The Combo Club

[GonePlaid]

Thanks, a number would be great! I am definitely a combo player, I like portability and can't really afford to invest in a modular system right now. Plus I don't need anything more for the level I'm playing at.

I did some recording with the Vox:

View attachment 3250202

I recorded the mic's into my Zoom H6, also did a little bit of video with my iPhone. Not easy! I had limited time, tried a few things, not sure that they came out so well, still working through the recordings. It took me awhile to get things going - I was experimenting with different settings, plus the bass I used (1971 Gibson Les Paul Triumph with LaBella flats) is somewhat high output - I think I was overloading the front end of the amp, I couldn't turn it up past about 10:00 or I would get a clicking on the notes. I also wish I had simultaneously recorded the line out but I didn't have an extra cable.

I also used it with my Tadpole ukulele bass, playing with a friend who was playing regular ukulele and singing. Their cat is my buddy, plus I was sitting on his chair:

View attachment 3250203

I had the amp down to my right - people weren't necessarily listening to us, plus it was our first time playing together, but I did get comments that the bass sounded great - people were more interested in the ukulele bass aspect but the amp was definitely part of the equation. This was also my first time playing the Tadpole in these circumstances, so I was adjusting to that as well.

Finally - I had about a 5-minute walk from my car to my friend's apartment building - it was great, the amp in one hand, my ukulele bass and a bag with cables and 3 bottles of beer as gifts (including one Pliny the Elder) over my shoulder - it was a breeze, and that's a big reason why I went with the Vox.

That explains why the cat looks miffed. Then again, cats always look miffed.

 

[GonePlaid]

I used to live next to a Creek in the Sierra Nevada Foothills (on the California side) and I was playing my Precision Bass standing down by the creek using a wireless that went to my amp in the barn above me.

Little bird flys up and lands about 6 feet or so from me on one of the tree limbs, cocks its head to one side and is intently listening.

I got a little too into focusing on the bird and eventually hit a wrong note, and instantly off flew the bird!

So I my playing that day wasn't even good enough for the birds...

Oh well.

I did better years later attracting deer with an electric guitar.

Guess what I am saying is that even out in the middle of nowhere in the woods, we have an audience, and they too have standards when it comes to music.

 

[GonePlaid]

Yeah, they are a tad heavy for what they are. I leave mine at our other house so there's always something there for me when I go up.

They were pretty much state of the art at the time. I've used mine for concert band(I don't play upright)w/ the volume at 2 +/-, small restaurant/lounges, etc. and it did fine. It has developed a buzz, but if I can eliminate that, I'll continue to use it. Or I could start an artificial reef with it. That'd confuse the hell outta divers.

 

[Russell L]

They were pretty much state of the art at the time. I've used mine for concert band(I don't play upright)w/ the volume at 2 +/-, small restaurant/lounges, etc. and it did fine. It has developed a buzz, but if I can eliminate that, I'll continue to use it. Or I could start an artificial reef with it. That'd confuse the hell outta divers.

Played a couple of keyboard gigs with mine. Not the best eq for it, but it did ok. I was solo in a quiet environment (one reception and a funeral), so the volume was plenty. I originally bought it in 2001 to take to quiet band practice.

 

[Russell L]

Here's mine. Works great. $300 back in '01.

 

[Russell L]

Hey, the Bassman 25 head sounds great through that Markbass Traveler 151P cab beneath it. The 10" is cut off when I plug the 15 in, but the extra cone size and bigger cab make it a bit louder and sound big. Interesting tone combination.

 

[GonePlaid]

Hey, the Bassman 25 head sounds great through that Markbass Traveler 151P cab beneath it. The 10" is cut off when I plug the 15 in, but the extra cone size and bigger cab make it a bit louder and sound big. Interesting tone combination.

Yeah, mine looks like that^-except the bottom of the 7(F) broke off. I hooked mine up to my R112 cab, which, as you say, cuts off the onboard 10". The sound was really amazing. Once I cure the bzzz, I might try separating the head and putting it in a case of some sort to run the R112 as a 25W rumble head and retire the cab.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Thanks, a number would be great! I am definitely a combo player, I like portability and can't really afford to invest in a modular system right now. Plus I don't need anything more for the level I'm playing at.

Welcome, hieronymous, to the Combo Club! You are member #114 of this illustrious group we've assembled. I apologize for being so late to issue you a number, but I'm an elementary teacher trying to survive December before THE break. Three more days and I'll be able to play more bass, get more sleep, and play more bass.

Please enjoy our complimentary beverage served by Gone Plaid, our holiday barkeep. He serves a mean Fuzzy Navel. Or is that a fuzz pedal? I dunno, but he's a really nice guy. G-Dog will update you on all the benefits we offer our members; completely free of charge, of course. Just make yourself at home and keep us updated on your Vox amp. The many reviews these past few weeks have been like a great book that I can't put down.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Here's mine. Works great. $300 back in '01.View attachment 3250758

Russell L, let me know if you'd like to join our little gang and I can score you a membership number. You've already posted a pic of your combo and I appreciate you doing so. That's what we are here, a group of music lovers with different stories to tell and perspectives, but with a commonality, we call the combo amp. Hit reply and let me know. We'd love to add #115 to our list before Santa arrives!

 

[iagtrplyr]

NAA (new amp acquisition) for the Fearless Leader has been pushed to January. Something about taking care of all the kids and grandkids first. Well, I never...

