kirkm24
Well-known member
I just got a Cafe Walter headphone amp and played my Stingrays (fretted and fretless) through it and I have to say they sound amazing. The reason for my revelation is that I have only ever heard my Rays through preamps and various tone coloring devices (i.e. PODS, bass amps, Sansamps, etc.). The Cafe Walter is uncolored and you hear what your guitar actually sounds like, unaltered. I am pleased to say that my Stingrays sound amazing completely on their own. I have been going through a gear minimilization phase and realizing that the natural, pure tone of my bass and my playing should be the focal point of my sound, not a bunch of effects and preamps. That's not to say I don't use some but it's all about the guitar and our technique at the core of our sound and having great basses like my Stingray is a satisfying feeling. I just wanted to share with anyone who may be on the fence with making a purchase decision.
I would be completely fine with running my Ray through a good passive DI into the house and recording. I think it sounds that good on its own. When I use amps, I basically keep the preamps and EQ set flat (maybe some slight boosts or cuts here or there but nothing drastic). It's great to know that you and your bass can produce a great sound without the assistance of a bunch of supporting gear.
I would be completely fine with running my Ray through a good passive DI into the house and recording. I think it sounds that good on its own. When I use amps, I basically keep the preamps and EQ set flat (maybe some slight boosts or cuts here or there but nothing drastic). It's great to know that you and your bass can produce a great sound without the assistance of a bunch of supporting gear.
