The Combo Club

[Stumbo]

Representativer picture like my 60's Alamo Fury, 15 tube watts, 1x15. Speaker replace with 200w Big Ben guitar speaker. Sounds a lot better/clearer with a bass since I picked up a Broughton always-on HPF. Really evens out string-to-string volume.

#100 for me please

 

[BazzaBass]

I'm finally back on and ready to issue three (count 'em, three) new memberships to the club. ScottTunes,
BazzaBass, and Biguglyman, congratulations. you are all officially inducted into the Combo Club. Scott, you're #73, Bazza, you're #74, and Big, you're holding the highly-coveted #75 spot. Hooray! sorry for being so late in getting these out, but I promise everyone I'll be here sooner or later with updates. In fact, I'm going to run the entire roll so we can see just how much we've grown in less than a week! Here we go:

01) ChefKen

02) Modulusman

03) Vmabus

04) Firewalz

05) spanndrew

06) shawshank72

07) gfaulkner

08) ack

09) Dustin Owens

10) Relsom


11) EoganDubh

12) cchorney

13) NickDG

14) Dave Hostetler

15) Ajcsk8r

16) Basshappi

17) Lesfunk

18) Squierbassjake

19) lo-freq

20) PetersReviews


21) Jughead6

22) bordinco90

23) mikeyjim2

24) KickingBass

25) jmverdugo

26) Toddbass65

27) Floridabway

28) elkkid2

29) 1954bassman

30) woodyng


31) Doublesixes

32) Steve88

33) mccartneyman

34) CL400Peavey

35) mikeyjm2

36) Linnin

37) bmc

38) yahboy

39) outoftune

40) KramerDon


41) heynorm

42) Bobby Bass

43) KeithAlanK

44) Photobassist

45) rtslinger

46) Thumpinshelton

47) Razman

48) ticol07

49) alaskaleftybass

50) Srvmojo


51) iagtrplyr

52) ubernator

53) Fishyfishfish

54) JakobT

55) thabassmon

56) Gaolee

57) G-Dog

58) RumbleMan3

59) Luciferiad

60) eric_B


61) TrevorG

62) SoulReflection

63) theduke1

64) Moody Tuner

65) Giffro

66) Doctor Intrepid

67) Drgonzonm

68) GonePlaid

69) BradE

70) Amoodymule


71) Jeremy Jones

72) Ghostinthemach

73) ScottTunes

74) BazzaBass

75) Biguglyman

76) Dr. Cheese

77) Bob Clayton

78) NathOBX

79) Bass V

80) Five String

Thanks for making this a great way to spend some time with fellow bassists. 20 to go before the magic 100 and we've got five days to do it. It can be done!

Thankyou very very much️

 

[Bass V]

Representativer picture like my 60's Alamo Fury, 15 tube watts, 1x15. Speaker replace with 200w Big Ben guitar speaker. Sounds a lot better/clearer with a bass since I picked up a Broughton always-on HPF. Really evens out string-to-string volume.
#100 for me please
View attachment 3061054

I might of had the next level up on the Alamo bass combo lineage and regret not keeping a closer rein on that one while being generous to a fault with a noobuddy. that sucka rocked hard for a little 15'' hunk o junk.

 

[theduke1]

I have had three(3) major surgeries between June of 2015 & July of 2016 so carrying gear is pretty much out for me. I use all class D gear and a powered pa. I have a Rock n Roll cart to move gear from my music room to the front door, then place my gear on the porch from there I have another cart to roll the gear to my caravan. I can still lift pretty well but carrying and walking is not something I can do very well so I bring my out side cart to move my gear into the venue.

I have been a semi pro/ weekend warrior since 79 and have seen no ill affects of rolling gear
Duke

 

[JakobT]

You guys are a humourous (humorous) bunch of fellas and a pleasure to hang out with every day.

