Hate my Rack/Rig....is simpler better?

[nysbob]

Man, you've got some nice rig choices there, Mr. Neaderhiser.

[neaderhiser]

Thanks for the ditto. I do suffer from a severe case of GAS, no matter how much I try to contain it. I hope I'm near the end. But it would just be cheaper to buy a POD, but not nearly as fun.

[Usedtoplaymore]

From my days in CA dragging a 4x15 Accoustic set up with a V4B - to the Mesa 2000 in a rack w/ additional pre-amp tuner and furman - w/ road cased speakers....... to a simple Markbass set up I now use as a monitor and DI out if Live..... same thing holds true with a small Eden combo I have - if I get bored of the controls on the markbass - I bring a POD as a tuner or for sound color........ I do not miss dragging around a huge set up - would rather put the $$$ into my bass.

[thumpbass1]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

My setup: Bass -> amp -> cab. Works bitchen.

+ 1!

[Lonnybass]

Ditch the BBE ASAP, and if the compressor isn't "doing" anything to help you, ditch that too.

I bought a BBE as it sounded GREAT in the music store when I demo'd it. Unfortunately, what I didn't realize is that the "on" switch activates inherent scoopiness that can simply suck the tone out of a quality bass and preamp. Not to discount its ability in certain situations or in a studio application, but after a while I realized that it just didn't make a positive contribution to my live setup. The only reason to keep it was the flashing lights, and even that wasn't enough.

Compressors can definitely be useful to even out peaks and valleys in your playing, but it sounds like you've got your stuff together enough where a comp is just going to be another set of knobs to tweak when you could just be playing and enjoying yourself.

Simpler IS better. Part of the reason why I love my Alembic F-1x preamp so much...three knobs, two switches, yay!

Lonnybass

[SteveC]

Originally Posted by Usedtoplaymore

From my days in CA dragging a 4x15 Accoustic set up with a V4B - to the Mesa 2000 in a rack w/ additional pre-amp tuner and furman - w/ road cased speakers....... to a simple Markbass set up I now use as a monitor and DI out if Live..... same thing holds true with a small Eden combo I have - if I get bored of the controls on the markbass - I bring a POD as a tuner or for sound color........ I do not miss dragging around a huge set up - would rather put the $$$ into my bass.

I thought about doing this, too. I don't often stray from my Bass-->Comp-->Combo Amp set up, but a used PodXT would give me something to play with on those occasions that I want something other than solid, fundamental bass tone.

I used to haul anything from a 6X10 to a 4X10 and 4-8 space racks. I love my 18 pound combo. WOrks great as a monitor and handles small gigs with ease. Hell, I had to turn the bass down at a gig last weekend - in a hockey arena with no PA.

[manbass]

In 24 hours we have an overwhelming majority.

I get the point now....just wish I hadnt waited til gear failed to see it.

[rogueman]

Lonneybass, +1 on the F-1X, I love mine too. Simply perfect.
The rack system gives you less distortion and you don't have to pickup all of your rig at one time. I had a Carvin red eye combo, and that sucker ruined my back at 90 lbs. Had to use a friend's truck to get it there.
Alembic Rogue Custom 5 String
F-1X pre
Carvin 1000 amp
Aguilar GS 112's X 2
Korg FX3B

[Vakmere]

this works well for me and I have a Mesa Walkabout for other venues. Doesnt hurt to have a variety of stuff to use. Took out the Midiverb and put in an X2 wireless.

[Jehos]

Originally Posted by BullHorn

My setup is jazzbass into markbass, tuner into the Tuner Out.

Sometimes there's a overdrive in between.


What else might you need?

Mine is this, but with Ibanez and Eden. The fewer pieces you have, the less you have to worry about breaking.

[joel the bass player]

I don't have a real "rack" setup, but my LMII will eventually get put in my rack just because it is safer in there than just about anywhere else. It is kind of besides the point of the mini head, but it gives me a piece of mind knowing it is safe. Just need to order some rack ears.