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rockbassist
Member
Username: rockbassist

Post Number: 91
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Sunday, September 17, 2006 - 8:20 pm:   Edit Post

I have 2 1997 Epic 5 String basses and a 1976 Fender Precision. I wouldn't trade any of these basses for anything. I am using a Gallien Krueger 1001RB-II running bi-amped through a Gallien Krueger 410 RBH and 115 RBH. The tone is the best that I have ever had but it's still not quite what I am looking for. It seems that everytime I see a band whose bass sound I love the bassist is using either Eden or EBS. I am considering switching to an Eden 800 head with an Eden 410 and 115 or an EBS rig. Seeing how Alembic is such a high end bass I figured that many of you are also using high end amps. What do you recommend?
Thanks
bsee
Senior Member
Username: bsee

Post Number: 1315
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Sunday, September 17, 2006 - 10:00 pm:   Edit Post

You'll find quite a few here are using Alembic preamps as part of their rigs.

Personally, I can tell you that a Schroeder cabinet of the right size for your application and an EA iAmp 800 makes for a great and versatile rig. While I found that very tight and modern, I have recently gone to a Fender TBP-1 preamp to get a little more warmth in my tone.

It would be the rare gigging environment that would exceed the abilities of the iAmp800 into a Schroeder 21012 light cabinet. For a more vintage tone, the heavier 1212 model really punches. I would bet that your basses and amp would sound great through a 1212, and probably nearly as loud. That's a single 2x12 cabinet that weighs in under 60 pounds and has a footprint smaller than the average 2x10 cab.

I just don't see the reason to carry that much cab around any longer.
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 553
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 4:18 am:   Edit Post

From what I have seen here and at other sites I don't think you could go wrong with either Eden or EBS.

I'm currently using an Eden Navigator preamp into a Bag End ELF controller which feeds a QSC PLX 3002. This drives Bag End 18" and 2X10 speakers.

Keith
fc_spoiler
Advanced Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 343
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 4:35 am:   Edit Post

I use an Ampeg SVT 3 Pro (450 watt @ 4 ohm) with a Mesa/Boogie Powerhouse 1000 (1 x 15 inch + 4 x 10 inch)
Works very well for me, lots of power and perfect tone for my music. If I had the $$$ I would go for the Mesa 400+ amp, but retubing that amp will cost approx $500!

On the picture I use my set and the set I use for practising, a Hartke H3500 with a Trace Elliot 1 x 18 inch + 1 x 10 inch...Thunder!:
lowlife
Advanced Member
Username: lowlife

Post Number: 245
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 4:41 am:   Edit Post

I wasted quite a bit of cash trying out different combinations, until I found Eden. I'm using an Eden 800 head in bi-amp mode powering an Eden 2 x 10 (D210XST) and and Eden 1 x 15 (D115XST). Pure delight.

Ellery (Lowlife)
lothartu
Intermediate Member
Username: lothartu

Post Number: 174
Registered: 8-2003
Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 9:02 am:   Edit Post

I'm currently running an Alembic F1X preamp into a QSC RMX 1850. I'm only using one side of the QSC at the moment to push an Aguilar GS112.

I'm thinking about either adding a 2x10 or replacing the GS112 with a 2x10. The 2x10 I'm considering is an Acme low B2 cabinet.

-Jim
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 706
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 9:07 am:   Edit Post

I have an Eden Metro 2x10 combo I use at church. And my big rig is a newly added F1X preamp into an SWR 750 Head powering 2 SWR cabs, 1 2x10 with horn and a 1x15 with horn. My SWR is a pre Fender rig too.
keurosix
Member
Username: keurosix

Post Number: 77
Registered: 10-2005
Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 9:19 am:   Edit Post

Kevin,
For 5 string bass you want a deep cab that can handle the low B. A big 15" or 18" really will do that justice. SWR used to make a 2x 15" cab "Big Bertha" but still makes a 1x 18" "Big Ben". The 2x 15" has specs to 40 Hz, but the 18" goes way down past the low B string. I have an old SWR SM-400 head into a 4x10 Goliath cab and a Big Ben 1x18". You can find newer cabs where all this is in one box. Accugroove, Bergantino, etc. Your ears will be the best judge. Epics got the power to run anything!
Kris
hb3
Intermediate Member
Username: hb3

Post Number: 163
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 2:28 pm:   Edit Post

Holy crap, FC_Spoiler, it looks like you're holding out a severed head in your other hand.