Just as a matter of interest, at a gig venue (or even at home) when loading or unloading at any distance from the band trailer, truck, car, wagon etc etc over a rough uneven surface like a bitumen (blacktop) car park, paved area or similar, I carry my combo and also the ext. speaker cab instead of rolling it on their wheels. My Fender Rumble rig (500C and 115 cab) is lightweight enough to carry using the handles either on top or sides of the cabs. Having said that about my lightweight rig, when I used my heavy 122lb Peavey cab between mid 80's to current times, I still get a second person to help me carry my gut busting 1820 cab instead of rolling it on wheels. To my way of thinking the speakers have a hard enough job to do as a bass players rig, without the stress on the cones caused by possible unnecessary vibrations that could be avoided.
I have always worried that rolling over those types of rough surfaces bounces the speaker/driver cone around too much in an unnatural direction, so to avoid any cone displacement or damage issues I carry instead of roll. I only roll inside a smooth surfaced venue...eg. carpet. concrete, wooden flooring etc.
I have done this since the 60's during my entire musical career. I still don't know for sure if this protective method I have employed is of any use in preventing any physical damage to speaker cones or not, or am I just too over careful. I will say that in all my 50+ years of doing it this way I have never damaged or even blown a speaker/driver so maybe the practice has paid off. What is everyone's thoughts on the matter. Am I too paranoid and over-protective of the amps and cabs speakers, or is it a good practice to get into?
EDIT: Of course none of the above text relates to the use of pneumatic tyres (tires) on handcarts, sack trucks, trolleys, dollys, etc and the like. I'm only referring to the removable wheels on the actual cabs, like the removable Gibson and Fender type ones like on the pic of my 115 cab below.
View attachment 3061037

An interesting aside to this is the question of the transport of music gear in general and combos in particular (this IS the Combo Club, after all). Like many other urban Europeans, I don't own a car, in fact, I don't even drive. That means that whenever I need to travel to rehearsal or gigs, public transport is pretty much the order of the day. A combo makes this process a lot easier, but a gigging combo like, say, the Rumble 500 is still a pretty hefty object, and hard to carry around with you in a city. I have a small luggage cart which I use to move my combo around with me, and carry my bass and other gear on my back in a Mono gig bag with a Tick. It makes for a compact, and surprisingly mobile rig. So I was wondering how many in here are like me, and how you move your stuff around with you?

 

[iagtrplyr]

lol, merci, I think all the aural options are derivatives of it's optimal sound whatever that may be, if it starts off bad does it just get worse? but considering in the short time I had before meltdown it became apparent there actually could be great tonal range available with this crazy panel, and since we may be facing a trip to the doctor a consideration of mods to get the most out of this lug is prudent. I'm seriously bummed being unable to goof around further cos it had real glimmers of hope. the clarity and depth it gave a couple of my basses was astounding, like when you're inside your guitar and the wood is talking, this amp easily gave up the bass' personality in pure form but could get real dbl. bassy, wooly, and mimic tube sag. I never expected that kinda range in a mystery amp of any vintage or price, plus get such wide responses so quickly. a happy surprise, it's built like a tank, pretty big for a combo, and even at low volume it was fun. I heard they excel when given the gas and take 'some' pedals quite well. I can't wait to get it running in top shape or find more VTs!

BV, your post is evidence that everyone should own an amp like that at least once in their musical career. That little hunk of nothing at first glance that becomes a fave in no time flat. I had a chance to pick up an old 70s Ampeg solid state combo from a used music store for next to nothing, and they were even willing to have repairs done to it, but I declined. While I don't think it would've been as special as your VT amp, it might have been a fun addition to the stable. Keep us up on your journey to getting it back to fighting shape.

 

[iagtrplyr]

I have had three(3) major surgeries between June of 2015 & July of 2016 so carrying gear is pretty much out for me. I use all class D gear and a powered pa. I have a Rock n Roll cart to move gear from my music room to the front door, then place my gear on the porch from there I have another cart to roll the gear to my caravan. I can still lift pretty well but carrying and walking is not something I can do very well so I bring my out side cart to move my gear into the venue.

