The Combo Club

[iagtrplyr]

I have a question for you guys. My Ampeg BA-155HPT was stolen. I watched for a Rumble on Craigslist and a Walkabout/Scout became available and it followed me home. I am stunned at how good this thing sounds and how huge the sound is for a cube that measures perhaps 20" square. Here is my question:

Do you guys think there is a combo that can beat this Walkabout/Scout? Are there louder combos? Are there better-sounding combos? Is this Walkabout/Scout in the same league with the best of combo amps? Give it to me straight. I can take it.

Hey there, OF. Thanks for stopping by our friendly confines. I myself have never played through one before, but the Scout seems to have an excellent reputation amongst fellow TBers.

That being said, tone is highly subjective and and what sounds fantastic to one set of ears comes across less appealing to another. Then there those of us nuts who want a different tone for each day of the week.

If the Mesa Boogie does it for ya then a hearty congratulations. I understand there’s a tubiness that players really like, especially being it’s solid state.

If you’re interested, take a photo of your latest conquest and post it right here in the club pages. If you do, I’ll snag you a membership number and G’Dog will shower you with nifty perks. Join us!

 

[biguglyman]

This combo here is my last. 500watts, 2X12" speakers, and it actually weighs a couple pounds LESS than that little Carvin...(Squier VM Cab. not included)

 

[iagtrplyr]

This combo here is my last. 500watts, 2X12" speakers, and it actually weighs a couple pounds LESS than that little Carvin...(Squier VM Cab. not included)View attachment 3734722

Boy, is that a sleek-looking bass guitar you've got there, Bigs. I love minimalistic basses. Great look with the GK lurking behind. I'd say if you take good care it, that rig may be your final rig. Very nice!

 

[biguglyman]

That's my $120 CL Squier with a $140 TV Jones p/up...lol My current fav.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Hello everyone and goodnight.

Before I shove off I just wanted to tell you of my afternoon at the local music shoppe. Being I had the day off (first one since the Nixon era), I decided to celebrate by going down to my fave hangout and see about this Eden 300-watt head that was listed online for $259. I figured he was blowing it out as he tends to due when something doesn't sell (he said it was at cost), and I thought I might wheel and deal to get it.

Armed with some cash, a gift card from Christmas, and the VOX VX50 BA, I decided to storm the place and get either the amp or an interface for recording. Knowing I needed that way worse, I decided to pitch the amp offer. I said I'd picked up the combo within the last year, it was in mint condition, and sounded great. He seemed uninterested but looked up it was currently worth. He says, did you pay $239 for it? I said, yes, I did. He goes, "I found one used price online and it's $107." #$%^& $107? Like a dope, I was thinking maybe 130-150 and then I'd kick in the difference with money. Between his lack of interest (he asked if it was tube and I said, it's NuTube. His heart sank) and my lack of desire to just give my equipment away, we moved on to the interface.Plus, the Eden was like a cannonball for weight. I think I read 11 lbs, but it was all on one side!

So I picked up a Prosonus Audiobox USB 96 interface and hope it'll make better recordings than sticking mic in front of speaker and hoping for the best. He was great at showing me the setup, what I might decide to add in time, how to get the software, etc. Recording is this guy's specialty and he was much more willing to talk that. I know I have a lot to learn but I really want to make better recordings as well as learn the process if the day ever comes that I'm not playing any longer, yet still contributing to the cause.

Then I came home and ate pizza...done. Including the well-deserved nap, it was a wonderful day though I still worked on school stuff throughout the morning. Forever a prisoner. I plan on trying it out this weekend for the fun of it.

The VOX is back home and will serve me in some capacity in the future. Who knows, maybe Doc Intrepid will snag it for $108 and use it in a stereo setup or something. It's a crazy world out there!

Let's do some talking this weekend. What's your latest news or updates? Any more thoughts on Old Farts' Scout inquiry? Anyone wanna try and lift Biggie's large cabinet underneath his heavy combo? Questions to be answered, get onboard if ya have a moment.

