Stoner/Doom Bassists Thread, Part 90: Maxed Out

[El_Charro]

I'm pretty sure it's designed that way to allow weaker players to still have a chance and not get completely blown out all the time. The idea is to level the playing field so that even the player who isn't great at the game still has fun and feels like they've got a shot at winning.

———————
I think you are correct…Also-Lol-I’m dying to make some joke about Mario Kart promoting socialism by helping the weaker players (or something along those lines), but not on here to offend anyone regardless of their political views or affiliation…

I somehow still suck at that game regardless of how many times I’ve played it or how far in the lead I get, so ironically I suppose my own sub par Mario Kart playing ability somewhat negates the joke I alluded to above…

Thanks! \m/

 

[Deleted member 132197]

So…Serious question here…

I don’t want to post this in the main forums bc I don’t want to have to sift thru all of the “any bass/amp will do” and sarcastic replies and I’m confident enough with this forum that I will get legitimate advice if I ask this here…

I’m probably still a long ways off from buying, but if you “HAD” to pick one head/amp brand out of the three I’ve narrowed it down to-Which would you pick and why???…

I keep coming back to Orange, Mesa, or Ampeg for a rig (not in a band yet, but eventually I would like to be)…

For my amp head budget-I’m looking at the Orange Terror 500 , The Mesa Subway 800, or the Ampeg SVT-7 Pro 1000 watt…

From research I’ve done-I’m leaning towards a Mesa as it seems like it’s the most versatile (maybe I’m a bit biased there bc some bands I like have used Mesa), but it also doesn’t seem weigh a million pounds (one of my few hang ups w Ampeg’s stuff is the weight)…

Admittedly I wasn’t all that interested in Ampeg until I tried one of their heads at my local GC…I don’t remember what cabinet they had it hooked up to, but it the head sounded a lot better and a little more aggressive sounding than I was expecting even though I was just using it to try out some of the basses in the store…

Aware I could mix and match heads and cabinet brands, but just curious out of the three which one you would pick and why…

I was leaning towards Orange, but wonder if that would do as good of a job if I decide to play Thrash Metal on the side and not just Doom/Stoner stuff…

Aware that effects pedals also alter one’s sound so I suppose this question might be a bit of a moot point…

My question is more from a brand standpoint- just curious which of the three you would pick…

Absolutely no “wrong” answers here…

If you could only pick one to go onstage with -Which one are you picking bc I can’t decide…

Admittedly my indecision is helping me hang on to my money for the time being, but eventually I’m probably gonna pull the trigger on one of them, so input is appreciated…

Thanks! \m/

I never played an of them, so I would go for Orange just because I like the colour.

 

[Andysalt01]

So…Serious question here…

I’m probably still a long ways off from buying, but if you “HAD” to pick one head/amp brand out of the three I’ve narrowed it down to-Which would you pick and why???…

I keep coming back to Orange, Mesa, or Ampeg for a rig (not in a band yet, but eventually I would like to be)…

From research I’ve done-I’m leaning towards a Mesa as it seems like it’s the most versatile (maybe I’m a )…

Thanks! \m/

They're all great heads with their own nuances and flavour. Personally, if I were you, I'd buy a used Mesa because you're already leaning towards it. If you buy something else I think you'll come back to the Mesa at some point in the future as you'll always be wondering if it's better for you.

The Mesa I believe is pretty clean and you'll be able to shape any tone and add hair etc with pedals.

If it doesn't work out, sell it for what you bought it for then get the next one on your list. You'll find certain things work in a particular band and some don't. The amount of gear I've flipped for that reason would probably even surprise me....

Good luck, it's an exciting journey

 

[Novarocker]

After I heard that the Jackson Ric-like bass was on the shelves now I had a chance to swing by a few stores for the first time in a year or more. Tried a few basses which I rarely ever do. First off, way impressed at the quality of $200-250 basses. Honestly barely a step behind the $500-700 range ones. Infact, I'd go as far as saying build quality and finishing is on par with the mid range, likely just a hardware and pickup quality difference, well and maybe wood too.

The 2 standouts were the Jackson and the Sterling Stingray SS.

I'm a huge fan of 32" scale, but never liked how I sometimes felt cramped high up on 30". Somehow this one didn’t feel that way at all. They only had the Daphne blue one with a maple neck. First maple neck I was blown away with. Super smooth, frets felt great, super easy to play even without setup. The feel of how solid the whole thing was built reminded me of most higher end instruments. Heft, but not weighing a ton. Definitely a lighter bass too. Pickup sounded great, cool to shift to parallel and single coil to add more spring and tighten up/lightly cut the low end. Hell of a punch and full sound on series though. I gotta pick one of these up asap, the kiddos are starting to strap on my basses and try to play, this one might be perfect for em to grow in to and I'd love playing it too. Honestly, probably wouldn't even mess with anything on it which says a lot for $550.

The Jackson I have mixed feelings on. They look damn good in person and the headstock just works in person as well. Solid feel, though fit and finish wasn't the best, but I think the intense colors and binding may have been a contributor. The neck reminded me exactly why I've stayed away from any painted necks for years. Just felt like fly paper, if I ever got one of these, I'd strip and sand down the neck. Interesting profile, super slim D. Felt odd at first but really grew on me. I think what made it a little awkward at first was that combined with a super flat radius on the fretboard. First bass like that I've played. Action was super low but solid. Access to the 21st and above frets was out of sight. Pickups sounded great, but what really got me was the preamp. Most active basses just dont do it for me, but maybe with the placement of the pickups really suited this one. I was also torn on the pickup cover, which I'd remove if I bought it. The cover on a Ric never felt too much in the way, I could work with it. But this one was exactly where your fingers or pick would be if you palm mute. Definitely a front runner if I were to get another PJ. Tone was close enough that you likely wouldn't notice a difference in a mix from the standard pickup spots. Also kinda copped a Ric tone.

The work needed on the neck for me would make me hesitant, but not a deal breaker. I'd go for a used one. Kinda want to see if I can find a preamp on the market to slap in a bass.

By the way, that Rocket Red is intense. Like one of those neon reds that are a cross between red-orange with a little magenta in it.

So…Serious question here…

I don’t want to post this in the main forums bc I don’t want to have to sift thru all of the “any bass/amp will do” and sarcastic replies and I’m confident enough with this forum that I will get legitimate advice if I ask this here…

I’m probably still a long ways off from buying, but if you “HAD” to pick one head/amp brand out of the three I’ve narrowed it down to-Which would you pick and why???…

I keep coming back to Orange, Mesa, or Ampeg for a rig (not in a band yet, but eventually I would like to be)…

For my amp head budget-I’m looking at the Orange Terror 500 , The Mesa Subway 800, or the Ampeg SVT-7 Pro 1000 watt…

From research I’ve done-I’m leaning towards a Mesa as it seems like it’s the most versatile (maybe I’m a bit biased there bc some bands I like have used Mesa), but it also doesn’t seem weigh a million pounds (one of my few hang ups w Ampeg’s stuff is the weight)…

Admittedly I wasn’t all that interested in Ampeg until I tried one of their heads at my local GC…I don’t remember what cabinet they had it hooked up to, but it the head sounded a lot better and a little more aggressive sounding than I was expecting even though I was just using it to try out some of the basses in the store…

Aware I could mix and match heads and cabinet brands, but just curious out of the three which one you would pick and why…

I was leaning towards Orange, but wonder if that would do as good of a job if I decide to play Thrash Metal on the side and not just Doom/Stoner stuff…

Aware that effects pedals also alter one’s sound so I suppose this question might be a bit of a moot point…

My question is more from a brand standpoint- just curious which of the three you would pick…

Absolutely no “wrong” answers here…

If you could only pick one to go onstage with -Which one are you picking bc I can’t decide…

Admittedly my indecision is helping me hang on to my money for the time being, but eventually I’m probably gonna pull the trigger on one of them, so input is appreciated…

Thanks! \m/

Personally, the Terror or 800. Can't go wrong with any of them though. If you're open to spending a little more or going used, the Orange OB1 500 might suit lower tunings better and have more usable base dirt/distortion tones. The amp has a foot switch capable blendable parallel drive circuit. Supposedly, there's a crossover so only mids and highs get distorted, makes maintaining clarity on the low end super easy.

Mesa cabs are amazing, hit and miss on amps for me. Only tried the 800 and I was a fan, but I'd probably go for the TT. Love Ampeg tone, but always been hard for me to dial out the baked in tone when I try. Variations on a theme, ya know? Others are probably much more qualified for those 2 amps.

 

[lucas303]

So…Serious question here…

I don’t want to post this in the main forums bc I don’t want to have to sift thru all of the “any bass/amp will do” and sarcastic replies and I’m confident enough with this forum that I will get legitimate advice if I ask this here…

I’m probably still a long ways off from buying, but if you “HAD” to pick one head/amp brand out of the three I’ve narrowed it down to-Which would you pick and why???…

I keep coming back to Orange, Mesa, or Ampeg for a rig (not in a band yet, but eventually I would like to be)…

For my amp head budget-I’m looking at the Orange Terror 500 , The Mesa Subway 800, or the Ampeg SVT-7 Pro 1000 watt…

From research I’ve done-I’m leaning towards a Mesa as it seems like it’s the most versatile (maybe I’m a bit biased there bc some bands I like have used Mesa), but it also doesn’t seem weigh a million pounds (one of my few hang ups w Ampeg’s stuff is the weight)…

Admittedly I wasn’t all that interested in Ampeg until I tried one of their heads at my local GC…I don’t remember what cabinet they had it hooked up to, but it the head sounded a lot better and a little more aggressive sounding than I was expecting even though I was just using it to try out some of the basses in the store…

Aware I could mix and match heads and cabinet brands, but just curious out of the three which one you would pick and why…

I was leaning towards Orange, but wonder if that would do as good of a job if I decide to play Thrash Metal on the side and not just Doom/Stoner stuff…

Aware that effects pedals also alter one’s sound so I suppose this question might be a bit of a moot point…

My question is more from a brand standpoint- just curious which of the three you would pick…

Absolutely no “wrong” answers here…

If you could only pick one to go onstage with -Which one are you picking bc I can’t decide…

Admittedly my indecision is helping me hang on to my money for the time being, but eventually I’m probably gonna pull the trigger on one of them, so input is appreciated…

Thanks! \m/

I can at least save you the time of posting this for the TB masses...they will recommend the Mesa.

That said, I think a big part of the equation is what you're going for. Do you want "your sound" to come from your amp, or do you want your amp to be transparent? If you want "your sound" to come from your amp, I think you should try these in person if at all possible. Otherwise you'll likely be spending a bunch of time buying, selling, swapping, etc.

If you just want your amp to be transparent, you'll probably want the Mesa because AFAIK it has less "baked in" tone than the Orange or Ampeg. I'm no expert though.

Also think about features you want in an amp. Do you want a headphone out? DI out? Aux in? Specific type of EQ circuit? Effects loop? Etc etc etc.

If it were me making this decision, I'd take the Orange out of the running if for no other reason than it's only 500 watts. That's not really enough for my cabs.

If I could propose an unconventional idea...how about a Line 6 HX Stomp? It's got a bunch of amp and cab models, not to mention effects. You can use it at home with headphones (or speakers, of course, with a power amp) and experiment...maybe you find just the right amp model and buy the real thing, or maybe you're happy enough with the Stomp. For a gig you could either go direct from the Stomp, or get something simple like a powered cab to hook straight into the Stomp. I've got an HX Effects and my only regret is that I don't have access to the amp and cab models. The HX Stomp could literally be your entire pedalboard, and your amp (or use it as a preamp when you need an actual cab). Sure, you won't have huge amps and boutique pedals to show off (I'm not taking a shot at anyone or criticizing, to be clear), but you'll have an incredible amount of versatility and functionality.

According to the current HX Stomp manual, these are just the bass amps available in it (there are even more guitar amps, which you could also experiment with in a Chris Squire sort of setup):

Ampeg®B-15NFPortaflex®
Bass Ampeg® SVT® (normal channel)
Ampeg® SVT® (bright channel)
Ampeg® SVT®--4 PRO
Acoustic® 360
Aguilar® DB51
MESA/Boogie® M9 Carbine
MESA/Boogie® Bass 400+ (channel 1)
MESA/Boogie® Bass 400+ (channel 2)
Gallien-Krueger® GK 800RB
Sunn® Coliseum 300
Pearce BC-1 preamp (channel 1)
Pearce BC-1 preamp (channel 2)
Pearce BC-1 preamp (jumped)

And then on top of that you can mix and match cabs, mics, etc. I think it's an option worth considering.

 

[lucas303]

Variations on a theme, ya know?

