Well I think thats it for my Ray 34

[mathewcanhaz]

I've tried every EQ setting I can think of, and I've let it come to half a dozen practices now and I still can't get it to sound good in a band mix. My jazz bass fits in perfectly every time but I just can't make this Ray work. He will be getting posted for sale on every local craigslist/ recycler/ for sale location I can find today. Have any of you guys had this problem with your Ray's?

Here's a pic, I spent so much on this paint and was so excited about this bass, it's such a shame we couldn't work things out.

 

[hdracer]

Seems like a veiled for sale ad to me.......

 

[mathewcanhaz]

nah I'm not really down to ship this thing. I'm just super bummed to see it go, and I always got a lot of complements on this bass on this forum so I just thought I'd give him a send off

 

[Hapa]

It clearly isn't working because of the green paint ;P jk =)
Since your in Riverside goto Nordstrand guitars in Redlands, CA if they can't make that ray sing then no one can.

 

[GreggBummer]

Have your tried a different amp or preamp?

I have found that my P-bass loves my SWR and my J-Bass seems happier with my Peavey.

The bass is only one variable (although a very important one) in the equation.

 

[mathewcanhaz]

Well sadly I'm a poor college student and can't afford another amp so right now I'm running out of a Gkmb200 and a 4x10 hartke cab. This is a two guitar band folk/pop rock kind of band and no matter what I do it won't sit right in the mix

 

[Stilettoprefer]

Well sadly I'm a poor college student and can't afford another amp so right now I'm running out of a Gkmb200 and a 4x10 hartke cab. This is a two guitar band folk/pop rock kind of band and no matter what I do it won't sit right in the mix

Boost the bass and cut back some treble. Also, try flat wound strings. It's worth trying. Just make sure to give the flats a few weeks to break in before judging the setup.

 

[mathewcanhaz]

Boost the bass and cut back some treble. Also, try flat wound strings. It's worth trying. Just make sure to give the flats a few weeks to break in before judging the setup.

already tried the whole flats thing...... maybe know of a new preamp that would be worth trying? I dunno I really don't want to get rid of this thing but I feel like I've tried everything

 

[Stilettoprefer]

Does the bass have a series/parallel option for the pickup coils?? If not (and you are good at wiring) you could try the pickup passive with a push/pull for series/parallel and a tone control.

 

[mathewcanhaz]

Does the bass have a series/parallel option for the pickup coils?? If not (and you are good at wiring) you could try the pickup passive with a push/pull for series/parallel and a tone control.

its an interesting idea but I have no idea how to do that

 

[Nobody]

Keep it and just use your Jazz in your current band. The Ray might work better in a future band/project. It's good to have different kinds of weapons in your arsenal for different battles.

 

[wigworld]

You've got it all upside down. You down't change your tone to fit in with the band. The band has to fit around you. ;-)

 

[mathewcanhaz]

You've got it all upside down. You down't change your tone to fit in with the band. The band has to fit around you. ;-)

Best reply I've had yet hahahaha. If only things were this easy. So I've been thinking this thing really does need a fret dress so to compensate I'm keeping the action a little higher, I know that lowering the action can effect the tone what do you guys think should I invest another 100 in this thing to have the frets dressed and see if I can make it work. I just am really low on funds so investing 100 is a really big deal for me right now.

 

[GreggBummer]

I have a preamp recommendation for you:

Sansamp Programmable Bass Driver

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

You can find one used for about $150. I love mine.

However, there are plenty of great preamps out there by other companies.

 

[Dave W]

I really don't think getting the frets dressed is going to get you want you want.

 

[mathewcanhaz]

I really don't think getting the frets dressed is going to get you want you want.

Yeah i figured it was a long shot.............

I'm going to continue trying to make him work, but I just posted ads all over the internet. Hopefully I can make it work before he has to leave. Its killing me, This thing is just so pretty and it sounds great solo but I just can't make it work in a band

 

[Dave W]

What sound are you going for? What do you currently have on it for strings?

 

[mathewcanhaz]

I can't really describe what I'm looking for, It gets the typical ray tone that I am absolutely in love with but I can't seem to get that tone or any other tone really to sit well in my bands current mix. yet my jazz bass (running a couple of j pickups and pots from Emg) seems to fit perfect with almost no fiddling around. as far as strings go I run elixirs on all of my instruments (I love how bright they sound and how long they last)

 

[jeff7bass]

Put some DR strings on it before you bail out. Low-Riders are great, so are Sun-Beams.

 

[Dave W]

as far as strings go I run elixirs on all of my instruments (I love how bright they sound and how long they last)

Put some DR strings on it before you bail out. Low-Riders are great, so are Sun-Beams.

+1. I'll add Hi Beams as well...or Roto RS66's.

I never really thought Elixirs were particularly bright. They always sounded slightly dead and stayed that way for a long time.