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The Combo Club

As Lowbrow said, your Fearless Leader requested he post some great playing through his new combo, and for those of you who haven't heard it, I thought it'd be a good opportunity to do so. Thanks, Lb, for your graciousness in doing so. I also enjoyed his detailed notes on the settings used for those of us recording our own noodlings at home. This is a great example of giving us curious types exactly what we need to know.

Thanks again, Lowbrow! :hyper:
Even I appreciated it tho I'd like to hear what it sounds like 'clean'. But since I'm happy as a clam at high tide-and so's my wallet-with my Rumbles, there's no point.
 
Even I appreciated it tho I'd like to hear what it sounds like 'clean'. But since I'm happy as a clam at high tide-and so's my wallet-with my Rumbles, there's no point.

But it gave you a chance to hear what all the shouting's been about and that's why I asked Lb to post it here too. Besides my feeble attempt to record something and get it heard by that thread (some did, some didn't) Lowbrow and one or two others are the only ones to share tones and settings, and it's been nice to see and hear. I wish we'd get some members to volunteer some sound samples sometime (look, alliteration).

My question is does it have to be random noodling that is our own, or can we play along with a copywritten song and post it. I know there's the "it's not mine, I don't own it" disclaimer, but wondered if there's a set TB rule about it? If ya know, let us curious types know.
 
But it gave you a chance to hear what all the shouting's been about and that's why I asked Lb to post it here too. Besides my feeble attempt to record something and get it heard by that thread (some did, some didn't) Lowbrow and one or two others are the only ones to share tones and settings, and it's been nice to see and hear. I wish we'd get some members to volunteer some sound samples sometime (look, alliteration).

My question is does it have to be random noodling that is our own, or can we play along with a copywritten song and post it. I know there's the "it's not mine, I don't own it" disclaimer, but wondered if there's a set TB rule about it? If ya know, let us curious types know.
Well, quite honestly, one could play almost any 3 chord R&R song(w/o identifying it b4hand, and get away with it). Or 12 bar blues. Yeah, there are a few patterns that might be pretty recognizable, but unless one said "here's Louie, Louie", who'd know?
 
Are the Portaflex series of cabs and heads considered 'combo' amps? Its seems a little bit different (from a traditional combo) but somewhat the same.

Hey Slap. No, and we've gone through scarring battles over it until I finally declared, using my fearless Leader voice, that separates are separate and don't constitute being combos. We're talking more about how it's assembled than anything. If it comes in a single chassis, we accept it, but when you purchase the unit and you notice that neither piece can function without the other, its separates. To add to the confusion, we do accept and love bass combos sitting on top of an extension cab! Confused? Welcome to the Club! ;)

If you have further questions, please type said queries and ask for either JakobT (our residing judge of such affairs) or swink, our professor of thinkology. Still confused? Now we REALLY welcome you to the Club! :hyper:
 
Well, quite honestly, one could play almost any 3 chord R&R song(w/o identifying it b4hand, and get away with it). Or 12 bar blues. Yeah, there are a few patterns that might be pretty recognizable, but unless one said "here's Louie, Louie", who'd know?

I'm confused, though that's common. It's not what he played, it's the recording through the amp we're listening to. In my opinion, what's played is much less important compared to how it sounds. It'd be the same if you went into an audio store to buy loudspeakers. I'm listening to how the recording sounds through the speakers, not if I happen to like the song or not. Or did I misinterpret your meaning? This is more educational and less musical, maybe?
 
I'm confused, though that's common. It's not what he played, it's the recording through the amp we're listening to. In my opinion, what's played is much less important compared to how it sounds. It'd be the same if you went into an audio store to buy loudspeakers. I'm listening to how the recording sounds through the speakers, not if I happen to like the song or not. Or did I misinterpret your meaning? This is more educational and less musical, maybe?
I merely answered yer musing re recording something. I can't honestly remember what Lb was playing.
Say, fer instance, you played the droning Dusty Hill bass 'line' to "Sharp Dressed Man". Unless you stated "Here's the droning Dusty Hill bass 'line' to "Sharp Dressed Man"", I'd be listening for the sound of the bass/amp. I might attempt to figure out what tune was being played, but I'd be checking out the demo for tone(s).
 
Quick gig report for those curious about the Trace Elliott Elf 1x10 combo. I recently picked up one of these tiny punch factories from TB member @Nuage420.

It KILLED at my instrumental surf rock gig this past Thursday night. Guitar, bass, drums, no vocals, no PA. I had way more than enough output. And it couldn't have worked out better since I had to carry it, along with my bass and bag of cords/pedals for about a quarter mile from my parking spot in downtown Omaha to my gig at the tiki bar, which is a basement bar. Anyway, everyone couldn't believe how little and powerful it was. "Punchy" was a term that came up several times. I put it on a wicker chair (picture below) to get some elevation. The bar manager who books us (also a bass player) was really impressed by it. I had previously been using an original series TC BG250 combo, which weighs 36 lbs. All things considered, the TC is still a pretty lightweight amp...and I still have it, because it's a really great 1x15 combo. But I got tired of carrying it from car down to the gig (I'm 42 but my back must be 72) so I decided to look for something lighter, but still powerful enough for bar gigs. The Elf combo is only 18 lbs...half the weight of the TC! It's literally smaller than my 20 watt Acoustic practice amp, lol. Anyway, that's my report on the Elf combo for anyone curious.

