Next Step?

[bckwdssthrnbrd]

Hello Talk Bassers! I'm new to the world of bass guitar, happened into a band who and am trying to learn quick. Right now, I'm having trouble getting my sound the way I want it. Advice on what/how to upgrade my setup would be greatly welcomed. Playing country/blues, and money's tight (naturally...)

Gear as follows:
Squier VM Jazz
BBE MaxCom
Hartke LH500
Peavey 410TX

THANKS!

 

[carl h.]

What strings are you playing?
What are your knobs set to - amp and guitar?
What aren't you getting that you want?

 

[bckwdssthrnbrd]

Bandmate turned me on to Fender's nylon tapewounds (which feel amazing). Bass Vol typically all the way, tone half split between neck and bridge. Amp running around 7 (2 o' clock), with minimal eq tweaking; hint of treble and less mid.

Idk, really why I resorted to ask. For one, I don't hear/feel myself very well, especially for how much sound I'm dialing in. Two, I guess my notes aren't getting "rounded?" I can dial up to really give em life/sustain, or dial back and get 'em real choppy; no middle ground.

 

[Ben Noblit]

It would be helpful if you could tell us what your goals are in upgrading. What do you want tonally, volume-wise, etc.

EDIT: We posted simultaneously. I would try fiddling with your EQ before anything else. Mids are the key to being heard in a band context (how loud do you guys play?). Try playing with just one pickup, with the band, and see what that does (using two pickups can cancel out some of your frequencies, making you harder to hear. The "rounding" you mention sounds like a technique issue to me, though its hard to judge over the interwebs.

If you can find a clip that has the bass tone you are looking for and post it, that would also help.

 

[Ben Noblit]

Also, where in your signal chain is the MaxCom? That thing could be the problem. It needs to be fed a line-level signal, and the Maximizer can scoop your mids badly at higher settings. What are your settings on that?

 

[bckwdssthrnbrd]

Tonally, I just want a well rounded multipurpose sound. There are times I would like to have that 40's/50's pure pre-electric tone. I realize I can't play upright, but it would be nice if I could fake it There are also times to "make it funky," with an in your face 70's tone that makes people wanna dance. Don't really need volume for either, but I'd like to always hear myself over the lead/drummer combo

Mess with that thing constantly, still don't know where or how to set it... so can't really say. But I'm running it thru the effects loop (prob, right?)

 

[Renaissance]

Try positioning the cab so you can hear yourself better - maybe tilt back or raise. Have you tried pulling the MaxCom out of the chain just to see what happens? Not having a good idea of how to set it, you may be doing more harm than good.

 

[bckwdssthrnbrd]

That's very true... and yes, I remember when I first got it pulling it out and noticing it was better to at least leave it. I'll see if I can tilt it somehow thanks!

And I appreciate the polite attitude Zoa! Don't think it's a technique issue, but I'll try rollin to one pup and uppin my mids. "We" play real loud, meaning I prolly play with the more dynamic control than the others... which explains the hearing problem

As far as tone sample, be easier to kinda list experts I enjoy the tone of:
Tim B - Eagles
Pino Palladino - JMT
Jermaine Jackson
Paul McCartney
Catherine Popper - Cardinals/Nocturnals

 

[Ben Noblit]

Also, where in your signal chain is the MaxCom? That thing could be the problem. It needs to be fed a line-level signal, and the Maximizer can scoop your mids badly at higher settings. What are your settings on that?

I'd like to know this.

Your gear is good, though I'm not experienced with your cabinet, perhaps Peavey users might chime in? If you get to the point where you want to buy something nice, your money is best spent on cabinets in my opinion. You can get away with a mediocre bass and head with a good cabinet, and your head and bass are a good deal better than mediocre.

For the '50s style tone I'd recommend using the neck pickup, for more in-your-face stuff using the bridge. Twist every knob you can find, and learn what they do.

The other thing you could try is changing strings. Tapewounds are pretty dull sounding, in my limited experience. If you like that thumpy sort of sound, you're good. If you want something more trebly, a set of nickel rounds might do you good.

 

[jmercer91]

Or go for flatwound strings... But Im no expert on those. And maybe turn your tone knob up a bit more? The knobs on your jazz make it a very versatile instument if you know how to use em right.

 

[bckwdssthrnbrd]

Thanks guys! I actually was starting to get tired of these strings already. They feel real slick, easy on your fingers but the tone does lacks something...

And after plugging up my rig to my bud's Ampeg 410, I see what you mean. BIG change with different speakers! Any suggestions/preferences for "new" cab?

EDIT: Mess with that thing (MaxCom) constantly, still don't know where or how to set it... so can't really say. But I'm running it thru the effects loop (prob, right?)

 

[Ben Noblit]

The effects loop is where it should be. The only other thing I can say is don't turn the "Sonic Maximizer" up very high. That will eat your mids and keep you from being heard in the mix.

As far as cabs go, that is a whole nother can of worms. I suggest trying to play through as many cabs as you can, with your setup, and see which ones you like. If you are a handy sort of person, you might want to go the fEARful route, which is a DIY "super cab" designed by TB's very own greenboy. That'll give you a top-flight cab for less than the price of most inferior commercial cabs.

If not, scour your local CL and TB classifieds. Cabs are a matter of preference for the most part, but I would recommend staying away from Behringer and Acoustic.