love of Ampeg and other Scroll Basses

[saltymonkey]

Originally Posted by jumbodbassman

Bruce i think you said it perfectly. the SSB really brings out everything that the flats offer.
speaking of the SSB circuit. the tone control works on both outputs, only the volume cuts out on the direct out. was that intentional or did the prior owner fiddle with the circuit????

Jim, I know that there were at least two owners before me but I didn't change anything on the bass. And I totally agree on the perfect flats tone. I remember emailing Bruce shortly after getting the bass and saying that I thought it was the best flats tone I'd ever heard.

[faivy]

Originally Posted by saltymonkey

Jim, I know that there were at least two owners before me but I didn't change anything on the bass. And I totally agree on the perfect flats tone. I remember emailing Bruce shortly after getting the bass and saying that I thought it was the best flats tone I'd ever heard.

I'm not questioning your opinions, I'm just curious about the string brand as they are all so different. I've tried a bunch.Just saying they are great with flats...?

[Lucena1]

Originally Posted by Pickersditch

Thanks Bruce, firstly I'm glad that you were able to help out our mutual friend with #213 and he's at peace now - 2 of them as good as this and still being used is good news!

Yes, I did use brass for both the cover and the set screws having scaled from many photos (using my bass as a datum) that were downloaded from the net.
It wasn't too difficult when I remembered that you Americans were and are still using good old Imperial dimensions instead of this metric stuff we use over here today.
The brass plate I actually used came from a door kick plate at 0.040" and I've got enough left to make one more.
I'll check out raw material prices over the week-end and PM you next week to chat about drawings etc. The only problem I foresee is cost - metal and chroming prices are sky high at the moment so they won't be as cheap as you are quoting on your web site, I'm afraid.
Don't worry - #895 is cherished, used regularly and enjoyed playing live as well as recording occassionally.
I'll be in touch....

Hi Graham: Yes Bruce Johnson fixed my #213 but you still got a jewel. Please enjoy it; I use mine all the time. I also have a couple of Ampeg Baby Baases. Let me know if you want pictures. Thanks, Hector

[Bruce Johnson]

JumboD;

That's what I thought. The HUGE tone is the combination of having the warmth through the midrange, while also having the clarity in the sub-lows and the highs. On most basses, you don't hear them together. Most basses trade off one for the other.

The reason why your AEB-2 #070 (a Series IV) sounds a little softer is because of the P-pickup under the bridge. Even when its signal is shut off, the P-pickup still softens the overall tone of the bass. After all, the bridge is literally mounted on springs. The difference in sound between SSB #005 and AEB-2 #070 are a clear example of how important the solid mounting of the bridge is to the sound of an electric bass.

That's one of the big reasons that I'm working on a new version of the P-pickup for the upcoming AEB-2 Series V model. If it works like I'm hoping, it will have almost the same percussive thumpy signal output as #070, but will retain the full clarity at the ends like the SSB and AMB-2. I'm going to try and get both, using a new geometric trick.

About the Bypass output jack on the SSB:
I noticed recently that my SSB #001 does that too. Plugged into the Bypass jack, it's supposed to be a straight signal to the pickup, but the Tone control still partially works and can bleed off highs. I looked at my records and realized that I wired that first batch of SSB's wrong, thirteen years ago. Not really wrong, I guess, but not the best way. When I restarted production of the SSB's in 2011, I drew a new schematic without looking at the old one, and corrected the problem without knowing about it. So, the new ones, from #006 up, are right.

If it bothers you, I can talk you through how to make the change. It involves changing the Bypass jack to a switching-type jack and soldering a couple of wires. It's a real simple circuit in there.

No, I don't think any of the previous owners touched it or even opened it up.

SaltyMonkey;
Yes, that's the signature of my basses: They are built to bring out the best of flats.

