The Combo Club

[GwenOnBass]

I keep forgetting that the BA210 is $100 more than the BA115 meaning that your deal was that much more insane.
...but we know for sure it’s happened at least once...

True and good point!
A lot of things will have shifted when we “get back.” I think there will be good opportunities after all of these frustrations.

Having an actual plan more comprehensive than "I can make this bass go" is probably a good idea. Before all what went down and such

well in fact the very weekend when the doors of a normally functional society were slammed shut was also the weekend of a regional blues band tryout for the summer festival than never happened. And a very good thing it would have been to make my appearance there — as a guest — and make myself visible. Party canceled, and I ̶w̶e̶n̶t̶ ̶w̶e̶e̶ ̶w̶e̶e̶ ̶w̶e̶e̶ ̶a̶l̶l̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶w̶a̶y̶ ̶h̶o̶m̶e̶ returned to my music theory study!

It's a good area for blues, actually a good area for all sorts of things, even live entertainment for the Sunday brunch crowds. Reasonable volume, all done with the PJB BG-400 combo amp that will never break a sweat. And home in time for dinner.

On tap is a recording or three for my Website. Website isn't going to get traffic until I get out there and seen, or at least talk with local musicians. Find folks of the same mind ....

 

[Cracker7]

I ordered another Ampeg ba210. I think I really got my best tone out of that combo. Got rid of it because of the weight but everything else was great. Now I just need to find a better way to transport it.
Plus, I have a special little something coming very soon. Pics to follow

 

[bhendrix]

I'll bet there's a new combo under there - maybe Ampeg??

Getting close to switcheroo time isn't it?

Yes folks! I called it on Nov 29th!

 

[Aaron Houts]

Having an actual plan more comprehensive than "I can make this bass go" is probably a good idea. Before all what went down and such

well in fact the very weekend when the doors of a normally functional society were slammed shut was also the weekend of a regional blues band tryout for the summer festival than never happened. And a very good thing it would have been to make my appearance there — as a guest — and make myself visible. Party canceled, and I ̶w̶e̶n̶t̶ ̶w̶e̶e̶ ̶w̶e̶e̶ ̶w̶e̶e̶ ̶a̶l̶l̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶w̶a̶y̶ ̶h̶o̶m̶e̶ returned to my music theory study!

It's a good area for blues, actually a good area for all sorts of things, even live entertainment for the Sunday brunch crowds. Reasonable volume, all done with the PJB BG-400 combo amp that will never break a sweat. And home in time for dinner.

On tap is a recording or three for my Website. Website isn't going to get traffic until I get out there and seen, or at least talk with local musicians. Find folks of the same mind ....

Makes sense!
You might make another attempt or two before you fund something that works. Any plans for the next sally forth?

The blues is very cool!
I grew up in Memphis so I get it!

I ordered another Ampeg ba210. I think I really got my best tone out of that combo. Got rid of it because of the weight but everything else was great. Now I just need to find a better way to transport it.
Plus, I have a special little something coming very soon. Pics to follow

Nice!
I wonder if swapping the speakers for neodymium ones might help you as well.

 

[RodRy]

Thanks, Mick!
Yeah...it always seems we have to end our reviews with “for a battery powered amp,” but still, it’s nice to go to an acoustic jam and play bass instead of an acoustic guitar.
Plus, my Cube EX makes for a great low volume practice amp.

Looking forward to the day I can bring my bass and PJB Double Four with battery back to an acoustic jam. This little amp punches way above it's 9 pound weight. Of course, it cost a pretty penny, so I expected good performance. It really sounds better than I ever expected.

I really liked this comparison video, and have to say that it gave me a bit of nudge in the D4 direction.

 

[RodRy]

...not trying to be a forum hog with the double posts, but everyone seems tired so I thought I’d throw in some updates for light entertainment.

View attachment 4085346
Friday morning practice with the Cube.
I am a full fledged member of the band and am now on the other side of the audition fence. The drummer, guitarist and I are auditioning male vocalists that can play guitar on Monday.

A surprise pivot to some Gen X music has us playing:
1. Plush-Stone Temple Pilots
2. Gel-Collective Soul as well as
3. American Band-Grand Funk Railroad
4. Born to be Wild-Steppenwolf

After the holidays, back to practice with the female vocalist to add the Zep back in with:
1. Dyer Maker
2. The Rover
3. Whole Lotta Love and
4. Immigrant song then more texture with
5. Jolene-Dolly Parton but rocked out following the model of some younger groups
And then comes the real fun:
6. Going Under-Evanescence-I get to play the 5er on this one!
Low B all over the place!