Still sitting here in the Rumble patch waiting for the Rumble Stage/Studio update,

Fearless Leader

 

[G-Dog]

Hello everyone ... ... Armed with some cash, a gift card from Christmas, and the VOX VX50 BA, I. ... ... The VOX is back home and will serve me in some capacity in the future. Who knows, maybe Doc Intrepid will snag it ... .... What's your latest news or updates? ... ... Still sitting here in the Rumble patch waiting for the Rumble Stage/Studio update, ...

Took Mrs. Dog to join her little friends at a Quilt Show Thursday. I got a workout helping the store owner's husband unload the U-Haul full of fabric into the show. Then, Friday I'm on my own, so I bum around town checking a few points of interest. The only one halfway worth mentioning is related here.

I seemed invisible wandering through the Guitar Center from front to back. Still got a coupla gift cards languishing. Gearwise, I'm in great shape. But every once in a while I get an idea I need a new cable, strings, or whatnot. Alas, those ideas escape me when such an opportunity actually arises.

I wander, ghostlike, into the acoustic guitar rooms. Sounds like a music theory class being given!? Nope, just some blowhard trying to impress someone with his music knowledge. The other guy loks as unimpressed as I am. I play a couple nice acoistics, including a very nice 12-string, but am uninspired.

At the EBG wall I admire the basses and amps. A black Fender Aerodyne Jazz PJ catches my eye and I do the internal visualization/consideration. Might even ask to play it! Then look it up on my phone online and the infatuation subsides. No real new functionality for me, but it's a looker. (sigh) Continue on to the, much bigger, EG back wall. Again, a few lookers, but no new functionality from my home stable.

Then I spy this black cardboard box. Says "SuperBeetle" on it! And it ain't empty?!? Why sit an unopened box out on display? Well, half unopened. Am I willing to ask to finish opening it and play it? Then, I turn around and there's a li'l guitar SuperBeetle on the floor in front of the other Voxes! So, I sit and start examining it and, just like that, I become visible and get an offer of help! I confess my attraction to this reminder of my teen years and ask about a possible matching extension cab. "Oh, yeah, we have 'em online. But I don't think they have the Vox emblem on the front like that one." Say, what?!? Can you show me? "Oh, sure." And he walks back to the counter to search it up. Hmmm, taking a while. "Well, I know I saw it." But, I have my doubts and go back to examining the Beetle and remembering the short shrift Vox gave the bass version with smaller speaker and no extension cab facility. "Found it!" Yeah, no, that black-grilled cab doesn't look anything like the Beetle! And, face it, looks is the biggest thing going for it, right? "Well, that's the cab for the new tiny little Vox heads, have you seen those?" Yeah, I have, and I mention loving my VX50BA combo from the same family. (sigh) Momentary excitement subsiding.

Then, my son calls. He's off work early! New excitement ensues! Musical diversion over. For now. Woo hoo!

.​

 

[GonePlaid]

Took Mrs. Dog to join her little friends at a Quilt Show Thursday. I got a workout helping the store owner's husband unload the U-Haul full of fabric into the show. Then, Friday I'm on my own, so I bum around town checking a few points of interest. The only one halfway worth mentioning is related here.

I seemed invisible wandering through the Guitar Center from front to back. Still got a coupla gift cards languishing. Gearwise, I'm in great shape. But every once in a while I get an idea I need a new cable, strings, or whatnot. Alas, those ideas escape me when such an opportunity actually arises.

I wander, ghostlike, into the acoustic guitar rooms. Sounds like a music theory class being given!? Nope, just some blowhard trying to impress someone with his music knowledge. The other guy loks as unimpressed as I am. I play a couple nice acoistics, including a very nice 12-string, but am uninspired.

At the EBG wall I admire the basses and amps. A black Fender Aerodyne Jazz PJ catches my eye and I do the internal visualization/consideration. Might even ask to play it! Then look it up on my phone online and the infatuation subsides. No real new functionality for me, but it's a looker. (sigh) Continue on to the, much bigger, EG back wall. Again, a few lookers, but no new functionality from my home stable.

