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CochinoBass · Aug 11, 2026

I bought an Element in 2022 and was initially disappointed. As a headphone amp it is unsurpassed, but the supplied cab sims and the amp sim are unusable. The problem for me is, similar to the GK Plex, it had too many features that I already had hardware for, like its an audio interface, but I had an audio interface already. Its got a tuner, but I had a better tuner. It would be a great value if you had no audio interface, no IR loader, and you needed an all in one pedal that was also a headphone amp. The more of the features of the Element that you already have hardware for the lower its value.

gcb · Aug 11, 2026

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2saddleslab · Aug 11, 2026

John Stephen said:
Great solution. What a beautiful bass, also.

Thank you, sir!

leonard · Aug 11, 2026

Go play and enjoy. It's a great bass.

DJmtd · Aug 11, 2026

KidAmnesia said:
This.
I know it's against TB to suggest not buying a new gadget, but if you are not intrested in blending, why wouldn't you just put one preamp after the other and just switch on the one you want to hear?

I was wondering if I missed some other piece of info, but this was my thought as well.

If you add a loop switcher (which will absolutely work!), you're adding 4 instrument cables and an additional power cable (assuming it has an LED or two) to effectively turn two foot switches into one.

BHBassist · Aug 11, 2026

Thanks Greg! Glad to hear that.
It's much darker sounding than the middier Underwood that was on for decades. Different EQ.
I have a Lifeline PU also installed on my Full Size E.German Bass w/C Ext.-also now with FDs changed from EPMs.
I just used that Bass for an outdoor Orchestra and Big Band Pops Concert.
Agreed-It's a great sounding PU.

xiaoma · Aug 11, 2026

ph0rk said:
Depends on the bridge used, but per the Ibanez wiki it is either the B25 or the B305 for that model (year of manufacture is the difference, B305 from 2012-2018).

I don't think either of those bridges have spacing adjustments. Some newer SRs have variants of the MR-5S bridge that allow up to 1.5mm adjustment per string; with 5 strings the most range you'll get is 3mm across all four gaps, so .75mm per gap or you can take it from 16.5mm to 17.25m.

Sweetwater still has some of the SR1455DW in stock (SR bass but with 18mm spacing). I am sorely tempted myself, but it's a higher (premium line) price point. You could take that to 18.75mm spacing or down to 17.25 mm spacing.

I have an older premium SR and it's a good bass.

Thank you @ph0rk, this is helpful.

Not sure whether the difference going from 16.5 to 17.25 would be that noticeable.

The one I tried had a really comfy neck and a good range of tones, but I struggled like crazy with my RH...

crazycloud said:
Rather than trying to change the bass, change your technique. I, and many others have no issue, with slapping or fast 3 digit plucking on this spacing. In my experience you just need to practice. I can even do everything I can on my SRC6 which is 10.8mm but am not very good at it as I haven't put in the time as I use this for (guitar like) fingerstyle and mainly to compose rather than perform.

Thanks, I haven't purchased the bass as this really cooled my enthusiasm. The fact is, I've got big hands and I don't think I should put myself in a more uncomfortable position if I can find something better suited to my physical attributes.

bassbrad · Aug 11, 2026

Zbysek said:
Let me update you on this "project".

Recently, I have been using EBS Sheehan signature drive to achieve blend of clean signal and distorted mids.

The drive channel on this pedal is not full range-it features a peak at the frequency selected by the Tone control so it sounds as if bandpass filter was applied to it.

The beauty of this pedal is that each channel features separate FX loop. I am using an EQ inserted in the clean FX loop to shape the clean signal to better blend with the drive channel: HPF, LPF and mid scoop to make room for the distorted mids.

I am using the drive FX loop when I want to send the distorted mids to FOH via separate channel...

See below two iterations of my compact pedalboard. Pedal(s) on the right side of the EBS Sheehan pedal are placed in the clean FX loop (except for the tuner).

View attachment 7555296 View attachment 7555298

I continue to be amazed at devices underfoot that in some cases were once a rack full of effects like this EBS Billy Sheehan Ultimate Drive. I still remember Billy showing me how his rack worked and him looking over my own Torture Rack back in the early 90's. Below is very close to what i remember, only wish iu had a photo of the Torture Rack.

IIRC he had a full rack of power amps to drive the massive collection of cabinets that tipped the stage.

Nekomata · Aug 11, 2026

My Retro-P:

Squier Classic Vibe 50's.

jsixties · Aug 11, 2026

The 75th Anniversary alder/rosewood Daphne Blue with mint green pickguard is to die for. Don't you think so?