To keep us on topic: next practice I’m going to go with a single BA115 but DI through the PA. I will probably end up leaving a BA115 at the drummer’s house...which is the main reason I went with two combos instead of a head and two cabs.

Anywhoodles, I get the impression you’re all burned out so I hope this gives you a little break.

Be well, Comboites.

I am immediately shifting to living vicariously through your band experience.

I'm Gen-X, and I love all the stuff you mention above. Zep is well appreciated by Gen-Xers.

 

[RodRy]

I see you too are unafraid of living in excess. I'll see what I find a smoking deal on.

You guys are like two mad scientists egging each other on!


Which is of course, intended as a supreme compliment.

 

[GwenOnBass]

Makes sense!
You might make another attempt or two before you fund something that works. Any plans for the next sally forth?

The blues is very cool!
I grew up in Memphis so I get it!

Nice!
I wonder if swapping the speakers for neodymium ones might help you as well.

The live music scene here is presently non-existent. Theaters closed, marquees empty, no open mikes, no public houses serving mead and victuals to guests in need of a night on the town. Brick and mortar music store is pickup only, and the youth music school is indefinitely closed. It's a fair bet there are no carolers this year ....

When things are in full swing here, blues bands see steady bookings. There are restaurants that book nightly.

Blues is not lightly walked into. At last contact with the local blues association, I was no sooner in the door when a restaurateur's first words to me were looking for a gig?

And so it goes.

What I am doing (for no other reason than because I find it interesting) is working on greater freedom of the fretboard. Specifically I'm looking at best fingerings for scalar permutations. Sort of the neat one I'm on now goes
root - major 3rd - perfect 4th - major 6th
then continue the same sequence beginning on the second degree etc for a major diatonic scale until two octaves are complete. Then reverse the pattern back down

oh I'm playing it through my BA108v2+ with the headphones as I've got a circle of fifths on the smrtphn to practice walking bass



this is what I'm doing in lockdown

 

[Aaron Houts]

Looking forward to the day I can bring my bass and PJB Double Four with battery back to an acoustic jam. This little amp punches way above it's 9 pound weight. Of course, it cost a pretty penny, so I expected good performance. It really sounds better than I ever expected.

I really liked this comparison video, and have to say that it gave me a bit of nudge in the D4 direction.

I will definitely check that out!
For me, batteries I could buy at a store and the wedge shape have landed me solidly with the Cube EX for now. Price was a factor for the PJ, too.

I am immediately shifting to living vicariously through your band experience.

I'm Gen-X, and I love all the stuff you mention above. Zep is well appreciated by Gen-Xers.

Please do!
I feel like a lot of y'all have had these experiences and hope it's amusing watching a rookie earn his stripes.
I was in a Gen X power trio for a while. It was pretty neat to focus on the music of our generation. I was in an acoustic trio with a couple of guys that played Hippie music. It was nice to see how much the songs from the 60s meant to a crowd that knew that music from their teens and twenties. That's where I got the idea.
Also, you've got to watch the National Geographic special on Generation X. It explains a lot.

You guys are like two mad scientists egging each other on!


Which is of course, intended as a supreme compliment.

Yeah. I think @nuage420b and I are going to get each other in trouble. I had talked myself OUT of doing the speaker mod...

The live music scene here is presently non-existent. Theaters closed, marquees empty, no open mikes, no public houses serving mead and victuals to guests in need of a night on the town. Brick and mortar music store is pickup only, and the youth music school is indefinitely closed. It's a fair bet there are no carolers this year ....

When things are in full swing here, blues bands see steady bookings. There are restaurants that book nightly.

Blues is not lightly walked into. At last contact with the local blues association, I was no sooner in the door when a restaurateur's first words to me were looking for a gig?

And so it goes.

What I am doing (for no other reason than because I find it interesting) is working on greater freedom of the fretboard. Specifically I'm looking at best fingerings for scalar permutations. Sort of the neat one I'm on now goes
root - major 3rd - perfect 4th - major 6th
then continue the same sequence beginning on the second degree etc for a major diatonic scale until two octaves are complete. Then reverse the pattern back down

oh I'm playing it through my BA108v2+ with the headphones as I've got a circle of fifths on the smrtphn to practice walking bass



this is what I'm doing in lockdown

That's super smart. It'll pay off big time. I'm a HUGE fan of theory. I think that's what gives bass lines depth and texture. That's REALLY clear in these Zeppelin lines I'm learning!
...and still super intrigued by you and @iagtrplyr 's modified BA108s. So did y'all switch the speakers yourselves or have someone do it?

