• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Rickenbacker/Ashdown Problem

C

coop1985

Apr 16, 2010
10
0
#1
I have recently bought a Rickenbacker 4003 and an Ashdown ABM 210 500w EVOII combo with Ashdown ABM 115 Extension cab and I'm really disappointed with the sound that I am getting. The volume isn't anywhere near what you would expect. I am unsure whether this is due to the size of the practice room, the amp or the guitar... Or a combination of all 3. I have been considering changing the pickups in the Rickenbacker or swapping it for something like a Fender Precision, but don't know if this will help. I've also considered switching amps, but feel I should get some advise before I waste any more money.


I want a really full, fat, deep bass sound that you can feel, rather than a twangy sort of Joy Division sound.

The music I play has been compared to Snow Patrol, The National and Explosions In The Sky.

Any advise would be much appreciated.

Thanks.
 
#4
I used to use an old Epiphone Thunderbird with a Peavey TNT150 and it wasn't quite loud enough. So I bought the Ashdown rig and the Rickenbacker in an attempt to get a better sound all round, but the Ashdown didn't seem to be any louder despite the 350w difference. I'm going to try the Thunderbird out with the Ashdown tonight to see if there is any difference in volume, but thought i'd post something on here to see what people thought.
 
#6
coop1985 said:
I used to use an old Epiphone Thunderbird with a Peavey TNT150 and it wasn't quite loud enough. So I bought the Ashdown rig and the Rickenbacker in an attempt to get a better sound all round, but the Ashdown didn't seem to be any louder despite the 350w difference. I'm going to try the Thunderbird out with the Ashdown tonight to see if there is any difference in volume, but thought i'd post something on here to see what people thought.
Click to expand...

The Thunderbird should be good as well. Watts dont have as much influence on volume as total speaker surface area does.


-RTK
 
#8
Alot of things to do with volume ......... sometimes is not all about watts. My Little Mark 250 (250watt) can blow any 500watt Ashdown in term of volume easily when using same cabs.

It depend what EQ settings you dail in to your ashdown. If you dail tones of bass and scoop all the mid then of course you will lack of volume, mid is what bring you the volume. Also different bass will need depend gain set on the amp.

Also sounds like you don't really like the Rick. I guess a Fender P will do the trick for you if you want that deep fat tone with some growl into it.
 
#10
Thanks for that, I'll try upping the mid. I've been playing with a "smiley" EQ. High bass, low mid and high top end. You think if I invert it then, this will help??
In terms of speaker surface area, I use 2x10" and a 1x15. Shouldn't this be blowing my face off??
I LOVE my Rick!!! But I suppose, like a woman, if she isn't putting out, then you have to get rid!! lol
 
#11
coop1985 said:
Thanks for that, I'll try upping the mid. I've been playing with a "smiley" EQ. High bass, low mid and high top end. You think if I invert it then, this will help??
In terms of speaker surface area, I use 2x10" and a 1x15. Shouldn't this be blowing my face off??
I LOVE my Rick!!! But I suppose, like a woman, if she isn't putting out, then you have to get rid!! lol
Click to expand...

Ok, here is the thing you can try. First set all EQ flat on both bass and amp (This means turn off the deep switch as well). Play the bass with flat setting and see what you think is lacking. I say cut some upper mid off and boost low mid instead. Add some bass and treble if needed.

Also the smiley face EQ to me means boost low and hig and scoop all the mids. This means it will probably sound good at home with plenty of bass etc but when you in a band, high chance you will get loss in the mix.
 
#15
Thats great advise, thanks!!
So on a dial, I take it that "flat" is at 12 o'clock? And totally turn the bass volume off on the guitar. And im looking at a sort of wave EQ if that makes sense?
Thats exactly whats happening i'm getting lost in the mix. Signing up to this site is the best thing i've ever done! Nice one!!
I'll try it out tonight and see what happens!! :D
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back