The Combo Club

[iagtrplyr]

Yeah, it was difficult to keep up. The guys say that they can always hear me. Ken, our drummer, said one practice that I always like to be 1% louder than the guitarists. My immediate thought was "only 1%?" So I guess I am loud enough, but I don't always believe them. I think they can hear me, but not with any real definition and clarity. The singer/guitar player, for example, never follows me but always the other guitar player even when he should follow me (when we play Penny Lane, for example).

The way I have it set up is that cranked VX50BA is basically acting as a tweeter. It only has the treble cranked and the rest of the EQ is off. Both the gain and the volume are almost at noon. I then line out from the VX50BA to the Pathfinder/MV50CL, and this amp combo drives the Traynor cab. The volume there is around 10 o'clock. This side provides the deeper tones.

All combined it is loud and breaks up a bit. The guys say they love my tone, but it is a lot of moving parts. I would like to simplify it a bit, but I just switched over to this set up this Fall and I'm getting the best tone ever. Plus I live in a remote area, so I can't really test gear unless I want to go on a road trip. I'll still with it for awhile and see if it holds up. Probably it won't. I'm susceptible to GAS!

I’m so happy you’re digging your tone, because 99% of the happiness, but Doc, you gotta go and get something to run with the Traynor properly. You’ve got this patch-up system that is great for home, but to me, isn’t gonna cut it in the long run with the band.

I’d keep the VX50 BA, dump everything else, and take the loot ya make plus sone dough you earn giving bass lessons in the spring and get yourself a gig-ready head. Heck, even an Elf for three bills will give you a sleeker, less busy rig that'll sound great too.

I know my GAS is terrible, but I know yours is too until you’re happy. The combo will be your low-level grab ‘n go, but if I’m walking into your rehearsal space I’m coming with 250-500 watts minimum, that’ll run through your Traynor and take no prisoners should you choose not to.

New or gently used, it matters none. Find a used Rumble 500 head and your Hofners will love you forever. Think about this awesome advice, take two aspirin and call respond to me in the morning!

 

[biguglyman]

Hey, I heard your back is appreciating the fact you sold the Eden cab!

Yeah... but for what it was, that Eden wasn't too bad. 320 watts, 4X10, something like 65 pounds. And it had wheels! On the other hand, 500 watts and 2X12 that weighs about the same as that little Carvin ain't nuthin' to shake a stick at...

 

[GwenOnBass]

Serious combo amp and bass pron so early in the day

 

[iagtrplyr]

Serious combo amp and bass pron so early in the day

It’s the end of another year, M, and the old man is letting it fly before the baby assumes the new role. Hopefully we’ll get to see some more in the way of recent acquisitions, Christmas gifts, or maybe a repo scored at the local pawnshop. It’s the holidays!

 

[G-Dog]

It’s the end of another year, M, and the old man is letting it fly before the baby assumes the new role. Hopefully we’ll get to see some more in the way of recent acquisitions, Christmas gifts, or maybe a repo scored at the local pawnshop. It’s the holidays!

And Winter NAMM is coming in a couple weeks. Bound to be sumpin' worth gassin' over comin' outta dat!
.

 

[Giffro]

I’m so happy you’re digging your tone, because 99% of the happiness, but Doc, you gotta go and get something to run with the Traynor properly. You’ve got this patch-up system that is great for home, but to me, isn’t gonna cut it in the long run with the band.

I’d keep the VX50 BA, dump everything else, and take the loot ya make plus sone dough you earn giving bass lessons in the spring and get yourself a gig-ready head. Heck, even an Elf for three bills will give you a sleeker, less busy rig that'll sound great too.

I know my GAS is terrible, but I know yours is too until you’re happy. The combo will be your low-level grab ‘n go, but if I’m walking into your rehearsal space I’m coming with 250-500 watts minimum, that’ll run through your Traynor and take no prisoners should you choose not to.

New or gently used, it matters none. Find a used Rumble 500 head and your Hofners will love you forever. Think about this awesome advice, take two aspirin and call respond to me in the morning!

That last part is good advice for any darn doctor lolll

 

[Doctor Intrepid]

I will stick with my set up for now and see what happens. The good news is that it loud enough so far and I move all my gear in one load.

Now I know this is blasphemy on TB, but I've tried the Rumble series with some of my Hofners and I didn't like the tone I got from the amp. Nice looking amp, but they didn't do it for me.

 

[iagtrplyr]

And Winter NAMM is coming in a couple weeks. Bound to be sumpin' worth gassin' over comin' outta dat!
.

+1 on that big fella.

Members, feel free to toss in some predictions, ideas, requests, or fantasies of what could be found at Winter NAAM. It might make for some interesting fodder for pre-new year’s eve dialogue.

Fire away!!! (I’ll post mine later)

 

[iagtrplyr]

I will stick with my set up for now and see what happens. The good news is that it loud enough so far and I move all my gear in one load.

Now I know this is blasphemy on TB, but I've tried the Rumble series with some of my Hofners and I didn't like the tone I got from the amp. Nice looking amp, but they didn't do it for me.

