Bass Gear mag and their amp tests

[JimmyM]

Was at Sam Ash a few days ago, and happened upon the first two issues of Bass Gear mag. So naturally I bought them Great looking mag that must cost a fortune to press. They could use a little better proofreading, but overall it's really good stuff. Not only do they run a battery of tests, but they also break it down into real-world comparos in plain English for us folks trying to learn this stuff but still not quite catching on.

I remember that issue 1 created a lot of controversy about testing methods. And in issue 2, it looks like Tom and Martin implemented some changes. Haven't seen issue 3 since I only have it on Flipbook and it's doggone hard to read, but what do we think about the changes? I notice that it's been pretty quiet in that regard these days compared to issue 1, so does that mean everyone's happier with the methodology?

Regardless of the answer, I must say I'm enjoying reading the magazine. It's quite an ambitious product that's done clearly for the love of music and bass. I'd like to see some reviews of bass effects as well as basses and amps, but since basses and amps are clearly the big priorities, I understand why they haven't had much in that regard. Can't save the world in 3 issues of a magazine.

 

[Ezbass]

They could use a little better proofreading,

We have the same problem with Bass Guitar Magazine here in the UK and they've been going for many years now. Too much reliance on spell and grammar checkers and not enough actual reading I guess. However, Bass Gear Mag's reviews are just light years ahead of anyone else's, even if they do give me uncontrolable GAS! Roll on issue 3.

 

[gunny]

I've enjoyed all their issues (on line version) and wrote to them to commend them on their test articles. As an electronics technician who also plays music, their test results and gut photos are not only entertaining and informative but tell the story in terms I can relate to and understand. I told them it was refreshing to read reviews that were not littered with terms like 'organic', 'grind' or 'woody'....what the hell does that translate into??? .... I get those terms in a way but they're open to wide interpretation and therefore are useless to me.

 

[Jim C]

As a dinosaur, I need to hold paper in my hand and find the on-line read too much work.
From what I did read, it seems that this crew is genuinely interested in doing the best job possible and is not pressured by advertisers for good ink (at least not yet).

Where can I see a paper copy before ordering the subscription?
No Sam Ash near me.

 

[Mystic Michael]

I hear you re: the proofreading issues. As someone who writes a lot for a living, I'm probably hypersensitive to misspelled words, incorrect verb tenses, and the like. Then again, I see it practically everywhere I look in the music world - including the websites of pro gear manufacturers such as Carvin and Genz Benz...

Regarding Bass Gear magazine, I can't even access the online version. The PDF flipbook crashes my browser(s) every time I try to open it and read from it...

MM

 

[jokerjkny]

i thought the amp lounge had the last word on most anything. i was wrong.

 

[jellymax]

for me, the reviews seem a bit long. i'm not very interested in the
tech stuff---gives me a headache. i prefer a short review that compares
stuff to the competition using words i can pronounce, along with a
few pro's & con's. maybe i'm just getting old...

 

[pablomigraine]

I find the technical amp reviews invaluable. Especially testing out amps that claim 1200 watts and actually barely push 700!

 

[tombowlus]

I find the technical amp reviews invaluable. Especially testing out amps that claim 1200 watts and actually barely push 700!

Please note that we did change our bench test procedures for amps beginning with issue #2. Based upon what we saw with the Carvin B1500 (tested in issue #2), I believe that the test procedures used in issue #1 treated the more powerful heads somewhat unfairly. Accordingly, please do not judge the GBE 1200 by the output ratings achieved in issue #1. I have every reason to believe that the tested output numbers will change (most likely, it will show more output with the new test procedures).

Of course, the output for the LMII, M-300 and M6 Carbine may also change. We plan on retesting all of the heads in issue #1 so that we can build a database of consistent test results.

Tom.

 

[Deepwoods]

I was very impressed with their review of the Hartke LH1000. It was very thorough and informative and confirmed what I already knew about my newly acquired LH500. I look forward to more good stuff from that publication.

 

[Honk'n_down-low]

Was at Sam Ash a few days ago, and happened upon the first two issues of Bass Gear mag. So naturally I bought them Great looking mag that must cost a fortune to press. They could use a little better proofreading, but overall it's really good stuff. Not only do they run a battery of tests, but they also break it down into real-world comparos in plain English for us folks trying to learn this stuff but still not quite catching on.

I remember that issue 1 created a lot of controversy about testing methods. And in issue 2, it looks like Tom and Martin implemented some changes. Haven't seen issue 3 since I only have it on Flipbook and it's doggone hard to read, but what do we think about the changes? I notice that it's been pretty quiet in that regard these days compared to issue 1, so does that mean everyone's happier with the methodology?

Regardless of the answer, I must say I'm enjoying reading the magazine. It's quite an ambitious product that's done clearly for the love of music and bass. I'd like to see some reviews of bass effects as well as basses and amps, but since basses and amps are clearly the big priorities, I understand why they haven't had much in that regard. Can't save the world in 3 issues of a magazine.

This is a great Magazine - I finally subscribed as I love the detail in the reviews and reporting. Waiting for my first Print Issue - Jimmy did Sam Ash have more in stock would like to ge the first two issues in print as well.

