Absolutely. The best blends tend to cost more because of the higher malt content. There are some very good single grain whiskies out there as well, however.
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The Combo Club
- Thread starter ChefKen
- Start date
My early experiences with blended Scotch(supposedly 'good' stuff)tasted like burnt cork. And not in a good way-if there is one. I got around to trying some good single malt whiskies ~5 years ago at WDW/EPCOT's "Food and Wine Festival". Much better.
Single malts all have prominent/dominant flavors that are offset, compensated and balanced in good blends. Many drinkers like the single strong note of single malts and many others don’t. I get along with both camps as long as they don’t proselytize. Kinda like Fender vs. Ampeg.
Yeah, 'cos one is good and the other, not so much.
(Notice that at no time did I indicate which might be which)
Not drinking ridiculously expensive alcohol anymore has dramatically increased my bass funds over the last few years.
Oh yes, I jammed out and enjoyed the view for a few hours. I must have been playing well as I cranked the volume up and the front desk never called to inform me of complaints. Or I just didn't hear the phone ring...
It looks like I'm just in time to wish our FL a 6 days delayed Happy Birthday
Oh, Swink, how did you know I love six-day late birthday wishes? Just you thinking about my yearly venture into old age is more than enough for me. Thank you, my friend...and for the nearly 1,400 likes you gave my more-than-worthy posts.
And in appreciation of you posting your bass rig(s), I hereby award you membership #239 of the Combo Club. Add it to your sig, stitch it in your undies like I enjoy doing, or shout it from the rooftop, you're one of us now. Congratulations and stop by any time you wanna be with combo-loving friends.
Yeah, 'cos one is good and the other, not so much.
(Notice that at no time did I indicate which might be which)
And it's a good thing you did that because I wouldn't want to have to slap you with a one-billion schmackeroon citation for dissing a brand of combo. I'll even wager if you gave one of these Rocket Bass amps a fair shake at your nearest palm treed GC, you might think it's so bad. But I'm not trying to talk you into anything. I gave up on that with shrimp...
To wrap up the weekend, Father's Day, the first day of summer, and Swink's parole completion, I'd like to contribute an equipment review of sorts. You can also find it in the Rocket Bass thread, but being the review is a combo, I thought people might find it interesting. Grab a cocktail, here goes...
Being infamous for my long-winded posts, I'll keep chipping away at reviewing the RB-112, and tonight's installment is the first time plugging in my year-old MIM P-bass. Oh, mother of grace, the holy grail is upon me...well, close as I'll get tonight.
I've been using the Ampeg the past few days and nights working on songs with my best friend who came back from Ohio for the week. I figured it was a good time to begin breaking the am in, but I only used my Rogue Beetle bass being the P was in its case and out of the way of too much stuff in too small a room. Also, I was too lazy to make the swap.
We wrapped up tonight and I decided to put the room back together and that meant getting the Precision back out. Well, I had to plug in just for a moment and I'm so glad I did. Wow, did that mate perfectly with the Rocket Bass amp. Now I want the 115 for gigging!
The pickups are much warmer than the Rogue's and that output increase was immediate. I've been hearing boomy bass all week, but when I began playing the P, the tone just tightened right up. Every note burst through and not only the amp's tone controls showed terrific variance when turned, tweaking the bass' tone control made for some nice tonal changes.
Here's where it got fun though. Messing with different combinations of the SGT (yes, there's an obvious difference when using a bass made for a little grind), my TCE Spectra Comp, my Ampeg SCR-DI, I came up with a fat, B-15ish sound and a convincing SVT tone with the DI's Ultra Lo engaged. I did not play along with any music to see how it'd sit in, but I'll try that with some recording tomorrow or Tuesday to assess that.
The cool thing was going right from the bass to the amp, bypassing everything else, gave that renowned warmth we seek when looking at Ampeg. So you don't have to spend any more than what you have to get a great tone out of your rig, though having a few toys only enhances it when done right. Against acoustic guitar all week, my sound blended in beautifully and more than held its own at 10:00-12:00 volume levels.
All of a sudden, my other practice/low-level jam amps are waiting in line. This is the sound I love hearing while I play and it's gonna be hard switching out. Add to that the non-weight issue, the features it offers for the price, and the fact it looks great, this was wise money spent.
If you're looking, at any of the RB line on your audition list. If you're on the fence, do some listening/playing comparisons and pick what best suits you and your needs. My opinion still holds that I think the Rocket Bass series will end up a big winner for 2021 and I'm glad I made the decision to grab the 112.
FL
Being infamous for my long-winded posts, I'll keep chipping away at reviewing the RB-112, and tonight's installment is the first time plugging in my year-old MIM P-bass. Oh, mother of grace, the holy grail is upon me...well, close as I'll get tonight.
I've been using the Ampeg the past few days and nights working on songs with my best friend who came back from Ohio for the week. I figured it was a good time to begin breaking the am in, but I only used my Rogue Beetle bass being the P was in its case and out of the way of too much stuff in too small a room. Also, I was too lazy to make the swap.
