Conan

[quote name='Shedua511' timestamp='1420488654' post='2649984'] I wouldn't be surprised at all if the bass in the video was just a non-functioning prop... [/quote] Sounds a bit like our rhythm guitarist... The neck is certainly "Fender inspired", but is a 24 fret job - so unlikely to be a proper Fender. Not that they don't make them with two octaves of course, but they ain't that common...

In: J&D Vintage 1975 Jazz Fender CIJ Geddy Lee Jazz EBMM Sterling Barefaced Big One* Out: Fender CIJ Marcus Miller Jazz EBMM Sterling Barefaced Compact* *I know they're not basses, but still... What have I learned? That some basses, no matter how good they are and how much I like them, just don't work in some bands/situations. Active preamps are too much of a faff for me to use live. Jazz basses suit me and my current band. Sometimes I buy/trade stuff just because I like buying/trading stuff - not because there is anything wrong with what I have or anything better about what I want. I need to spend more time playing rather than browsing the for sale threads...

[quote name='spongebob' timestamp='1420463723' post='2649559'] Probably in the minority here - but I've no issue with Ged's current tone. Like the '7 Cities' clip above, fantastically growly. It's unmistakeably Ged, as much as the Ric days. I far prefer it to the Wal or the Steinberger! [/quote] Me too! But I find the vocals on that "Seven Cities..." clip very difficult to listen to!

[quote name='Wonky2' timestamp='1420383577' post='2648594'] To those of you who are in the rush camp, please post a vid which you think will show me what they're all about.... Maybe you can show me what I'm missing ? [/quote] It's very difficult without knowing what kind of material you favour. Awkward time signatures? Acoustic stuff? Melody? Out-and-out rock and roll? Simple or complex... Rush have done it all in their extensive forty year back catalogue, and to be fair not even every Rush fan loves everything they've done!! A personal favourite of mine (in one of their lighter moments). Understated bass and drums, and a lovely guitar solo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLTFbtOfmxk And, in a completely different style, a bombastic blues-rock ballad from their first album: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXSCm_4ND3g

[quote name='icastle' timestamp='1420143919' post='2646130'] I presume they have a much hotter output than anything I've owned to date? [/quote] I certainly found that - as the Euro I owned did not have the trim control on the tonepump circuit. It managed to easily overdrive my Hartke LH500!

[quote name='Jenny_Innie' timestamp='1420148613' post='2646189'] Yeah, but you have to remember that life looks a little different where you're 5'2" and 8st 4 lbs. Light and small gear is good. Heavy stuff isn't an option. [/quote] Absolutely! But a two-cab setup from Barefaced is never going to be heavy, even if it does mean a second trip to the car! It seems like the kind of sound you want can only be achieved by using one huge cab or multiple smaller ones. Only one of those options offers portability

[quote name='Mornats' timestamp='1420142949' post='2646112'] If you fancy a bass to modify then the J&D is cheaper and gives you more cash to try out pickups and the like. [/quote] Ironically, the pickups are one of the better elements of the J&D! The tuners though... that's the first thing I would change

[quote name='icastle' timestamp='1420041048' post='2645098'] Does anyone actually use the 'Lo' socket? I think every amp I've owned over the last 35 years has had a 'lo' socket and I've never bothered with it. [/quote] You've never owned a Spector, have you?

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1420110440' post='2645575']If you don't like the sound and don't want to carry 2 cabs, your options are pretty limited. [/quote] Nail hit firmly on the head there!

Having played and owned a number of Fenders and Squiers, I would be unwilling to fully commit to either exclusively, and neither do I see the point. There are good and not-so-good in both stables. Play 'em all and buy the one(s) you like best I say!

Not sure about the other options, but I would just like to add how happy I am with my J&D J bass. Every time I play it I have to keep reminding myself how cheap it was... Sure, there are one or two minor niggles - but you'll get that on a bass that costs five times as much! Go for it, I say!

To the OP: Great review! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us But.... as this thread title mentions the dreaded word "Barefaced" - lots of other issues raise their heads! Not only that, but the old chestnut about TC and their "liberal" power ratings... Once again to the OP: Many of us old crusties on here have spent decades in our quest to find the ultimate in amplification, never mind the relatively recent phenomenon of the "one-cab-solution"!! You have embarked on a long and interesting journey - one fraught with euphoria, frustration and depression in equal measures. You will grow as a person while on that journey, but (and this may be news to some) you may never reach your destination... Still, as Swing Out Sister once sang - "It's better to travel". Good luck on your quest young one!

[quote name='Jenny_Innie' timestamp='1419366611' post='2639272']Mum has one of the Marshall "hand built" 2 x 12 Marshall cabs and Dad has quite a few Marshall 4 x 12s. [/quote] I think it's probably fair to say that you have the coolest family of any BC member!