Anything I should add to my rig?

ThatBassistDude · #1 04-03-2011, 12:24 AM

I'm playing in an 80s style heavy metal band, play about a show a week, and we are currently working on our first album. I take a look at you guys rigs and you have some huge an complex stuff. Mine is as followed. Squire (modded) standard P-Bass > Behringer tuner pedal > Marshall JCM-600 head > 2x Kustom 410's. Anything you guys think I should add, I was thinking a compressor?

onionpuzzle · #2 04-03-2011, 12:59 AM

If you (and your band) are happy with your sound...don't change a thing. There are many metal bands where the bass rig is (and should be) simple.

If you change anything, I would save for a new bass, maybe an upgrade and use your current one as a backup. Your Squier might be perfectly fine, but it is pro to have a backup. One neck snap or even broken string can ruin a night.

Sartori · #3 04-03-2011, 01:00 AM

Do you think you need a compressor? Why, specifically, are you thinking of using one? What will it bring to your sound that you lack at the moment?

ThatBassistDude · #4 04-03-2011, 01:09 AM

I have a backup, a sterling ray 34, and about my tone, I've hear better tone, and I've hears worse tone. I tried a compressor
at GC and liked what it did to the tone. Not shur how I'd fit in with my rig thou.

Plays_For_Dog · #5 04-03-2011, 01:09 AM

Compressors are a love or hate thing. I personally don't like them because they can limit dynamics in your playing. Some bassist find ways to make that work in their benefit, so you have to mess with one to see if you like it or not.

If you're playing covers, then you don't really need anything else. If you're writing origonal material, then maybe try a flanger and/or a phaser. A mild overdrive pedal can also give you some creative tonal options.

You will also need a blowdryer for your hair and some hairspray. Latex pants are a must and T-shirt that's cut all to hell. A pair of high top, all white tennis shoes. Lastly, some guy liner.

Edit- Your last post hit before I finished typing. If you dig the compressor, get you one. Once you have one, you will find a way to incorporate it. Effects are addicting though, enter this world with adequate warning....

ThatBassistDude · #6 04-03-2011, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plays_For_Dog

Compressors are a love or hate thing. I personally don't like them because they can limit dynamics in your playing. Some bassist find ways to make that work in their benefit, so you have to mess with one to see if you like it or not.

If you're playing covers, then you don't really need anything else. If you're writing origonal material, then maybe try a flanger and/or a phaser. A mild overdrive pedal can also give you some creative tonal options.

You will also need a blowdryer for your hair and some hairspray. Latex pants are a must and T-shirt that's cut all to hell. A pair of high top, all white tennis shoes. Lastly, some guy liner.

Edit- Your last post hit before I finished typing. If you dig the compressor, get you one. Once you have one, you will find a way to incorporate it. Effects are addicting though, enter this world with adequate warning....

Never thought about a distortion pedal, but we do play a few covers, but it's 90% originals. And of course Ive go the leather pants and jacket.

dukeisdog · #7 04-03-2011, 01:28 AM

Just curious about what you like about the Squier over the SterlingRay34?

ThatBassistDude · #8 04-03-2011, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukeisdog

Just curious about what you like about the Squier over the SterlingRay34?

Figure I'd get this eventually... I'm just not that into the stingray sound. Like I said I modded the hell out of that thing, bad ass II bridge, Duncan quarter pounders and a hot stack jazz pickup, set the action low and a set of Steve Harris sig flatwounds, saving up for a new neck. It's just the perfect metal bass. But if I'm playing the blues or some classic rock, the it's the Ray 34 all the way

knappymer · #9 04-03-2011, 03:47 AM

Does the JCM600 (60 watts) have enough oomph to push bass through those 4x10s? How long are your sets usually? Any sound clips?

ThatBassistDude · #10 04-03-2011, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knappymer

Does the JCM600 (60 watts) have enough oomph to push bass through those 4x10s? How long are your sets usually? Any sound clips?

Yes it has enough "oomph" to push the cabs, our sets are generally a hour long, and no I don't have any good sound clips.

knappymer · #11 04-03-2011, 04:57 AM

That's awesome. I had played a set once through a JCM800 and a 4x12 and it sounded bad ass. I was afraid to actually buy the head from the guy though because "it wasn't a bass amp" and I didn't want to fry anything... Maybe I'll reconsider next time one pops up.

As far as your set-up goes, if it sounds good to you... keep it the way it is.

ThatBassistDude · #12 04-03-2011, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knappymer

That's awesome. I had played a set once through a JCM800 and a 4x12 and it sounded bad ass. I was afraid to actually buy the head from the guy though because "it wasn't a bass amp" and I didn't want to fry anything... Maybe I'll reconsider next time one pops up.

As far as your set-up goes, if it sounds good to you... keep it the way it is.

Playing bass through a guitar head is ok, it doesnt emit soundwaves so there's nothing to screw up. Was the 412 a guitar cab?