Tonebone Bassbone Question

jimclark68 · #1 05-18-2006, 09:20 AM

Just got a Radial Engineering Tonebone Bassbone from Bob Gollihur, who, by the way, continues to provide excellent customer service. I have not used it in a gig situation yet, but I have fooled around with it in my home. When running it into my AI Clarus Series II head, I am finding that I have to turn up the level on both Bassbone channels to at least 3 o'clock (which is almost all the way up) to get any real volume. This seems a little askew, having to almost max out the signal on a preamp. Has anyone else found this to be true?

Bob G. - I tried to email you twice with this question, but did not get a reply. I am certain that it is an issue with my email, because you responded to my order immediately. I suspect that others are not receiving emails that I have sent as well.

JAUQO III-X · #2 05-18-2006, 09:30 AM

I use the Bassbone live and in the studio and I've never had the problem you described.

set your volume from your amp a little louder than you normally would and use the volume knobs on your pedal to adjust your desired volume setting.

**Bob Gollihur** · #3 05-18-2006, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimclark68

Just got a Radial Engineering Tonebone Bassbone from Bob Gollihur, who, by the way, continues to provide excellent customer service. I have not used it in a gig situation yet, but I have fooled around with it in my home. When running it into my AI Clarus Series II head, I am finding that I have to turn up the level on both Bassbone channels to at least 3 o'clock (which is almost all the way up) to get any real volume. This seems a little askew, having to almost max out the signal on a preamp. Has anyone else found this to be true?

Bob G. - I tried to email you twice with this question, but did not get a reply. I am certain that it is an issue with my email, because you responded to my order immediately. I suspect that others are not receiving emails that I have sent as well.

I have no emails from you.

I haven't had any issues such as you describe, I've used the unit several times already. it is worth exploring by email. Try me at my Yahoo account using my name without any spaces; bobgollihur.

**Bob Gollihur** · #4 05-19-2006, 01:46 PM

I've emailed Jim directly, but just to clarify the ToneBone volume:

I just tested my own ToneBone and find that when I set the channel volumes at full gain and the channel EQ flat, the output volumes are exactly the same when I plug an active bass into a Clarus directly and run it with or without the ToneBone.

jimclark68 · #5 05-20-2006, 05:33 AM

For those reading this thread, I sent Bob this PM yesterday (5/19); his reply above from 5/19 at 3:46pm was his reply me. Here is what I sent Bob:

"Bob, I had a chance to try the Bassbone at a gig today, and I think there is definitely something wrong with it. I had my upright (K&K Bassmax) going into channel 2, and out into my Clarus I series II head, driving a Carvin 2x10 cabinet. I had the Bassbone EQ set at 9:00 highs, 11:00 mids, and 12:00 lows, and the channel level was between the next-to-last and last tick, about 4:00. My Clarus EQ was set flat, and the Clarus level was at 2:00 and the master at 4:00. At these settings, it was barely loud enough to be heard on stage; in fact, I kept getting asked to turn up. If I unplugged from the Bassbone and went stright into the Clarus, with the same Clarus settings, it was so loud I got feedback. It just seems I should be getting higher output from the Bassbone with the levels turned up that high. Any thoughts?"

I am going to try Bob's suggestion today and will post back with my results.

jimclark68 · #6 05-20-2006, 11:14 AM

After testing my TBone using Bob's method above, I found that my volume with the TBone was comparable to my volume without. It still seems odd to me that the channel level has to be cranked wide open, but I guess that's the way it it is when it's going into a flatter head like the Clarus. Thanks everyone for your input.

**Bob Gollihur** · #7 05-20-2006, 01:51 PM

Glad that the issue is resolved. The ToneBone is an active A/B switch with EQ and signal trimming capabilities, not a preamp.

GovernorSilver · #8 07-07-2006, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Gollihur

Glad that the issue is resolved. The ToneBone is an active A/B switch with EQ and signal trimming capabilities, not a preamp.

Hi,

I'm considering a Bassbone and am confused by the above statement, as it is described as a preamp on several websites, including Mr. Gollihur's.

Paolo

**Bob Gollihur** · #9 07-07-2006, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GovernorSilver

Hi,

I'm considering a Bassbone and am confused by the above statement, as it is described as a preamp on several websites, including Mr. Gollihur's.

Paolo

That's how they describe it, too, so I guess it comes down to differences in definitions. I would think that, generically speaking, a preamplifier should actually be capable of providing some gain. Pre-amplifier is pretty much a description of where it goes-- it's a gain stage that takes the input and prepares/massages (if needed) the signal and brings it up (if necessary) to the level necessary to drive the amplifier.

However, the Bassbone essentially provides "unity gain" (input level equals output level) except where the signal is either trimmed by the volume or EQ controls, or increased by the EQ controls or stomp button.

So, one can quibble with its characteristics vs. what is traditionally offered by a generically termed "preamp". As long as we know what to expect from this particular device, it could be referred to as a preamp.

Addendum; from some of the specs for the unit on my page:

Boost level: 0dB to +12dB

3 band EQ on input 2:
+/- 12dB @ 75 Hz
+/- 10dB @ 470 Hz
+/- 16dB @ 5.6 KHz

Shape 1 on input 1:
+4.5 dB @ 110 Hz
-5.1 dB @ 650 Hz
+2.7 dB @ 4.3 Khz

Shape 2 on the input 1:
+3.7 dB @ 75 Hz
-6.3 dB @ 350 Hz
+11 dB @ 5.6Khz

jimclark68 · #10 07-07-2006, 03:15 PM

I've had the opportunity to gig several times with the ToneBone since I asked my initial question about the levels, and it is working out very well. I use channel 1 for my URB, channel two for my EB, and set the boost for my pizz level so that I can kick the boost off for arco. It is turning to be a great tool for gigs when I have to juggle like this.

GovernorSilver · #11 07-07-2006, 03:32 PM

I appreciate the clarification.

My friend the pro bassist has convinced me I need to just get a real amp (and cabinet), as I own neither. I currently run my bass into a K&K preamp (which I originally got for the K&K pickup installed on my cello), then into a keyboard amp.