Sibob Posted September 13, 2009 Share Posted September 13, 2009 I only really get there a couple of times a year when I'm visiting my parents, but still nice to sit down and try some gear that I wouldn't normally be able to. Was interested in checking out a Shuttle 6.0, so sat down with that through an Ampeg Classic 410. Obviously trying something in a shop is nothing like giving it gig time, and I don't think I'd buy something until trying it a some shows, but I was fairly impressed with it. I could get some nice tones from various basses with the EQ pretty much flat, which is a big plus point in my books. Basses tried: Overwater 4 w/ DR pinks Overwater 6 Lakland Hollowbody 4 w/ flats Vigier Passion metal fretless 4 Levinson Blade 4 This is probably heresey, but I really didn't think much of ther Overwaters, impeccibly made obviously with beautiful woods (especially the 6), but just very average sounding in my opinion. The 6 did sound nicer than the 4. I can't quite remember what model they were, either Progress's or Perceptions, perhaps someone knows what's in stock there currently. The passive lakland was very cool, if I was playing some roots music or down-and-out rock, I'd seriously consider one, it was a newer one with the Chisonic pickups. I could dial in huge dub sounds by soloing the neck pickup, with almost vintage P/J sounds with the bridge solo'd....albeit with flatwounds. The Vigier is obviously in a bit of a league of it's own with regards to spec and I've never gotten on with the Vigier preamp, but then it's probably something that needs more than 10mins to work with. The metal fingerboard wasn't as radical sounding as I imagined, but was still a pleasure to play. But the curveball for me was the Levinson Blade, bearing in mind I'm really not an 'active' player, this 2 band 'superjazz' was fantastic. Probably played this for the longest simply because it sounded great instantly, not much tweaking needed at all. Great weight, not too light like the Overwater 4, so it felt substantial but comfortable. Fantastic neck, very fast and great fretwork!. Wasn't enjoying the gold hardware, but to be honest, the bass was so nice, I'd overlook it!. I'd seriously consider this if I needed slightly more modern tones than my passive Jazzes can offer. So yeah, had a coffee, had to scold myself in the 3rd person for resting my foot on the cab whilst playing ("you don't own this Simon" lol), and generally and a fun time, as always very welcomed by the shop Cheers Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doctor_of_the_bass Posted September 13, 2009 Share Posted September 13, 2009 Nice one! Darren and Chris (ask him about Widow Tw***ey!) are both great lads - was that fretless Vigier brand new?? I've been thinking about one for some time!! Must get dahn there soon! Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibob Posted September 13, 2009 Author Share Posted September 13, 2009 I believe the Vigier was new, they had maybe 5 or so there, with the one fretless, and they all looked in spanking-new condition. Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted September 13, 2009 Share Posted September 13, 2009 I'd like to go down again soon and test some new gear. Nice lads...most relaxed atmosphere ever...which is what you want! No pressure, no time limits, just good customer service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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