Can someone explain what a Bag End ELF controller is? I'm using a couple of Bag End cabinets, but I don't really know what this ELF thing is all about.
worldfamousandy
Member
Username: worldfamousandy

Post Number: 78
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 2:40 pm:   Edit Post

Ditto on the Schroeder cabs. I used to run a Boogie 2X15 on the bottom, plus a 2X10 on top, biamped. It was a great rig, but HUGE abd HEAVY. My new Schroeder lightweight 4X10 actually handles considerably more power, is a lot louder, and produces tons of low end. A low B is no problem whatsoever. It weighs about 65 lbs.

My pre and power have not changed: F1X into QSC RMX 1850, just like lothartu. I am looking to change the power to something newer and lighter, as well, but I like QSC sound.

Andy Calder
www.andycalderbass.com
fc_spoiler
Advanced Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 346
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 2:55 pm:   Edit Post

Hah! I'm not that evil... I just ordered some beers for the audience

(Message edited by fc_spoiler on September 18, 2006)
dumfuxx
Junior
Username: dumfuxx

Post Number: 43
Registered: 1-2005
Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 3:03 pm:   Edit Post

I've got an epic 5 string pushing an f1x, running into a qsc plx2402, bayou cables all the way through, a korg 1000 tuner, some power conditioner with pull out lights that I can't remember the name of off hand, pushing an accugroove whappo jr. Call me sacrelicious, but I'm not quite satisfied with the f1x, maybe I need a sf2 as well. The 5 string is a wenge top with mahogany body and maple accent. I just bought a 4 string epic with maple top, purpleheart accent, mahogany body that I am waiting patiently to a/b for wood tonal differences. Both epics have the AE2 filter/q switch upgrade.
I also have a bbe bass preamp that I got on the cheap that I have been playing with putting into the loop. I could very well be chasing the dragon tone wise, and I am no way saying that I am not satisfied with my sound, I just possibly could be more satisfied. Or maybe it's just GAS.
hb3
Intermediate Member
Username: hb3

Post Number: 164
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 3:28 pm:   Edit Post

I use Aguilar stuff but it's heavy. Too damn heavy. I've been thinking a lot about getting something new, entirely for portability.
bigredbass
Senior Member
Username: bigredbass

Post Number: 1020
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 4:22 pm:   Edit Post

I use an EDEN Metro with an extendsion EDEN D115XLT with my ALEMBIC and Yamaha five strings. The Metro was enough for a four string, but it's asking a lot from a fat, Twin Reverb sized cabinet to push those low C's and D's. I a/b'd the 115 with other EDEN 210/410 cabinets and they just sounded like more Metro. The 115 gave a different 'blend' I liked better as a stack.

EDEN wires the Metro internally as an 8-ohm load, so you can add TWO more 8-ohm cabinets for a buildable system (and a LOUD one). I could run two 115s off of it, but that's getting away from it being pretty portable. It's loud enough as it is.

I hope to buy it's little brother next, the DC112XLT combo with a D112XLT extension for little gigs and tight stages. But that's going to have to wait till I can try out one of the new EDEN WTX heads, about the size of a cigar box and not much heavier.

I like EDEN as I've never heard an EQ in an amp that sounds so much like it was designed by someone who really knew bass, both in the heads and the cabinets.

I would love an F1X/SF2/power amp, etc., style rig, but I've come back around to preferring a bass amp instead of separate rack pieces.

J o e y
tbrannon
Intermediate Member
Username: tbrannon

Post Number: 154
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 4:39 pm:   Edit Post

I am decidedly un-hifi.

