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LDS-Then & Now!

P. Aaron

Supporting Member
Sep 16, 2002
14,296
9,840
Livin’ on a slab in Plano, TX
Well I finally got to try out the new 2 x 10 that Don at LDS made for me. It compliments a 2 x 10 that I bought from LDS in Ferndale in 2002. Don explained that speaker technology and his cabinet refinement has improved since I purchased my pre-serial number LDS 'Brick' as I call it.

THE RIG:

The-Rig.gif


I am running both cabs bridged through a Hartke LH1000. Probably more juice that one needs for bar gigs, but it was a bargian as far as bass gear goes, and who doesn't covet more power? The cabinet's fit & finish is superb, like new store-bought gear should look. Both cabs have a horn. I have no idea what kind of horn. They're both set about half-open.

I am a simple rock player in terms of tone and technique. Along with the 2002 MIA-P, the 'Brick' has been my mainstay these many years, amply handling whatever I have thrown at it on stage. Since adding the LH1000, compliments on the tone from both sound guys and the chicks; (the critics that matter) have been numerous and unexpected. I'm just diggin' the joy of having latitude to tweak my sound and better compliment the drummer. The 'Brick' always sounded great, but the old HA4000 amp just couldn't deliver its tone to the masses.

First impressions are suddenly; there was even deeper-cleaner and punctual bass oooOMPH than was previously enjoyed. For tech heads, I know nothing about db & all that. The mids knob went down from 1 o'clock to 10, the bass went from noon down to to 11. Volume stayed the same, treble knob; at noon. I always just tweaked the tone knob on my bass.

The reason behind this batch of boxes is for me to try & skip the need for a sub-woofer that the band drags around. It just emits a bass throb. It may help the bass drum, but added nothing helpful to the bass tone, which is why I moved to the LH and added the 2 x 10. Plus, who doesn't like more stuff?

The real test is Friday night, live in Commerce TWP. I may stack 'em, or just leave 'em on their sides, it depends upon stage room. The 'Uptown Grille' has a decent stage that doesn't suck the tone out of your gear. So, if you're curious, I'll supplement this with a report from 'the field'.
 
I bet that sounds great.
The joy of this excusion is new gear & new challenges, the real work beyond just enjoying the gear and what it does in ideal situations is making it work in any room.

Would it make sense to get a ridiculously long cord so I can walk 20-30 ft. from the band area and evaluate my tone as I play? I am telling myself 'yes' but does anyone else do this?
 
Which one is the new one in that pic?
The smaller cab with the centered logo, on the right. Quite an amazing box.

The drummer's riding me hard for not getting a '15. But I trusted Don's and many TB'ers advice. The drummer said, for 'onstage' the rig is fine, but a '15 would be better if a PA is not being used. I didn't not really want to get into it with him 'cause his drums have the same challenge when we don't work with a sound guy. All he has is the sub, I wanted more control than that.

If that's the case, I could just get a 20ft. speakon and spread the joy around.
 
The smaller cab with the centered logo, on the right. Quite an amazing box.

The drummer's riding me hard for not getting a '15. But I trusted Don's and many TB'ers advice. The drummer said, for 'onstage' the rig is fine, but a '15 would be better if a PA is not being used. I didn't not really want to get into it with him 'cause his drums have the same challenge when we don't work with a sound guy. All he has is the sub, I wanted more control than that.

If that's the case, I could just get a 20ft. speakon and spread the joy around.

Try to keep the cabs as close as possible so that oyu won't have any phasing. Other than that, congrats!
 
Never trust a musician when it comes to sound. Most of them are pretty clueless. Sounds like your drummer has a case of speakersizeitis.
I don't beat on him too much. He's a good drummer, plus he works at GC. So, membership has its privilages.

I was really interested if he did have a point regarding a 15 vs. 2 x 10. I batted this topic around here for about 3 weeks and got similar answers: todays 2 x 10's are pretty phenomenal. Match your cabs...if you can, and keep them similar in scope to prevent phasing issues.

I am pretty happy. But GAS problems persist: I want those 'new' speakers in the older LDS cab. Don pointed out that the old cones were starting to go, and for around a hundred bucks, I could get them replaced.

I'm thinkin': HELL YEAH!
 
Stack 'em vertically, methinks you'll like what you'll hear. That cab on the left kinda looks like one made for a pair of BP102's. A vented cab for those needs to be a bit larger than usual. I designed and built a vertical 2-10 w/a 6" mid for a pair of BP102's. It'll be a month or two before I get 'em completely finished ($$ issues y'know), but I'm expecting great things..
 
Never trust a musician when it comes to sound. Most of them are pretty clueless. Sounds like your drummer has a case of speakersizeitis.

Good rule, never trust muscians or drummers.;)

My LDS 210UL will keep up with a marshall half stack played loud in an full auditorium seating about 800, with PA support. I can't imagine what two would do. But the thought makes me happy.:D
 
I'll try the 'stack'. Thanks.

I am curious as to how the live rock sound will evolve. Before the LH1000, it was just bass sounds, since then, I have actually had enjoyment of tone & punch.

Adding another cabinet will hopefully get me to that rare strata where bass playing talk topics like; "tone", "headroom" and (some) "grindy" will be word choices I can finally use...possesively.

It also means mistakes will be very well pronounced...me-thinks it's time to practice.
 
+1

Maybe a 40ft cord for sound checks.
Yep. It's another thing to haul to & fro. But, if the audience can get a slightly better show...they'll take it. And we will get invited back.
Man, it just ain't as good as it used to be, man. Oh you mean LDS. Sorry man.
Funny indeed. PM me and I'll tell you about the logic behind one of the finest stereo speaker makers initials: DCM corporation in Ann Arbor, MI. If you think about it a bit, you may figure it out on your own.

The pursuit of tone is a more intense and expensive addiction.