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DarkRay - Man, I went there...

#181
4bluestrings said:
Awesome job. I still don't regret my purchase. I love this bass. The look, the feel. Just a great playing bass. But this is an awesome mod you are working on and I may look at this for another bass ;)
Click to expand...

Thank you! I'm hoping to snag the real deal at some point, but just the concept got the creative juices flowing for a DIY project. :)
 
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#182
LowEndLobster said:
.... Just gonna leave this here... It's not done yet but we're getting there.

View attachment 4326504

Artec QDD2 drive circuit (four different drive modes) modified with an external gain control (the second pot). That's paired to a Darkglass Tone Capsule 3 band modified with a Noble B50k concentric pot w/ center detents (tested this on another project, works flawlessly!). DIY Darkray vid coming soon ;)
Click to expand...

Now this is something I'm intrigued by. The concept of the DarkRay is super cool, for sure, but the onboard distortion seems to start at about the point I'd call my maximum. So way too heavy for my tastes. This seems like it could be more subtle in the sound it offers. That said, I'm keen to hear more reviews from folks who are getting their basses now!

But then... how did you do all this work? I assume your lobster claw is only likely to snip the wires you're trying to attach :D
 
#183
Gray....
 

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#185
7947mC4.png


IT'S ALIVE! Just finished putting the concept together. I have a second control plate that I'll be painting black with some engine enamel. For now, I just wanted to take this thing for a test run.... HOLY CRAP. So you have 5 different 'drive modes' total. First is just a clean bypass, then a clean 'boost' (utilizes the onboard gain), then a mild distortion, medium distortion, and HEAVY distortion. All distortion modes respond to the gain control. The signal from the QDD2 goes into the Darkglass Tone Capsule preamp which works awesome with this OD control. You can get a lot of just MEAN sounds. I'll have a video on this sometime after NAMM... but for now, enjoy the teaser ;)
 
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#188
LowEndLobster said:
.... Just gonna leave this here... It's not done yet but we're getting there.

View attachment 4326504

Artec QDD2 drive circuit (four different drive modes) modified with an external gain control (the second pot). That's paired to a Darkglass Tone Capsule 3 band modified with a Noble B50k concentric pot w/ center detents (tested this on another project, works flawlessly!). DIY Darkray vid coming soon ;)
Click to expand...
AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGH!!! Why did I sell my "extra" Sterling???!!!
Guess I gotta buy another one now...

GREAT IDEA!!! Can't wait to hear it. :hyper::hyper::hyper:
 
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#189
LowEndLobster said:
View attachment 4326694

IT'S ALIVE! Just finished putting the concept together. I have a second control plate that I'll be painting black with some engine enamel. For now, I just wanted to take this thing for a test run.... HOLY CRAP. So you have 5 different 'drive modes' total. First is just a clean bypass, then a clean 'boost' (utilizes the onboard gain), then a mild distortion, medium distortion, and HEAVY distortion. All distortion modes respond to the gain control. The signal from the QDD2 goes into the Darkglass Tone Capsule preamp which works awesome with this OD control. You can get a lot of just MEAN sounds. I'll have a video on this sometime after NAMM... but for now, enjoy the teaser ;)
Click to expand...


I just checked the battery in my 2 band StingRay.

It's been in the bass for 3 years.

It's still showing close to 9 volts - looks good for another year, or so...


;) :D
 
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#190
PXL_20210707_234005279.jpg


Here's the finished product. Build video is going to drop this Friday. I think it's exciting enough to cut in line hahaha.

I did a poopy job with the spray painting but it still looks good.

Very excited to share this with you all, and I'll have a full in depth video exploring all (or as many as possible) different preamp and drive combinations
 
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#191
LowEndLobster said:
View attachment 4327407

Here's the finished product. Build video is going to drop this Friday. I think it's exciting enough to cut in line hahaha.

I did a poopy job with the spray painting but it still looks good.

Very excited to share this with you all, and I'll have a full in depth video exploring all (or as many as possible) different preamp and drive combinations
Click to expand...
tenor (86).gif
 
#192
I’m kinda surprised we didn’t get to see something a bit more like this Mooer GTRS.
Mobile phone app control, multi FX, looper, tuner, wireless foot switch. Headphone out through the jack. USB to play direct into a mobile device. Under $1,000 (think I saw $750 in one video). Yeah, it’s a FSO guitar. Yeah, it’s Mooer, which isn’t synonymous with top shelf gear. I’m not sure how well it actually works but the demo videos I skimmed seemed interesting, and the sounds weren’t bad. It’s an ambitious feature set.



Invalid Link Removed
The GTRS Intelligent Processor System includes 9 classic guitar simulations, 126 guitar effects, 40 drum grooves, 10 metronome variations, and an 80-second looper. All settings can be quickly edited through the GTRS app with more simulation files and effects planned to be released in the future. The Super-Knob and GWF4 wireless footswitch enable quick preset changes during live performance and the built-in chargeable & replaceable battery frees you from low battery anxiety. Guitarists can even use a single OTG cable to set up a live stream while performing.
 
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#196
So my fiancée just ordered me the last granite one out of 100 a couple days ago as an early birthday/wedding gift (we’re getting married on our birthday (we have the same birthday)) and I’m super excited, but it says it’ll ship out within 4 months. How long before you got yours from ordering?

Also, I will say that this is by far more bass than my talents warrant… but I’m super excited to get it.

edit: just read through and saw the part about only a few being ready when released and others getting the ‘at least 3 month build time’.
 
Last edited:
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#197
secondbestcody said:
So my fiancée just ordered me the last one out of 100 a couple days ago as an early birthday/wedding gift (we’re getting married on our birthday (we have the same birthday)) and I’m super excited, but it says it’ll ship out within 4 months. How long before you my o yours from ordering?

Also, I will say that this is by far more bass than my talents warrant… but I’m super excited to get it.
Click to expand...
Let it inspire you! You have a duty to make that thing look good!
 
#199
Reminds me about how Owen Biddle had a TS9 built right into his Callowhill OBS. While most people will think a circuit at their toes is just as adequate, there’s something that gets unlocked when you’ve got certain controls at your fingertips.

Same as how I benefit from having volume and my active Stingray EQ at my fingertips. I adjust those all the time during a set or even mid-song.
 

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