All Fender rig ... who'da thunk it?

[Munjibunga]

My daughter had to go to her friend's birthday party today at a place right across the street from the Guitar Trader. So what could I do? I left my wife and daughter at the fun center and bopped on over. Now, they didn't have anything that I couldn't live without, so I pulled an MIM Jazz Bass (4-string, of all things) off the wall and plugged it into a Bassman 250 2X10 combo. Now I don't know what this setup would cost, but it would be a lot less than a comparable Sadowsky/Eden rig.

I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised. Lots of great tones at serviceable volume. The bass was well set up, and played nicely. Good slapping, popping tones and excellent fingerstyle tones. The amp was very versatile and could cover most genres.

Bottom line, if you're looking for a decent rig that costs a lot less than the high end stuff, I'd recommend this one.

[Brendan]

Face it, Munji, Eden is dead to you.

[bassteban]

Somewhat disappointed, as well. Unless the entire original post is sarcastic, I detect no sarcastic content. I've come to expect more of you, Munji.

Of course, I'm not terribly clever- perhaps I'm just not reading between the lines. <---Braille reading glasses

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by bassteban

Somewhat disappointed, as well. Unless the entire original post is sarcastic, I detect no sarcastic content. I've come to expect more of you, Munji.

Of course, I'm not terribly clever- perhaps I'm just not reading between the lines. <---Braille reading glasses

No, I'm serious. In my old age, I've acquiesced to the fact that not everyone can "just go get an Eden rig." So, while I still don't endorse Mesa or Ampeg products for bass, I at least want to present an opinion about good options for folks just starting out or with limited resources. I wouldn't be embarrassed to play a gig with that Fender setup, except for the 4-string part. I'd certainly recommend spending the extra bucks to stay out of the B-word arena.

I can't be a doodoo all the time, you know.

And I still gig my Eden amps, especially when I don't feel like lugging the Aggie. I'll take the WW when I don't feel like even lugging the Eden. You know, I will say this, the WW actually sounds bett ... uhh ... a little bet ... oh, never mind again.

[The Golden Boy]

I thought the same thing about that amp. It was in a provided backline with a 1x15 cab underneath. It was a really good sounding setup.

[Aaron Saunders]

I'll be honest -- I really detest the lower end Fender bass amps. Horrible sound.

That said, I played my DB teacher's GK with a GK 210, and then with a Fender 1x15 on it as well (with a BG.) Gotta say, the setup sounded a lot better with the Fender cab. I actually considered buying it for a while, but then realized that I don't have the space to store it, the gigs that demand the extra volume, or the vehicle to transport it to those gigs in addition to my 1x15 Yorkville combo, BG, and DB. While not heavy, the cab was definitely larger than it needed to be, and there's no way I could've fit it in the vehicle (94 Civic.)

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by Aaron Saunders

I'll be honest -- I really detest the lower end Fender bass amps. Horrible sound.

The Bassman line isn't their lower end.

[JimK]

I miss the daze when I used a '64 P-bass, '60s-something Bassman with a '74 Bassman 100 4x12 cab.
That setup served me well in various high school garage bands & then into my 20s playing in 8-9 piece R&B/Pop horn bands.

The P-bass is now hot-rodded(somewhat) as a P-J.
The Bassman amp is in need of repair(again).
...and now the cabinet has an impedence problem(it shuts down the Eden amp after a few minutes).

[Mike N]

I use a Fender rig. P Bass, Bassman 400 2x10 combo and even Fender cables (which are probably made by someone else anyway). About the only non Fender item is the strings (I prefer D'Addario's).

I've gotten nothing but positive comments on my tone.

[KeithBMI]

The Fender Bassman 150 and Fender Jazz Deluxe are great together. When I have to get a better rig, I might go Fender. Who knows.

[Philbiker]

Originally Posted by Mike N

I use a Fender rig. P Bass, Bassman 400 2x10 combo and even Fender cables (which are probably made by someone else anyway). About the only non Fender item is the strings (I prefer D'Addario's).

Hee hee I love Fender strings.

Neato thread. Maybe I should look into Fender amps, I need an "everday" head foor gigging small bars and stuff, I'm nervous about using my (perfectly flawlessly functioning) '67 Bassman. That old vintage tube amp from Fender sounds astounding through my Eden 210 cabinet...

[Juniorkimbrough]

But would you compromise a serious lack of customer service for a good sounding rig? not me..

[Aaron Saunders]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

The Bassman line isn't their lower end.

I know . I wasn't referring to the Bassman, I was referring to their lower end models. "Rumble" or something, I think.

[KeithBMI]

Originally Posted by Aaron Saunders

I know . I wasn't referring to the Bassman, I was referring to their lower end models. "Rumble" or something, I think.

The first rule of owning a Rumble... is not telling anyone you own a Rumble.

[Correlli]

I'll be purchasing the bassman 250. It has what I need.

Also, you put a sansamp DI and compressor in front of a Rumble, and it doesn't sound half bad.

[pickles]

Not too surprising that the Fender bass amps are getting better. Theres got to be some cross polination from the SWR line they own now.

[Petebass]

Munji, you of all people should know that showroom tone and gig tone aren't the same. If you told me you used it at a gig, and the think did a good job at gig volume, then I'd be impressed.

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by Petebass

Munji, you of all people should know that showroom tone and gig tone aren't the same. If you told me you used it at a gig, and the think did a good job at gig volume, then I'd be impressed.

I wasn't trying to impress. I was trying to point out an alternative to the degradation of a B-word rig or the expense of an E-word rig for guys just getting into playing.