The Combo Club

[GwenOnBass]

Pic, please?

Link Removed
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Photo's a little old what with DR Neons still on my Ray. She wears DR Black Beauties at this writing. The combo amp is the Phil Jones BG-400 Suitcase Compact and is loaded with four five-inch Piranha drivers. The Compact 4 extension cab brings the driver total to eight, and with it the amp delivers 500 watts at 4 ohms.

The amp itself is as fully-figured an amp as I've ever seen with everything I can possibly need under one carry handle. The limiter is really good, and can be turned on or off <whatever>. Phil Jones recommends coupling the amp/cab to the floor, and if possible, a wall for maximal bass response. (So just set the rig behind the drummer and unravel his socks with Stingray thump, hear myself fine, thank you.)

The pedal is a VT Bass Deluxe that I'm still figuring out. Right now the saved template I use most is the Flip Top configuration with the EQ essentially flat. The working guts of the pedal that control emulation happen before the EQ, so there are pronounced mid harmonics when the drive is "pushed" a bit. I flip it over to the Fat Tube emulation for da bluez.

The Suitcase Compact is not the biggest combo Phil Jones makes. That's the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. It's a sick, sick combo and we wants one, yesss

 

[Doctor Intrepid]

Link Removed
​

Photo's a little old what with DR Neons still on my Ray. She wears DR Black Beauties at this writing. The combo amp is the Phil Jones BG-400 Suitcase Compact and is loaded with four five-inch Piranha drivers. The Compact 4 extension cab brings the driver total to eight, and with it the amp delivers 500 watts at 4 ohms.

The amp itself is as fully-figured an amp as I've ever seen with everything I can possibly need under one carry handle. The limiter is really good, and can be turned on or off <whatever>. Phil Jones recommends coupling the amp/cab to the floor, and if possible, a wall for maximal bass response. (So just set the rig behind the drummer and unravel his socks with Stingray thump, hear myself fine, thank you.)

The pedal is a VT Bass Deluxe that I'm still figuring out. Right now the saved template I use most is the Flip Top configuration with the EQ essentially flat. The working guts of the pedal that control emulation happen before the EQ, so there are pronounced mid harmonics when the drive is "pushed" a bit. I flip it over to the Fat Tube emulation for da bluez.

The Suitcase Compact is not the biggest combo Phil Jones makes. That's the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. It's a sick, sick combo and we wants one, yesss

That's a sweet set-up!

 

[GonePlaid]

As 'promised': Yesterday's(5/26)rig-EpiBird 5er/R200c(too tired to take R112-should've)*

Today's rig-Ibanez AGB200/R40(small gig) [w/ Squire VM Jag SS backup]

This Friday's rig-67 NR TBird/R40[Squire backup]. 'Nother small room

I prefer to use the 67 NR for everything but the heat/humidity yesterday woulda been detrimental to its health
*and garage door, of course... Bonus: view from garage door:

____________________________________________________"in the wild" photo ^ location

 

[Count Bassie]

As 'promised': Yesterday's(5/26)rig-EpiBird 5er/R200c(too tired to take R112-should've)*
View attachment 3427653 Bonus: view from garage door:
View attachment 3427677

Love that 5er.
Nice bonus shot!

​

 

[Doctor Intrepid]

As 'promised': Yesterday's(5/26)rig-EpiBird 5er/R200c(too tired to take R112-should've)*
View attachment 3427653 Today's rig-Ibanez AGB200/R40(small gig) [w/ Squire VM Jag SS backup]
View attachment 3427669 This Friday's rig-67 NR TBird/R40[Squire backup]. 'Nother small roomView attachment 3427673

I prefer to use the 67 NR for everything but the heat/humidity yesterday woulda been detrimental to its health
*and garage door, of course... Bonus: view from garage door:
View attachment 3427677
____________________________________________________"in the wild" photo ^ location

Good stuff!

 

[G-Dog]

Cool idea, Giff. ... ... I know, pick a pic that tells a little story about you. It'll be fun to read the tales of yesteryear. Have fun!View attachment 3427497

Here's a blast from the past contributed by yours truly. This one goes back to the summer of 2011. I was playing bass for our community concert band and we had a 4th of July outdoor show (literally at a park with trees, bushes, and stuff) and I needed more power than for our inside gigs. So my kid loaned me his GK cab to go with my Ampeg B-2 combo. It put out 200 watts alone but bumped up to 350 watts at 4 ohms. I felt like a king! Used my first Rogue bass and had a pretty good sound...for outdoors. Packing up was a hassle with those two very heavy cabs (for some reason, I was too excited to notice during setting up). Sheesh, that 'Peg amp was around 90 lbs by itself.

