mr zed

Just returned from PMT in Salford. Tried the Vox Pathfinder 10, Ampeg BA 108, Orange Crush PiX CR25BX and the Roland Bass Cube 20xl. All really nice combos and the staff there really couldn't have been more helpful. Ended up going for the Cube (thanks MoonBassAlpha) as to my ears it had the best sound. No sign of any distortion at all volume levels, plenty loud enough for what I want it for, great build quality and the built in tuner and power squeezer are useful additions. The range of tones from this little thing is breath-taking. Best of all, I was able to get an exact replication of 'my sound' that I get from my gigging/full band rehearsal rig (GB STL9.0 & Berg 2x10's) straight away - just at a much reduced volume level. I have heard that Roland designed this as a bespoke bass practice amp from the ground up and put lots of thought into it rather than downscaling an existing amp range and I think that shows. PMT even price-matched Reidy's price of £145. Bit of a bargain me thinks. Happy Bunny

To the OP - I'm in the same boat as you. I'm on the lookout for a small combo for home practicing that is small enough to take up minimal room, has a good tone, is lightweight and quiet enough so as not to disturb the family/neighbours. Got headphones but hate using them. I would also need it to be loud enough to be heard when doing quiet rehearsals with other band members at their homes (the vocals/acoustic guitars are the loudest things there - the drummer only comes to full rehearsals for which I use my main amp/cab set-up. Not tried any out yet but my shortlist is the Ampeg BA108, the Orange Crush 25 watt jobbie, Roland Bass Cube,20xl, EBS Session 30. I prefer the amp to be mounted top & rear. I really like the look of the Roland - build quality looks rock solid but there are a lot of bells and whistles that I wouldn't use. I'll know more when I've tried them out for volume (both high & low) and tone. Any thoughts from anyone? Have I missed anything?

Jose (mcnach) bought my East J-Retro recently. No issues what-so-ever. We didn't meet and all discussions took place by PM but - what a nice guy. I would have no hesitation in dealing with Jose again - highly recommended. It's been a real pleasure and if I get the chance to see Sea Bass Kid live i'll come and say hello. Cheers mate.

I like it.

About £9.50?

Your budget should get you a nice secondhand Fender USA Jazz. I'd go for one of these 'cause they just work. You'd get your money back as well if ever you decide to sell.

Looks stunning - now you need to get to work on your garden bench

[quote name='Grand Wazoo' timestamp='1376821696' post='2179391'] I like solid colours as well as sunburst, but I do admit sunburst looks better with maple fingerboards imho [URL=http://s144.photobucket.com/user/xt660/media/5D3_5635_zps05001b39.jpg.html][IMG]http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/xt660/5D3_5635_zps05001b39.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [/quote] Loving these! Everything looks better with a maple board - I love the look and feel.

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1376463274' post='2174152'] Oh yes I totally forgot they made the HSS! Thanks [/quote] Yep- most people forget about the 25th/Reflex which is a real shame because they are outstanding.....IMHO of course :-)

Quite liked mmmbop.........oh, wait a minute......

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1376384233' post='2172986'] The Bongo HH / HS has a tighter bridge H tone...as its closer. That is the only Musicman like that. [/quote] Not wishing to be a smartass here but the 25 Anniversary/Reflex in HSS config also has the H pickup closer to the bridge - it's the only way they can get all 3 pickups to fit. Sounds bloody great as well.

Had the great pleasure of meeting Wayne last night when we traded basses. A genuine nice bloke who really knows his stuff and he can play a bit too :-) Even managed a quick chat and a brew. Deal with Wayne with confidence. Thanks mate - hope you get as much pleasure out of your new bass as I have had over the past couple of years. Missing it already :-)

Never had the opportunity to try one - feel like I'm missing out!

I own a 2009 American Jazz deluxe 4 string fretted which I bought new and cost me over £1K. Beautiful instrument. I have recently bought a second hand 2004 mex Jazz fretless off these very pages for £250 inc delivery. The difference is quality is very noticable however the fretless is just so much fun to play. The neck is fantastic. I do not play fretless that much with the band so didn't want to part with tons of cash. The problem I had was the massive difference in tone and volume when changing between both basses mid-set (the deluxe is active, the fretless is passive). So I stuck an East J Retro in the fretless (£125 second hand also from a basschat member) and voila..........I challange anyone in a blind test to tell which bass I was playing. Also bought a hard case for £50, a tort pickguard for £10 and 3 x Fender plastic stacked knobs (which I had shipped in from the good ol' US of A (£35). So the bass owes me £470 and I couldn't be happier. Full agree that the MIA is miles better than the MIM and the Squier sits between the 2. If I was was buying new i'd probably go for the Squier (more bang for your buck) or possibly the Vintage (which is held in high regard on here) however if I played a lot of fretless i'd probably opt for the MIA (would still put the J Retro in there though! The ACG looks fantastic BTW.

This reminds me of a joke from the eighties that was doing the rounds during the Falklands conflict.........What have Mr Spocks mother and Port Stanley airport got in common?....................They've both been f...ed by vulcans. Please remove if offensive or not funny!

Having watched the video clip and listened carefully to the tones of the bass my conclusion is that I like the shape and the colour scheme and it sounds fantastic. The big hole is a big no no for me. So if I could get the tones, the shape & the colour scheme in a top quality package I'd be happy. Musicman Reflex HSS anyone? Or even better, the wonderful finish you get the the 25th Anniversary.

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1370853048' post='2106186'] The volume difference between 300 watts and 500 watts through a 210 cab will be small. The volume difference between 1 210 cab and 2 210 cabs will be large. The bonus is that the tone will be greatly improved by using more speakers Anything like a 410 or larger you might as well go 4 ohm, for cabs smaller than a 410 I'd always go 8 ohm and use 1 or 2 cabs depending on the gig. [/quote] This

Didn't like them at the time but have a couple of songs in our set now and really enjoy playing them. Go down a storm too. Not as good as the Seahorses though! Now that is a great band with some brilliant and creative bass lines!

Duplicate post - please ignore