So first, I’m going to swat myself for breaking a club cardinal rule by pooping on one’s gear. You know I like everything you have individually, but just feel that Traynor is sitting there looking rather aggressive and it needs something, in my opinion, as aggressive to really drive the group. Again, all I had to see was the Hughes and Kettner and I became nervous! So please accept my apologies, Doc.

Second, I do agree with your current assessment in staying with what you’ve got since it’s working and see over time how it does. If you’re not moving gear in and out each time then I think you’re fine. If you’re breaking down and taking it home with you then I’d be jealous of your other guitar player with his Fender Excelsior and pedal board.

Just know I’m as envious as heck that you’ve got what looks like a good thing going to begin your new year. Have fun for all of us wishing we were you right now.

As for the Rumble, I threw that out as an example. Admittedly, the Rumble took me a long time to finally dial in a tone I liked with my Rogue, but now that I have it, it’s delicious. If you don’t feel like waiting then I’d be remiss not to recommend my other fave, Ampeg. One of their heads (I’d choose the PF-800 for that cab) might be just what the doctor needs to order. I encourage others to toss an idea or two. Again, I’d look used first to save money.

 

[Doctor Intrepid]

So first, I’m going to swat myself for breaking a club cardinal rule by pooping on one’s gear. You know I like everything you have individually, but just feel that Traynor is sitting there looking rather aggressive and it needs something, in my opinion, as aggressive to really drive the group. Again, all I had to see was the Hughes and Kettner and I became nervous! So please accept my apologies, Doc.

Second, I do agree with your current assessment in staying with what you’ve got since it’s working and see over time how it does. If you’re not moving gear in and out each time then I think you’re fine. If you’re breaking down and taking it home with you then I’d be jealous of your other guitar player with his Fender Excelsior and pedal board.

Just know I’m as envious as heck that you’ve got what looks like a good thing going to begin your new year. Have fun for all of us wishing we were you right now.

As for the Rumble, I threw that out as an example. Admittedly, the Rumble took me a long time to finally dial in a tone I liked with my Rogue, but now that I have it, it’s delicious. If you don’t feel like waiting then I’d be remiss not to recommend my other fave, Ampeg. One of their heads (I’d choose the PF-800 for that cab) might be just what the doctor needs to order. I encourage others to toss an idea or two. Again, I’d look used first to save money.

Yeah, I did have to get the guitar player with the H&K to turn down a bit. He just got that amp, and it is quite the thing. In my mind, that is the eternal struggle for us bass players - getting the guitarists to limit their volumes to something more reasonable. Their constant response: "but I can (still) hear your bass!". The struggle is real!

 

[iagtrplyr]

Yeah, I did have to get the guitar player with the H&K to turn down a bit. He just got that amp, and it is quite the thing. In my mind, that is the eternal struggle for us bass players - getting the guitarists to limit their volumes to something more reasonable. Their constant response: "but I can (still) hear your bass!". The struggle is real!

I hear ya, my good doctor! Hearing and actually hearing you are two different things. I mentioned last week at how our guitarist/vocalist was stunned to actually hear me through our side fill monitors that she admitted it’s the first time she heard me and it helped course playing considerably. Understand too that we’ve been playing together for 3-4 years too!

They might be feeling the low frequencies, but are they really hearing your contributions to the songs? For us, it’s my transitions from verses to choruses and so forth. What are your guys not catching because A) they may be too loud, B) you’re not loud enough or are t punching through better, or C) I don’t know, but you always have to have a C. I could tell by the picture your H & K guitarist is still in awe over his new acquisition and like any red-blooded Canadian, probably can’t help himself to an extra serving of LOUD!

I know this post is long (even for my stds) but ya got me going, Doc. How about a boost pedal? Are you using one of your pedal toys to push your sound? That’d help most assuredly. Last night/this morning I was using the VOX combo and it was anemic-sounding with both basses. Good tone but wimpy. Intro the OD pedal I like and with gain at near minimum, I boosted my signal with the volume control. Much, much better. Or are you already subscribing to that thought?

OKay, I gave two assignment to correct before it’s playtime again. Might do a little recording today if I can stay awake. Doc, just know we’re Here to listen and throw ya crazy advice!

 

[GonePlaid]

I will stick with my set up for now and see what happens. The good news is that it loud enough so far and I move all my gear in one load.

Now I know this is blasphemy on TB, but I've tried the Rumble series with some of my Hofners and I didn't like the tone I got from the amp. Nice looking amp, but they didn't do it for me.

No problem; I've tried 'pegs(including an SVT/810)-nope!

 

[Doctor Intrepid]

I hear ya, my good doctor! Hearing and actually hearing you are two different things. I mentioned last week at how our guitarist/vocalist was stunned to actually hear me through our side fill monitors that she admitted it’s the first time she heard me and it helped course playing considerably. Understand too that we’ve been playing together for 3-4 years too!

They might be feeling the low frequencies, but are they really hearing your contributions to the songs? For us, it’s my transitions from verses to choruses and so forth. What are your guys not catching because A) they may be too loud, B) you’re not loud enough or are t punching through better, or C) I don’t know, but you always have to have a C. I could tell by the picture your H & K guitarist is still in awe over his new acquisition and like any red-blooded Canadian, probably can’t help himself to an extra serving of LOUD!