I have been a semi pro/ weekend warrior since 79 and have seen no ill affects of rolling gear
Duke

Sounds like you have a pretty good system, duke. At this point, you should be able to demand at least one or two roadies! I myself, like most others just schlep my gear from one place to another, but like many, the old back isn't what it once was and I too have gone to lighter equipment. The 100 lb Ampeg combo has been replaced by the 22 lb Fender combo. Also, always being a coupe and sedan owner, the last vehicle purchase was an SUV primarily to haul guitars, amps, and grandchildren around. There's always a compromise...

 

[iagtrplyr]

An interesting aside to this is the question of the transport of music gear in general and combos in particular (this IS the Combo Club, after all). Like many other urban Europeans, I don't own a car, in fact, I don't even drive. That means that whenever I need to travel to rehearsal or gigs, public transport is pretty much the order of the day. A combo makes this process a lot easier, but a gigging combo like, say, the Rumble 500 is still a pretty hefty object, and hard to carry around with you in a city. I have a small luggage cart which I use to move my combo around with me, and carry my bass and other gear on my back in a Mono gig bag with a Tick. It makes for a compact, and surprisingly mobile rig. So I was wondering how many in here are like me, and how you move your stuff around with you?

I kind of responded to your query, Jakob, in another post, but had to mention how interesting it was to read your explanation of moving gear around. In the US, people own cars to drive three blocks to buy milk and bread. My wife, whom I read this to, wondered if your public transportation was safe enough to bring amps and guitars on board without fear of robbery. I have a feeling I already know that answer. I know from this forum that a number of American musicians use bus and subway to get from home to gig, but here in Iowa it's pretty much your own vehicle. Anyone, if you have an interesting piece of transport history to share, please do.

 

[GonePlaid]

I kind of responded to your query, Jakob, in another post, but had to mention how interesting it was to read your explanation of moving gear around. In the US, people own cars to drive three blocks to buy milk and bread. My wife, whom I read this to, wondered if your public transportation was safe enough to bring amps and guitars on board without fear of robbery. I have a feeling I already know that answer. I know from this forum that a number of American musicians use bus and subway to get from home to gig, but here in Iowa it's pretty much your own vehicle. Anyone, if you have an interesting piece of transport history to share, please do.

Not all that interesting, but I've had nothing But vans since 1968. I currently have 2-a 95 Safari w/ 285000 miles and a 96 Aerostar w/ 326000 miles:

 

[ghostinthemach]

Well iagtrplyr I would have included some pics of my early 60's gigs but I haven't got any..I guess it was difficult to takes photos back then at a gig using a Kodak Box Brownie loll
View attachment 3061038

This is fossil evidence of early photography...

...and yes I was here at that time.

 

[eric_B]

In the bigger cities in The Netherlands it is common to see musicians with their gear using public transportation.
Living in a small village, I have no problems moving my gear with my Volvo station car.
That being said, I do prefer portable combos like the Rumble v3 500 instead of dragging around loads of gear.

 

[Doctor Intrepid]

I think that portability and simplicity are huge virtues of combos, and especially with new combos. There is a principle often relied on in academia called 'Occam's Razor.' it proposes that when choosing between two theories/explanations always go for the simpler one. I think we could apply Occam's Razor to the choice of combos over stacks.

 

[eric_B]

I think that portability and simplicity are huge virtues of combos, and especially with new combos. There is a principle often relied on in academia called 'Occam's Razor.' it proposes that when choosing between two theories/explanations always go for the simpler one. I think we could apply Occam's Razor to the choice of combos over stacks.

Or in street language: keep it simple, stupid
I had not heard of Occam's Razor before. On the other hand, Murphy's law is familiar...