 

[Jazzdogg]

I have all three issues before me, and IMO, they're an outstanding freshman effort. Yes, proof reading needs work, and some of the writing lacks economy, punch, and succinctness; the absence of a skilled editor is conspicuous. But overall, BGM is like an oasis in a desert of bass journalism.

For the time being, I'm willing to treat BGM as a buffet concocted by a brash but exuberant young chef: I select what appeals to me while overlooking the half-baked offerings. This culinary apprentice shows promise, and although he could benefit from supervision by a master chef for awhile longer, I'm eager to see what's he's cooking a few years from now.

 

[LedBelli Bass]

I'm a subscriber from day one, and I'm as persnickity as they come.

Regarding the proofreading: in today's world you can find bad proofing everywhere. It's all automated. USA Today has lots of bad proofing. For the mother of all bad proofing, go check out Velonews.com sometime. Everyone else looks good in comparison to them.

I like the mag. And I'm glad I got in from issue #1.

BUT . . . TOM! How did you let the photograph of Dan Boul in issue #3, pages 88-89 end up like that. Is he a cyclops??!! I cannot lay my magazine flat enough to see what he really looks like.

To be honest, if that photograph had been my first exposure to Bass Gear Mag, I would've passed . . . proofreading is one thing; proof photo layout is another!

A terrible faux pau --- an apology to Mr. Boul is in order!

 

[Honk'n_down-low]

Even Veterans screw up in the proofing department - nothing that I have noticed in this publication that stands out more than others.

Bass Player put the wrong Photo of Paul Chambers on their issue featuring him - talk about making an error and failing to catch it. That one is a collectors item.

 

[Tim1]

I would expect Bass Gear Mag to be far more appealing to the members of this forum than, say, Bass Player. It is more technical and seems more suited to those among us who enjoy contributing to various threads. Down here the only print copy mag we can get is Bass Player and , frankly , it is a 20 minute read at best and often way over-simplified so far as reviews go. BGM is filling a gap on the market and I appreciate not being treated like a 14 year old in its reviews. Sure, there may be some proofing errors, but these crop up in many publications and certainly do not get in the way of a good read IMO.

 

[Gopherbassist]

What's an issue cost? Since Guitar World Bass was discontinued, I've been trying to find a bass magazine that I can stand. Bass Guitar from the UK is pretty good, but the price is way too much for an imported magazine, and it actually ends up being cheaper for me to buy it at the stands than get a subscription. If this mag is a quality one and is fairly priced, I may check it out.

 

[JimmyM]

This is a great Magazine - I finally subscribed as I love the detail in the reviews and reporting. Waiting for my first Print Issue - Jimmy did Sam Ash have more in stock would like to ge the first two issues in print as well.

The one by my house near Orlando had like 3-4 issues of each. However, it looks like Sam Ash is discontinuing magazines. They didn't have the last two issues of BP, and the one in Cerritos, CA (where I was this weekend) said they lose about $300,000 a year on magazines. Don't know if this is just one store or the whole chain, but that's a lot of scratch to lose.

Tom, that's what I was driving at...the first issue tests the LMII at 220w @ 8 ohms and like 400w @ 4, while in issue 2, all the amps seem a lot closer to their rated power, and even exceeding it on a couple. Very interested in your redux's on those amps.

 

[Steve]

All the video clips on the BassGear youtube channel start with...a drum solo????

***?



Good mag tho.

 

[tombowlus]

I have all three issues before me, and IMO, they're an outstanding freshman effort. Yes, proof reading needs work, and some of the writing lacks economy, punch, and succinctness; the absence of a skilled editor is conspicuous. But overall, BGM is like an oasis in a desert of bass journalism.

For the time being, I'm willing to treat BGM as a buffet concocted by a brash but exuberant young chef: I select what appeals to me while overlooking the half-baked offerings. This culinary apprentice shows promise, and although he could benefit from supervision by a master chef for awhile longer, I'm eager to see what's he's cooking a few years from now.

I'd say that is a more than fair assessment. I'll respond by saying that for the most part, BGM is a collection of individuals who love checking out gear, talking about gear, finding just what an amp/cab/bass/whatever can do, getting to know the people who make this stuff (and what drives them), finding out what gear works best for what styles, and pretty much everything else gear related.

Other than Terry Buddingh, none of us are writers/photographers/editors by trade. But we are passionate about what we do! I am hoping that we are getting somewhat better as we go along, and I for one welcome any constructive criticism (feel free to do so via private PM's, ). I am also hopeful that once we get some of the kinks worked out, and I have more than a day or two for editing, the editorial side of the equation should be better. I know there is a lot of room for improvement there...

And thank you very much for all of the positive words and support you folks have given! I think we are fortunate to have a group of guys (no gals yet, but we're looking!) who are so into what the magazine is trying to do. It is a real privilege to work with these people.

Once again, please keep the constructive criticism coming. I honestly appreciate it very much.

Tom.

 

[tombowlus]

BUT . . . TOM! How did you let the photograph of Dan Boul in issue #3, pages 88-89 end up like that. Is he a cyclops??!! I cannot lay my magazine flat enough to see what he really looks like.

Yeah, I have been giving Marty a hard time about that one...