Here's a blast from my, not-too-distant, past. A couple years after being coaxed out of musical semi-retirement into a weekly jam by "evil" workmates, a few of us (out of about 12 jammers) decided to start a band.

I knew my little Fender B-DEC 30 combo I'd been jamming with wouldn't be enough, without PA support, and the small PA wouldn't support much bass. So, I bought a Fender Bassman 150 combo with 12" Eminence speaker and was in heaven!

But then feedback became a problem with my fully hollowbody JB Player bass. For this semi-serious rock/pop/folk/gospel band I needed a more serious bass. The metallic blue Fender P-Bass Special, with gold anodized pickguard, available at the time, caught my eye and my music store neighbor ordered it for me. But they received a chrome red one first, and it sang to me! But my neighbor had to throw in a free pearloid pickguard to seal the deal.

After a few months we were playing bigger gigs, making a few bucks, and having an absolute blast! In some outdoor gigs the li'l Bassman 150 didn't quite keep up when keys and guitar were in the PA. So, I added the Bassman 250, with 15" Eminence speaker. I used the 250 alone for bigger indoor gigs and used it with the 150 for outdoor gigs. I was in total 7th heaven!

.​

 

[Count Bassie]

Here's a blast from my, not-too-distant, past. A couple years after being coaxed out of musical semi-retirement into a weekly jam by "evil" workmates, a few of us (out of about 12 jammers) decided to start a band.

I knew my little Fender B-DEC 30 combo I'd been jamming with wouldn't be enough, without PA support, and the small PA wouldn't support much bass. So, I bought a Fender Bassman 150 combo with 12" Eminence speaker and was in heaven!

But then feedback became a problem with my fully hollowbody JB Player bass. For this semi-serious rock/pop/folk/gospel band I needed a more serious bass. The metallic blue Fender P-Bass Special, with gold anodized pickguard, available at the time, caught my eye and my music store neighbor ordered it for me. But they received a chrome red one first, and it sang to me! But my neighbor had to throw in a free pearloid pickguard to seal the deal.

After a few months we were playing bigger gigs, making a few bucks, and having an absolute blast! In some outdoor gigs the li'l Bassman 150 didn't quite keep up when keys and guitar were in the PA. So, I added the Bassman 250, with 15" Eminence speaker. I used the 250 alone for bigger indoor gigs and used it with the 150 for outdoor gigs. I was in total 7th heaven!

View attachment 3427764
.​

Rock n roll. That's the spirit.

 

[GwenOnBass]

As 'promised': Yesterday's(5/26)rig-EpiBird 5er/R200c(too tired to take R112-should've)*
View attachment 3427653 Today's rig-Ibanez AGB200/R40(small gig) [w/ Squire VM Jag SS backup]
View attachment 3427669 This Friday's rig-67 NR TBird/R40[Squire backup]. 'Nother small roomView attachment 3427673

I prefer to use the 67 NR for everything but the heat/humidity yesterday woulda been detrimental to its health
*and garage door, of course... Bonus: view from garage door:
View attachment 3427677
____________________________________________________"in the wild" photo ^ location

Rated PG at the combo club all-night laundromat, bijou and pub.

 

[G-Dog]

As 'promised': Yesterday's(5/26)rig-EpiBird 5er/R200c(too tired to take R112-should've)*
View attachment 3427653 Today's rig-Ibanez AGB200/R40(small gig) [w/ Squire VM Jag SS backup]
View attachment 3427669 This Friday's rig-67 NR TBird/R40[Squire backup]. 'Nother small roomView attachment 3427673

I prefer to use the 67 NR for everything but the heat/humidity yesterday woulda been detrimental to its health
*and garage door, of course... Bonus: view from garage door:
View attachment 3427677
____________________________________________________"in the wild" photo ^ location

Rated PG at the combo club all-night laundromat, bijou and pub.

[Pssst! M! I got this uncensored "director's cut" copy for the bijou!!! Can we please have an unadvertised special holiday midnight screening for those of us still conscious at that time? Please? Please?

I'll bring the "special" popcorn toppings, too! While I'm a big fan of your stock parmesan cheese, and many like your white cheddar, or nacho, or caramel, or ranch. Some may care to try the jalapeno, bacon, advieh, berbere, dukkah, harissi, togarashi, Tex-Joy or Zatarain's!]
.

 

[Count Bassie]

[Pssst! M! I got this uncensored "director's cut" copy for the bijou!!! Can we please have an unadvertised special holiday midnight screening for those of us still conscious at that time? Please? Please?

I'll bring the "special" popcorn toppings, too! While I'm a big fan of your stock parmesan cheese, and many like your white cheddar, or nacho, or caramel, or ranch. Some may care to try the jalapeno, bacon, advieh, berbere, dukkah, harissi, togarashi, Tex-Joy or Zatarain's!]
.

