the Metallica image/brand/whatever really well.

My Precision is a fair old lump, I have never weighed it though but have always known that it is much lighter than my Gibson EB3, which is frankly ridiculous. If I really wanted a guaranteed lightweight Precision I would probably go in the Sadowsky/Mike Lull etc direction. Fenders tend to vary a fair bit.

Personally I think that EBS amps are great when it comes to mix and matching rigs, mainly because they go down to 2 ohms. The TD360 is pretty damn loud through a big 4 ohm cab.

[quote name='iamtheelvy' timestamp='1390578537' post='2347177'] By the way, I enquired with D'addario about a Stainless Steel balanced set. They just replied: 'Probably not. If we do it'll be a while before we can delve into that scenario Maybe end of the year.' :-/ [/quote] Strange reply, since the balanced tension strings aren't exactly completely new like the new 'flexsteels', but rather their standard strings in different gauges. Essentially all they have to do is just pick their gauges and packaging and they are pretty much there.

[quote name='0175westwood29' timestamp='1390867645' post='2350831'] think is i dnt think it will be mega "markbass" hi fi i can see a lot of metal bassists going for it, im also thinking there might be a trick or two on the back as there still no pictures, that i can find. andy [/quote] Possibly, Orange might be trying to move in on the EBS/GK/Mesa/Hartke using metal people. I just don't see Orange offering a really extensive eq system that you tend to get with such amps at a similar price point. If the blend is awesome though, it might render any other criticisms meaningless though.

As I usually say, if you want a Fender, just try lots of Fenders until you find one that you want. You could lust after a Fender from a specific period end up with a dog when you actually find one. £1500 -£2000 will get you a late 1970s jazz or mid to late 1970s Precision. I'd probably try the newer Fenders too, along with Sandberg and Sadowsky etc.

I'm sure its a nice amp but over a grand for a really heavy class D that is more expensive than your flagship tube amp just seems kind of strange. I also don't see many people going for Orange for the 'clean hi fi' sound, though I'm sure a line of high profile endorsers will magically switch after being suitably impressed/paid/whatever. I do like the blending capability idea though.