 

[GonePlaid]

Thanks, man!
I was wondering how your rig would work out with another BA210 for the coupling effect.
Instead of using the extension speaker out, I imagine you could just use the effects send and return.
A 565 watt four foot tall 410 vertical Ampeg stack would be badass!!!

Oh nice!
Then that’s MUCH better than I would have thought. I’ll have to scheme up a way to play one!
Congrats again then, Mick-DOUBLE congrats even!

Now THAT would be a blast!
Let me know if you make it to Florida!

I’m hoping we’ll get to gigging by 2-3 months after the New Year.
What do y’all think?

I know @GonePlaid is already gigging again, but that guy’s a freakin’ rock star.

Lately it seems I'm a jazz star. Sunday Jazz Brunch at Harry and the Natives, 9(AM )-Noon, Hobe Sound, FL. Trumpet, sax, guitar, drums, and bass(Ibanez AGB200>R100).

 

[Nuage420]

Oh let it be known, I am a horrible influence on many. My suggestions are at your own risk!

 

[Aaron Houts]

Lately it seems I'm a jazz star. Sunday Jazz Brunch at Harry and the Natives, 9(AM )-Noon, Hobe Sound, FL. Trumpet, sax, guitar, drums, and bass(Ibanez AGB200>R100).

“Jazz star!”
Man you have got this entire coast under your gig control!

Oh let it be known, I am a horrible influence on many. My suggestions are at your own risk!

I knew it!
I KNEW it!!!

 

[GonePlaid]

“Jazz star!”
Man you have got this entire coast under your gig control!

I knew it!
I KNEW it!!!

Control? LOL! I wish. Considering that we lost ~65 gigs that were booked in Feb. and cancelled along the way. We just got a NYE gig 4 days ago that pays 1/4 what our previously booked NYE gig(woulda)paid. Better than a poke in the eye w/ a sharp stick but could still get 86'ed depending on what the State and/or Palm Beach County says about 'gatherings'.

 

[GwenOnBass]

I will definitely check that out!
For me, batteries I could buy at a store and the wedge shape have landed me solidly with the Cube EX for now. Price was a factor for the PJ, too.

Please do!
I feel like a lot of y'all have had these experiences and hope it's amusing watching a rookie earn his stripes.
I was in a Gen X power trio for a while. It was pretty neat to focus on the music of our generation. I was in an acoustic trio with a couple of guys that played Hippie music. It was nice to see how much the songs from the 60s meant to a crowd that knew that music from their teens and twenties. That's where I got the idea.
Also, you've got to watch the National Geographic special on Generation X. It explains a lot.
View attachment 4086190

Yeah. I think @nuage420b and I are going to get each other in trouble. I had talked myself OUT of doing the speaker mod...

That's super smart. It'll pay off big time. I'm a HUGE fan of theory. I think that's what gives bass lines depth and texture. That's REALLY clear in these Zeppelin lines I'm learning!
...and still super intrigued by you and @iagtrplyr 's modified BA108s. So did y'all switch the speakers yourselves or have someone do it?

Trying to make sense of my description of the diatonic scale permutations reminds me of how much easier it is to understand in musical notation. Notes on a staff. Otherwise it cost a lot of energy and contributes to confusion if I say when I repeat the sequence on the second scale degree the second note is minor, not major

The most complicated tool I own is a screwdriver, so I didn't do the speaker swap myself ...

 

[Recon1342]

Trying to make sense of my description of the diatonic scale permutations reminds me of how much easier it is to understand in musical notation. Notes on a staff. Otherwise it cost a lot of energy and contributes to confusion if I say when I repeat the sequence on the second scale degree the second note is minor, not major

The most complicated tool I own is a screwdriver, so I didn't do the speaker swap myself ...

But is it a sonic screwdriver???

 

[RodRy]

I will definitely check that out!
For me, batteries I could buy at a store and the wedge shape have landed me solidly with the Cube EX for now. Price was a factor for the PJ, too.

Have to look a bit askance at an amp called a Cube that is so obviously non-cubic. But that's just my pedantic side coming out. My battery is still waiting for me at the store called Amazon. With no upcoming chances to play out with it, no reason to bother getting the battery.