I play through a combination of cabs- three homebrew cabs (Eminence drivers) 115, 212 and 410 and I recently picked up a GK 410 simply because the money was burning a hole in my pocket.

My head is an old ('74) Eminar 100w tube amp. Eminar is an Aussie company that no longer exists, but their amps are still floating around down here, although there aren't many in NZ. The combination of the cabs and head give me a very un-hifi sound, but it suits my thudwacker skill set nicely. I imagine that my current rig is another reason I lust so badly after Alembic- I need something to balance out all the mud!!

I would like to upgrade my amp at some point, but so long as the Eminar runs, it'll never leave my side.
chuck
New
Username: chuck

Post Number: 8
Registered: 3-2005
Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 4:42 pm:   Edit Post

I would have to agree with f c spoiler on his choice of ampeg svt-pro.this was my choice about 10 years ago. have had no problems with it,its hooked up to ampeg classic cabs 4X10 and 1X15 @450 WATTS @4 OHMS.the best feature of this head besides its flexability is the built in tube preamp and equilizer check one out on ampeg web site.----chuck
chuck
New
Username: chuck

Post Number: 9
Registered: 3-2005
Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 4:46 pm:   Edit Post

correction to above. the amp should be svt-3- pro----chuck
811952
Senior Member
Username: 811952

Post Number: 812
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 5:57 pm:   Edit Post

I'm running an Ampeg B5-R into a pair of Kustom 410H cabinets, and to my ear it sounds great. They don't over-emphasize the extreme lows, which makes my stage sound manageable in the house, but the lows are definitely there. The setup seems to be pretty heavy, but the handles are in the right locations so I can load/unload it all from my truck without help. When I really want my sound to have some real, significant soul, I use an ART mic preamp (tube with parametric EQ) and one or two ancient Bogen 200w all-tube power amps. Terribly heavy, but oh my God the TONE! In my opinion, the boutique stuff is nice but if it's loud enough to really hear that kind of fidelity in a live-performance situation then it's too loud out front (given that you're not playing through junk that just sounds, er, ungood). On the other hand, an SF2 is something I could get my brain around...

Keep in mind that if you're hearing other players through the PA, then the amp/cabinet might have nothing to do with the tone. The simplest of tube preamps feeding the PA (with no EQ) is the best option in that case, since your EQ will need to be tuned to every different room you play in, and re-tuned as people come and go and as different tunes dictate (as will the entire system). Sending an EQ'd signal to the house is not unlike tying your soundperson's hands. You might find that the same person is running the board whenever you hear a bass sound you really like. Also, some rooms just suck, and others just sound awesome, and bass is always the instrument that suffers most when they suck...

John
dannobasso
Advanced Member
Username: dannobasso

Post Number: 372
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 8:19 pm:   Edit Post

SHURE WIRELESS-F1X-SF2-DTR-PLX3402-UL212-T310 option of T115 or LOW B2-LOW B4
I also have a Genz Benz GBE 1200 which I send ahead for west coast gigs. I much prefer the Alembic racks.
I'm selling the T310 w/casters and cover if anyone wants to make an offer.
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 555
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Tuesday, September 19, 2006 - 4:25 am:   Edit Post

Quote
"Can someone explain what a Bag End ELF controller is? I'm using a couple of Bag End cabinets, but I don't really know what this ELF thing is all about."

Ron Wickersham is one of the inventors of ELF.
The ELF integrator (ie controller) can be looked at like a sophisticated cross-over. It splits the output of the preamp into low frequency and stereo high frequency or into a mono low, middle and high frequencies. These then feed power amps. It provides extended low frequencies and also provides time alignment of the signals. Bag End now calls it Infra. The catch is you need to use subs that are designed for use only with the integrator. Likewise the integrator can only be used with specific subs.

It is explained further in "Guide to ELF Systems".

Keith
rxbassman
Junior
Username: rxbassman

Post Number: 21
Registered: 1-2004
Posted on Tuesday, September 19, 2006 - 5:48 pm:   Edit Post

After buying and selling too many rigs, I have finally settled on the following.

F-1X, Stewart 2.1, into two Dr. Bass 2 x 12's

I ordered the Dr. Bass cabinets loaded with Beyma G-40's instead of the Eminence speakers most manufacturers use. What a huge difference in tone! They sound great at any volume.

Dale in Michigan
hb3
Intermediate Member
Username: hb3

Post Number: 165
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Tuesday, September 19, 2006 - 6:11 pm:   Edit Post

Keith --

I looked through that document. Great Scott! I love genius hippie stoners. Kind of like the crowd at Cal Tech, or at least what that crowd used to be like, back in the day.

Amongst the upshots, this requires more than one power amp, I presume -- just what I'm trying to avoid. Still, it's highly tempting.
ajdover
Advanced Member
Username: ajdover

Post Number: 398
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Tuesday, September 19, 2006 - 7:01 pm:   Edit Post

I use the following:

Main Rig: An F1-X, an SF-2, a Korg DTR 1000 tuner, a Furman AR-1215 voltage regulator, and a QSC MX-1500a to power it all (I'm looking into getting a PLX series ... the MX is heavier than a ton of bricks!). The cabinets are Ampeg BXT series, once used by Victor Wooten at a Blues Alley gig in the DC area.

Practice Amps: I have an Ampeg BA-115, a small Rocktron I bought in Korea, a Hartke A25 (also from Korea ... 220V), and a recently purchase Phil Jones Bass Briefcase - love that thing. Portable as hell, and great tone. It will even run on a car or internal battery. I went to Myrtle Beach this past weekend, and took my Lakland 4-94 and the Briefcase. Worked great, and took up very little space.

I also have an Ampeg BA-210SP that I use in Korea when I'm there - it's at a friend's apartment. Finally, I have my Ampeg SVT-IV Pro that's now sitting in a rack case since I got the F1-X and the QSC. It's a great self contained amp for what it is, and powerful. It was my main amp for the last three years. Keith played through it when he visited - I had the SF-2 hooked up to it, and it made it incredible.

AlanPractice AmpsMain Rig 1

(Message edited by ajdover on September 19, 2006)
crgaston
Advanced Member
Username: crgaston

Post Number: 280
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Tuesday, September 19, 2006 - 8:03 pm:   Edit Post

F1X, SF2, QSC PLX2402

This is a great rig, and apparently I'm not the only one who thinks so!
Cabinets are 1 Eden 12 and 2 Bergantino 12's. I have another Eden 12, but haven't felt the need to use it yet. Maybe for the outdoor show we have coming up...
The nice thing about the 12's is that they are individually small and easy to cary, but when combined have plenty of output. I can use as few or as many as I need and still keep the same basic sound. I like the Edens for their volume and low end, and the Bergantinos for their midrange. The two blend VERY nicely.



Still experimenting with head location. It's easier to adjust up there, but it interferes with the cabinets coupling. When I put it on the ground beside the speakers, I stack them on their sides so the whole array is roughly the same height either way.
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 557
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 5:17 am:   Edit Post

Hugh,
Yes, you would need 2 amps (or one stereo) to drive an ELF setup. I'm using a QSC PLX3002.

Keith
ggunn
Junior
Username: ggunn

Post Number: 16
Registered: 3-2006
Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 11:51 am:   Edit Post

Nothing fancy - just an Epic 5 w/ AE-2 & Q switch through an early 80's SVT. I also have an Ashdown combo for small gigs.
hb3
Intermediate Member
Username: hb3

Post Number: 166
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 7:15 pm:   Edit Post

Stereo power amp. Of course. I'm such a mow-ron.

I've never bi-amped anything in my life. However, I have a bass w/ anniversary electronics (which I've only ever run mono).

Re: the Aguilar stuff, I never understood why they'd make such a nice pre-amp with a cross-over but then produce a mono power amp to pair it with.
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 726
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 7:21 pm:   Edit Post

Hugh,
"... things that make you go....HMMMM"
2400wattman
Advanced Member
Username: 2400wattman

Post Number: 230
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 12:47 am:   Edit Post

I have both an Aguilar DB680 pre w/Crown Macro Tech 2400 and F1-X, SF-2/Crown K-2 going into Ampeg 8x10"'s. For my band we have very high volume levels so the SVT's are perfect for a non bi-amp rig w/lots of power. I used to run an SVT-4 PRO (the best amp they make now,I.M.H.O.) but it became unreliable after two years of service, so I had to make a change for something that was fail proof(to a degree). I stopped using bass amps as they have all failed me one way or another(from large problems to the minute) so I opted for a large P.A. amp and killer bass preamps(almost went with studio grade mic pre's like Presonus , Focusrite, Joe Meek) and i have'nt had a problem yet and I doubt I will. Oh, stay away from SWR now, it's just not the same since Blender took it over.
elwoodblue
Member
Username: elwoodblue

Post Number: 71
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 1:07 am:   Edit Post

Dale, I like your taste...
I'm using (2) F-1X ,(stereo)with a sf2 in the loops,to the Stewart 2.1,...no regrets : )
hb3
Intermediate Member
Username: hb3

Post Number: 167
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 6:38 am:   Edit Post

Is there a difference between using two F-1Xs or an F-2B?

I'm thinking about a stereo rig for the anniversary electronics --

A stereo guitar cable which splits somehow into two mono cables

Into two inputs of an F-2B

Into a stereo power amp?

Is there any difference between an F-1X and an F-2B besides the number of inputs?

(Message edited by hb3 on September 21, 2006)
lothartu
Intermediate Member
Username: lothartu

Post Number: 180
Registered: 8-2003
Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 9:24 am:   Edit Post

A F1X is "half" or "one channel" of a F2B. That part is the same, then the F1X adds an effects loop, a direct out and a crossover.

The only difference between using 2 F1X units and an F2B would be that you would get to use the F1X extras like the effects loops. Personally I think it would be pretty slick to have 2 F1X units being pushed by a stereo instrument. Having independent effects loops would make for a lot of interesting choices but then you run into the problem of "Do I now need to buy 2 effects units? One for unit A and one for unit B?" It depends on what you want to do I guess.

- Jim
elwoodblue
Member
Username: elwoodblue

Post Number: 72
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 3:17 pm:   Edit Post

The other reason I decided to splurge on 2 F1X units was for the direct out option,not to mention going quad with a crossover and 2 outputs on each F1X...I'm putting that idea on the backburner for a while.

I'm now at the point where I want to make sure they both sound the same(not sure about the tubes in the one I bought used).

of course, the more options one has, the longer it takes to dial in that heavenly sound.
I'm still dreaming about a sf-2 dedicated to each channel.
pauldo
New
Username: pauldo

Post Number: 8
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 3:51 pm:   Edit Post

GK 800RB bi-amped
2 x 10 Hartke
1 x 15 Mesa Boogie
bassdr
Member
Username: bassdr

Post Number: 86
Registered: 10-2004
Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 6:07 pm:   Edit Post

EBS Octabass- F1X- Mackie 1400- 4 10" Eminence BP102 w' horn sealed cab and folded/ported cab with 15" Eminence Omega pro- each on their own channel. Very big clean sound down to A below the E string (using the EBS of course).
hb3
Intermediate Member
Username: hb3

Post Number: 168
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 10:33 pm:   Edit Post

Jim, Elwood,

You guys are hardcore.

Why doesn't the F2B have an effects loop? I've gotten really used to using one. The notion of two effects loops, two pre-amps, two sets of pedals....is terrifying.
elwoodblue
Member
Username: elwoodblue

Post Number: 73
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 1:20 pm:   Edit Post

hb3,
thanks for the compliment, : )
I sometimes use a little mixer aux send,returning to another channel,for my mono effects(mutron 3,oct. divider...).
That way I can pan them into the final mix.
I'm not sure how much phase relationship I lose with that,but it sounds pretty good.

This set-up works amazing for my guitar too.
cheers,
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 4418
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 2:33 pm:   Edit Post

I believe it is the case that the circuitry of the F-1X and the F-2B are not the same, and to my ears they do not sound the same. Go here for a description of these preamps. To my ears, the F-2B has more of a tube sound; the F-1X has a cleaner sound.
gare
Advanced Member
Username: gare

Post Number: 383
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 3:29 pm:   Edit Post

I'll be the third for Schroeder. Use a 1210 cabinet..sounds great and has great projection. I've just recently aquired a Mark Bass LMKII head which I really like. The 5 lbs head and the 1210 are maybe 50/55 lbs.
At a recent outside thing I stacked it on a Mesa 1x15 cabinet, sounded good standing in front of it, but out front the Schroeder stood out.
I'm thinking the 400+ and M-2000 heads will be going soon.

Gary
keurosix
Member
Username: keurosix

Post Number: 81
Registered: 10-2005
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 4:29 pm:   Edit Post

I have been thinking about the Eden CXC1015 combo as a great amp for small gigs and or practice. The link below brings you to the spec page. Sorry, Dave, I haven't figured out yet how to insert a link the official way.
Kris

http://www.eden-electronics.com/products/combos/indiv/cxc1015.asp
hb3
Intermediate Member
Username: hb3

Post Number: 169
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 6:14 pm:   Edit Post

So...has anyone tried one of the new QSC, super-lightweight amps? I have to admit, 20 pounds, two rack spaces is tempting. However, I've seen a review or two that sort of cryptically refer to a lack of bass response. Anyone?

It's not impossible that these are good. Look at multichannel audio components -- it's been pretty amazing what's been going on. Class D electronics have really improved. Better sound is coming in smaller packages, as many here have noted.
crgaston
Advanced Member
Username: crgaston

Post Number: 283
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 6:56 pm:   Edit Post

Hugh,
My experience is that the PLX series make great bass rig amps. They offer plenty of headroom and bass response in a comparably portable and affordable package. My sound engineer friends like them OK for mains and monitors, but say they don't slam a pair of 2x18" subs like an old Crest CA or Pro series, or like the Crown Macro-Techs. If you want to tote around a Crest 9001 for your bass rig, be my guest! :-)

http://www.crestaudio.com/media/pdf/9001_10-15-97.pdf

I haven't tried the PLX-2 series, but the bigger models, (1802, 2502, 3102, and 3602) are very similar in power and weight to the original PLX amps. Some of the specs and features are different, though. www.qscaudio.com is a good place to compare the two.

Here are some good deals on a few power amps...

http://www.thunderfunk.com/TF_Used_Gear.html

P.S. Why can't I find the instructions on link shrinkage?

(set)

(Message edited by crgaston on September 22, 2006)

(Message edited by crgaston on September 22, 2006)
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 4433
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 7:31 pm:   Edit Post

At the bottom of this page, click on Help/Instructions. On the new page, click on Formatting. Here, click on Other Formatting, which takes you down the page a little over half way. Then you can click on Hyperlinks, which will take you just a little further down the page.

I use the "Link" code, but some folks here use the "Newurl" code, which is probably an even better choice. I also like to add a "Bold" code (near the top of the Formatting page) so that the link will stand out against the regular text.
crgaston
Advanced Member
Username: crgaston

Post Number: 285
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 7:53 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks, Dave.


BTW, I'm going to be in your neck of the woods next weekend. Were playing in Asheville on the 30th at McCormick Field for the Indigo Girls show (opening for the opening band, LOL). Just checked your website...I see you're engaged that evening. :-(
Thanks again,
Charles
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 4435
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 8:40 pm:   Edit Post

I did see that the Indigo Girls were going to be in town. Should have a great turnout. Too bad, I would have liked to have come to see you play.
jbybj
Junior
Username: jbybj

Post Number: 11
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 10:08 pm:   Edit Post

I read this thread with great interest. There seems to be a pattern here, and it got me wondering. Are there others like me out there, old schoolers, who may feel intimidated by all the F1-X/QSC/and Eden gear? Am I an anomaly in the Alembic world, with my late 60's Traynor YBA-1A, spewing 90 watts of Canadian El34 bliss? My love of old Traynor's follows two paths, one is the value, they don't cost much, but I also have some sort of primordal connection with the tone. When I get her dialed in, the sound goes straight to my reptilian brain, my sternum quivers, and my lower gums itch. So, is there anybody else out there who runs a vintage tube rig as their primary setup?

