The Combo Club

[Doctor Intrepid]

Was able to play with my new set up tonight at practice and love it! I'm not sure if I'm getting the tuby goodness of the Vox, but I love my tone and can now add a cab if I want; although only at 50w. So I'm loving my modified combo! The Peavey is doing a lot of the heavy lifting, with 300w and a 15" driver, while the Vox adds the nuance. The fretless Hofner is my number one now. We worked Billie Jean into the set and it sounds great! We may try and play out soon.

Anyway, here are some pics of the combo rig!

The Vox and the Box!

 

[iagtrplyr]

Well, I apologize, yet again. I chickened out. There were already too many exceptional musicians pickin' some really hot licks when I arrived at the Bluegrass Jam yesterday.

The multi-instrumentalist who acts as musical host, and has won the state fiddle competition many times, and the excellent mandolin player, who also crafts his own brand of amazingly fine mandolins and guitars, along with one flying-fingered flat picker, whose creds I don't know, but his prowess sings (not speaks) for itself, were already there and, man, oh, man, they were ... flat ... tearing ... it ... UP!!!

I nearly turned around and left! "I'm not worthy.", I thought to myself. But the facilities and food host had even called me the day before, hoping I could participate. Heck, he even helped me load in my B-DEC! Well, and I had to stay, even if only to listen. I have been the superfluous bass guitarist before, when there was an actual upright double bass. (sigh) But, I enjoy, very much, just listening to that, too.

Well, I definitely was not worthy for the first few songs I attempted. The last several months only practicing alone did not properly prepare me for real ... live ... 90-mile-an-hour+ ... Bluegrass. Even the mandolin player remarked, "That one was headed downhill!", meaning it got faster, and better!, as it went on. And no way was I gonna insult these guys with that anemic sounding 5.25" speaker with little-or-no real bass response.

Well, then many more guitarists and fiddlers arrived, one of which threatened, ... uh, I mean, offered to bring in his banjo, and I was glad I was using a real bass amp! And, after a while, I was getting compliments either on my tone, or volume restraint, or actually keeping up with the fast paced numbers. Of course, with the large number of musicians, and advanced age of many of them (us?), I assumed the role of "keeper of the rhythm", even if some of them chose to ignore the beat.

The little SRM150 would have been a great little PA for the 1-3 singers at this jam, but I had time constraints such that I had to make a quiet, unobtrusive, early getaway. Next time I hope to use it that way, though. Plus, I think it'll make a great little PA for solo EA guitar and vocal. So, I'm calling it a keeper, anyway.

And, if, for whatever reason, the VX50BA doesn't pan out, I still think the SRM150 will work as an ultralight bass monitor while sending my signal to FOH at church. At least until I get back my strength for the B-DEC, or . . . . or just give in to the seeming inevitability and go ahead and get a Rumble Studio 40. (sigh)

1,000 clams say the Vox will be returned within a week and you'll pony up the $100 in order to pick up a Studio 40. Folks, you read it here first. The Studio 40, at least from what I've gathered from Ghost, will sit in perfectly with many styles of music and group configurations. I've got a feeling about this, 'Dog. Remember, a thousand clams told me this!

 

[iagtrplyr]

I believe a Studio 40 is in your near future .

And I hadn't even read SR's own prediction yet. I'm telling ya, it's an epidemic!

 

[iagtrplyr]

Was able to play with my new set up tonight at practice and love it! I'm not sure if I'm getting the tuby goodness of the Vox, but I love my tone and can now add a cab if I want; although only at 50w. So I'm loving my modified combo! The Peavey is doing a lot of the heavy lifting, with 300w and a 15" driver, while the Vox adds the nuance. The fretless Hofner is my number one now. We worked Billie Jean into the set and it sounds great! We may try and play out soon.

Anyway, here are some pics of the combo rig!

The Vox and the Box!

View attachment 3201594 View attachment 3201595

That Vox head is crazy, Doc! That has to give the TE Elf a run for its money, though I realize it's less power. I was hoping to read where you were enveloped in the tubey goodness of the NuTube, but give it some time to open up a bit. Let your ears get accustomed to the tone and then go back to listening straight through the Peavey. You may be introducing amp lovers a new addition to our addiction! Keep us posted.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Update on the Rumble Stage 800;

I wasn’t all that impressed with my very-rushed first use of the amp on Sunday morning, finding it lack-luster tonally and power-wise. It was slightly discouraging actually.

But, once returning home I hauled it back inside and began a systematic process of ‘polishing’ patches to my specific modeling formula* and BINGO vibrant realistic amp voicings began to emerge and so did volume/headroom befitting the stated power ratings!

Sheesh that was a close one, but it now occurs to me that all of the previous modeling devices had come pre-programmed with ‘bedroom patches’.