So my list is currently the Vox VX50BA (club loyalty and curiosity with Nutube); Fender Studio 40/Stage 800 (want recording ability, tonal variety, use in different scenarios; Ampeg BA-series (love wedge-shaped amps in the practice room; new Acoustic Classic-series (incredible guilt over last amp's demise, cheap acquisition, sounded decent); and anything else that trips the trigger. Something to practice with and maybe small-medium gigs where there's usually not PA support.

Throw in a new suggestion or offer support to one of these if you'd like. I know, it looks like KbD's Christmas list, but these are popular for a reason. Price range is $1 to a $1,000, but since Dog's salary comes right out of my own let's say between $1 up to $999. I'd be really interested in something I've never owned before, but sadly, that list is running shorter and shorter with each passing year.

Thanks, Club. See ya when I can with next week being better.

 

[GwenOnBass]

Totally on board with any/all of these. And many here at TB give the Phil Jones Double Four high marks.

 

[Russell L]

Russell L, let me know if you'd like to join our little gang and I can score you a membership number. You've already posted a pic of your combo and I appreciate you doing so. That's what we are here, a group of music lovers with different stories to tell and perspectives, but with a commonality, we call the combo amp. Hit reply and let me know. We'd love to add #115 to our list before Santa arrives!

Sure, I'll take a number. Thanks. I have other combos as well.

Russell

 

[hieronymous]

Welcome, hieronymous, to the Combo Club! You are member #114 of this illustrious group we've assembled. I apologize for being so late to issue you a number, but I'm an elementary teacher trying to survive December before THE break. Three more days and I'll be able to play more bass, get more sleep, and play more bass.

Please enjoy our complimentary beverage served by Gone Plaid, our holiday barkeep. He serves a mean Fuzzy Navel. Or is that a fuzz pedal? I dunno, but he's a really nice guy. G-Dog will update you on all the benefits we offer our members; completely free of charge, of course. Just make yourself at home and keep us updated on your Vox amp. The many reviews these past few weeks have been like a great book that I can't put down.

Lol - I look forward to all the benefits membership brings! But seriously, thanks for the number. Enjoy your break when it comes!

I think I need to do a little more recording with the Vox, hopefully before the end of the week.

 

[G-Dog]

. . . . I think I need to do a little more recording with the Vox, hopefully before the end of the week.

So, hiero, you still liking it? Is it "breaking in" for you? Have you given it "keeper" status, yet? What's your take, so far?

 

[hieronymous]

So, hiero, you still liking it? Is it "breaking in" for you? Have you given it "keeper" status, yet? What's your take, so far?

It's definitely a keeper for me - walking to my friend's house with it in one hand and uke bass over my shoulder was so much fun!

I want to dig a little deeper into the weird sound I was getting with my Les Paul Triumph though - I think it was overloading something but was it overloading the gain? The speaker? I wish I had recorded the line out too, that's my next step, plus a couple of different basses.

The true test will be playing it in a coffee shop with my two guitarist friends, but that won't happen until next year.

Here's a shot to show the size with the Les Paul:

 

[Doctor Intrepid]

One thing to note, if you haven't already, is that the lineout is pre-EQ, so you won't get any of the color provided by the Vox.

 

[GwenOnBass]

Shame about pre-EQ lineout given the good pairing the Vox should be with my British Invasion style bass. Vox really has the Vox vibe down. Weird, that.

 

[GwenOnBass]

Yes she said, yes

which is a direct riff from James Joyce and there are several people who bring Molly alive and a wee pint will do ya. And decided not on a wee pint but some sort of dark Christmas ale that I rate as worthy of a second or third try for My StingRay is back from Santa's Workshop. Certainly appeared worthy of an ale. Of course your narrator never has before had a bit of ale before playing bass, that just wouldn't do in proper company.

In the room with all the pretty basses and guitars are also some Vox amps, and I said Vox VX50BA and Santa's Helper says when you're ready just ask.

A little bit worried after playing nothing but my semi-hollowbody shortscale for rather a good while, I plug in the 'Ray.

Ahhh.

Just like home.

What a smooth bass. Coming up this spring on 40 years together and I've not forgotten this bass can snarl. Nobody here .... just turn this up a little .... hehehe

 

[G-Dog]

Yes she said, yes

which is a direct riff from James Joyce and there are several people who bring Molly alive and a wee pint will do ya. And decided not on a wee pint but some sort of dark Christmas ale that I rate as worthy of a second or third try for My StingRay is back from Santa's Workshop. Certainly appeared worthy of an ale. Of course your narrator never has before had a bit of ale before playing bass, that just wouldn't do in proper company.

In the room with all the pretty basses and guitars are also some Vox amps, and I said Vox VX50BA and Santa's Helper says when you're ready just ask.

A little bit worried after playing nothing but my semi-hollowbody shortscale for rather a good while, I plug in the 'Ray.

Ahhh.

Just like home.

What a smooth bass. Coming up this spring on 40 years together and I've not forgotten this bass can snarl. Nobody here .... just turn this up a little .... hehehe

whoa whoa whoa what's with all the punctuation don't you realize that just forces an interpretation that may or may not be the intended mental image and then the whole swirling zeitgeist gets pidgeonholed into ridgid inflexible and intractable preconceived ideas which can never truly convey the euphoria ecstasy and dyslexia of the emotional chaos that is was and ever shall be reunification with a long lost intimate long lamented and longed for for so long but yes above all else yes by all means yes I guess

 

[mikeyjm2]

And decided not on a wee pint but some sort of dark Christmas ale that I rate as worthy of a second or third try

Ahhh yeah... 'tis the season...