Then I spy this black cardboard box. Says "SuperBeetle" on it! And it ain't empty?!? Why sit an unopened box out on display? Well, half unopened. Am I willing to ask to finish opening it and play it? Then, I turn around and there's a li'l guitar SuperBeetle on the floor in front of the other Voxes! So, I sit and start examining it and, just like that, I become visible and get an offer of help! I confess my attraction to this reminder of my teen years and ask about a possible matching extension cab. "Oh, yeah, we have 'em online. But I don't think they have the Vox emblem on the front like that one." Say, what?!? Can you show me? "Oh, sure." And he walks back to the counter to search it up. Hmmm, taking a while. "Well, I know I saw it." But, I have my doubts and go back to examining the Beetle and remembering the short shrift Vox gave the bass version with smaller speaker and no extension cab facility. "Found it!" Yeah, no, that black-grilled cab doesn't look anything like the Beetle! And, face it, looks is the biggest thing going for it, right? "Well, that's the cab for the new tiny little Vox heads, have you seen those?" Yeah, I have, and I mention loving my VX50BA combo from the same family. (sigh) Momentary excitement subsiding.

Then, my son calls. He's off work early! New excitement ensues! Musical diversion over. For now. Woo hoo!

View attachment 3734951
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IDK if you've ever mentioned your age. I'm 74. When I go into a(name of store)I apparently go into 'cloaking' mode. I've even approached a counter, asked a question, and watched the sales person walk away. I wonder why I buy my gear online...........

 

[GwenOnBass]

Those Vox sure are some sexi looking amps ....

 

[redstrand]

that's a cool little Vox

 

[Doctor Intrepid]

IDK if you've ever mentioned your age. I'm 74. When I go into a(name of store)I apparently go into 'cloaking' mode. I've even approached a counter, asked a question, and watched the sales person walk away. I wonder why I buy my gear online...........

My uncle, who is 71, has said the same thing. The sale people have had it drummed in their heads that people between 20-35 have purchasing power and buy stuff. One shouldn't always believe what they see on TV. As my uncle said, it is the old folks that I have money. I bought more gear in 2 years in my late 40s than I did in the rest of my life and I'll likely buy more.

 

[RodRy]

Those Vox sure are some sexi looking amps ....

Absocooly! I don't want one, but they look sweet.

 

[RodRy]

Well, my report is from last night.

After work, we had a lovely dinner at home, then went to the local brewery/restaurant/show venue, Bell's. It has a large dedicated show area, separate from all the rest of the complex, and is one of the better places in town to see a live band. The area is a two-story tall rectangle that includes a small loft area over the bar. Most of the room has very little seating, so standing is pretty much the evening.

The loft area has a handful of tables, so we went up there first, and perched at a tall two-top against the back wall. The space was a horrible bass trap. I struck up a conversation with a nearby lower table away from the wall. They had two open seats. We were invited to join, and we talked music, jobs, hair, and who we each know locally to find connections.

The Accidentals were the headliners. Michael Dause (Accidentals drummer) has formed a band called Treeskin, and they opened the set. We watched Treeskin from the loft. Sound was sub-par at best, so we decided that when the Accidentals played, we were going down to the main floor and into the mob. When the trio hit the stage together and said hello, we bid adieu to our new acquaintances, and went down to the crowd.

We've seen the Accidentals for years, starting when they were all about 18 and played a little festival near Ann Arbor called Holler Fest. We've watched their careers build, their crowds increase, their music-ship, stagecraft, awareness, and imaginations grow. We've seen them play nervously, excitedly, skittishly, boldly, and in a state of near exhaustion. We've read their road stories, bought all their albums (YES! They still put out CDs) and caught their show every chance we got. These kids are great people.

Last night was the first show they did after taking a full two months off. It's the longest break from touring they have taken since they started, and the difference was obvious. The set was performing the 16 songs they want to put on the next album, and asking us to vote for out top choices so they can pare it down to only 11. They started by huddling around a single mic, and playing a Michael Hedges sounding intro.

They are multi-instrumentalists, and their collection of instruments includes massive amounts of strings (two sizes of mandolins, two acoustic guitars, electric guitar, baritone guitar, two Mustang basses, cello, and violin). They keep experimenting with the sound they want to put forward, and daring each other to go further and try more. When I chatted with them at the merch table, they were delighted that the baritone/acoustic guitar sound went over well, and talked about having two basses because one is in drop-D tuning.

They played with a jubilance and power that we've not seen from them before. Each time we see them, they've grown in some way, and this time, the growth has come by taking the time to really breath and live without the road rolling under their wheels. This band is my favorite trio. They are poised on the edge of national stardom, and I think they are finding their feet, and finding their places as they move to the end of their 20s. I can't wait to see what they do next, and hope to be following them for the next 20 years.