Ooooohhh... Zatarain's!!

 

[GwenOnBass]

Ooooohhh... Zatarain's!!

The joke goes if Adam and Eve were Cajun they would have skipped the apple and eaten the snake.

 

[GonePlaid]

Here's a blast from my, not-too-distant, past. A couple years after being coaxed out of musical semi-retirement into a weekly jam by "evil" workmates, a few of us (out of about 12 jammers) decided to start a band.

I knew my little Fender B-DEC 30 combo I'd been jamming with wouldn't be enough, without PA support, and the small PA wouldn't support much bass. So, I bought a Fender Bassman 150 combo with 12" Eminence speaker and was in heaven!

But then feedback became a problem with my fully hollowbody JB Player bass. For this semi-serious rock/pop/folk/gospel band I needed a more serious bass. The metallic blue Fender P-Bass Special, with gold anodized pickguard, available at the time, caught my eye and my music store neighbor ordered it for me. But they received a chrome red one first, and it sang to me! But my neighbor had to throw in a free pearloid pickguard to seal the deal.

After a few months we were playing bigger gigs, making a few bucks, and having an absolute blast! In some outdoor gigs the li'l Bassman 150 didn't quite keep up when keys and guitar were in the PA. So, I added the Bassman 250, with 15" Eminence speaker. I used the 250 alone for bigger indoor gigs and used it with the 150 for outdoor gigs. I was in total 7th heaven!

View attachment 3427764
.​

Yeah- except during load in/out.

 

[iagtrplyr]

As 'promised': Yesterday's(5/26)rig-EpiBird 5er/R200c(too tired to take R112-should've)*
View attachment 3427653 Today's rig-Ibanez AGB200/R40(small gig) [w/ Squire VM Jag SS backup]
View attachment 3427669 This Friday's rig-67 NR TBird/R40[Squire backup]. 'Nother small roomView attachment 3427673

I prefer to use the 67 NR for everything but the heat/humidity yesterday woulda been detrimental to its health
*and garage door, of course... Bonus: view from garage door:
View attachment 3427677
____________________________________________________"in the wild" photo ^ location

GP, you live on Gilligan's Island. Well, no wonder you like crazy bugs, sweltering heat, and Lord knows what! I'm still trying to figure out that zany garage door. I mean, is it a prop? You don't need one where the castaways live. How's it hook onto a hut? That all being said, sweet rigs you have!

 

[iagtrplyr]

Link Removed
​

Photo's a little old what with DR Neons still on my Ray. She wears DR Black Beauties at this writing. The combo amp is the Phil Jones BG-400 Suitcase Compact and is loaded with four five-inch Piranha drivers. The Compact 4 extension cab brings the driver total to eight, and with it the amp delivers 500 watts at 4 ohms.

The amp itself is as fully-figured an amp as I've ever seen with everything I can possibly need under one carry handle. The limiter is really good, and can be turned on or off <whatever>. Phil Jones recommends coupling the amp/cab to the floor, and if possible, a wall for maximal bass response. (So just set the rig behind the drummer and unravel his socks with Stingray thump, hear myself fine, thank you.)

The pedal is a VT Bass Deluxe that I'm still figuring out. Right now the saved template I use most is the Flip Top configuration with the EQ essentially flat. The working guts of the pedal that control emulation happen before the EQ, so there are pronounced mid harmonics when the drive is "pushed" a bit. I flip it over to the Fat Tube emulation for da bluez.

The Suitcase Compact is not the biggest combo Phil Jones makes. That's the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. It's a sick, sick combo and we wants one, yesss

M, please update your photo whenever you have a spare moment; I'd like to see your rig again with the Black Beauties on the 'Ray. I must say, as Doc Intrepid did, that is one sweet package. I'd love to hear what the eight fives sound like. I'll bet in a small room you'd think it was 410s! No wonder you're happy with what you have. A tad sad that hte 'Peg combo didn't get a chance to show off, but oh well...

 

[iagtrplyr]

Here's a blast from my, not-too-distant, past. A couple years after being coaxed out of musical semi-retirement into a weekly jam by "evil" workmates, a few of us (out of about 12 jammers) decided to start a band.

I knew my little Fender B-DEC 30 combo I'd been jamming with wouldn't be enough, without PA support, and the small PA wouldn't support much bass. So, I bought a Fender Bassman 150 combo with 12" Eminence speaker and was in heaven!

But then feedback became a problem with my fully hollowbody JB Player bass. For this semi-serious rock/pop/folk/gospel band I needed a more serious bass. The metallic blue Fender P-Bass Special, with gold anodized pickguard, available at the time, caught my eye and my music store neighbor ordered it for me. But they received a chrome red one first, and it sang to me! But my neighbor had to throw in a free pearloid pickguard to seal the deal.

