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The Combo Club
- Thread starter ChefKen
- Start date
Wow, GP, your Kasino rig really does have some history to it. Does it sound the same now as it did half a century ago, or can you tell it’s lost something? I mean if you’ve never reconed the speakers or swapped out old surround, I’m curious to know whether the sound has held up or not.
The speakers are original. The amp has always been in a climate controlled environment except for a short time in 72. They 'fart' some below A if you eq in too much bass but all in all they sound pretty good. Go on YT, "Driftwoods of Treasure Coast Live" by John Kerrison (my bro-in-law) and play videos 9-11. You'll hear it with my (no longer owned) Epi EB-3L. I rarely take my 67 TBird out in heat/ humidity.
GP, thank you my friend, I'll take a look and a listen.
Days ago I pledged there'd be a Stage 800 update and I have yet to deliver. Between working on science units (being it's like free time right now) and shoveling snow, I've been a dud on the keyboard, but tonight I plan to redeem myself with the latest installment of "How the Stage 800 Turns!"
My subtitles are called: #1) I hate you, 800! #2) I love you, 800! #3) Should a grown man of near-retirement age feel this way about an inanimate object? Let's begin...
#1 - Fearless Leader, why begin with the negative? You'll lose readership. Nah, it's only a negative if you're my Zoom B1ONX pedal. After playing the 800 using headphones for late night enjoyment and then using my Zoom pedal with phones last week, I found that the Zoom doesn't cut it in comparison. Now I know there's like a $740 price difference but in a strict tone vs. tone grudge match, the updated digital magic of the Rumble series makes my former late-night champ sound like a tub of mud. No tonal definition, no airiness coming out of the phones, lack of articulation between amp models...and I used to love it too, but it's been regulated to backup duty.
#2 - Here's a quick listing of what I love about this combo: quality build from Fender; abundant features on top and back of amp; inclusion of the Fender pedal (which I promise to get to one day soon); the variance of the different amp tones - like them all or not, you can't complain the Rumble digital series doesn't give you a wide array of tones to mess with AND the vast opportunity to mess with them. I'm still figuring out what some of the terms are for amps and pedals (body level on the acoustic sim?), but that's also half the fun. Seriously, if you just want to plug and play, as has been recommended by more people than me, grab a 200 or 500c and enjoy the versatility those amps give you, but if you like to tinker and/or create your own combo amp to your specs, then any of the three offerings (LT25, Studio 40, Stage 800) should trip that trigger nicely. I've complained in the past I spent too much time turning knobs and less time playing, but I now segment it to experimenting and playing times. I've even begun my master take-over-the-world plan to keep my ideas cataloged on a spreadsheet. In fact, I plan on sharing my acoustic guitar model to the Fender tone pool. Bottom line, if you have had experience with modeling bass amps (Bronco 40, for example) or pedals, you owe it to yourself to at least audition these combos to see if you agree with my assessment. They're that good.
#3 - Silly question, I know, but one I have to ask myself. The answer is yes, it's fine. No matter your age, skill level, or whether you think the Saints were robbed of a Super Bowl opportunity, it's okay to be inspired by your tools of the trade; in this case, a combo amp. My plan is to go all the way and purchase the Fender 210 cabinet for medium-sized places where I don't have PA support. I'm feeling the combo alone will still work for smaller venues with or without support. That's long term, but I may be looking to sell off a few items to make that happen down the road. For the near future, and call me crazy, I'm gonna buy either the Studio 40 (my #1a choice right now) or the new LT25 (my #1b choice) this spring. Why? Because the 800 is too dang loud for my practice space! I'd like to be able to turn it up at least a little, but even after an 8:00 volume setting it's shaking the place! So I'd like the same options but in a smaller and simpler package. The 25-watter would be perfect for home, but the Studio 40 would be great for home and jamming. The $200 difference though makes me want to at least try the LT25 to see if it has the pedigree I'm currently enjoying with the 800. I've got until at least March to decide, being the new model isn't due to ship inMarch, I believe. Right now if you preorder at GC and MF, it's only $179. Doggie, one of us has to do this thing!