Please do!
I feel like a lot of y'all have had these experiences and hope it's amusing watching a rookie earn his stripes.
I was in a Gen X power trio for a while. It was pretty neat to focus on the music of our generation. I was in an acoustic trio with a couple of guys that played Hippie music. It was nice to see how much the songs from the 60s meant to a crowd that knew that music from their teens and twenties. That's where I got the idea.
Also, you've got to watch the National Geographic special on Generation X. It explains a lot.
View attachment 4086190

If you've already played with at least 2 trios, I don't think you qualify as a rookie in my books. Wear those stripes proudly! I'll check out that special.

Yeah. I think @nuage420b and I are going to get each other in trouble. I had talked myself OUT of doing the speaker mod...

Seems to me that one of the hallmarks of friendship is encouraging one another to pursue their dreams. But not off a cliff though.

 

[swink]

But is it a sonic screwdriver???

I didn't know they made sonic cocktails

 

[_Obra_]

Hello there,

I have already asked this question on the GK thread, but it is very possible that I will get more different answers here.

Can someone explain to me what the real difference is between Gallien Krueger Legacy Combo 2x10'' and Gallien Krueger Fusion S Combo 2x10''?

Both are listed and available on the Thomann Germany website, Legacy Combo 2x10'' for 1239€ and Fusion S Combo for 1290€.

All characteristics are listed completely identical for both, from power, speakers, dimensions, weight...
As far as I know, the Legacy series is a Class D digital power amp as well as Fusion (which supposedly has tubes in EQ). Is that the only difference?

I currently have an MB212-II which is also a Class D digital power amp, so I'm generally interested in what the difference is between these three models, if we consider the same speaker configuration for all three (2x10''), and is it worth to change from MB if I do not need more power then 500W?

Thanks

 

[iagtrplyr]

...not trying to be a forum hog with the double posts, but everyone seems tired so I thought I’d throw in some updates for light entertainment.

View attachment 4085346
Friday morning practice with the Cube.
I am a full fledged member of the band and am now on the other side of the audition fence. The drummer, guitarist and I are auditioning male vocalists that can play guitar on Monday.

A surprise pivot to some Gen X music has us playing:
1. Plush-Stone Temple Pilots
2. Gel-Collective Soul as well as
3. American Band-Grand Funk Railroad
4. Born to be Wild-Steppenwolf

After the holidays, back to practice with the female vocalist to add the Zep back in with:
1. Dyer Maker
2. The Rover
3. Whole Lotta Love and
4. Immigrant song then more texture with
5. Jolene-Dolly Parton but rocked out following the model of some younger groups
And then comes the real fun:
6. Going Under-Evanescence-I get to play the 5er on this one!
Low B all over the place!

To keep us on topic: next practice I’m going to go with a single BA115 but DI through the PA. I will probably end up leaving a BA115 at the drummer’s house...which is the main reason I went with two combos instead of a head and two cabs.

Anywhoodles, I get the impression you’re all burned out so I hope this gives you a little break.

Be well, Comboites.

Thanks for keeping the clubhouse warm, AH. I’m currently AWOL and will be until after the 22nd, when winter break (thank the Lord) begins for 12 luxurious days. I do plan on being on tonight or tomorrow to catch up on the zillions of posts I’ve missed.

What’s been great is the influx of new members and/or lurkers who've become regulars and are sharing their stories. Though I still love to see many of our oldsters drop by, it’s nice to know our club welcomes new comboites (is that the correct spelling?) regularly.

And don’t forget to add your Combo Club # to your sig as we’re always looking to add new members to the flock. In fact, I’ll update you all with our latest club membership list as soon as I get the opportunity. It’s been a while.

Finally, here’s what I’m currently rocking with in my hideaway. After Christmas I’ll be assembling my DIY recording studio (don’t get excited, it won’t be much) and am kicking around the idea of making my Double 4 the “house” amp for my system. I’ll share my vision with you, if it works, after it’s completion.

Fearless Leader (and guy done with schoolwork for the weekend)

 

[iagtrplyr]

Ha ha!
I mean, dude, it’s the same footprint and dimensions as a BA115 just 3 more pounds.
...and I’ll BET you can find one for $250.
That’s your assignment.
Report back with your findings!

No, put Swink on it. He’ll have a mint-condition combo fresh from a yard sale in Portugal in no time...