 

[JakobT]

I kind of responded to your query, Jakob, in another post, but had to mention how interesting it was to read your explanation of moving gear around. In the US, people own cars to drive three blocks to buy milk and bread. My wife, whom I read this to, wondered if your public transportation was safe enough to bring amps and guitars on board without fear of robbery. I have a feeling I already know that answer. I know from this forum that a number of American musicians use bus and subway to get from home to gig, but here in Iowa it's pretty much your own vehicle. Anyone, if you have an interesting piece of transport history to share, please do.

I have no interesting stories to tell about public transport, as it’s quite uneventful. In Oslo, there is no more reason to fear robbery on public transport than anywhere else, and the biggest headache is getting bulky gear on and off a crowded bus or subway without inconveniencing too many other passengers. We sold our car years ago, as there was simply no need to own one.

 

[Giffro]

I have no interesting stories to tell about public transport, as it’s quite uneventful. In Oslo, there is no more reason to fear robbery on public transport than anywhere else, and the biggest headache is getting bulky gear on and off a crowded bus or subway without inconveniencing too many other passengers. We sold our car years ago, as there was simply no need to own one.

Very interesting that Jakob. I would find it difficult here in Australia having to do what you do with the great distances we have to travel to gigs here, so ultimately everyone owns a vehicle of some sort. Thank you for this new insight into how the other people live work and play on the other side of the world. I love hearing about situations like these in other parts of the world as Australia is quite an isolated huge country even in this day of modern travel.

 

[ghostinthemach]

Combos offer an increased likelihood that ALL components are ‘compatibility optimized’. Something that requires more user technical knowledge the farther you go into separate components.
I’m a bit of a fanatic in that I never stop experimenting with bass/pa gear. I have systems that are complex and varied, but a good combo is a must have when flexibility is a selling point as a musician for hire.

 

[Big Hoss]

I have no interesting stories to tell about public transport, as it’s quite uneventful. In Oslo, there is no more reason to fear robbery on public transport than anywhere else, and the biggest headache is getting bulky gear on and off a crowded bus or subway without inconveniencing too many other passengers. We sold our car years ago, as there was simply no need to own one.

I find that absolutely impossible to fathom, at least living where I do... Nothing about Coastal Texas is public transit, cyclist, or pedestrian friendly, and for fairly good reason. Climate.

I would love to have the lower temps, and far lower humidity that you have. I bet public transit would be WAY more popular here if it were like that!

 

[JakobT]

Very interesting that Jakob. I would find it difficult here in Australia having to do what you do with the great distances we have to travel to gigs here, so ultimately everyone owns a vehicle of some sort. Thank you for this new insight into how the other people live work and play on the other side of the world. I love hearing about situations like these in other parts of the world as Australia is quite an isolated huge country even in this day of modern travel.

Australia is very different from Norway, of course, but in a city things shouldn’t be very different, at least in terms of distance. And our rural areas are quite sparsely populated, so a vehicle of some sort is a necessity there. So we may not be as different as it might at first appear.

The major difference, I think, is the way we approach the idea of transport, and in large countries like Australia and the USA, the car reigns supreme. In smaller countries, particularily in Europe, we are now taking steps to reduce car use, both for environmental reasons, and to ease congestion. Central Oslo, for instance, is on course to be completely car-free within the next two to three years. Of course, this makes a combo even more indispensable.

 

[JakobT]

I find that absolutely impossible to fathom, at least living where I do... Nothing about Coastal Texas is public transit, cyclist, or pedestrian friendly, and for fairly good reason. Climate.

I would love to have the lower temps, and far lower humidity that you have. I bet public transit would be WAY more popular here if it were like that!

I’m not sure I would last long in the Texas heat and humidity.

That said, the climate in Norway can be difficult enough, with rain, snow and freezing temperatures, which can be tough on your gear as well.

 

[Doctor Intrepid]

Yeah, the differences between Australia, Texas and Norway are in part geographical but mostly social and political. Norway is left/progressive on the political spectrum, so it invests more in public infrastructure. To be clear, I'm not trying to start a debate or be prescriptive. That's my day job. I'm just describing the facts.