Now don't think this amp is perfect. There's a thing or two I wish it had or was different then what it offers in its current form. Here are two examples: the volume differences when changing settings is annoying and a symptom of the different models are set up. Small problem though. A bigger one for us headphones users is the lack of an Aux In volume control like Ampeg has on their combos. Once you've used it you'll long for the ease of matching your incoming sound with that of your amp. Because of each amp model being different in its own volume, you'll spend time adjusting as you sift through the presets. Again, not a dealbreaker, but that extra control would've been nice.
My final ongoing conflict and I seem to be losing the battle is recording, recording, recording. Is there a decent site to help dummies how to understand the computer recording process or what? I keep looking around but it's like you're already supposed to know how to do it. First, which ASIO version do I use, 210 or 212? Is there a difference? I'm running Windows 10. Then, can someone recommend a free DAW to try out? I have Audacity downloaded. Is that a good one? It seems complicated, but then again, how do I know if it really is? It recorded from the internal mic (which was yucky), and then when I went through the computer it was tinny and sounded ten times faster than what I played. I figured I don't have something right but am clueless. Now I'll admit, I did not read the Audacity manual and will allow someone to humiliate me by suggesting to do so. If I have the right stuff, then I will do so. There has to be someone out there in CC Land who's been through this minefield. I'll appreciate any assistance.
That's it. I hope no one read this straight through. It's supposed to be sipped, not gulped. All questions and comments will be gladly accepted. I'd love our fellow 800 owners to chime in with anything they might have to share about the amp. Also, does anyone other than me think the newest version, the LT25. will be a worthy addition to the linbeup? Anyone as interested as I am to try it out?
Carry on Club...FL out!
Days ago I pledged there'd be a Stage 800 update and I have yet to deliver. Between working on science units (being it's like free time right now) and shoveling snow, I've been a dud on the keyboard, but tonight I plan to redeem myself with the latest installment of "How the Stage 800 Turns!"
My subtitles are called: #1) I hate you, 800! #2) I love you, 800! #3) Should a grown man of near-retirement age feel this way about an inanimate object? Let's begin...
#1 - Fearless Leader, why begin with the negative? You'll lose readership. Nah, it's only a negative if you're my Zoom B1ONX pedal. After playing the 800 using headphones for late night enjoyment and then using my Zoom pedal with phones last week, I found that the Zoom doesn't cut it in comparison. Now I know there's like a $740 price difference but in a strict tone vs. tone grudge match, the updated digital magic of the Rumble series makes my former late-night champ sound like a tub of mud. No tonal definition, no airiness coming out of the phones, lack of articulation between amp models...and I used to love it too, but it's been regulated to backup duty.
#2 - Here's a quick listing of what I love about this combo: quality build from Fender; abundant features on top and back of amp; inclusion of the Fender pedal (which I promise to get to one day soon); the variance of the different amp tones - like them all or not, you can't complain the Rumble digital series doesn't give you a wide array of tones to mess with AND the vast opportunity to mess with them. I'm still figuring out what some of the terms are for amps and pedals (body level on the acoustic sim?), but that's also half the fun. Seriously, if you just want to plug and play, as has been recommended by more people than me, grab a 200 or 500c and enjoy the versatility those amps give you, but if you like to tinker and/or create your own combo amp to your specs, then any of the three offerings (LT25, Studio 40, Stage 800) should trip that trigger nicely. I've complained in the past I spent too much time turning knobs and less time playing, but I now segment it to experimenting and playing times. I've even begun my master take-over-the-world plan to keep my ideas cataloged on a spreadsheet. In fact, I plan on sharing my acoustic guitar model to the Fender tone pool. Bottom line, if you have had experience with modeling bass amps (Bronco 40, for example) or pedals, you owe it to yourself to at least audition these combos to see if you agree with my assessment. They're that good.
