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how do i make this set up sound cleaner / less muddy

H

hanx

Apr 13, 2009
243
1
Queensland, Australia
#1
not sure if it really belongs in technique but i couldn't decide which of the equipment sub-topics it belongged in so here seemed to do.

I'm looking for tips on how to fiddle with this array of nobs and switches to minimise the muddyness for this set up.

Ibanez SRX 4-string, with Elixer strings
* volume
* 2 band EQ (cut and boost)
* 2 double-coil pick ups (neck and bridge, look like same type except for magnet spacing), with blendable pick-up selector

Peavey MAX110. 10" 20W, which has:
* 3 band EQ
* a switch that says "modern/vintage"
* volume (of course)

cheap cable the guy at the shop was willing to throw in with the package.

I can't afford major upgrades any time soon,i mainly just want to know how to get the best out of what i've got, but minor things would be useful (e.g. would a good cable really be worthwhile? is it worth getting strings this fancy when it's time to replace them), and an idea of which bits to consider upgrading first would be interesting.
 
#2
i own the max112 so im not sure if this applies but the speaker on mine has tons of bottom end, setting it to vintage will give you that jamerson sound. modern is brighter but not that bright. my bass sounds a lot brighter in other amps. you can boost the treble on the amp but that wont do much really.
 
#3
in my experience, the only thing expensive cables are better at is making you broke. avoid the cheap ones, for sure. they'll usually cause buzzing, but the difference between $20 and $100 cables is so minimal it won't matter.

as for the strings, elixer coated strings are the best thing you can do for your tone. i've been using them for about a year now. i've only used 2 sets, and i still don't know what they sound like when they're dead. my current set is about 4-5 months old, and bright as ever. if that new string sound is your thing, keep them.

now for the part you don't want to hear... save your money and get a better amp. those little peavey amps aren't meant to sound great, they're just meant to give you enough volume for practice by yourself.
 
#5
Ya, unless it was made in the 60's or 70's and says Ampeg on the front, a 20w amp isn't going to have much. But, if you keep your tone controls flat on both the bass and amp, then remove the frequencies you don't like rather than boost the ones you do, you'll probably do a little better with it. If you have to make boosts, make them slight.
 
#6
thanks guys :)

So as long as i don't have a specific buzzing or static i can't blame the cable?

Ok... new amp before new bass.

I guess my amp just isn't designed to go very loud? It's a bit better down quieter, but it goes muddy quite fast, like maybe 1/4 full volume, it seems it should go closer to it's full potential before it starts going a bit wrong though? I think when i was shopping for the bass it seemed to have quite powerful pick-ups, maybe that's why the amp starts distorting so soon?

I was kind of looking for a smallish amp though, i live in an appartment and i figurred if i had an amp which could go loud, it far too often would go loud, leading to evictions and/or lynching by neighbours. Could i maybe justify a new amp on the grounds that it will sound better on intermediate volumes? Or maybe i should just use muddyness as a good incentive to avoid neighbour-rage-inducing volumes...

Also, i think i'll try changing the 9V in my bass, i've heard dying batteries can lead to muddyness? but i think my bass might be passive with active EQ, not true active (is there a difference?), so would that still apply? Meh, the 9V is the cheapest thing i can switch so it's worth a shot.
 
#7
20 watts and one 10" speaker just isn't much horsepower when you're looking for volume AND tone.

Practice on very low vol with the Peavey and look for a reasonably priced used amp with 50-100 watts and 2-10's or a 15 and a horn. That might be a good step up in volume. Since you have the bass you can try out whatever you get next to see if it sound the way you want it to.

--Kevin
 
#8
Unless your cable is broken, it's fine. Moderately priced cables may be better than cheapos in that they are more durable, but anyone who tells you that a cable will meaningfully improve your tone is (as he dons his asbestos suit) mistaken:hiding:

The amp is by faaar your weakest link. Save some dead presidents and watch the classifieds when you've saved enough.
 
#9
"I had a dream. ..... A pipe dream."

Jimmym had it right to back off the tone controls for less of what you don't like. Unfortunately Ibanez pickups aren't super clean and Peavey amps, are notorious for adding circuitry to make whatever bass you plug in sound the same.
99-cents for a new 9-volt is a good start. And don't leave the bass plugged in, it kills the battery.
So for the time being till you can afford the gear you want, practice.
 

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