Need help delivering the BOOM!

[Downunderwonder]

I reckon you're about to learn a real big yet simple lesson when you let go of the gear fixation and see how much conscious intervention with fingers affects tone.

If you can't find the tone with your fingers and a bit of EQ you aren't half the player I hear in the youtube. It sounds half decent even with nothing much of sub 100Hz coming through.

[NWB]

Originally Posted by GroovinOnFunk

Well, that's interesting... because I do have a jazz bass, but I thought it was TOO bottom heavy. But that could have to do with the pickups I put in it. I put Delano JMVC pickups in there instead of the CS60s that came with it. Maybe I should try putting the CS60s pups back in.

My head is spinning. I bought the stingray not too long ago, so I actually could still return it for a full refund.

A jazz is only too bottom heavy if you EQ it that way. They have a lot of bottom-end on tap, but you don't have to bring it out if you don't want to. I think a lot of the EQ suggestions offered here would work well with a jazz is what I was getting at.

Hey, the Stingray is a great bass. It may or may not be the perfect bass for this particular band, but this won't likely be the last band you're in and the 'ray may be just the ticket for the next one (or the one after that).

[GroovinOnFunk]

I will absolutely admit that I am a sucker for GAS. Downunderwonder, thank you for being so active in this thread, and I appreciate what I think was a compliment about my playing. In theory, I know that the gear doesn't make the player... In practice, I can't help but to want more, more, more and be constantly changing my tastes. One minute I want a Jazz bass, the next I want a Stingray, the next I want a Roscoe (I've acquired all three of these basses within the past 4-5 months... ridiculous, I know)
But I liked your "I reckon you're about to learn a real big yet simple lesson when you let go of the gear fixation and see how much conscious intervention with fingers affects tone." comment. It's a lesson that I know I should know, but have a hard time putting into practice.

I bought the stingray cuz other people in the band complained that the jazz bass was too muddy. I'm such a sucker. Should've just asked TB how I could make the jazz bass sound better in this situation.

[NWB]

Originally Posted by GroovinOnFunk

I bought the stingray cuz other people in the band complained that the jazz bass was too muddy. I'm such a sucker. Should've just asked TB how I could make the jazz bass sound better in this situation.

A jazz muddy?? Never experienced that at all.

IME a jazz is very responsive to various playing techniques. Moreso than many other basses I've played.

I say play whatever bass sounds best to your ears and your style.

[Downunderwonder]

Backhanded compliment well caught. Note my mediocre club membership, tone is easy stuff, hitting a bunch of notes while keeping a groove on, not so much

You might like to lower the strap a bit to make it easier to get the meatier side pluck happening.

[GroovinOnFunk]

I'm getting the feeling that it was the "upgrade" of new pickups that made me fall out of love with the jazz. I took out the CS 60s pups because the protruding pole pieces tore the tips of my fingers and left me with blisters. When playing over the bridge pup, the pole pieces are closer to the strings.
I've since learned I can just raise the covers by putting some cardboard or something under it.

I was really trying to impress this band (the video(s) is of the side project we do) so was willing to buy a new bass for it (plus I kind of always wanted the bass Louis Johnson and Bernard Edwards had). Now I'm not even sure if this band is a good fit for me. It seems to be drama central since I joined and I have nothing to do with any of it.

[punisher911]

Regardless of what bass I played, my Orange TB500 into my Ampeg HLF410 is boomy as all heck. From Stingrays, Jazz, P, P/J, to the Warwick $$, they have boomed through this setup. From what I've heard, the 410HLF is as boomy as they come.

I would love to try some Fearful or Fearless cabs, just not in my budget currently.

[lowendfriend]

When I hear someone wanting to sound big, I can't help but think of Mesa Powerhouse cabs using 12" speakers. The 212 would be a great start. The 412 can kill people.

Go try one in a GC with a GK head and you'll get the idea. Wear loose pants and watch 'em flap in the >wind< from Powerhouse cabs. IMO, there's nothing like 'em. A PH212 would get you there and not cost too too much...stay with the GK head.

[CL400Peavey]

Originally Posted by punisher911

Regardless of what bass I played, my Orange TB500 into my Ampeg HLF410 is boomy as all heck. From Stingrays, Jazz, P, P/J, to the Warwick $$, they have boomed through this setup. From what I've heard, the 410HLF is as boomy as they come.

I would love to try some Fearful or Fearless cabs, just not in my budget currently.

Feel free to swing by if you are ever on this side of the state.

[punisher911]

Originally Posted by CL400Peavey

Feel free to swing by if you are ever on this side of the state.

I might be tempted if this job thing works out. Who knew it would be so hard for an Army experienced LPN to find a damn job?

[phillybass101]

I wish I had your problem.

[GroovinOnFunk]

Those Mesa cabs would destroy my back unfortunately... I have severe back issues, unfortunately, so I recognize that some tone sacrificing will be required with Neos.
I'm going to put the cs 60s pups back on my j bass and try that with the band. I can probably get a video for comparison on Tuesday

[CL400Peavey]

Originally Posted by GroovinOnFunk

I have severe back issues, unfortunately, so I recognize that some tone sacrificing will be required with Neos.

Disagree completely.

See if there is anyone close to you on this map. Then go play a greenboy cab. No sacrifice in tone, but a lot lighter than commercial offerings.

[NWB]

Originally Posted by GroovinOnFunk

Those Mesa cabs would destroy my back unfortunately... I have severe back issues, unfortunately, so I recognize that some tone sacrificing will be required with Neos.
I'm going to put the cs 60s pups back on my j bass and try that with the band. I can probably get a video for comparison on Tuesday

Cool, if it sounds muddy at all, just roll back the neck pickup a bit until it clears up.

[GroovinOnFunk]

I'm going to bring the jazz bass and the stringray on Saturday and maybe do a set with each.

[RhynoRock]

try turning the master volume way down and the low end up, then increase volume to taste, see what that does

[CL400Peavey]

Originally Posted by RhynoRock

try turning the master volume way down and the low end up, then increase volume to taste, see what that does

All that will accomplish is creating mud, and eating up his headroom.

[Downunderwonder]

Originally Posted by RhynoRock

try turning the master volume way down and the low end up, then increase volume to taste, see what that does

Have you listened to the first youtube? Did it sound like a bass? My stereo crosses over the sub at 100Hz. Nothing was coming from it. Lows are good to have but they don't have a big part in the overall perception of tone.

[GroovinOnFunk]

Originally Posted by RhynoRock

try turning the master volume way down and the low end up, then increase volume to taste, see what that does

I really appreciate your advice... but I may not actually do that...

I'm going to start by putting the original pups back in my jazz bass. Then I'll program a graphic EQ in my zoom B3, then I'll make a few tweaks to my amp and we'll see where to go from there.

I'm liking the idea of adding a 115 to the 410s I currently have tho. But first I'll see if I can't make due with what I already have.

[Downunderwonder]

The gear fetish is strong in this one. Do yourself a favour and leave the pickups until you play with the eq and attack. The tone you're looking for is already there.