#3 - Silly question, I know, but one I have to ask myself. The answer is yes, it's fine. No matter your age, skill level, or whether you think the Saints were robbed of a Super Bowl opportunity, it's okay to be inspired by your tools of the trade; in this case, a combo amp. My plan is to go all the way and purchase the Fender 210 cabinet for medium-sized places where I don't have PA support. I'm feeling the combo alone will still work for smaller venues with or without support. That's long term, but I may be looking to sell off a few items to make that happen down the road. For the near future, and call me crazy, I'm gonna buy either the Studio 40 (my #1a choice right now) or the new LT25 (my #1b choice) this spring. Why? Because the 800 is too dang loud for my practice space! I'd like to be able to turn it up at least a little, but even after an 8:00 volume setting it's shaking the place! So I'd like the same options but in a smaller and simpler package. The 25-watter would be perfect for home, but the Studio 40 would be great for home and jamming. The $200 difference though makes me want to at least try the LT25 to see if it has the pedigree I'm currently enjoying with the 800. I've got until at least March to decide, being the new model isn't due to ship inMarch, I believe. Right now if you preorder at GC and MF, it's only $179. Doggie, one of us has to do this thing!
Now don't think this amp is perfect. There's a thing or two I wish it had or was different then what it offers in its current form. Here are two examples: the volume differences when changing settings is annoying and a symptom of the different models are set up. Small problem though. A bigger one for us headphones users is the lack of an Aux In volume control like Ampeg has on their combos. Once you've used it you'll long for the ease of matching your incoming sound with that of your amp. Because of each amp model being different in its own volume, you'll spend time adjusting as you sift through the presets. Again, not a dealbreaker, but that extra control would've been nice.
My final ongoing conflict and I seem to be losing the battle is recording, recording, recording. Is there a decent site to help dummies how to understand the computer recording process or what? I keep looking around but it's like you're already supposed to know how to do it. First, which ASIO version do I use, 210 or 212? Is there a difference? I'm running Windows 10. Then, can someone recommend a free DAW to try out? I have Audacity downloaded. Is that a good one? It seems complicated, but then again, how do I know if it really is? It recorded from the internal mic (which was yucky), and then when I went through the computer it was tinny and sounded ten times faster than what I played. I figured I don't have something right but am clueless. Now I'll admit, I did not read the Audacity manual and will allow someone to humiliate me by suggesting to do so. If I have the right stuff, then I will do so. There has to be someone out there in CC Land who's been through this minefield. I'll appreciate any assistance.
That's it. I hope no one read this straight through. It's supposed to be sipped, not gulped. All questions and comments will be gladly accepted. I'd love our fellow 800 owners to chime in with anything they might have to share about the amp. Also, does anyone other than me think the newest version, the LT25. will be a worthy addition to the linbeup? Anyone as interested as I am to try it out?
Carry on Club...FL out!
Listening to "Old Time Rock and Roll" as I types this. Nice walking, GP. I usually play eighths, but I like the swing you gave it. The Kasino is definitely heard. Did you mic or DI it to the board and record that, or is it from the amp itself? The Epi is very nice too. Is that a full scale? It looks it, but I thought they offered a short-scale version too. Maybe I'm thinking of their violin bass. Are you guys still playing together? It'd be a shame if you weren't. You sound great!
The sound men the venue hired took a feed from the back of the amp. What you hear(d) is what the camcorder mic heard. Probably some of it is direct from the amp since the cameraman was more/less in front of me. Yes, the Epi was full scale(EB-3L[long]). I liked its sound but due to the extra length of the neck compared to a SS, it dove like a Stuka. I sold it and bought a 5quier VM Jaguar SS. In recent years, Epi's are long, Gibby's are not. (Epi EB-0s are SS). We are still playing-not enough, but that's the biz in this area: too many bands, not nearly enough gigs. The sax man isn't a regular with the band. We have trouble getting $ for 4 men. BTW, we've never rehearsed with him. Greg(saxman):"Old Time Rock and Roll"; Us: "What key?"; Greg:"C"; Tom(drummer): click, click, click, click and away we go.
Any two fingers. Or, even pass it to the hand holding my gig bag and hold the little Vox with a thumb!
"... weather-induced Tourette's Syndrome ..." I love it! Can't wait to use it.
You too? I 'bout fell offa the chair on that one.
You too? I 'bout fell offa the chair on that one.