After a few months we were playing bigger gigs, making a few bucks, and having an absolute blast! In some outdoor gigs the li'l Bassman 150 didn't quite keep up when keys and guitar were in the PA. So, I added the Bassman 250, with 15" Eminence speaker. I used the 250 alone for bigger indoor gigs and used it with the 150 for outdoor gigs. I was in total 7th heaven!

View attachment 3427764
.​

'Dog, if anyone ever accuses you of NOT liking combo amps just show them this pic. Case closed! I've seen a few of those Fenders used at our local GC, but the prices are usually steep and the rat fur looks like Helga, the hairy witch, combed over them. Still, I'll bet both of those sounded like Fender bass amps.

 

[iagtrplyr]

[Pssst! M! I got this uncensored "director's cut" copy for the bijou!!! Can we please have an unadvertised special holiday midnight screening for those of us still conscious at that time? Please? Please?

I'll bring the "special" popcorn toppings, too! While I'm a big fan of your stock parmesan cheese, and many like your white cheddar, or nacho, or caramel, or ranch. Some may care to try the jalapeno, bacon, advieh, berbere, dukkah, harissi, togarashi, Tex-Joy or Zatarain's!]
.

Or, perhaps, just salt?

 

[Giffro]

As 'promised': Yesterday's(5/26)rig-EpiBird 5er/R200c(too tired to take R112-should've)*
View attachment 3427653 Today's rig-Ibanez AGB200/R40(small gig) [w/ Squire VM Jag SS backup]
View attachment 3427669 This Friday's rig-67 NR TBird/R40[Squire backup]. 'Nother small roomView attachment 3427673

I prefer to use the 67 NR for everything but the heat/humidity yesterday woulda been detrimental to its health
*and garage door, of course... Bonus: view from garage door:
View attachment 3427677
____________________________________________________"in the wild" photo ^ location

Forget the garage door..I think I heard Jack Hanna or the ghost of Steve Irwin scrambling about in the undergrowth in that last "in the wild" photo lol

 

[GwenOnBass]

GP, you live on Gilligan's Island.

Guess who rides the bamboo bike to power the gig?

 

[GwenOnBass]

M, please update your photo whenever you have a spare moment; I'd like to see your rig again with the Black Beauties on the 'Ray. I must say, as Doc Intrepid did, that is one sweet package. I'd love to hear what the eight fives sound like. I'll bet in a small room you'd think it was 410s! No wonder you're happy with what you have. A tad sad that hte 'Peg combo didn't get a chance to show off, but oh well...

Ayup!

Just put the 'Ray down a moment and here's a tidbit on Black Beauties and Neons. According to DR, BBs are stainless steel rounds on a round core (coated High-Beams?) and Neons are nickel-plated rounds on a round core (coated Sunbeams?).

A brand new pre-EB Stingray, according to the wiser heads at the TB string forum, would have come with GHS flats or Pressurewounds (depending on year). Apparently Bernard Edwards either didn't know or didn't care, or both. It's said he didn't change his strings.

I, on the other hand, found myself a chronic string changer because Rotosounds. They'd last like a rehearsal or two and gone. Changed them as often as I could afford until I found the sweet spot with Dean Markley Super Rounds.

Fast forward a few decades and the memory of Rotosounds is strong. Coated strings appeared to be my answer and woah these Neons are .... what went through my mind is something like if I'm going to show up on stage with these pink Neon strings, I'd better be crackerjack.

And you know whut? They sound pretty good (to me). What with the tapes on the other bass, hmm, let's try some BBs and the Stingray just feels like home.

 

[Giffro]

Ayup!

Just put the 'Ray down a moment and here's a tidbit on Black Beauties and Neons. According to DR, BBs are stainless steel rounds on a round core (coated High-Beams?) and Neons are nickel-plated rounds on a round core (coated Sunbeams?).

A brand new pre-EB Stingray, according to the wiser heads at the TB string forum, would have come with GHS flats or Pressurewounds (depending on year). Apparently Bernard Edwards either didn't know or didn't care, or both. It's said he didn't change his strings.

I, on the other hand, found myself a chronic string changer because Rotosounds. They'd last like a rehearsal or two and gone. Changed them as often as I could afford until I found the sweet spot with Dean Markley Super Rounds.

Fast forward a few decades and the memory of Rotosounds is strong. Coated strings appeared to be my answer and woah these Neons are .... what went through my mind is something like if I'm going to show up on stage with these pink Neon strings, I'd better be crackerjack.

And you know whut? They sound pretty good (to me). What with the tapes on the other bass, hmm, let's try some BBs and the Stingray just feels like home.

The BB are great for finger players Morri but I wore a set out (wore through the coating with the pick) pretty darn quick as a pick player lol..they sounded nice though.