I know this post is long (even for my stds) but ya got me going, Doc. How about a boost pedal? Are you using one of your pedal toys to push your sound? That’d help most assuredly. Last night/this morning I was using the VOX combo and it was anemic-sounding with both basses. Good tone but wimpy. Intro the OD pedal I like and with gain at near minimum, I boosted my signal with the volume control. Much, much better. Or are you already subscribing to that thought?

OKay, I gave two assignment to correct before it’s playtime again. Might do a little recording today if I can stay awake. Doc, just know we’re Here to listen and throw ya crazy advice!

I know this is a bit OCD, but here is a pic of what boosts my signal. I am brand loyal, but it does provide a lot of volume.

 

[iagtrplyr]

No problem; I've tried 'pegs(including an SVT/810)-nope!

Oh, ya big poo. You’re not gonna tell me that if someone didn’t drop a vintage B-15 in pristine condition you wouldn’t plug in and give it a whirl? Personally, GP, I’m not an SVT-man myself. Too clanky for what I usually play. But a B-15 is a whole other story.

 

[Doctor Intrepid]

No problem; I've tried 'pegs(including an SVT/810)-nope!

I think tone can be very personal. I hear a lot of folks on TB talking about emulating the tone of the particular artist they are covering, but back in the day when I played seriously it was about finding one's own voice. I still feel that way. But GP you are a professional player. Do you feel obliged to reproduce other people's tones? We all do it to some extent. I do it with our set list, as we play a large variety and therefore I must produce various tones, but the foundation is always my own tone. What do you think GP?

 

[GonePlaid]

Oh, ya big poo. You’re not gonna tell me that if someone didn’t drop a vintage B-15 in pristine condition you wouldn’t plug in and give it a whirl? Personally, GP, I’m not an SVT-man myself. Too clanky for what I usually play. But a B-15 is a whole other story.

The B-18 I played my Gibby EB-3 through was sweet; weighed a ton and the guy who had it knew what it was worth.

 

[iagtrplyr]

I know this is a bit OCD, but here is a pic of what boosts my signal. I am brand loyal, but it does provide a lot of volume.
View attachment 3648361

Oh yeah, I reminder that pedal now. It looks magnificently-built. I wouldn’t mind trying it though I don’t lean on compression as much. I was thinking like a clean boost pedal to give your preamp a kick in the pants. Either that or push your VOX amps pre into a more crunchier territory. I don’t you’ll get much more volume past 12:00.

 

[GonePlaid]

I think tone can be very personal. I hear a lot of folks on TB talking about emulating the tone of the particular artist they are covering, but back in the day when I played seriously it was about finding one's own voice. I still feel that way. But GP you are a professional player. Do you feel obliged to reproduce other people's tones? We all do it to some extent. I do it with our set list, as we play a large variety and therefore I must produce various tones, but the foundation is always my own tone. What do you think GP?

We don't use a set list. We have a few 'suggestions' written down, but after the first 3-4 tunes it's "feel the room". Our normal audience ranges in age from 50ish up to ?.
Once I set the amp(R100 or 200) to the room tonewise, that's it. I vary my tone-if needed-by the tone knob on the bass or by where I place my fingers[rarely pick].
FWIW, I found my home, bass wise*, with my 67 NR Thunderbird. It's what I play unless the situation calls for a short scale or my semi-hollow Ibanez.

* or it found me, as we say in Thunderbird Club

 

[Giffro]

So first, I’m going to swat myself for breaking a club cardinal rule by pooping on one’s gear. You know I like everything you have individually, but just feel that Traynor is sitting there looking rather aggressive and it needs something, in my opinion, as aggressive to really drive the group. Again, all I had to see was the Hughes and Kettner and I became nervous! So please accept my apologies, Doc.

Second, I do agree with your current assessment in staying with what you’ve got since it’s working and see over time how it does. If you’re not moving gear in and out each time then I think you’re fine. If you’re breaking down and taking it home with you then I’d be jealous of your other guitar player with his Fender Excelsior and pedal board.

Just know I’m as envious as heck that you’ve got what looks like a good thing going to begin your new year. Have fun for all of us wishing we were you right now.

As for the Rumble, I threw that out as an example. Admittedly, the Rumble took me a long time to finally dial in a tone I liked with my Rogue, but now that I have it, it’s delicious. If you don’t feel like waiting then I’d be remiss not to recommend my other fave, Ampeg. One of their heads (I’d choose the PF-800 for that cab) might be just what the doctor needs to order. I encourage others to toss an idea or two. Again, I’d look used first to save money.

He can't help being bossy Doc, after all he's a teacher lollll

 

[Giffro]

Yeah, I did have to get the guitar player with the H&K to turn down a bit. He just got that amp, and it is quite the thing. In my mind, that is the eternal struggle for us bass players - getting the guitarists to limit their volumes to something more reasonable. Their constant response: "but I can (still) hear your bass!". The struggle is real!

For bass players Doc...it's been that way with loud guitarists since the year Dot.