We wrapped up tonight and I decided to put the room back together and that meant getting the Precision back out. Well, I had to plug in just for a moment and I'm so glad I did. Wow, did that mate perfectly with the Rocket Bass amp. Now I want the 115 for gigging!
The pickups are much warmer than the Rogue's and that output increase was immediate. I've been hearing boomy bass all week, but when I began playing the P, the tone just tightened right up. Every note burst through and not only the amp's tone controls showed terrific variance when turned, tweaking the bass' tone control made for some nice tonal changes.
Here's where it got fun though. Messing with different combinations of the SGT (yes, there's an obvious difference when using a bass made for a little grind), my TCE Spectra Comp, my Ampeg SCR-DI, I came up with a fat, B-15ish sound and a convincing SVT tone with the DI's Ultra Lo engaged. I did not play along with any music to see how it'd sit in, but I'll try that with some recording tomorrow or Tuesday to assess that.
The cool thing was going right from the bass to the amp, bypassing everything else, gave that renowned warmth we seek when looking at Ampeg. So you don't have to spend any more than what you have to get a great tone out of your rig, though having a few toys only enhances it when done right. Against acoustic guitar all week, my sound blended in beautifully and more than held its own at 10:00-12:00 volume levels.
All of a sudden, my other practice/low-level jam amps are waiting in line. This is the sound I love hearing while I play and it's gonna be hard switching out. Add to that the non-weight issue, the features it offers for the price, and the fact it looks great, this was wise money spent.
If you're looking, at any of the RB line on your audition list. If you're on the fence, do some listening/playing comparisons and pick what best suits you and your needs. My opinion still holds that I think the Rocket Bass series will end up a big winner for 2021 and I'm glad I made the decision to grab the 112.
FL
OK, pls understand, I really don't hate 'Pegs. They just don't/haven't given me the sound I want. There are 2 reasons I won't be trying one out at my 'friendly'(?),neighborhood GC(35 miles either direction, N or S): A) they ain't gotAnd it's a good thing you did that because I wouldn't want to have to slap you with a one-billion schmackeroon citation for dissing a brand of combo. I'll even wager if you gave one of these Rocket Bass amps a fair shake at your nearest palm treed GC, you might think it's so bad. But I'm not trying to talk you into anything. I gave up on that with shrimp...
in either store*, and 2) I'm happy with what I have w/o spending money I ain't gots.* including Epi Embassy basses
OK, pls understand, I really don't hate 'Pegs. They just don't/haven't given me the sound I want. There are 2 reasons I won't be trying one out at my 'friendly'(?),neighborhood GC(35 miles either direction, N or S): A) they ain't got
* including Epi Embassy basses
Fair enough. I myself haven’t been in our QC GC in...uh...since Obama maybe? Now I’ve done quite a few business transactions in their parking lot, maybe that counts?
Actually, it was the fall of ‘19 when we were shopping in Davenport and I dropped in to see what was up. Ten minutes and I was dust in the wind. Nothing to look at and not one person came over to say hi. Of course, I was wearing my “I’ll play Stairway to Heaven if you approach me” t-shirt on that day...
Heavily peated whiskies - whether they’re blends or single malts - are very much an aquired taste, and not for everyone, especially if they’re youngish. The difference between a peated 8 year old whisky and a peated 25 year old can be night and day, however, there are plenty of good unpeated blends out there as well.
- Oct 22, 2015
- 21,154
- 256,530
- Disclosures
- I am an affiliate for Ari Cap.
To wrap up the weekend, Father's Day, the first day of summer, and Swink's parole completion, I'd like to contribute an equipment review of sorts. You can also find it in the Rocket Bass thread, but being the review is a combo, I thought people might find it interesting. Grab a cocktail, here goes...
Being infamous for my long-winded posts, I'll keep chipping away at reviewing the RB-112, and tonight's installment is the first time plugging in my year-old MIM P-bass. Oh, mother of grace, the holy grail is upon me...well, close as I'll get tonight.
I've been using the Ampeg the past few days and nights working on songs with my best friend who came back from Ohio for the week. I figured it was a good time to begin breaking the am in, but I only used my Rogue Beetle bass being the P was in its case and out of the way of too much stuff in too small a room. Also, I was too lazy to make the swap.
We wrapped up tonight and I decided to put the room back together and that meant getting the Precision back out. Well, I had to plug in just for a moment and I'm so glad I did. Wow, did that mate perfectly with the Rocket Bass amp. Now I want the 115 for gigging!
The pickups are much warmer than the Rogue's and that output increase was immediate. I've been hearing boomy bass all week, but when I began playing the P, the tone just tightened right up. Every note burst through and not only the amp's tone controls showed terrific variance when turned, tweaking the bass' tone control made for some nice tonal changes.
Here's where it got fun though. Messing with different combinations of the SGT (yes, there's an obvious difference when using a bass made for a little grind), my TCE Spectra Comp, my Ampeg SCR-DI, I came up with a fat, B-15ish sound and a convincing SVT tone with the DI's Ultra Lo engaged. I did not play along with any music to see how it'd sit in, but I'll try that with some recording tomorrow or Tuesday to assess that.