 

[lucas303]

After the discouragement of this weekend, and the helpful comments from you folks, I got in a serious practice session last night. Real grunt work...the metronome was working overtime. Thanks for the inspiration!

 

[220_Hz]

fugggg the new Ty Segall record hits the doomy spot in all sorts of ways!
I need to steal some of those tones!

 

[Kaa]

Hey all. I'm getting the itch to get back on the bass and make noise. Still have the same gear, still the same tin ear. Might be the change in the season, but something has me shifting my focus from being a golf degenerate to a bass degenerate. Played the recently cleaned up PV Combo 300 at my buddy's for a jam, and I didn't hear any of the farting/cutting out, so hopefully the speaker goo was the issue. Anywhoo, just thought I'd do a drive-by to say "Hey."

 

[JBOWLES]

Been updating my setup with some cool trades and buys as of late. Got a US Ampeg 610, TC Thunderstorm, EQD Plumes, OBNE Alpha Haunt, and Signal Blender to go with my MDB-1, HP/LP, and bass wah. Will update with pics soon, but here’s a tasty one I took a day or two ago.

 

[cusar5]

So…Serious question here…

I don’t want to post this in the main forums bc I don’t want to have to sift thru all of the “any bass/amp will do” and sarcastic replies and I’m confident enough with this forum that I will get legitimate advice if I ask this here…

I’m probably still a long ways off from buying, but if you “HAD” to pick one head/amp brand out of the three I’ve narrowed it down to-Which would you pick and why???…

I keep coming back to Orange, Mesa, or Ampeg for a rig (not in a band yet, but eventually I would like to be)…

For my amp head budget-I’m looking at the Orange Terror 500 , The Mesa Subway 800, or the Ampeg SVT-7 Pro 1000 watt…

Thanks! \m/

I've had no desire for any others amps since I got my Mesa D800+. It's clean and powerful, and has a great EQ section. It doesn't get overdriven tones, but it reacts very well to pedals and other preamps, so you can pretty much get it to sound like whatever by putting other stuff in front of it, or even defeating its internal preamp by running a different one in the FX loop.

Plus, it's super small and light considering the amount of power it can put out. Can do 2 ohms as well.

 

[Andysalt01]

I caved and bought another HM-2, the Dunwich DIY version. Looking forward to A/B'ing it to my current stable of HM-2s on both bass and guitar.

I've missed something somewhere....are there DIY kits or links to how to build? Pretty interested if that's the case. Thanks

 

[ConfoundedBridg]

Been updating my setup with some cool trades and buys as of late. Got a US Ampeg 610, TC Thunderstorm, EQD Plumes, OBNE Alpha Haunt, and Signal Blender to go with my MDB-1, HP/LP, and bass wah. Will update with pics soon, but here’s a tasty one I took a day or two ago. View attachment 4356218

mmmm delicious... I love the Marcus Miller Jazz pickguard, I think it makes the bass look extra doomy.

 

[Kaa]

El Charro, in response to your inquiry, in the doom/stoner sense, I think the actual amp itself may not be the biggest question. I say that, simply because most (if not all) of the people here use a lot of effects on their signal before it gets to the amp. (I don't, and think I am the only one, lol.) So, if you are going to be like the zany kids in this thread and be stacking ODs/phasers/flangers/chorii/etc., you may want to look at the amp more as the "louder" part as opposed to the "tone" part.

 

[kleinenenten]

I've missed something somewhere....are there DIY kits or links to how to build? Pretty interested if that's the case. Thanks

Here's a link:
Dirtbox Layouts: Dunwich Amplification DIY HM2 "2021 Edition"

Note - I did NOT build mine. Bought it from someone else. I have no clue how to build these things!

 

[kleinenenten]

Anywhoo, just thought I'd do a drive-by to say "Hey."

Hey.

 

[kleinenenten]

Weird question - can shielding a pickup cavity actually cause noise? I've had noise issues with a single bass off and on for years, and it's been checked out repeatedly. Each time, the issue comes back. The only thing I can think of is that I DID shield the pickup cavity at one point, and maybe it's doing something weird? I don't know. Mostly ground hum type stuff, but even turned up, this bass sounds much hissier than my others. Debating going for a full gut of the electronics and paying someone to wire it up right from the get-go.