Yep. Glad I'd finished my coffee, so it didn't wash my nostrils! Cuz, it would've.
- Oct 22, 2015
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- 256,509
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Over there next door in the basses forum someone asks "why short scale" with the full disclaimer "only asking". And I find I move as easily on my full scale as I do my short(er) scale. Really, no problem for me switching between the two. My 'Ray is super-comfortable to play and the Chowny (we know her as Solstice Eve for the day of her completion) totally spoils me in what I want in an instrument.
Talking about spoiled, this little Ampeg BA108 totally spoils me for what it does. Can totally see what a lightweight 50-100 watt combo brings to the table.
Talking about spoiled, this little Ampeg BA108 totally spoils me for what it does. Can totally see what a lightweight 50-100 watt combo brings to the table.
Completely agree. I can go from 67 Tbird to the SS Jag or the Ibanez(30.3" scale but takes medium scale strings[?])with no problems. And the Jag and Ibby are great for tight spaces-which we seem to get a lot of lately. And more and more of our gigs allow me to use my Rumble 40 instead of the 200c. I can't justify the $ for a 'mini' amp right now, but the little Vox surely is tempting[and don't call me Shirley]
Another agree here. The only short scale I have is an old 70s Fender Mustang compared to a dozen or so full scale basses. The Mustang was my first bass and even though I don't play it often, when I do get it out it's like I just played it yesterday. Now moving from the selection of 4 strings I have to my one and only 5 string is a whole different story.
B string= thumb rest.
Luckily when I started playing bass (48 yrs ago) I didn’t have TB’s exposure to the entire bass world so I ended up starting on an EB-2, so short scale. Then ‘progressed’ to long with a P-bass. I now own a 35” fretless 5, a 34.5” fretted 5, a bunch of 34” and a couple of shorties; an old EB-3 and a CIJ Mustang.
I guess at the time I wasn’t smart enough to know that it was supposed to present a challenge, so it just didn’t. Perception is everything.
I guess at the time I wasn’t smart enough to know that it was supposed to present a challenge, so it just didn’t. Perception is everything.
I agree with the switch-hitting long-scale/short-scale bassists here. I love each of my main 3 so equally, 1 SS w/HBs, 1 LS.w/PJ, 1 LS w/JJ.
I try to choose based on their different characteristics for the gig, but I can really make any of them work for almost anything. So I often just do a mental coin flip to decide which to use, as I feel strongly both ways!
But I actually feel lucky my back surgery led me to the li'l Vox! I'd have stuck with my 33 lb. B-DEC if not for the lifting restriction. Funny how things go.
vs 
I try to choose based on their different characteristics for the gig, but I can really make any of them work for almost anything. So I often just do a mental coin flip to decide which to use, as I feel strongly both ways!
But I actually feel lucky my back surgery led me to the li'l Vox! I'd have stuck with my 33 lb. B-DEC if not for the lifting restriction. Funny how things go.
vs
- Oct 22, 2015
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- 256,509
- Disclosures
- I am an affiliate for Ari Cap.
Playing a short scale turns out for me so much fun I want another short scale. In that loopy period of time when the 80s called, every short scale player I know apologizes for it. As if there is some sort of club for playing a full scale?
When it seems to me it's more about getting the job done. When a sub-20 pound combo amp and a short scale get the job done, count me in.
That all said I'd love to try a Thunderbird. And a non-reverse Tbird. And an EB-1 style short scale. And
When it seems to me it's more about getting the job done. When a sub-20 pound combo amp and a short scale get the job done, count me in.
That all said I'd love to try a Thunderbird. And a non-reverse Tbird. And an EB-1 style short scale. And
I think that if you were faced with having to grab one of your amps to save it from a house fire, it’s be the Ampeg. Tell me I’m wrong.
I've had my NR 'Bird for over 46 years. I just 'played'(not plugged in)a "regular"/reverse TBird for the first time last week at a GC. Felt oddly familiar.
- Oct 22, 2015
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- 256,509
- Disclosures
- I am an affiliate for Ari Cap.
Can't help it, Tbirds just look so cool.
