Just found this pic on the internet, damn cool that Stanley played such a rig. The coolest thing is the sphere with the multiple mid/high drivers. Should give great dispersion on stage. I really like those experimental rigs.
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Stanley Clarke's ol' rig!
- Thread starter Arjank
- Start date
Stanley's rigs were a bit out there and experimental from time to time. He's gone to Ampeg SVT 2 and 4 Pro + Pro Neo cabs and a little Fender guitar amp now, but his rig still looks more like a science experiment than a bass rig 
Mr. Foxen
Commercial User
The bass bins are known as "Carlson Couplers", alternatively spelled "Karlson". I had a pair with D-140F's a long time ago. Used them for my bass rig and later as PA bottoms. ***AMPEG*** content: I ran them with a BT-140, Ampeg's solid state experiment, probably Ampeg's biggest mistake. I had previously had a B-15, and replaced the Carlson/BT-140 rig with a blueline SVT and flatback 8-10. Much better 
Edit: Mr. Foxen beat me to it.
Edit: Mr. Foxen beat me to it.
- Feb 16, 2008
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i remember seeing him play thru that rig (sphere w/ Karlsons). IRRC, Bose made the sphere part of it for him.
I remember around 73 or 74 seeing him with RTF and just an Acoustic 140 head and 2x15 cab.
Inspired me to get the smaller combo version...the 1x15 combo 136. Great amp.
Inspired me to get the smaller combo version...the 1x15 combo 136. Great amp.
Passinwind
I know nothing.
- Dec 3, 2003
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- Designer/Toaster Tech @ Passinwind Electronics
Yep, I saw that rig on that tour too. Stanley sounded much better the last time I saw him a few years ago with (lots of!) very conventional speakers though, IMHO.
- Feb 16, 2008
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- John K Custom Basses
yeah, the firt time i saw RTF was at the troubador in hollywood. he use an ACC 136 at that gig. they were frickin' awesome.
I sure didn't appreciate my 136 at the time, but now I'd probably dig it. Except for the schlep. Heavy little monster of a combo! Makes the B-15 feel light.
popgadget
Commercial User
- Sep 4, 2005
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- Authorized Greenboy Designs Builder, Scabbey Road
I saw him a couple months ago Yup he had Ampeg. From were I was it looked like he had 2 amps 1 for stand up the 1 for his electric .Ampeg amps& cabs
I'm sure there must be a long thread here on the dubious science and claims of the Karlson design.
Saw rtf at the calderone L.I. N.Y. in the mid 70's. stanley clarke had a stack of e.v. 115 3 way cabs. the ones with the vented midrange. I forget what they were called. A 15L crossossed over at 600 hZ to the mid. A great full range cab with wide dispersion.
What is that bass in the middle? I saw Stanley and RTF for the first time in 75 in Vermont and never paid attention to equipment. One electric set, one acoustic, another electric, three hours. Mind blowing! I love this photo.
Passinwind
I know nothing.
- Dec 3, 2003
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- Designer/Toaster Tech @ Passinwind Electronics
I was at that show, IIRC a friend of mine opened for RTF that night.
Here's an old ad for the EV cab mentioned upthread:
Link Removed
Anyone know what he would have used on to record their early RTF stuff, like Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy? Did Stanley go direct to the board or would they have miked is rig, or maybe a DI from his rig? His bass on that recording really emphasizes a low mid sound (I'd guess betwen 200 - 300 Hz) and not a lot of bottom. Really growly.
