The Combo Club

[Pontiac Thrasher]

Ok, so, like ummmm....

Oh well, here goes, I guess.

The owner of Investment Firm that I work for called me "Mr Back Burner" when he was "rather upset" once, so of course it is now left to me to respond to a call for the front burner?

Ironic, ehhh?

Combo Club obligatory combo reference in small print down here...

 

[iagtrplyr]

Ok, so, like ummmm....

Oh well, here goes, I guess.

The owner of Investment Firm that I work for called me "Mr Back Burner" when he was "rather upset" once, so of course it is now left to me to respond to a call for the front burner?

Ironic, ehhh?

Combo Club obligatory combo reference in small print down here...

The only difference is a major one though, Thrasher. Our front or rear burner is steeply based on an enjoyable hobby, side job, or career. Your burner is work-related which automatically means less fun, and I can only imagine what your burner jobs might be. I’ll pick TB burners any old day!

 

[GwenOnBass]

Yes, new in Morrighan's comboland is the new placement of the Ampeg BA108v2 Plus. In its "monitor" position, it is directly behind my practice chair for low volume playing. Everything in reach, all is well.

​

Late edit — I raised the 'Peg a foot with an exotic piece of gear called Empty Drawer With No Drawer Garage to Park In

 

[SoulReflection]

The only difference is a major one though, Thrasher. Our front or rear burner is steeply based on an enjoyable hobby, side job, or career. Your burner is work-related which automatically means less fun, and I can only imagine what your burner jobs might be. I’ll pick TB burners any old day!

Any burner is warming and enlightening. This from my camping days.

 

[RodRy]

Yes, new in Morrighan's comboland is the new placement of the Ampeg BA108v2 Plus. In its "monitor" position, it is directly behind my practice chair for low volume playing. Everything in reach, all is well.

View attachment 3816476
​

Late edit — I raised the 'Peg a foot with an exotic piece of gear called Empty Drawer With No Drawer Garage to Park In

Very cool post, and to me what is even cooler is that you have the Stingray out! It looks awesome! Hope you are making a bit of time with it, just to give Solstice Eve a bit of rest and reflection time.

 

[RodRy]

Gee Soul Reflection, you offer up another thread, everyone leaves, and we're sitting on P. 468 two days later!

I know I was AWOL myself, busy getting this next week's lessons launched yesterday. No Sunday bass playing either, but I have the Double Four hooked up (check pic below) with the new compressor leading the way. I wanna see if it gives the 'Lil guy a swift kick in the module.

Anyone out there, please report in and tell us what's the latest with your combo setup. Trying anything new? On Saturday, I ran my Zoom B1Xon pedal through the Orange's loop, and honestly, it was the best I've ever heard it. Always the guy who went through the input after my bass, I decided that the tube-driven loop was designed to do such things and that I ought to give it a try. I know, I'm such the newb. It's just I tend to run from bass to amp[ and no Tom Foolery in between, but this was really good-sounding. I got rid of the amp/cab models, used a chorus alone, a hall setting by itself, and maybe a solo reverb, and was quite impressed with what came out. Clean, airy, and worth the small cabling hassle.

So it's onto the PJB for a few days and then time for the Stage 800's return as I need to update my phone app. Okay, I bled all over the pages, it's someone else's turn. Come on folks, let's keep the club on the front burner!

Erm, I think you forgot your promised picture. Else my Combo Decoder is not decoding it...

 

[iagtrplyr]

Erm, I think you forgot your promised picture. Else my Combo Decoder is not decoding it...

RR, you are 100% correct! It was late last night after playing and it slipped my mind, but I finished with a couple interesting takeaways.

First, the LaBella strings are officially getting pulled off the Jazzer. After numerous tries, setting changes, and even throwing chicken bones into a circle and praying, I just can’t get the Fearless Leader tone out of my bass that I’ve enjoyed for years.

Too dark, little way in the way of higher-pitched overtones (air, as I think of it), and not the sound I can do much with. For those who’ve either thought it or have mentioned the Deep Talkers and Jazz don’t mix and, at least for me, you were right. So, new Fender 50s are on their way to save the day. Hey, I just rhymed.

My other observation, and M, you’re gonna like this, was the Dub 4 came out of its slumber last night thanks to the Spectracomp comp pedal I purchased from C7. Wow, what a little front end slam will do at he opportune time. Not only did my notes even out, as expected, but there was a nice heft behind each pluck, and a punch I just haven’t heard in the PJB. Honestly, I kept looking down at the ‘lil red bread loaf wondering, “How the heck are you doing that?” Also, I’m digging the Star Wars android look.

And to think, I was planning selling Rod my PBJ for a hundred bucks! At least, that’s what I was thinking...

M, love your rig pic. Once again, the BA-108 v2 Plus nicely plays with the others by sitting in its minitor-stance, ready to rock. Quite a symmetrical look too, says the former math teacher.