Go see the Accidentals if you can. Their live show has yet to be captured on video properly, but there are vids of them on YTube.

 

[StatesideRambler]

My uncle, who is 71, has said the same thing. The sale people have had it drummed in their heads that people between 20-35 have purchasing power and buy stuff. One shouldn't always believe what they see on TV. As my uncle said, it is the old folks that I have money. I bought more gear in 2 years in my late 40s than I did in the rest of my life and I'll likely buy more.

Not all that many moons ago I was ignored at a store. I made my purchases at another place across town then, before taking my treasures home, I made a side trip to the first store. I found the general manager, we talked a bit then I showed him my $2k+ receipt letting him know that he lost not just this sale but all future business from me. I added that I wouldn’t be particularly coy about telling people my story.

Age and treachery will overcome youth and enthusiasm.

 

[RodRy]

Not all that many moons ago I was ignored at a store. I made my purchases at another place across town then, before taking my treasures home, I made a side trip to the first store. I found the general manager, we talked a bit then I showed him my $2k+ receipt letting him know that he lost not just this sale but all future business from me. I added that I wouldn’t be particularly coy about telling people my story.

Age and treachery will overcome youth and enthusiasm.

Yep, store owners/workers ignore customers at their peril.

One of our favorite restaurants in town (Martini's) has always had absolutely impeccable service to us. Polite, friendly, and on the occasions where a mistake has happened, the staff is always quick to suggest a resolution, often going above and beyond what we would have asked for. The simple fact that the waitstaff is empowered to make solid decisions about resolution - without fear of reprisal from management - is probably what has impressed us the most.

Just wanted to share a positive customer service experience.

 

[GonePlaid]

Yep, store owners/workers ignore customers at their peril.

One of our favorite restaurants in town (Martini's) has always had absolutely impeccable service to us. Polite, friendly, and on the occasions where a mistake has happened, the staff is always quick to suggest a resolution, often going above and beyond what we would have asked for. The simple fact that the waitstaff is empowered to make solid decisions about resolution - without fear of reprisal from management - is probably what has impressed us the most.

Just wanted to share a positive customer service experience.

When-and if-we get particularly good service, in addition to a bigger tip, we seek out management and let them know of our appreciation. Usually, when we ask for a manger, they're hesitant, figuring we have a bit....er,..... complaint. They're quite relieved-and surprised when it's a compliment.

 

[RodRy]

When-and if-we get particularly good service, in addition to a bigger tip, we seek out management and let them know of our appreciation. Usually, when we ask for a manger, they're hesitant, figuring we have a bit....er,..... complaint. They're quite relieved-and surprised when it's a compliment.

That is great! We've done the same, and I absolutely love when the worried look on the manager's face melts into relief and delight. That is truly priceless!

 

[iagtrplyr]

Great tales of music and table side service, ladies and gents. A few notes:

1) ‘Dog, ya know you’re gonna land a Super Beetle at some point. Than darn two-piece rig fights above its weight limit and is as fun as heck. That was the only reason I was willing to part with the combo. Do it!

2) Rod, very entertaining story about The Accidentals. I know I’ve come across their music before but can’t remember where. I’ll check ‘em out.

3) ‘Rambler, if I ever open up a retail store and you show up I’m gonna wet my pants in the hopes you don’t show me a receipt from a competitive surgical mask shoppe. (yeah, I’m getting in on the ground floor...)

Keep up the great writing, CC!

 

[GwenOnBass]

All my hard work to be ignored and now this.

 

[JPDsma]

My GC Charlotte experience was one of the good ones. The young guys ignored me, 65 long haired CA guy. But after watching me peruse the basses, the only gal in the store left her lookie loo ‘client’ and asked if she could help. She was very knowledgable and helpful and left me alone to noodle models with a Markbass 210. She even took the Squire back to the tech to have the relief improved and then unlocked the fretless JB for me to try. Well, that clinched it, her service and the feel of the JB. She had a good sense and manner and the guys never made a single sale in the 2 hrs I was there.

 

[redstrand]

Well GK’s new combos look incredible