Also, as much as I love modeling I seem to be completely unhappy with any of the cab simulations. Go figure, ‘cause I see more guys using cab sims than any other modeling technology.

*[That’s the beginning of my polishing of modeling patches (except when recording direct) I always kill the cab sim first. Then take gain to zero/master to max to hear the cleanest version.

I sculpt the tone testing each available band through its full available range to get familiar, but often everything ends up near flat with bass around 10:00 (flat being 12:00).

I usually need to back off on compression also, reducing ratio from factory down to 2 or 3:1 instead of the more common 6-7:1 or more.

This starts to allow as realistic a sound through as possible and the Stage 800 roared to life. Maximizing all of the gain (at zero) and volume controls for headroom, I had to reduce the master to ‘just leaking’ in order to keep the volume under control (Stack-pot Jazz bass was near wide-open for reference).]

It was quite exhilarating to be honest and it really convinced me that this amp can work just fine for me. It offers a full compliment of amp voices going from so-so to WOW! and the effects are bass-focused, plentiful and easy to apply. The included 4-switch pedal is old-school stomp and controls 3 patches, 3 effects, tuner and 60 second looper. Haven’t even checked out the looper yet. Love loopers...

Next I hope to explore the extension speaker realm. First the 2x8” on top and eventually the 1x15” beneath the Rumble. The 15” cab is buried in the garage so that’ll take a while with my broken foot.

I got very nervous at first, but you brought us down off the ledge in a hurry. You, my bass friend, have found the key to taming the modeling amp; a key that many players poop out on after buying what they think will be the end-all amp. I know, because I've fallen victim to being upset that the amp didn't sound terrific right off the bat and then it turns into "I hate modeling amps!" Your patience may reward you with something you can easily live with for many moons. Congrats Ghost! Now hurry up and heal the foot so you can go get the 15" cab!

 

[iagtrplyr]

Yeah, I knew I had to pay a visit or you guys would've forgotten who's holding the membership list. Just finished up Parent-Teacher Conference Week. 39 conferences in two nights, along with another 11 conferences in an afternoon, plus we still have another 8-10 morning conferences to go. We should be done by 11.13. 63 kids not counting my fifth graders.

Did get some bass playing in today (day off as comp time) and it felt good. Ran through my new Acoustic and was less-than-happy with the tone. Notes all sound the same which was a slight complaint I made about it a while back. Very bassy even when cutting back low mids and bass. Seemed like my ears became fatigued after a while too. So I replaced it with the Rumble (hence, new avatar) and we'll see if I notice any difference. I still love the angled cab of the Acoustic though, but it comes in just shy of 30 lbs, an actual difference when compared to the Rumble 100.

Okay, I'm handing the pulpit back to the guys with the brand new amps. They're much more exciting than my drivel. Keep up the great work, fellow Combo Club members. There's been some great conversation and we're up to 85 pages. At P. 100 G-Dog will put his Vox amp up for auction so he can get a Studio 40. Just wait and see.

 

[Doctor Intrepid]

In regard to the possible value of the Vox MV50, if you like your tone then it may (likely?) not add any value. The Max was not sounding good on it own and selling amps on the used market is a good way to lose money fast. So I had to do something. I became fixated with Vox amps, due to my Hofners. Fortunately it worked out well and fixed my tone while also adding flexibility to my set up.

In regard to the real work, I just made it through the slog of midterms, so it was great to jam tonight. Nice way to cleanse the palate!

 

[Yahboy]

Was able to play with my new set up tonight at practice and love it! I'm not sure if I'm getting the tuby goodness of the Vox, but I love my tone and can now add a cab if I want; although only at 50w. So I'm loving my modified combo! The Peavey is doing a lot of the heavy lifting, with 300w and a 15" driver, while the Vox adds the nuance. The fretless Hofner is my number one now. We worked Billie Jean into the set and it sounds great! We may try and play out soon.

Anyway, here are some pics of the combo rig!

The Vox and the Box!

View attachment 3201594 View attachment 3201595

How about add an Ampeg Classic Preamp Pedal to MV50 ?

 

[G-Dog]

1,000 clams say the Vox will be returned within a week and you'll pony up the $100 in order to pick up a Studio 40. Folks, you read it here first. The Studio 40, at least from what I've gathered from Ghost, will sit in perfectly with many styles of music and group configurations. I've got a feeling about this, 'Dog. Remember, a thousand clams told me this!

1,000 CLAMS!?!? Wow! Hey, Big Spender, why don't you just play "Secret Santa" and send me a Studio 40? It'd be cheaper for you. Anyway, the few clams here say your 1,000 clams are all washed up!