 

[JBOWLES]

Weird question - can shielding a pickup cavity actually cause noise? I've had noise issues with a single bass off and on for years, and it's been checked out repeatedly. Each time, the issue comes back. The only thing I can think of is that I DID shield the pickup cavity at one point, and maybe it's doing something weird? I don't know. Mostly ground hum type stuff, but even turned up, this bass sounds much hissier than my others. Debating going for a full gut of the electronics and paying someone to wire it up right from the get-go.

What did you shield it with? If it was with copper or aluminum tape, sometimes the adhesive is not conductive on those so putting small holes or drips of solder are used to connect them. If the shielding of all cavities isn’t grounded together, then that could be an issue as well. If it was with paint then there should still be a grounding strip or something connecting them all. That’s about the only way I know of that shielding could bring in more noise. Even then it’s a long shot unless something on the output jack is touching the shielding material.

 

[Novarocker]

Gotta check out that record, thanks for the tip @Evil_Druid.

@JBOWLES, Let us know your thoughts on the plumes, been on the fence about trying one.

I can at least save you the time of posting this for the TB masses...they will recommend the Mesa.

That said, I think a big part of the equation is what you're going for. Do you want "your sound" to come from your amp, or do you want your amp to be transparent? If you want "your sound" to come from your amp, I think you should try these in person if at all possible. Otherwise you'll likely be spending a bunch of time buying, selling, swapping, etc.

If you just want your amp to be transparent, you'll probably want the Mesa because AFAIK it has less "baked in" tone than the Orange or Ampeg. I'm no expert though.

Also think about features you want in an amp. Do you want a headphone out? DI out? Aux in? Specific type of EQ circuit? Effects loop? Etc etc etc.

If it were me making this decision, I'd take the Orange out of the running if for no other reason than it's only 500 watts. That's not really enough for my cabs.

If I could propose an unconventional idea...how about a Line 6 HX Stomp? It's got a bunch of amp and cab models, not to mention effects. You can use it at home with headphones (or speakers, of course, with a power amp) and experiment...maybe you find just the right amp model and buy the real thing, or maybe you're happy enough with the Stomp. For a gig you could either go direct from the Stomp, or get something simple like a powered cab to hook straight into the Stomp. I've got an HX Effects and my only regret is that I don't have access to the amp and cab models. The HX Stomp could literally be your entire pedalboard, and your amp (or use it as a preamp when you need an actual cab). Sure, you won't have huge amps and boutique pedals to show off (I'm not taking a shot at anyone or criticizing, to be clear), but you'll have an incredible amount of versatility and functionality.

According to the current HX Stomp manual, these are just the bass amps available in it (there are even more guitar amps, which you could also experiment with in a Chris Squire sort of setup):

Ampeg®B-15NFPortaflex®
Bass Ampeg® SVT® (normal channel)
Ampeg® SVT® (bright channel)
Ampeg® SVT®--4 PRO
Acoustic® 360
Aguilar® DB51
MESA/Boogie® M9 Carbine
MESA/Boogie® Bass 400+ (channel 1)
MESA/Boogie® Bass 400+ (channel 2)
Gallien-Krueger® GK 800RB
Sunn® Coliseum 300
Pearce BC-1 preamp (channel 1)
Pearce BC-1 preamp (channel 2)
Pearce BC-1 preamp (jumped)

And then on top of that you can mix and match cabs, mics, etc. I think it's an option worth considering.

I won't have this, you make too much sense! I want the gear that I want....oooooh shiny thingy with lights!

Great points all around for sure, I was too broke starting out to afford an amp with DI and headphone out as well as have the power to do a gig. It was either a gig amp or a practice amp, gig was the winner. I think I just practiced at home with the tiny beginner kit and lugged around my other for everything else. I missed the boat on knowing about the great Peavey lead sleds back then and the steals they were.

 

[Novarocker]

El Charro, in response to your inquiry, in the doom/stoner sense, I think the actual amp itself may not be the biggest question. I say that, simply because most (if not all) of the people here use a lot of effects on their signal before it gets to the amp. (I don't, and think I am the only one, lol.) So, if you are going to be like the zany kids in this thread and be stacking ODs/phasers/flangers/chorii/etc., you may want to look at the amp more as the "louder" part as opposed to the "tone" part.

Good point, I get my base tone and mostly use pedals for effect and dynamics, especially dirt. I do get a lot of drive from my amp though.

Love going straight into my amp, something special about that.