Faivy;
The type of flatwounds that I prefer and recommend for my basses are the stiff, smooth ones, such D'Addario Chromes and LaBella Deep Talkin' 760's. The Chromes are what I have been supplying as standard, however, I think JumboD's SSB #005 has LaBellas on it. In my opinion, the LaBellas and the Chromes are similar in feel and sound once they are broken in. On my previous Scroll Basses, the super-duper long string length limited the choices, so I didn't do much experimenting with other brands and types. I did try some special Thomastiks and Rotosounds back around 1998.

My new AMB-2 models (and the upcoming AEB-2 Series V and Devil Bass models) are all made to use the more commonly available Super Long Scale size strings. So, that will open things up for trying other brands and types. AMUB-2 #003 is getting a set of Rotosound Black Tapewounds, for starters.

I'm pretty certain that the Chromes and LaBellas will still be preferred by most of my customers. In my limited experience with Rotosound flats, they have too much of a nasty edge for my Scroll Basses (although I love them on Rickenbackers!). The Thomastiks were too rubbery feeling for my taste, and the booming bottom end was too heavy. But, particular customers may prefer them.

[Lucena1]

Originally Posted by Pickersditch

Who's a lucky boy then?

The AEB is number 895 and sounds great through the B15N.
(Bruce, if you read this I made the bridge cover and screws myself and had them chromed locally )

Wow! That combination looks awsome.

[saltymonkey]

Originally Posted by faivy

I'm not questioning your opinions, I'm just curious about the string brand as they are all so different. I've tried a bunch.Just saying they are great with flats...?

I'm really not sure of the brand I put on the SSB. They were old and had been on a Greco Thunderbird I bought used. When I got SSB#005 it had rounds on it. i took them off and put that old set of flats on. It sounded fantastic and I never changed them. When I sold the bass to JumboD it had those old flats on it.

[faivy]

Originally Posted by Bruce Johnson

JumboD;


Faivy;
The type of flatwounds that I prefer and recommend for my basses are the stiff, smooth ones, such D'Addario Chromes and LaBella Deep Talkin' 760's. The Chromes are what I have been supplying as standard, however, I think JumboD's SSB #005 has LaBellas on it. In my opinion, the LaBellas and the Chromes are similar in feel and sound once they are broken in. On my previous Scroll Basses, the super-duper long string length limited the choices, so I didn't do much experimenting with other brands and types. I did try some special Thomastiks and Rotosounds back around 1998.

My new AMB-2 models (and the upcoming AEB-2 Series V and Devil Bass models) are all made to use the more commonly available Super Long Scale size strings. So, that will open things up for trying other brands and types. AMUB-2 #003 is getting a set of Rotosound Black Tapewounds, for starters.

I'm pretty certain that the Chromes and LaBellas will still be preferred by most of my customers. In my limited experience with Rotosound flats, they have too much of a nasty edge for my Scroll Basses (although I love them on Rickenbackers!). The Thomastiks were too rubbery feeling for my taste, and the booming bottom end was too heavy. But, particular customers may prefer them.

Thanks Bruce
I put the D'addarios on my AMUB1 on your recommendation and they are great. I used to like the Thomastiks a lot but lately I've gotten into the GHS Flats on both my Tbird & Pbass.

[jumbodbassman]

Originally Posted by faivy

I'm not questioning your opinions, I'm just curious about the string brand as they are all so different. I've tried a bunch.Just saying they are great with flats...?

I have chromes on the AEB and SSB. My vintage ampegs are all sporting Labella's , ditto for dano's and TI on my old Rick and pyramids on my hofner. Labella's have been my favorites for decades both flats and RW (converted to fodera RW last 5-6 years) but the chromes sound so good i wouldn't dream of changing them on the SSB until .....I have put chromes on other basses and not totally loved them. I guess i can test the ssb with other strings but IMO the SSB with the chromes is the perfect flats bass sound.

[jumbodbassman]

Originally Posted by saltymonkey

I'm really not sure of the brand I put on the SSB. They were old and had been on a Greco Thunderbird I bought used. When I got SSB#005 it had rounds on it. i took them off and put that old set of flats on. It sounded fantastic and I never changed them. When I sold the bass to JumboD it had those old flats on it.

