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Double Bass Baby Bass megathread

#181
I've thought about that, too. He actually gave the author of the above article the history lesson.

Azola or Ramirez is another possibility, but I figure if I want an Ampeg Baby Bass, I should get an Ampeg Baby Bass. But, I didn't know he got the Ampeg rights. That helps me go that route if I end up doing it.

Nick
 
#183
Opinions and ideas could help you, but telling people not to post won't.

Phil's suggestions are great, and you should take it into consideration. I am your typical musician; I live paycheck to mouth right now. So I know what it means to not have much money. But, if you need a flight case, I would suggest putting money aside for a while until you have enough.

You didn't mention that you will be flying with the bass, or if it's just going in an equipment truck. That makes a difference, too.

I have noticed many people use cello gig bags for their baby bass. Maybe a cello hard case would work?

Nick
 
#187
Many top baby bass players will tell you to try to get the original for that salsa bass sound. Now, once you've played an original ampeg baby bass, you'll hear the difference. There is something about the design and windings of the pickup that produce a really nice punchy and warm sound. The other baby basses get close, but it is up to you if close enough is good enough. Probably the best baby bass copy is made by Ray Ramirez at rayramirezbasses.com, and I've also heard some colombian baby basses that sound really good too.
Good Luck!!
 
#189
I am resigned to the fact that I will have to buy an Ampeg Baby bass from overseas...somewhere. But where? I live in Sydney, Australia, play salsa and have tried a few of the EUB's I've seen around in shops. Nothing special. And certainly not a patch on the Ampeg. Last January, when The Spanish Harlem Orchestra came to town, I loaned my rig to their bassist for an impromptu gig. Just a humble Eden head with a 2x10 Ampeg speaker. His Baby sounded heavenly. No sans amp, no nothin'. Just bass and amp. How do I find one anywhere in the world? (Needless to say, a used one would be ideal).
Tina
 
#191
Spirocore Solos (tuned down) for Salsa on the Ampeg. But that's going for the punch at the front-end and the fast decay so great in Salsa.

I think La Bella makes a taped set especially for the Ampeg.

Others will hopefully have more suggestions...Lyle
 
#193
Hey...why move the thread? The Ampeg BB is one of the first original EUB's. Those other threads are stale.

I've been on the Baby since the 1980's. Most of the cats I knew used Dr. Thomastik, (as I do). I forgot the specific type but I'll find out once I get home.

Wow I even remember the gut strings.....those thing were terrible on the Ampeg, :rollno: (good for bowing though).

The true sound of the baby came mostly from the pick-ups and partially from the UV solid body. So if you have one that's wood the sound may not be the same. Probably sort of unique though.

The Ampeg Baby bass is a thumpy conga sounding instrument, (maybe that's why it's so popular with Latin music). For some reason some country groups like it too.

That may be because in the earlier times the Ampeg BB was used in almost all the Polka bands of yesteryear. It was an awesome combination of sounds with an accordian.

Good luck!
 
#194
For Salsa on the baby bass the Spirocore Solo is the defacto standard tone.

Superflex are darker a little stiffer and less complex.

I'm sure they'd be fine but why bother?
 
#195
It probably all comes down to taste. I've been playing Salsa since the 80's. I don't agree that there's a defacto sound.

What my camp likes is the thumpy, percussive thud sound that compliments the conga. Sustain and tone is for more of a Jazz influence.

The thumpy sound is the most wanted with all the groups I ever played for. In fact, I knew of a cat they nicked-name 'Thumpy'. The compliment of the baritone sax and the BB together was what a lot of the early Mambo kings arranged for, (for example Ray Sanchez of the Tito Rodriguez Orq).
 
#196
Fast Freddie said:
It probably all comes down to taste. I've been playing Salsa since the 80's. I don't agree that there's a defacto sound.

What my camp likes is the thumpy, percussive thud sound that compliments the conga. Sustain and tone is for more of a Jazz influence.

The thumpy sound is the most wanted with all the groups I ever played for. In fact, I knew of a cat they nicked-name 'Thumpy'. The compliment of the baritone sax and the BB together was what a lot of the early Mambo kings arranged for, (for example Ray Sanchez of the Tito Rodriguez Orq).
Click to expand...
I agree with that. The front end attack of the Spirocore solo is fantastic for that sound, especially when they are dead.

What do you use?
 
#197
I use Dr. Thomastik, I forgot the name brand, (could'nt pronounce the big German name half the time so I just brought the string package to the shop). I'd sometimes get mine at the Bass Shop at 23rd in NYC, or any DB music shop I would find them at. (Coughing up $100.00 back in the day was not easy...that'd be one gig easily :rollno:).

My Ampeg came with gut strings but to me they sounded horrible that way. (Good for bowing though). Also, the original aluminum bridge had a long sustain to it. Made my own 1/4sawn Maple bridge. That helped. Then I made my own tailpiece from Ebony. That too helped. Love that sound! (I'm a traditionist....I still turn the tone knob to zero).

Conga players love that tumbao! :D
 
#198
Fast Freddie said:
I use Dr. Thomastik, I forgot the name brand, (could'nt pronounce the big German name half the time so I just brought the string package to the shop). I'd sometimes get mine at the Bass Shop at 23rd in NYC, or any DB music shop I would find them at. (Coughing up $100.00 back in the day was not easy...that'd be one gig easily :rollno:).

My Ampeg came with gut strings but to me they sounded horrible that way. (Good for bowing though). Also, the original aluminum bridge had a long sustain to it. Made my own 1/4sawn Maple bridge. That helped. Then I made my own tailpiece from Ebony. That too helped. Love that sound! (I'm a traditionist....I still turn the tone knob to zero).

Conga players love that tumbao! :D
Click to expand...
What color are the silks on either end of the strings?
 

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