Anyone else completely happy with their rig?

steve_rolfeca · #1 10-13-2010, 09:05 AM

It just occurred to me that I'm completely happy with my gear, for the first time in years. Given all the GAS talk on TB, I wondered if anyone else is in the same boat.

My bass is voiced pretty much like a P-Bass, but with a rock-solid B-string, and none of the dead spots that bug me with real P-basses. The humbucker at the bridge adds some growly J-bass and MM-ish tones when I'm in the mood, and the ergonomics are perfect (at least for me, anyway).

I recently cleared up some niggling annoyances with my small-gig setup, by picking up an Eden ENX260. I love the tone and the flexibility, and the DI sounds almost as good as my Radial JDI. I wouldn't mind moving up to a TecAmp Puma 500, but I can't really see myself spending the extra $$$ when the Eden is working so well. Combined with a pair of lightweight three-way cabs (modded Flite 103W's), my micro-rig is a perfect one-trip carry. Even when I need the second cab, a lighweight folding cart is sufficient for the extra 27lb.

My "big rig" is a Bose L1, using one or both the Flites as my subs, and the Radial as my DI. I get a lot of compliments on the tone and clarity, and it's almost immune to room acoustics. At high volumes, it doesn't have the punch-you-in-the-chest attack of an SVT/810 combo, but I haven't done any stadium rock in years.

All in all, the only thing I GAS for these days is an Empress ParaEQ, for fine tweaks. And I'm not in a rush for that, to tell the truth...

Burlington · #2 10-13-2010, 09:18 AM

I am also really happy with my current rig. The only thing I would like would be to get a lighter cab (I don't know if anything can replace my SWR 6x10 to my ears, though) and this Garz singlecut I've seen for sale a couple times on TB.

oldmanp03 · #3 10-13-2010, 09:20 AM

I am completely happy with mine....

until I walk in to the guitar shop and play something else.

I havent found anything I like better then my Marcus Miller, but I can always find others that I like.

jschwalls · #4 10-13-2010, 09:24 AM

yeah.. Finally happy with my tone and set-up....and it only took about 18 years to get this way...

zachoff · #5 10-13-2010, 09:26 AM

I want a BB1200 but other than that I'm totally content.

johnk_10 · #6 10-13-2010, 09:27 AM

i'm absolutely thrilled with mine, and have no GAS pains whatsoever.

T. Alan Smith · #7 10-13-2010, 09:28 AM

I guess you could put me in this camp. I've been researching what to buy for a 2nd, complimentary rig for some time, and haven't really come up with anything that fits me better or inspires me more than what I've already got.

brekfustuvluzer · #8 10-13-2010, 09:30 AM

yes (see sig)

naturalkinds · #9 10-13-2010, 09:31 AM

I'm happy. No GAS pains whatsoever. (Mesa Walkabout Scout 12.)

bassteban · #10 10-13-2010, 09:35 AM

Close- G700RBII+Flite 2x10; great sound, never really needed more power, wish it was a tad lighter/less bulky(I'm a old fart). Perfect would be a micro head(GK or Eden)& pair of 1x12s or a very light, compact 2x12- or some hot chick willing to lug my current rig.

coreyfyfe · #11 10-13-2010, 09:46 AM

I'm pretty satisfied:

While I'm carrying it in/out I dream of something lighter, but when I hear it, I forget all about that.

Mo'Phat · #12 10-13-2010, 09:51 AM

I think spending time on Talkbass eliminates any chance of complete satisfaction with your rig. There's always going to be someone telling you how your amp choice could be better or how your cabinet isn't the most ideal configuration.

And if you DIY, forget it. People are always ready to tear down your hard work.

rockstarbassist · #13 10-13-2010, 09:51 AM

Vintage Spectors into a NOS Mesa 400+ into a Bergantino NV610.

You might get close, but ya can't match it!

Baron Von Vik · #14 10-13-2010, 09:52 AM

I'm happy... but I'm willing to add whatever interests me. Think I have a nice sound now, though.

(the ESP Ltd B416SM has caught my eye, though:

I think I really like it, and want to have it forever and ever.)

Fuzzbass · #15 10-13-2010, 10:03 AM

Yep. I have a SansAmp RBI/RPM rack rig, and Bergantino NV610 cabinet. This is essentially my faux SVT rig... not the same, obviously, but close enough, as well as smaller and lighter and just as loud. My amp GAS is done.

I have two more Sadowskys on the way, but certainly not because I'm unhappy with my current one... it's the bomb! Forgive the rock star pose:

HeadyVan Halen · #16 10-13-2010, 10:05 AM

MIM Jazz 4
Hydrive 4x10
working instrument cable

can't get no better

Lee Barker · #17 10-13-2010, 10:09 AM

Thanks for this thread. It triggered some thought.

One could argue that different venues call for different setups, but I hear guys who have the core figured out and add cabinets as needed. Makes sense to me.

I play at church, and keep my church rig there. No one else plays it, the settings are always the same, I'm never fiddling and tweaking. I'm very happy with that (Shuttle 3.0/Accugroove Tri112L).

I play out, and if I need more than Shuttle 6.0/112, I D.O.

But what is a part of that is the realization that so much of what is "right sounding" comes not from the electronics but from your hands.

In any endeavor, be it photography, golf, woodworking, fishing, anything--once we get a little competence and positive feedback, we run right out and buy something which promises to make it better. The gizmo guys love us and our credit cards.

I think the graph of improvement gets pretty flat once you've passed the basic quality/headroom/practicality milestones.

As proof of this, I make this offer: Show me your finest, high end rig, and my hands will make it sound really bad.

Let me plug you into my old Workingmans 12 (love it, great, basic, bulletproof, time-tested workhorse) and you'll make it sound fantastic.

zachoff · #18 10-13-2010, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Barker

As proof of this, I make this offer: Show me your finest, high end rig, and my hands will make it sound really bad.

Let me plug you into my old Workingmans 12 (love it, great, basic, bulletproof, time-tested workhorse) and you'll make it sound fantastic.

I agree with this, but at the same time... Let me plug into your Workingmans 12, and I'll sound like me playing through a 12" combo. Let me plug into my rig (SVT/810) and I'll sound like a huge wall of sound much more awesome version of me.

fishtx · #19 10-13-2010, 10:13 AM

Happy with my rig??...absolutely (GBE 1200, w/multi cab combinations)...I'm more Bass shopping right now...been playing Spectors a long time, and love them...but I have started having a lot of back problems...and need to go "light"...so the search is on...

Joe Nerve · #20 10-13-2010, 10:16 AM

I am completely happy with my rig. Took me many many years and probably close to 100 amps before arriving to this point. I now have a Bergantino NV610 with a Carvin BX500. Only setup I ever owned that can get louder than any band I play with with no sweat at all. Can dial in the exact tones I want at any volume with not farting or unwanted distortion/overdrive.

Totally content with my Big Al also.

Both the above have no bearing whatsoever on the amount of gear I will continue to buy.

I'm totally content, but still love new stuff.