4 different string end colors make it chromes doesn't it??? didn't realize they were that old. hand me downs.... i assumed you sent me new ones.
maybe i should return the bass.... NOT A CHANCE although if for some silly reason i do sell it you will get first dibs back if you want it.

[Bruce Johnson]

Yes, I think that D'Addario is the only company that does the different colors for each string thing. A little silly I think, but I can live with it.

As I've mentioned before, I really like LaBella's strings, but I gave up in frustration trying to do business with them. D'Addario, on the other hand, is a wonderful company to deal with. And the Chromes are about half the price of the LaBellas.

These days I've been buying my strings through Jason at BassStringsOnline. He's a good guy, and he's got a nice specialty company going. I had previously been buying through JustStrings.com. No complaints about them; they are also fine to deal with. They carry strings for all kinds of instruments.

To me, Thomastiks and Rotosounds are "fixer" strings. If you have a bass with a very stiff frame, that's bright and thin sounding, a set of Thomastiks will warm it up and tone it down and make it sound somewhat more like an upright. The rubbery feeling will force you to pluck it harder and different, and the booming lows will balance out the tone curve.

Rotosounds are the opposite. On a bass with a springy frame and a natural deep sound, like a Rickenbacker, a set of Rotosound flats will fill in some high end and give it a nasty edge.

But, either of those strings on one of my basses is an over-correction, and sounds uneven (in my opinion).

[saltymonkey]

Originally Posted by jumbodbassman

4 different string end colors make it chromes doesn't it??? didn't realize they were that old. hand me downs.... i assumed you sent me new ones.
maybe i should return the bass.... NOT A CHANCE although if for some silly reason i do sell it you will get first dibs back if you want it.

I got excited for a second. I'd definitely like the opportunity to buy that one back.

[Bruce Johnson]

Originally Posted by saltymonkey

I got excited for a second. I'd definitely like the opportunity to buy that one back.

The SSB's are back in production, so you can order a new one any time. I'm just starting the woodworking on #010 right now.

[saltymonkey]

Originally Posted by Bruce Johnson

The SSB's are back in production, so you can order a new one any time. I'm just starting the woodworking on #010 right now.

Thanks Bruce. I'll have to wait until AMB-2 #006 is finished and paid for.

[Pickersditch]

Originally Posted by Lucena1

Wow! That combination looks awsome.

Hiya Lucena1 - got your pictures - them basses look great and I bet they sound even better!

Thanks for the comment- this combination does sound awesome and to make all you readers laugh, I've been caught to do a Lonnie Donegan half hour with a few of our local heroes at our town's theatre annual fund raiser.

Who's Lonnie Donegan? I hear you youngsters ask - Wiki will give answers.

I will be using the AEB and the B15N to play:
Does Your Chewing Gum Lose it's Flavour On The Bedpost Overnight?
Have A Drink On Me
Grand Coullee Dam
Don't you Rock Me DaddyO
My Old Man's a Dustman.

(you can check this lot out performed by Mr. Donegan on You Tube)

All pretty simple stuff but the AEB is perfect for it.

On a slightly serious note - how do gut/plastic strings sound and feel on an AEB with the "mystery pickup"?

[Bruce Johnson]

Hi guys;

I'm sorry I haven't posted on this thread in a while. I've been thrashing away in the shop on the AMB-2's, and guitar necks for my clients, and Ampeg restorations, and even a few Baby Bass necks. This spring has been surprisingly busy so far. I guess that's good?

Anyway, some quick entertainment for you: I just heard from our friend George Biondo, and he pointed out this video on YouTube that I hadn't seen before. It's the song Renegade (from Steppenwolf 7) being played live by the guys in 1970 in a studio stage promo filming. I guess they were shooting some footage to use in promoting the upcoming release of the album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOUhV...are_video_user

George is playing his trusty AMB-1 #000291 through the SBT using one cabinet. A lot of good closeups. George's costume is um.......pretty wild! And dig that groovy stage! The tame studio audience is sitting there, bobbing their heads. A fun video to watch.