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Tim, sorry I'm late in posting you a reply. I read it earlier then went to play myself and forgot to get back until now. First of all, congrats on picking up Nu's TE combo. I had a sweet deal all lined up to snag it myself, but money talks, and you beat me to it. Your review of it was fun to read and sounded like it checked all your boxes. I'm sure you first looked at it and wondered if it would work as well or sound as good as your tce combo. Obviously, you destroyed that notion! I was interested in its DI capability because Peavey has openly bragged about it. Please let us know if you get the chance to use it.

Also, if you're interested in joining our club since you've already given us a little info on the amp and provided a picture, let me know and I'll hand you out your very own number. We'd love to add you to our list of almost 250 members.

Thanks again for sharing, letting us know Nuage420's combo made it home safely and reminding me I lost out on a good deal! ;)
 
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I merely answered yer musing re recording something. I can't honestly remember what Lb was playing.
Say, fer instance, you played the droning Dusty Hill bass 'line' to "Sharp Dressed Man". Unless you stated "Here's the droning Dusty Hill bass 'line' to "Sharp Dressed Man"", I'd be listening for the sound of the bass/amp. I might attempt to figure out what tune was being played, but I'd be checking out the demo for tone(s).

Oh, good, then we are on the same page. Yeah, the music is just the vehicle for the tone to drive into my ear. It offers possible buyers a chance to hear an amp before purchasing and indeed, this thread we've been on has increased interest in the RB line. I was saying I'd love to hear from some of our peeps sometimes with these great bass amps that most of us will never probably own but would love to catch a few notes from.

Sharp Dressed Man, coming up if it's legal to do so. swink, know anything about this?
 
Oh, good, then we are on the same page. Yeah, the music is just the vehicle for the tone to drive into my ear. It offers possible buyers a chance to hear an amp before purchasing and indeed, this thread we've been on has increased interest in the RB line. I was saying I'd love to hear from some of our peeps sometimes with these great bass amps that most of us will never probably own but would love to catch a few notes from.

Sharp Dressed Man, coming up if it's legal to do so. swink, know anything about this?
I do "My Girl" in our group. I announce it as being a song I enjoy doing because the intro features...ME! 3 notes(2 pitches*)and everyone knows what it is. But on a tremendous number of songs, particularly doo-wop, the bass part sounds the same. So one could demonstrate the capability of the amp in question w/o identifying a 'protected' song.

EDIT:*F and Bb in case anyone cares
 
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Hey Slap. No, and we've gone through scarring battles over it until I finally declared, using my fearless Leader voice, that separates are separate and don't constitute being combos. We're talking more about how it's assembled than anything. If it comes in a single chassis, we accept it, but when you purchase the unit and you notice that neither piece can function without the other, its separates. To add to the confusion, we do accept and love bass combos sitting on top of an extension cab! Confused? Welcome to the Club! ;)

If you have further questions, please type said queries and ask for either JakobT (our residing judge of such affairs) or swink, our professor of thinkology. Still confused? Now we REALLY welcome you to the Club! :hyper:

And here I thought Ampeg Portaflex cabs were considered combos because they were attached to one cab, even though the amp section could rotate up. Guess not!
 
I do "My Girl" in our group. I announce it as being a song I enjoy doing because the intro features...ME! 3 notes(2 pitches)and everyone knows what it is. But on a tremendous number of songs, particularly doo-wop, the bass part sounds the same. So one could demonstrate the capability of the amp in question w/o identifying a 'protected' song.

Interesting. I get what you’re saying, and yes, most bass parts are pretty basic. Doesn’t natter to me, as long as I can detect the subtle nuances of the amplifier. And if I’m tapping my foot along with the music, that’s fine too.
 
Sorry I beat you to the deal but I had to move fast because I had the gig on Thursday! Sure, I'd love to join the Combo Club. I've been on Talkbass since 2004 and I've yet to join a club. :) No, haven't tried the DI yet.


Tom, sorry I'm late in posting you a reply. I read it earlier then went to play myself and forgot to get back until now. First of all, congrats on picking up Nu's TE combo. I had a sweet deal all lined up to snag it myself, but money talks, and you beat me to it. Your review of it was fun to read and sounded like it checked all your boxes. I'm sure you first looked at it and wondered if it would work as well or sound as good as your tce combo. Obviously, you destroyed that notion! I was interested in its DI capability because Peavey has openly bragged about it. Please let us know if you get the chance to use it.

Also, if you're interested in joining our club since you've already given us a little info on the amp and provided a picture, let me know and I'll hand you out your very own number. We'd love to add you to our list of almost 250 members.

Thanks again for sharing, letting us know Nuage420's combo made it home safely and reminding me I lost out on a good deal! ;)
Tom, sorry I'm late in posting you a reply. I read it earlier then went to play myself and forgot to get back until now. First of all, congrats on picking up Nu's TE combo. I had a sweet deal all lined up to snag it myself, but money talks, and you beat me to it. Your review of it was fun to read and sounded like it checked all your boxes. I'm sure you first looked at it and wondered if it would work as well or sound as good as your tce combo. Obviously, you destroyed that notion! I was interested in its DI capability because Peavey has openly bragged about it. Please let us know if you get the chance to use it.

Also, if you're interested in joining our club since you've already given us a little info on the amp and provided a picture, let me know and I'll hand you out your very own number. We'd love to add you to our list of almost 250 members.

Thanks again for sharing, letting us know Nuage420's combo made it home safely and reminding me I lost out on a good deal! ;)