You think math is hard you should try figuring out my rig.Grateful for the folks who like maths that make our rigs reality
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The Combo Club
- Thread starter ChefKen
- Start date
Best comment of the night!
How ya been, Doc? Gee, a guy doesn’t notice the 400th page coincides with the posts and the next thing you know we’re dragging Einstein in here. Good thing I only teach science and social studies!
Doc, the past few weeks I’ve tiptoed into the dark side and spent more time playing my Jazz bass, still a nice one, but it just didn’t feel right. Those who’ve listened to some tunes I’ve recently recorded have accurately noticed the Rogue is too boomy without any low bass. That may be true, but I’d still rather play the Beatle bass than my Fender.
So I’m in a mission over the coming days (maybe weeks) to improve the sound coming out of the amp. I’m gonna try and reduce the midrange mud and deepen the low end without destroying what it does best; gives that beautiful woody tone those of is who like these hollow-bodies enjoy.
Got any tips? How do you set your tone controls, and see you even trying to alter your Hofner’s natural tone? I changed amps from my Ampeg (which rocks with the Jazz but doesn’t do much for the Rogue) to my VOX Super Beetle rig. Even though the Jazz still sounds good, especially with the fuzz on, that amp (and the combo too) belongs to the Rogue. The best woody tone poured out of the 8” speaker tonight.
Anything you can throw my way would be graciously accepted, as well as for many moons of pure trial and error. It’s my go-to bass and I want to improve its tone a bit. Thanks a bunch in advance!
How’s the band doing? Are you still hanging in there, volume-wise? Is the Traynor holding up?
Our trio is planning a morning jam as soon as it warms up and I’m deciding between the VOX combo and the PJB Double Four. I’m not going to know if it’s gonna cut it if I don’t get it out there playing.
Heading to bed. All-day inservice tomorrow. I wish I was one of the kids and could enjoy Presidents Day. See ya!
Tough question to answer. Tone can be so personal, as it begins with the fingers. I typically scoop my sound, but my current rig is too complicated to have a simple answer like that. My tone is boomy, but there is also definition in the tone and all around I love my tone. Maybe try a Hofner? I'd have to look at your rig to say for sure. Would prefer we were in a room together trying to figure it out ...
I’ll be heading to Canada tomorrow! I agree, it’s not something you can explain in a paragraph. I reduced my neck pickup’s volume and that cleaned her up a bit. It’s strange, but to my ears it sounds terrific love but I do agree on a recording it tends to sound bass heavy and dark. It doesn’t always cut through either, but like this singalong we did in December, I thought it provided a solid foundation and sounded musical.
The Hofner idea isn’t s bad one. No German-made model, but their entry level is similar to what I have now and most likely with better pickups. I’ll put it on my list.
I made light of being talked out of the Rogue, those who’ve listened to me of late have been complete honest and on the mark too. It’ll be a fun project improving the tone a little without breaking the bank. I’ve already decided the amps are staying (until one gets sold) so I’ve got to play the hand I was dealt.
Thanks Doc! Continue fighting the fight with your Hofner army!
Maybe it is the recording part of the equation. I don't think I've figured that out either, although I did post something previously. Of course, never under underestimate the originator of a concept. The best representation of a pBass of a Jazz is still Fender. So the best representative of the violin bass is Hofner. It is probably true they were copying Gibson's EB1, but they their own thing when they did. Hofner are still primarily a string instrument company.I’ll be heading to Canada tomorrow! I agree, it’s not something you can explain in a paragraph. I reduced my neck pickup’s volume and that cleaned her up a bit. It’s strange, but to my ears it sounds terrific love but I do agree on a recording it tends to sound bass heavy and dark. It doesn’t always cut through either, but like this singalong we did in December, I thought it provided a solid foundation and sounded musical.
The Hofner idea isn’t s bad one. No German-made model, but their entry level is similar to what I have now and most likely with better pickups. I’ll put it on my list.
I made light of being talked out of the Rogue, those who’ve listened to me of late have been complete honest and on the mark too. It’ll be a fun project improving the tone a little without breaking the bank. I’ve already decided the amps are staying (until one gets sold) so I’ve got to play the hand I was dealt.
Thanks Doc! Continue fighting the fight with your Hofner army!
- Oct 22, 2015
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It's the semi hollowbody bass that is to my ear the British Invasion. Violin bass or ES-335 style bass, it's that whut holds my attention. Stands to reason a Hofner pairs well with the Vox Ain't nobody fooled if I splice Vox grill cloth on the PJB 
Ain't nobody fooled if I splice Vox grill cloth on the PJB 
Aight, it’s been awhile but I’m getting in the market for a combo again. Lovin my buddy’s Rumble 200. Should I go for one of those or a 500? That big 15 sound is so soulful and warm.
IIRC, Mo, you were enamoured of the Rumble 200 back last summer and ended up with a little jewel of a 'Peg, though I can't blame you for the deal you got! Didn't you try the 200 & 500 combos back then? What was your sound preference then? Has anything changed? Maybe you should just go ahead and get one to finally find out if it's true love, or just infatuation.
Concerned about cutting thru the mix in a loud situation? Yeah, the 500 has much more power but, according to many who own or tried both, the 2x10s don't sound quite like the 15. If your ears are that discerning the 500, combo or head, with a 115 cab can give you the best of both. Though, if you can find a 500 head, for high volume use I'd recommend no less than two 115 cabs. The 115 cab has exactly the same speaker, rated 300W continuous & 600 program, as the 200 combo, though it never sees more than 140W continuous in the combo.
Hope this helps.
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A 200 with a second 15...yum, yum!
I second and third the recording part...
Stands to reason a Hofner pairs well with the Vox
Hmm...that’s an interesting idea. Let me sleep on it.
Yeah, and you have first-hand evidence of such recordings, don’t ya? I hear you, SR, I hear you.
Hey Moe. Long time no hear. G’Dog gave ya plenty to kick around, but I’ll ask if you feel you can live with 140 watts in the combo? If ya can, then I’d definitely go that route and when the call comes in for a little more volume, pick up the 115 ext cab and you’ll find out 200 watts into two 15s should work for most gigs. Don’t forget, you can also DI out when there’s PA support. Let us know what you do.
Took my favorite combo (Peavey TNT150) and turned it into a standalone head. Loved the sound but was not portable at all. Way to bulky and awkward to move. Now I can bring it anywhere hahah.
I keep waiting for the rest of the combo to magically appear below. Hey M, would what BnW did to his amp lessen any poundage or are we still talking eighty lbs here?
- Oct 22, 2015
- 21,153
- 256,486
- Disclosures
- I am an affiliate for Ari Cap.
A mighty boat anchor is our TNT
thus it is written
And as I gaze upon the amp, I wonder interesting EQ
thus it is written
And as I gaze upon the amp, I wonder interesting EQ
Hey chief, that’s what I’m thinking too. Love that 15 sound. Right now I’m just making it work at our monthly gig with 50 watts and a 12” speaker so I’m thinking 140 watts into a 15 will be PLENTY. Plus like you said, I can always add a second 15. 215s - wouldn’t that be bumpin!
- Oct 22, 2015
- 21,153
- 256,486
- Disclosures
- I am an affiliate for Ari Cap.
I like the looks when people pick up my Rumble 40(18#)or R100(22#).The bonus of "you're getting that from That?" is worth the price of admission
edit for typo
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