The cool thing was going right from the bass to the amp, bypassing everything else, gave that renowned warmth we seek when looking at Ampeg. So you don't have to spend any more than what you have to get a great tone out of your rig, though having a few toys only enhances it when done right. Against acoustic guitar all week, my sound blended in beautifully and more than held its own at 10:00-12:00 volume levels.
All of a sudden, my other practice/low-level jam amps are waiting in line. This is the sound I love hearing while I play and it's gonna be hard switching out. Add to that the non-weight issue, the features it offers for the price, and the fact it looks great, this was wise money spent.
If you're looking, at any of the RB line on your audition list. If you're on the fence, do some listening/playing comparisons and pick what best suits you and your needs. My opinion still holds that I think the Rocket Bass series will end up a big winner for 2021 and I'm glad I made the decision to grab the 112.
FL
Oh great, thanks, GAS all over the place for a RB-115
Last time I was in a GC, Reagan was in office. And considered exactly that sum of time this morning as I sipped coffee on the patio as the dog saw to his dog business. It's my Peavey combo hauled in the back of the Poormobile that sees me through.
Here in the future there's loads of room in the Cherokee. What it seems to me is my PJB BG-400 combo alone is all I need for most local live gigs. With the C4 cab, I've got everything covered. Seems to me the levels of loud I took with my Peavey TNT and the extension cab I bought from
a superb human being and bass player who made his own pupleheart Thunderbird fretless. Think my Peavey was heavy? A purpleheart bass is heavy.
The gig I have is the one I tend. We had the Zoom kickoff Saturday for the summer Music Theory for the Bass Player cohort. It's a big, enthusiastic group. Being present to that many bass players who made the commitment to complete this study is massively inspiring. Oh and that it is clear: I'm in a volunteer role for Ari.
Crosses my mind I could teach in-person, right where I am. First thought is there is no way to tell who is and who isn't vaccinated. Might be good to let this all settle out as I seriously consider teaching full time. Cultivating an opportunity now, it moves at its own speed. Could take a year to develop. I've got time
Meanwhile keeping time here, living the experience of a RB combo vicariously.
Oh great, thanks, GAS all over the place for a RB-115
Last time I was in a GC, Reagan was in office. And considered exactly that sum of time this morning as I sipped coffee on the patio as the dog saw to his dog business. It's my Peavey combo hauled in the back of the Poormobile that sees me through.
Here in the future there's loads of room in the Cherokee. What it seems to me is my PJB BG-400 combo alone is all I need for most local live gigs. With the C4 cab, I've got everything covered. Seems to me the levels of loud I took with my Peavey TNT and the extension cab I bought from
a superb human being and bass player who made his own pupleheart Thunderbird fretless. Think my Peavey was heavy? A purpleheart bass is heavy.
The gig I have is the one I tend. We had the Zoom kickoff Saturday for the summer Music Theory for the Bass Player cohort. It's a big, enthusiastic group. Being present to that many bass players who made the commitment to complete this study is massively inspiring. Oh and that it is clear: I'm in a volunteer role for Ari.
Crosses my mind I could teach in-person, right where I am. First thought is there is no way to tell who is and who isn't vaccinated. Might be good to let this all settle out as I seriously consider teaching full time. Cultivating an opportunity now, it moves at its own speed. Could take a year to develop. I've got time
Meanwhile keeping time here, living the experience of a RB combo vicariously.
Your summer school adventure sounds great, M. A chance to meet, at a safe social distance, enthusiastic bass players will keep ya motivated throughout the season.
And what do you mean live the RB experience vicariously? You tell Ari a stipend for all of his instructors would be appreciated. Make it an even $500 and you can add the change left for the 115.
I know I’m certifiably insane for all my combo purchasing, but if you don’t taste test, how do you know what you’ll like? This 112 is the perfect practice/lite rehearsal/small gig/recording amp, but the 115 would be the better small to medium higher. Add the second 115 plus DI out and you’ve got larger gigs covered. What’s not to love with that dynamic duo?
We need more reviews from new owners to see if I’m just happy to be home on summer break or there is something kinda neat about this new line.
I promise to be patient...maybe.
Had a conversation with a recent relocator to our area from Northern California. She said she was amazed by the quantity and quality of craft beers in Michigan. I commented that the proliferation of good craft beers has made it such that nearly any brewpub in our area makes good beer or just goes under within a year. And if a bad one goes under, a new one pops up quickly.
It's a good time to like good beer.
Hey, I just remembered that we were talking about having another meet-up to sample some whiskies!
I am supposed to get some new gear today. I could post if anyone wants to see it. I must warn everyone, though, that it is not a combo!
Hey, Doc. Let me check with leadership to find out if it’s okay to post non-combo equipment. Wait for it...wait for it...yes.
Post away, especially if it’s Canadian-made. I love foreign products!