 

[GwenOnBass]

Very cool post, and to me what is even cooler is that you have the Stingray out! It looks awesome! Hope you are making a bit of time with it, just to give Solstice Eve a bit of rest and reflection time.

I'm able to hear my Ampeg better in the monitor position!

Solstice Eve is a 31 inch scale bass, and I find it better for my muscle memory as I work out with some finger permutations diagonally up and down the neck. That said, I did play the Ray a little today and didn't find the shift to be any great problem.

What surprised me today (pleasantly) is just what a snarl the Ray delivers. Those are D'Addario tapewounds. Not so bright as the Black Beauties are with it, and those aren't as bright as the Dean Markleys I used long ago. My tastes have changed, apparently. The white tapes might be a just the thing except I dig the look of the black tapes. Who knows, one day may even slap pink DR Neons on it again.

Digging the La Bella Low Tension Flats on the semi-hollowbody.

 

[GwenOnBass]

View attachment 3817080

RR, you are 100% correct! It was late last night after playing and it slipped my mind, but I finished with a couple interesting takeaways.

First, the LaBella strings are officially getting pulled off the Jazzer. After numerous tries, setting changes, and even throwing chicken bones into a circle and praying, I just can’t get the Fearless Leader tone out of my bass that I’ve enjoyed for years.

Too dark, little way in the way of higher-pitched overtones (air, as I think of it), and not the sound I can do much with. For those who’ve either thought it or have mentioned the Deep Talkers and Jazz don’t mix and, at least for me, you were right. So, new Fender 50s are on their way to save the day. Hey, I just rhymed.

My other observation, and M, you’re gonna like this, was the Dub 4 came out of its slumber last night thanks to the Spectracomp comp pedal I purchased from C7. Wow, what a little front end slam will do at he opportune time. Not only did my notes even out, as expected, but there was a nice heft behind each pluck, and a punch I just haven’t heard in the PJB. Honestly, I kept looking down at the ‘lil red bread loaf wondering, “How the heck are you doing that?” Also, I’m digging the Star Wars android look.

And to think, I was planning selling Rod my PBJ for a hundred bucks! At least, that’s what I was thinking...

M, love your rig pic. Once again, the BA-108 v2 Plus nicely plays with the others by sitting in its minitor-stance, ready to rock. Quite a symmetrical look too, says the former math teacher.

Compression is still a big ? to me. And I don't need a Double Four ... really LOL

 

[iagtrplyr]

Compression is still a big ? to me. And I don't need a Double Four ... really LOL

Nah, you’re sitting pretty good with your PBJ fleet. What was cool was going from the Terror Bass sound, aggressive and out front, to the cleaner, more modern-sounding Double Four. Admittedly, I have too many amps, but the chameleon in me enjoys the change of tone on a frequent basis.

And as you commented on your Ray, I want to shoutout to my Fender’s rosewood-on-maple neck. A neck that I believe Zeus must’ve anointed when it was still a tree. The body of my bass is big and heavy, but that darned neck makes it all worthwhile. It’s my baby!

 

[GwenOnBass]

Going between the Orange Terror and the Double Four is probably similar to going between the Elf and the Suitcase Compact. The Elf is aggressive and out front compared to the BG-400.

There's no rattling things off other things with the BA108v2 Plus, but it's also got a native sweetness. While it's not as exciting to as the other two, it certainly does exactly what it's designed to do (and a little more).

A neck that I believe Zeus must’ve anointed when it was still a tree.

How do you believe Zeus sired his progeny? Loaned him my Ray, I did, and he got inspired! In truth, the neck on my Stingray is very special. I guess it's what is called "fast". It's got a P bass width nut, yet very slender front to back. I've worn through the finish down there around F and B flat. What was I doing back when?

"Back when", I knew a dread from the Caribbean who owned a Stingray a few serial numbers from mine. We played each other's bass and he offered me his Ray, and a cash sweetener. I declined but did take him up repeatedly on friendly wagers for lunch over the backgammon board.

 

[gigetto]

I hope to hear here in Italy Phil Jones...

 

[iagtrplyr]

I hope to hear here in Italy Phil Jones...

Being you’re a Markbass fan, I think you’d like PJB as well. It’s super clean, let’s your instrument shine, and is possibly the best-built piece of equipment I’ve ever owned. If only all makers could do the same. Of course, my $100 Ampeg combo would be $400 bucks!

 

[GwenOnBass]

Any difference (so it appears to me) between a rig that makes [those perfect vintage sounds] and a rig that produces [my instrument — only louder — sounds], is only one can do both [within practical limitations].

 

[iagtrplyr]

Any difference (so it appears to me) between a rig that makes [those perfect vintage sounds] and a rig that produces [my instrument — only louder — sounds], is only one can do both [within practical limitations].

And then throw in playing styles (pluck vs. pick), type of bass (humbuckers vs. single coils), and depending if you had Cheerios or not for breakfast.

