Clarky Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 Having now got a small pub/coffee bar Americana acoustic project underway (in addition to All The Queens Ravens), I realised my old (sold) Crazy 8 cab would have come in useful. I contacted the US builders who pointed out that there's a Greenboy licensee in the UK called Tricky Audio who make all their FearFul and Crazy 8/88 cab designs. There are several obvious advantages to a UK builder: quicker order time, easier return if issues and - best of all - no US import costs and taxes (so it works out a fair amount cheaper too). Worth checking them out. Their FaceBook page is https://www.facebook.com/trickyaudio. The builder is Guy Trigg (who is occasionally on BassChat as Triggno9). So without further ado, here is the cab which I am very pleased with. That isn't Mrs C behind it, in case you were wondering. [attachment=170669:DSCF0900.JPG] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beer of the Bass Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 I'm glad there's someone doing them over here, it seems daft to ship the driver from Italy to the US to put it into a cab, then ship the whole thing back across the Atlantic again, not to mention the duty both ways! I've seen these mentioned as an alternative to the EA Wizzy 10 a couple of times. If I'm right in remembering that you've had both, how do you find the Crazy 8 in comparison? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted September 1, 2014 Author Share Posted September 1, 2014 IIRC, the Wizzy 10 needs a lot of EQ'ing out of mids. The Crazy 8 doesn't. Probably best to ask Roger (aka bassace) who owns both - although I recall him posting that he thought the Crazy 8 outperformed his Wizzy 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassace Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 (edited) Yes on balance it does. I use mine mainly for trio gigs but I have also got away with propelling an eight piece in front of an audience of 100approx (Pump House, Watford). In retrospect I'm not too sure how I managed that one. But for a trio/quartet it's great. I must get a second one; I reckon a pair would be unbeatable and easy for an old guy to load in. Thanks for the link, Clarky. I'll have one at the Double Bass and SE Bass Bashes for anyone who's interested. Edited September 1, 2014 by bassace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thisnameistaken Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 I like portability but I'm guessing these won't keep up with a drumset? I'm using my Schroeder 1212L on the upright at the moment and happy enough with it, but smaller is always better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triggno9 Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 You must, you must !! Quite a few users across the pond have ordered two and mount them on poles as a PA we can build them with tophats in too. 2 together as a 4 ohm load would work great together. The perfect colourless sound for your acoustic instrument. That's why I'm going to be building my own shortly. I'm fed up with sound testing these and then having to give them to the customer !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted September 1, 2014 Author Share Posted September 1, 2014 I doubt it will keep up with a drummer unless he uses brushes or has a particularly light touch. My acoustic project is drummer-less so its not an issue for me. But there is a Crazy 88 with two 8" speakers which almost certainly would keep up with a drummer, I would guess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 I am looking forward to hearing that at the bash bassace, I have a Genz STL 3.0 too, whats it like with that amp? Dare I ask how much these are triggno9?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triggno9 Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 Hey. thisnameistajen. I would suggest the FEARLESS F110 if you're looking at small and light. Emminence 3010LF Faital M5N Emminence APT80 Depending on how loud your drummer is of course, that will keep up and overtake !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triggno9 Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 [quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1409604846' post='2541514'] I am looking forward to hearing that at the bash bassace, I have a Genz STL 3.0 too, whats it like with that amp? Dare I ask how much these are triggno9?! [/quote] The crazy8 is £360. Pete. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 I will see what I think of bassace's then, looks neat! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 [quote name='triggno9' timestamp='1409605283' post='2541524'] The crazy8 is £360. Pete. [/quote] that's a great price! can i ask how much a F112 is, PM me if you want Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassace Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 (edited) Keep up with a drummer? Well, I wouldn't guarantee it but you may be surprised. I've used a single crazy 8 twice alongside Richie Bryant who for a long time was Acker's drummer. For me the bigger problem is with keyboard players who play 'my' notes. I was with a guy the other day who doesn't even sit centrally and at times his left hand was two keys from the LH end. I spoke to him in the break and he behaved a bit better after that. I'll be ordering a new 8 to go with my extg. Edited September 2, 2014 by bassace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triggno9 Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 That's true bassface. I've been in that situation a few times with keyboard players ( so annoying ) it makes me wonder about my whole meaning in life !!! The F110 or F112 would be great for those situations. The keyboard player would then be stood wondering why the bass player is playing all the same lines as me !!! x2 crazy8s should also solve it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassace Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Bassface? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andydye Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 [quote name='Clarky' timestamp='1409604759' post='2541512'] I doubt it will keep up with a drummer unless he uses brushes or has a particularly light touch. My acoustic project is drummer-less so its not an issue for me. But there is a Crazy 88 with two 8" speakers which almost certainly would keep up with a drummer, I would guess [/quote] I used the crazy 8 at a coffee shop gig as backline for my eub against a cajon an dacoustic guitar/piano vox and it sounded brilliant, sitting perfectly and not getting at all lost in the mix! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triggno9 Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Oops sorry ! (Blurry eyes in the morning) ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triggno9 Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 I think it depends on a few factors. The music genre The technique of the drummer and the size of his kit I'd be confident with a jazz kit and brushes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtroun Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 It's good to know the Crazy8 is available in the UK without the hassle of importing. I'm quite interested in the cab but I'm in a tricky position at the moment in terms of knowing what I really want out of a rig. The real dream is to be able to take my entire setup (bass, amp+cab, microphone or pickup) around in one easy carry. I currently have a Markbass CMD121P which I have used for a long time along with a realist pickup. My recent adventure onto gut strings is pushing me towards a quest for higher acoustic volume from the instrument, and the sound of the guts through the Markbass was really annoying me so I started using my Yamaha DXR10 powered speaker as an alternative to an amp and using a Shure SM58 instead of a pickup. The current load into and out of the car is the powered speaker (which is not light), a speaker stand, a mic stand, my gear bag (cables and stuff) and the bass! Getting a consistent position with a mic stand and the SM58 is not particularly easy but it is a clearer more acoustic sound than the Markbass and realist, though nowhere near as focused. I have thought about an acoustic image combo, EA doubler+wizzy or crazy 8, Phil Jones combos, a headway preamp, DPA 4099B mic, or a H-clamp for the SM58 as potential gear that might solve my current problems. Also bear in mind that I still sometimes play electric bass gigs, though I could just use the Markbass as an electric bass amp. I also am trying not to use an amp at smaller gigs, though I find some musicians expect a heavily amped sound or turn their own amps up (keyboard players especially) which makes it difficult except with the very best musicians. I'd love to hear people's perception of their experiences with the Crazy 8, including what amps, pickups or mics they use together with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted September 3, 2014 Author Share Posted September 3, 2014 Yet to gig my new one but at the mo' my DB has a Full Circle and I am going through an Acoustic Image head. Its sounds about as good as a piezo pickup will allow. I have also taken the plunge and ordered a Troll mic [url="http://trollmicrophone.com/"]http://trollmicrophone.com/[/url] as that will almost certainly give me the most authentic DB sound and - at least in my small venue ensemble - there won't be drums and foldback monitors to lead it to feed back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triggno9 Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 That's a mighty fine setup clarky. Are you going to use a blender of some kind, so you can mix the mic and piezo together ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBod Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 I thought mine was great, but I never really used it with a modern micro amp, as intended. I used an SWR Electric Blue which has a fairly hard edge to it that needed rounding out..but then it worked a treat for both upright (Realist pickup) or any bass guitar. It is a very accurate and articulate speaker with real low end. Mine was a composite version, and it did seem a bit fragile to me. On balance, I think a ply cab is probably worth it for a few additional pounds in weight. The other slight issue I have is with long term use, any cab designed around a very specific (or unusual) driver may be difficult to repair in the future..when that particular driver is no longer in production. I'd rather use gear that has more generic speakers that are more easily replaced. A minor point, I know but it did occur to me with the Crazy 8. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triggno9 Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 I've just finished the new paint work on my own FEARLESS F212. Now this will keep up with drummers, Guitarists, more guitarists, keyboards, brass sections !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtroun Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 Have you tried out the troll mic already then Clarky? Haven't heard of it before but it sounds interesting. I've heard very mixed things about the DPA but the troll looks more up my street. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted September 3, 2014 Author Share Posted September 3, 2014 Nope just ordered it. Several huge advocates of it among the TalkBass DB community so fingers crossed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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