I remember George telling me earlier that as soon as they finished recording Renegade and playing these promos, that was the end of it. They never played it again, even though it got a lot of air time, and still does today, 43 years later (gasp!). It's still one of my favorite Steppenwolf songs.

There are several other songs from the same film shoot, also on YouTube. They are also worth watching. I was surprised to see that George was the one singing some of the background lines that I always thought had been sung by Jerry (Edmonton, the drummer). Particularly in Hippo Stomp.

By the way, last fall we successfully recovered George's AMB-1 #000291, after finding it literally hanging on the wall in a Guitar Center. A funny story, which I'll tell later. #000291 is now safely in the hands of a major Ampeg collector, the prize of his collection.

[bluesblaster]

Love this tune ! Ya know its funny, and I say this with all due respect to George , but I always made the assumption that it was Jerry singing those harmony parts too, dont know why, I guess I just sort of randomly put a face together with a voice that I thought matched, sort of an irrational way to do things I know, but hey, I was just a kid at the time. Imagine my suprise when I watched the "screamin night hog" video and saw the real owner of that voice. George B. is a killer bassist as well as a fine vocalist. Glad to see this tune played live, if even just on video. I always dug the jams on this record "renegade" and "ball crusher" are still some of my all time favorites.

[bluesblaster]

Dem' furry boots are the bomb George

[jumbodbassman]

I remember jimmyM showing that video on the ampeg amp tread a while back. Great. pure ampeg porn. I have a SBT in my collection but not a powered speaker but works great with a few power amps. Did an outdoor show last year with it and everyone thought it was my SVT until they got close.....

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by Bruce Johnson

Yes, I think that D'Addario is the only company that does the different colors for each string thing. A little silly I think, but I can live with it.

You've obviously never tried to change strings at 3 am after a night of drinking.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by Bruce Johnson

Hi guys;

I'm sorry I haven't posted on this thread in a while. I've been thrashing away in the shop on the AMB-2's, and guitar necks for my clients, and Ampeg restorations, and even a few Baby Bass necks. This spring has been surprisingly busy so far. I guess that's good?

Anyway, some quick entertainment for you: I just heard from our friend George Biondo, and he pointed out this video on YouTube that I hadn't seen before. It's the song Renegade (from Steppenwolf 7) being played live by the guys in 1970 in a studio stage promo filming. I guess they were shooting some footage to use in promoting the upcoming release of the album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOUhV...are_video_user

George is playing his trusty AMB-1 #000291 through the SBT using one cabinet. A lot of good closeups. George's costume is um.......pretty wild! And dig that groovy stage! The tame studio audience is sitting there, bobbing their heads. A fun video to watch.

I remember George telling me earlier that as soon as they finished recording Renegade and playing these promos, that was the end of it. They never played it again, even though it got a lot of air time, and still does today, 43 years later (gasp!). It's still one of my favorite Steppenwolf songs.

There are several other songs from the same film shoot, also on YouTube. They are also worth watching. I was surprised to see that George was the one singing some of the background lines that I always thought had been sung by Jerry (Edmonton, the drummer). Particularly in Hippo Stomp.

By the way, last fall we successfully recovered George's AMB-1 #000291, after finding it literally hanging on the wall in a Guitar Center. A funny story, which I'll tell later. #000291 is now safely in the hands of a major Ampeg collector, the prize of his collection.

That's really cool. George is such a sweet and talented dude. And he's getting back out there on the scene as well. Warms my heart...we need more "elder statesmen" out there to show these young punks how it's done. But then again, back then, George was one of those young punks to the older folks, so salut, kids! Here's a very cool Steppenwolf song that George wrote and sang called "In Hopes Of A Garden":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaZiEBYlUhk