All It Takes Is The Promise Of A New Bass...

[kylierider]

To be honest, Jack I don't really understand why you need to use flats when I see in some of the pics of you playing live that the main bass head you use is a Mark Bass, if you wack that VLE filter 90% on, I find that the sound is exactly as that of a bass strung with flats or even muted when full on. I know it's a compromise, but one that allows you to go back to a nice and clean bright sound when the cowpilot lads are not around

Not trying to start a flats vs rounds debate but..

IMO flat users are not really looking for a muted tone, but a full, well rounded tone, without the rattle and clank of rounds. I've got Group III's on both of my SR's. I have a great range expecially on the 30th. I compensate by adding more mid and highs on the 3 band eq. for a nice cutting tone in a rock or country setting. The only down side is they just don't have a good slap tone. But in my situation I don't need it anyway.

And flats are cheaper as I only change them out once a year instead of every month.

So Jack, go with your heart and make it a usable bass. Just blame it on BP. It's all his fault for making such a good flat.

 

[strummer]

flats are cheaper as I only change them out once a year

Isn't it against some kind of law to change flats unless they're broken?

 

[kylierider]

Well I guess I'm the exception to the rule. I like the tone I get right after that innitial zing goes away. A nice, big, full, round tone with a lively kick. I must say though that I'm not a member of the "run your EQ flat club". I boost the mids quite a bit and the treble slightly less and the bass a little to get the sound I like.

After a year or so the strings get a little to muddy for my taste.

 

[Powman]

Not trying to start a flats vs rounds debate but..

IMO flat users are not really looking for a muted tone, but a full, well rounded tone, without the rattle and clank of rounds. I've got Group III's on both of my SR's. I have a great range expecially on the 30th. I compensate by adding more mid and highs on the 3 band eq. for a nice cutting tone in a rock or country setting. The only down side is they just don't have a good slap tone. But in my situation I don't need it anyway.

And flats are cheaper as I only change them out once a year instead of every month.

So Jack, go with your heart and make it a usable bass. Just blame it on BP. It's all his fault for making such a good flat.

Yet again, another excellent description of how flats would sound in my Sterling, especially EB Group III's. On the other hand, I too have a Markbass, and I can see the point about putting the VLE on at about 90%. Looks like I need to try both approaches to see what I like.

Thanks, oh wise and highly experienced Music Man Bass Players. You wisdom never ceases to amaze and impress me...

 

[bovinehost]

Well? I do believe Markbass99 should have a new toy already......

 

[bovinehost]

To be honest, Jack I don't really understand why you need to use flats when I see in some of the pics of you playing live that the main bass head you use is a Mark Bass, if you wack that VLE filter 90% on, I find that the sound is exactly as that of a bass strung with flats or even muted when full on. I know it's a compromise, but one that allows you to go back to a nice and clean bright sound when the cowpilot lads are not around

Maybe the LMII would give me what I want with the VLE filter and rounds, but there's no "maybe" involved in what I do now, at least with the band. I like that. I like knowing exactly what I need to do to get what I want with no questions whatsoever about whether I'll be able to get it the next time. When you find something that works for you one hundred percent...well, there's no point in changing one hundred percent, that's how I see it.

And at least part of the reason I use flats is (a) the feel and (b) it drives other bassists crazy.

And it's not like I have just the one bass.

 

[Big Poppa]

Jack admit it you had no idea what that knob on the mark bass was for!

 

[markbass99]

Well? I do believe Markbass99 should have a new toy already......

Not yet, I have the wife on house arrest today while I'm at work.

Jack admit it you had no idea what that knob on the mark bass was for!

I keep my VLE around 9 or 10 o'clock to tame the rounds slightly, I want the growl without the zing. As the rounds age you can back the VLE down some.

 

[bovinehost]

variable law enforcment....

victorious looking enhancement......

valid lightening exacerbation.....

voting lungfish excrement.....

No, I know what it does, BP.

 

[Grand Wazoo]

Vintage Loudspeaker Emulator?

 

[MrMusashi]

hehe.. might as well call it flats emulator

i like flats for the oohmfff and the slick feeling and i like rounds for that zwaaaahh fretless sound. notice i didnt say mwahhh

MrM