T. Brookins · Aug 11, 2026

Wouldn’t want to sell it anyway…

Ritter667 · Aug 11, 2026

Another improvised drone track that I just recorded today, I call it "Bell Smith":

Pep · Aug 11, 2026

UPDATE: I replaced the chrome control plate, the stock knobs with ones with Abalone tops, and the strap buttons with black chrome ones.

Ordering strings today and will install string trees when I get the strings in place. I’m not going to replace the stock pickup until I try using it in a live situation.

msb · Aug 11, 2026

It takes just seconds to check intonation , I don’t find any movement when I play. I have several basses with floating bridges , they have never been a problem for me , and I’ve seen no need to pin them.

BTL · Aug 11, 2026

JohnnyBottom said:
You could try to get a 32 inch conversion neck from Brad Lowe.
Thats what i use. Fits right onto your Fender bass with no mods.
I have 2 of them.
View attachment 7554567

Thanks for the kind words…I love seeing these necks in their new homes.

oldNewbie · Aug 11, 2026

Whereisitnow?
Several months ago there was an article somewhere maybe pointed to here in TB , that outlined a process for approximating a microphone sound with piezo input using Darkglass Element import-IR function, much as a ToneDexter does. GarageBand records two-channel clips of one's piezo and microphone signal , then this article had a python module (or you could feed your file into their online converter) it would do the transforms, reformat the file etc. Once run, that file could be uploaded into the Element. Anyone have a pointer ? TB searches, gemini and other first-order searches have failed so far.

Thanks
Newbie

supercolli · Aug 11, 2026

Me and my '78 BB2000

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ynot12 · Aug 11, 2026

eyvindwa said:
Just bought a copy for Kindle, looking forward to a good read!

Awesome... thank you! Good timing. I'm about 70% done with the rough draft of Book two. It's going to satisfy all of us musicians in a special way.

Also, be sure to check out the website: www.thecovenantbeneath.com. If you'd prefer to not have spoliers, wait until you're done reading. When you really explore it you'll find easter eggs for book two. And the restricted zone on the website is pretty important... and cool AF!

scubaduba · Aug 11, 2026

That's awesome! It's a very nice compressor. If I had a favorites list this one might be on it.

irakliszs · Aug 11, 2026

Hello!
I just received my MicroBass 3 today. Noticed strange crackling sounds when pushing the chassis (ever so little that even when pressing drive footswitch is enough for it to do it).
See following video:

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Has any of the owners here noticed this behavior? The bass needs to be plugged in clean channel input in order for the problem to manifest itself.
Very strange and feels like a bad case design (it is made out of 2 press-formed sheet metal plates, instead of a box with a bottom plate to open it).
This pedal seems to have everything I need (tuner, headphones, aux in, 2 channels, DI outs, loop) and also I like the tone options it can offer, but I am really worried, at this price point it shouldnt behave like this.
Does anyone have any photos of the insides?
Thanks!

dadglasser · Aug 11, 2026

Lowbrow said:
I was going to suggest baking it into a cake like they smuggle files into jail.

Craig Orndorff · Aug 11, 2026

Gopherbassist said:
Hal Leonard dropships. You could set up a storefront, and any Hal Leonard books you give a good review to, you could put up in the store. You'd have to figure out a payment handling scheme, but that shouldn't be very hard.

There are people who make made to order shirts and stuff as well.

Food for thought.

What I’d like to know if there’s any second hand sellers that offer associate programs….there’s plenty of material that’s interesting but only available that way.

Also more obscure sellers like Rod Goelz at Santrella (?) might be willing to work out an agreement one on one.

DJ Bebop · Aug 11, 2026

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libekgz · Aug 11, 2026

I must be soldering something wrong... I will have to redo that again and see it that would work... I am trying to get 2 inputs and 1 output but that would look the same just plugged in differently. Let me know if I am missing anything on switch.

DrBnz · Aug 11, 2026

I'd have to hear you play to know oif you have the right natural skills. My neighbor up the street thinks he's a drummer too. Practices every day - for YEARS now. Thing is when you listen to him play it's just not "right". When he plays it doesn't sound like a drummer. It sounds a lot more like when I put my sneakers in the drier. It's not even, smooth, so I'll say that he doesn't have the "ear" or "timing". He's a wanna-b drummer, but unfortunately he just doesn't have the natural skills required.

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