 

[GwenOnBass]

And then throw in playing styles (pluck vs. pick), type of bass (humbuckers vs. single coils), and depending if you had Cheerios or not for breakfast.

Yeh but it's fun, isn't it? Because I am one who wants to know what an Orange Terror sounds like by putting one to good use on a stage in exchange for money. (It's a local custom, don't ask me but ::> when in Rome <:: ) And the next time take another rig, and I'm happy, bandmates are happy, no thrown bottles and no chicken wire. I suppose it's probably a good idea to learn to play Rawhide? What I definitely know is a good idea to know how to play is the [local to you] national anthem. If anything ever happens in the course of a gig, play that.

Off to learn to play Rawhide actually some practice exercises I'm working with

 

[iagtrplyr]

Yeh but it's fun, isn't it? Because I am one who wants to know what an Orange Terror sounds like by putting one to good use on a stage in exchange for money. (It's a local custom, don't ask me but ::> when in Rome <:: ) And the next time take another rig, and I'm happy, bandmates are happy, no thrown bottles and no chicken wire. I suppose it's probably a good idea to learn to play Rawhide? What I definitely know is a good idea to know how to play is the [local to you] national anthem. If anything ever happens in the course of a gig, play that.

Off to learn to play Rawhide actually some practice exercises I'm working with

You only want to learn that if absolutely needed. Ya know, life or death kind of thing. That was our community concert band’s first song at each performance. I played the tuba part on bass. Then we’d close with Stars and Stripes Forever. That was my kind of tune...very rowdy!

 

[GwenOnBass]

Holding great certainty if I need to learn a song because learning it is a life or death thing, I will be an amazingly fast learner.

 

[RodRy]

View attachment 3817080

RR, you are 100% correct! It was late last night after playing and it slipped my mind, but I finished with a couple interesting takeaways.

First, the LaBella strings are officially getting pulled off the Jazzer. After numerous tries, setting changes, and even throwing chicken bones into a circle and praying, I just can’t get the Fearless Leader tone out of my bass that I’ve enjoyed for years.

Too dark, little way in the way of higher-pitched overtones (air, as I think of it), and not the sound I can do much with. For those who’ve either thought it or have mentioned the Deep Talkers and Jazz don’t mix and, at least for me, you were right. So, new Fender 50s are on their way to save the day. Hey, I just rhymed.

My other observation, and M, you’re gonna like this, was the Dub 4 came out of its slumber last night thanks to the Spectracomp comp pedal I purchased from C7. Wow, what a little front end slam will do at he opportune time. Not only did my notes even out, as expected, but there was a nice heft behind each pluck, and a punch I just haven’t heard in the PJB. Honestly, I kept looking down at the ‘lil red bread loaf wondering, “How the heck are you doing that?” Also, I’m digging the Star Wars android look.

And to think, I was planning selling Rod my PBJ for a hundred bucks! At least, that’s what I was thinking...

M, love your rig pic. Once again, the BA-108 v2 Plus nicely plays with the others by sitting in its minitor-stance, ready to rock. Quite a symmetrical look too, says the former math teacher.

I don't know much about LaBellas, but the Black Beuties I've got on Blackie are very flexible, and have minimal drag on the frets. I don't always bend strings, but when I do, I prefer Black Beauties. Having said that, I've heard very nice things about Thomastikc Infeld flats on Jazz basses. I may feel the need to try it some day, but the Fender 45 flats are working quite well right now.

I've no experience with external compression, so I'll take your word for it, and glad you got some sounds you like. I think the amp has a very "Number 5" look to it, and sounds like Number 5 is alive!

Don't you even taunt me like that! mutter mutter grumble grumble

 

[RodRy]

I'm able to hear my Ampeg better in the monitor position!

Solstice Eve is a 31 inch scale bass, and I find it better for my muscle memory as I work out with some finger permutations diagonally up and down the neck. That said, I did play the Ray a little today and didn't find the shift to be any great problem.

What surprised me today (pleasantly) is just what a snarl the Ray delivers. Those are D'Addario tapewounds. Not so bright as the Black Beauties are with it, and those aren't as bright as the Dean Markleys I used long ago. My tastes have changed, apparently. The white tapes might be a just the thing except I dig the look of the black tapes. Who knows, one day may even slap pink DR Neons on it again.

Digging the La Bella Low Tension Flats on the semi-hollowbody.

My basses run from two 30" scales to a 35" scale 5 string. I find that running back and forth between them has made me quick to find the correct scale length of the one I'm playing and compensate. The two different scale fretless basses are the hardest. Glad you played the Ray a bit. The shared history you have with that instrument makes it hurt my heart to think that it does not get any play time. Plus, the patina and just so-right look of that thing! I'm not much of a Stingray fan, but that's the coolest looking one I know.

Glad to hear you're enjoying both of your wonderful instruments. Play on, my friend!