Traynor Bassmaster Mark II YBA-1A/Ashdown Mag210T/EVM series II 15L in a custom cabinet.
application/octet-stream
Rig (136.6 k)
application/octet-stream
pedals (142.0 k)
keurosix
Member
Username: keurosix

Post Number: 82
Registered: 10-2005
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 11:45 pm:   Edit Post

James,
If you haven't figured it out by now, it goes without saying: An Alembic bass makes ANY amp sound good! If you like a vintage amp great! If you want hi-tech cool! If you want a complete component system, that works too! Even that funny new Bose system I hear works well. It's such a personal taste / sound thing. We enjoy talking about the various combinations because someone can stumble across some very cool combinations, and just may have hit that sought after sound you're looking for. All in all, no matter what you play through, it's your ears that have the final say. For example, I started out with an Ampeg V-4B with a 1x18 cab. At 100 watts, it didn't have enough power, so I traded up to an SVT 8x10 vintage rig. It had the power alright, but got way too muddy for my taste when doing any 1/16 note speed runs. I sold it and got a pure component rig. Audioarts parametric EQ / Pre, Compressor, and crossover into BGW 750 and 250 amps. bi-amped into JBL 18's and 10's. I eventually went tri-amped, and added 5" tweeters. After years of punishment and a sore back, I sold all that and went to an SWR SM-400, 4x10 & 1x18 rig. This I can biamp or run full range. Sometimes I think this is TOO clean, and long for my old V4-B. That amp was hard to beat. Enjoy your Traynor.
Kris
series_iii
Member
Username: series_iii

Post Number: 92
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Saturday, September 23, 2006 - 7:41 am:   Edit Post

since i go stereo these days:

late 70's F2-B with mullard tubes.
Mesa stereo simul-class 2:90 tube power amp (new mesa tubes throughout).
peavey 2x10 for the bridge pickup channel
bag end 1x18 for the neck pickup channel

i set the speakers so that the bridge channel is stage right just like the bridge pickup is (most of the time). it definitely sounds better this way rather than with the speakers stacked.

i originally built this rig for my living-room practice space when i lived in seattle. i never imagined that i would be actually gigging with it. it sounds great but it's about 200 lbs combined (the hand truck is not shown in this view). if we have FOH, the sound guy uses a direct box out of the mono output. seems to work pretty well.

a couple of notes about the components:
i bought the F2-B from a club member(can't remember who, now). he negleted to tell me it was a total wreck - i wound up rebuilding the power supply (it had been hacked), replacing all of the knobs, replacing a couple of broken pots and redoing all of the solder on the PCB. I finally got the rattle out of the "B" channel and it sounds great.

i bought the mesa from instrumnet echange. in this case it was total disclosure on their part - the amp had been dropped (apparently from some height!) and so i not only had to rebuild the inside but i got to do some metal shop on the chassis as well.

for beater components, it sounds pretty good. plus it's ungodly loud (ask my band-mates!). i always get compliments on my sound.

fish
Junior
Username: fish

Post Number: 18
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Saturday, September 23, 2006 - 8:31 am:   Edit Post

I'm a big Ampeg fan myself.

I like to use 2 SVTHLF410 cabinets with a Pro3 head.
It keeps me up with the stage drum volume, (and then some).
hb3
Intermediate Member
Username: hb3

Post Number: 170
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Saturday, September 23, 2006 - 8:40 am:   Edit Post

Moog Taurus Pedals!....pant pant

Who'd you have to kill to get those?

(Message edited by hb3 on September 23, 2006)

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