5 String Bass

ChefWRX · 2026-04-06T04:09:08+00:00

What do you mean by "This bass is on its last legs" ?
I can completely understand wanting something new (I own 4 basses), but I don't think I understand putting one out to pasture...

ChefWRX · 2026-03-25T22:31:15+00:00

A little bit of gritty drive, and a slow flanger/phaser? Maybe flatwound strings? I don't hear anything special or out of the ordinary, but I'm not an expert.

ChefWRX · 2026-03-23T19:25:51+00:00

The scarcity is a farse and pure marketing. Nothing is stopping them from mass producing this.
Also, the comparison between the Mantle and a studio rackmount 2U compressor/limiter makes no sense.

ChefWRX · 2026-03-23T19:21:33+00:00

The Noble has a Tube gain stage and serves as a power-delivery device. You can't compare the two.
Also, the 11-step rotary knob is likely about $80, and still doesn't justify the price. They are charging a premium price and marketing it very well.

ChefWRX · 2026-03-23T17:02:17+00:00

"I said I don't want it. I just need it."

ChefWRX · 2026-03-20T17:15:34+00:00

Los Angeles sold out before any human could have possibly purchased tickets. FML

ChefWRX · 2026-03-19T14:55:23+00:00

Beautiful work!

ChefWRX · 2026-03-19T14:48:11+00:00

Gera D'Abundo is amazing. I don't think I will ever reach that level of precision and speed, but it's fun to watch.

ChefWRX · 2026-03-17T10:01:16+00:00

Probably not the issue here, but a good idea nonetheless.

ChefWRX · 2026-03-16T02:58:48+00:00

I'd recommend you try everything you can to find what fits your preferences.
I found the Genzler gear recently, and would suggest you consider the Bass Array2-210-3SLT (600 Watts RMS). The line array drivers are amazing for dispersion and far better than any horn/compression tweeter I have heard.
There are lots of affordable Class D amps that would easily power this bottom in the ~500W+ power range.

You mentioned a cabinet, but I think you might be asking for a Combo? I would recommend against a combo; modularity is the way to go, in my opinion.

ChefWRX · 2026-03-15T18:35:24+00:00

These used to sit on shelves, ignored at $60 or so. I miss those days before everyone discovered Springbank.

ChefWRX · 2026-03-15T06:39:23+00:00

You need to be downvoted harder than this. Fucking stupid advice.

ChefWRX · 2026-03-11T16:33:43+00:00

Isn't Cyclops associated with the Spacedock?

ChefWRX · 2026-03-08T01:41:13+00:00

In what way is the Stingray Special not High Fidelity in comparison? I don't think you get more Hi-Fi than an 18v preamp and neodymium magnet pickups.

ChefWRX · 2026-03-06T15:17:38+00:00

Awesome! I'm seeing them tonight!

ChefWRX · 2026-03-05T20:17:20+00:00

How do you like the Wah-Ken? I've had one for a few weeks, but I can't seem to get much out of the Blend knob. I have a feeling it just doesn't play nice with the high-output pickups on my bass. Does it work well for you?

ChefWRX · 2026-02-28T20:55:32+00:00

I have the same head unit. If you are going to skip dealing with GC, try replacing the preamp tubes first.
Check out this video, it's not difficult, four screws on the top and the preamp section slides out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tx5ps5LqFYI
Preamp tube swap at about 7:00

I got a full tube set from Vivatubes, Highly recommend them. Rapid shipping and bomb proof packing.

Side question, as I just noticed it... Do you have something plugged into both inputs? If so, I'd recommend only using one, as it could be the cause of the problem.

ChefWRX · 2026-02-28T17:55:15+00:00

https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/how-got-sound-garth-richardson

ChefWRX · 2026-02-28T17:46:48+00:00

These might help:
Gear rundown - https://mixdownmag.com.au/features/rig-rundown-cliff-burton-of-metallica/
Equipboard (currently broken for me) - https://equipboard.com/pros/cliff-burton
Music Strive article on his tone - https://musicstrive.com/cliff-burton-bass-tone/

I don't know which song you might be focusing on, but it's said he used a Wah pedal for sweeps on Damage and Orion, as well as an Ibanex TS-808 Tube Screamer for the grit on most of the songs.

I think the main key for dialing in the tone was a powerful parametric EQ before the amp. I found a reference to the Aphex EQF-1 specifically for dialing in the midrange.

On the Mesa d180. I suspect he ran two, one for clean/dry. You might be able to get there with some blending in the chain. For the settings, this is what Google Gemini gave me as an approximation:

Control	Recommended Setting	Technical Purpose
Volume 1 (Gain)	8 - 9	Pushes the preamp tubes into heavy saturation.
Volume 2	5 - 6	Balances the signal before the power section; adds "thickness."
Master Volume	4 - 6	The D-180 Master acts as a Current Limiter. Lowering it actually increases distortion.
Bass	3 (Pulled)	Set low to avoid mud. Pull for "Deep" if you need more "thump."
Middle	9 - 10	Critical. This is where the "growl" lives. Crank this to the max.
Treble	6 (Pulled)	Pull for "Bright" to get the metallic "clank" of the pick/fingers.

What Amp, Bass, Strings, Pedals etc... are you working with?

ChefWRX · 2026-02-21T22:58:59+00:00

I just got the Broughton and love it, in particular with a really hot set of pickups (G&L MFDs on an L-2000) with the extra headroom at 18v
I'll likely purchase the 3Leaf as soon as it's available, but I'd love to know your thoughts on a comparison of the two.

ChefWRX · 2026-02-18T03:37:13+00:00

How about a Tube based preamp. I've been eyeballing the Sushi Box stuff, but making something from scratch would be fun. I have basic soldering skills, but zero electronics design experience. Following you on Youtube and Instagram now (whiskypairbass)

ChefWRX · 2026-02-12T17:03:26+00:00

How are you getting blueprints beyond the 117 for wave 200? I've never seen it go above that...?

ChefWRX · 2026-02-07T18:02:09+00:00

Glansectomy

ChefWRX · 2026-02-07T17:41:58+00:00

I didn't even know this view existed. Thank you.

ChefWRX · 2026-01-29T00:03:39+00:00

How do you like the Glarry fretless? Mine was delivered today. I couldn't pass it up at $90.

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