The Vox VX50BA is a keeper, at least until I'm off lifting restrictions after my early December appointment. By then I'm sure we will have bonded permanently. Actually, we're getting pretty close already, as you may tell in Killed_by_Death's NAD-Vox thread.

 

[SoulReflection]

1,000 CLAMS!?!? Wow! Hey, Big Spender, why don't you just play "Secret Santa" and send me a Studio 40? It'd be cheaper for you. Anyway, the few clams here say your 1,000 clams are all washed up!

View attachment 3201745​

The Vox VX50BA is a keeper, at least until I'm off lifting restrictions after my early December appointment. By then I'm sure we will have bonded permanently. Actually, we're getting pretty close already, as you may tell in Killed_by_Death's NAD-Vox thread.

My crystal ball is indicating you will have both !

 

[G-Dog]

My crystal ball is indicating you will have both !

Oh, yeah, unlike Fearless Leader @iagtrplyr, you would win that bet, @SoulReflection! Someday the Rumble Studio 40, if not the Stage 800(!), will most definitely be mine. But, 'til then, my rusty, trusty B-DEC still has lotsa modeling settings to play, get it "play"(?), with.

 

[G-Dog]

Wow, I better be careful what I wish for. Next time he might have me playing a right-handed bass! Very cool, Doggie!

Notorious members of the Band On The Run Gang were recently spotted making a getaway. If anyone has any information as to their current whereabouts, please call the authorities immediately!

I can't wait for the next installment. Maybe this is when our beloved author will introduce his evil twin, P-Dog. Those two have been rivals since the beginning of time, and it's been an amp race ever since. I feel bad for Mrs. Dog though. She seems as if she's always the foil for G's bass amp purchases. My guess is she's already got her Stairway to Heaven shuttle run paid for. 'Dog, you're a...a...dog!

How did you know I had a twin? Well, ... er, one of us did. You see, one of us ate the other before birth, and it's not clear which of us was actually born. But, that wasn't the end of the devoured! It's complicated. Anyway, so, ... uh, ... we share a body! There, I said it. P doesn't like to admit it, but Mrs. Dog and I keep him suppressed most of the time. I'm afraid he made a brief appearance not too long ago when I was g.a.s.'d about a Rumble Stage 800. Mmmmmm . . . Ru-umb-le . . . NO! Serenity now! . . . Serenity now. . . . Serenity . . .

And Mrs. Dog? Well, my therapist . . . . I mean, I have decided to consult her about any substantial purchases. And if P's fangs and hairy pointy ears aren't showing, then she usually agrees. But if they are, then she pets me, . . . uh, him and sings a soothing lullaby, and I wake up with my head in her lap. Yes, the struggle is real. But we are determined and vigilant.

 

[GwenOnBass]

Lincoln Town Car?!

 

[G-Dog]

Lincoln Town Car?!

The LEO*s BOLO** called it a silver Mercury Marquis, Iowa license plate BR-549!





*Law Enforcement Officer
**Be On the Look Out

 

[GwenOnBass]

Silver is clearly the first choice of combo amp bassists.

Astonishing the quantity of stuff this beast holds.

 

[alaskaleftybass]

My Impreza is no beast but it can haul a lot of stuff...

Generic picture of my car. Mine has Alaskan plates...

 

[GonePlaid]

My Impreza is no beast but it can haul a lot of stuff...

View attachment 3202403
Generic picture of my car. Mine has Alaskan plates...

My band vehicle: '96 Ford Aerostar, 330K+ miles on it. Carries a helluva lotta stuff. And that's with the second row seat still in (third row removed). The covered thingy[technical term]under the milk crate is a (name withheld) spare bass amp, just in case my main amp craps out on a gig.

 

[alaskaleftybass]

My band vehicle: '96 Ford Aerostar, 330K+ miles on it. Carries a helluva lotta stuff.View attachment 3202409 View attachment 3202410 And that's with the second row seat still in (third row removed). The covered thingy[technical term]under the milk crate is a (name withheld) spare bass amp, just in case my main amp craps out on a gig.

Now that's a band vehicle!

 

[GwenOnBass]

It is a January day when I first discover I'm no longer able to lift the 1x15 cab that followed me home in 1983. A cold day in, oh yeah I actually said such a thing. Out loud. The cab was a home-rolled number intended to be utterly road-worthy. In 80s parlance, that means a great deal of mass. Taller than a 4x10 it was. It seemed like a good idea at the time and probably was.

Gone from two 1x15s to two 4x5s. This is a good direction for me. Oh and the 8 on this little Ampeg. Great amp.

 

[GonePlaid]

Now that's a band vehicle!

Clarification: the spare amp is of a brand that I will no longer purchase any of their equipment, due to my dissatisfaction with their business practices. As long as it still works, I'll keep it. It isn't worth going to the effort of selling.