How would you respond to this CL ad?

[Munjibunga]

Need Advice Ampeg SVT Classic and using active pickups and -15db input (everywhere)

Ok heres the deal...I have a bassist with an extremely powerful bass (active pick-ups) that refuses to use the -15db input on his Ampeg. I say that he is "pile-driving" the front end of his pre amp and the sound he is getting is just way too BOOMY..almost unintelligible as far as the note goes. I always thought that with an active bass, by using the -15db you can really get some better tones from the bass itself. He just goes blah, blah blah I've done it this way for years...blah blah blah. I think his tone and attack sucks....who is right?

Here's what I said:

It's likely that the 15 dB pad has nothing to do with the problem. How is he EQing the bass and the amp? Some guys think they need to boost the bass on their EQ and cut the mids. This removes most of the overtones that give definition to the bass notes, and leaves you with a boomy bottom end. I use several different high-powered amps (Eden, Aguilar, Glockenklang), and never pay attention to the pad button. You can control your input level at the bass. The problem centers on your bass player's ignorance of what makes a good tone that sits well in the mix, rather than just consuming every other instrument. Boomy bass is a major annoyance to bands and audiences alike.

In addition, all-tube amps like the SVT Classic are not known to have particularly articulate tone. They tend to have a more "pillowy" bottom end, and you have to be careful about overdoing the bass EQ, or you will get mud. I personally don't care for them, but the heavy rockers tend to use them because, "Hey, it's an Ampeg."

As to how to solve your problem, I doubt you will be successful. Trying to get someone to change their bad habits is usually futile. He's not going to pay attention to anonymous people on the internet, either. So live with it, or eliminate it.

[M.Wrenn]

Seems like a good response to me, it also seems like a dumb thing to post a CL about imo. Anyway your answer was exactly what I would've said.

[Munjibunga]

We'll get the definitive response from Jimmy.

[Unrepresented]

1) Boominess is not the tone I associate with a preamp being overpowered, especially on an ampeg tube amp.

2) There should be a clip light somewhere to alert him if he's overpowering the preamp. I'd use that as my first sign of trouble.

3) Yes, bad tone is bad tone is bad tone. It can be because of an amp overload but this sounds more like a technique/settings issue rather than a technical malfunction. Obviously the bassist in question has a different opinion over his tone than the band. Someone will have to adapt.

[thumpbass1]

Great response Mr. Munji Sir. Your advise is dead on. As for the initial CL listing, I'm still laughing.