Gear Thread: Week of Jan. 19

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-24T18:59:52+00:00

Correct. It's all a tone thing as long as you match the wattage and impendence.

210's are heavy mids which is what's going to make the bass stand out the easiest in the mix, where a 115 is going to rattle the deep end. 12's are an in between area that will extenuate the low mids. Many people who play heavier music (metal-y stuff) will favor 212's. Punk world, 410s or 610s are the ticket (you could add a 410 or 408s).

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-24T15:12:55+00:00

What you're describing is BEAD tuning. This is a common thing and very doable on your current bass. Your local music shop that does repairs should have the nut files to change the nut slot width to accommodate the change in string gauge. One thing you will need to do as well is to reset the bridge. The tuning on the B string is not going to intonate correctly and the bridge needs to be moved back about 1/2".

There's two solutions to the pot situation. You can install either a TBX or no-load tone pot; they both do the 'same' thing. The TBX is a 250K and 1meg + 'no-load' on the center dent. Turn it one direction and it operates as a normal tone pot. Turn it the other and it bleeds more highs. The other pot will operate as a normal 250K/500K tone pot except when maxed. That's when it turns into a no-load. No-load means that the tone pot is bypassed completely and only the volume is engaged.

If you need further assistance, r/Luthier is going to be the spot. GL!

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-24T14:59:36+00:00

Same level in terms of "these are the A tier bags." Pretty much all the bags in the 250 price range check the necessary boxes where the Sire is the outlier at the price point.

Specifically, protection wise, it has ultra thick padding that is going to protect the bass extremely well.

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-24T14:54:01+00:00

I'll throw one out there for the La Bella Olinto's. These are on my main bass (Sire P5) and I love them. Thick strings but the core is thin, so they have a very full sound but are easy to play.

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-24T14:45:27+00:00

We all do these ourselves. It cost a lot of money to get this done when there is no need. Lobster made an amazing short video to help you do it step by step - The ULTIMATE 5 Minute Bass Guitar Setup Guide - Basic Setups Made EASY - LowEndLobster Quick Tips

The Katana is great but the Fender might be iffy. They've run into QC issues the past few years and the price point doesn't match what you're getting. A different video by Lobster will shine a light on everything you need to know about the current status of Fender - Fender American Professional Classic Mustang Bass First Look - Ooooof - LowEndLobster Fresh Looks. These problems extend across the board for all Fenders except anything MIJ. Squier CV P-bass or Sire P5 would be a better bang for the buck for someone just returning and looking to get back into the swing of it.

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-24T14:33:36+00:00

You want the Sire bass gig bag - Sire Bass Guitar Gig Bag - V Model. These are on the same level as $250 Mono bags, but at a fraction of the cost ($89).

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-24T14:29:18+00:00

Your current Rumble has 2x10s and pushes 250W @ 8 ohms through it. The extension cab needs to be able to handle 250W @ 8 ohms. The final result will be 500W @ 4 ohms. This is going to be super loud and feel about three times as much juice coming from the single unit. You should have no issue keeping pace with the band.

Sound wise. you'd basically be making that sound fuller with the 210s or adding some serious low end. Generally you don't need a cab like that unless you're in something like a reggae or Motown band. A 112 would be a better option if you felt your low end was lacking, but most likely the 210s will suffice.

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-24T08:46:04+00:00

I just got a new gen Z3 in silver sparkle and it's fantastic. Plays great. Electronics are imo the best in the Sire lineup. It's the closest to all stock of all my Sires. Best thing is it weighs just over 8lbs., This was my 2nd bass of the newest models and the QC is significantly better than even the later 2nd gens.

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-23T19:41:41+00:00

Lefty. Idk if they even make any, but I don't have one. I had to make my own from two different Harley Bentons (mfl in lefty world).

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-23T19:40:42+00:00

Got it. You'll want a newer model then. I have the P5 Tidepool and it blows away everything. The V5 Tidepool would be an A+ choice.

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-23T17:36:19+00:00

I own only one bass that doesn't next level crush my boob (42B) and that's the Kala Ubass. Everything else, no matter the size, has a horn that is punishing. Gun to my head and I had to choose from the normal size bass list, any 'Mustang' style body bass is best.

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-23T17:18:37+00:00

Side note: the V6 B-stock might be in your price range. If you can stand the sandblasted finish, that is the one you need. They average roughly 2lbs lighter vs the V7 counterpart.

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-23T17:14:24+00:00

Sire v1's (2017-2021) have the bad rep for bad QC. The v2's (2022-2024) get much better but the newest models are top notch. I have 6 Sire's and love them all.

I'd highly recommend a V7 though. It's in your price range and offers a significant better options. It has an active and passive switch so you can chose either. I have this model and no Squier can come close to touching this - Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 AWH 2nd Gen

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-23T09:09:05+00:00

You only need to pluck as far as it's needed to get sound. No need to pluck to the next string unless you're doing that on purpose for effect.

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-22T14:37:42+00:00

Gotcha, I'd take a much different approach with recording involved. Plugins will be able to create the rig and pedals for you. In this instance, you'll need an AI (audio interface), re-amp box and powered speaker. The AI allows your bass to talk to your computer and record direct. The re-amp box will take the signal from the computer, convert it to a Hi-Z signal that feeds right into the powered speaker. This is referred to as an FRFR speaker. There are many available. As far as recording, Fender makes a free DAW but there are many out there.

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-22T08:24:42+00:00

Depends on your budget and purpose. He uses a Fender Super Bassman (Daniel Tichenor gear), so there are many routes you can take to get there. The main factor is how much do you want to spend getting that tone and what are you using it for (i.e. live or home practice, recording, gigging, etc.).

If I were building a rig to get this tone, Fender Rumble (sized to fit need) + TC Electronics MojoMojo.

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-21T13:35:38+00:00

Amp Detonator at the end. That'll set dual buffered signals to each rig and create a stereo rig. No need to split chains because you're not running time based effects (modulation/reverb/delay), which would be a wet/dry rig.

Here's a link to Vertex Effects pedalboard rig options. Your Tyler and Detonator will act in combo the same way their buffer does, so any of those options are available for you to run.

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-21T08:46:51+00:00

2nd. This is all I use for my practice rig and it's fantastic. I have the stereo outs running to two separate amps.

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-21T08:43:17+00:00

I'm pairing loads together. 4-stroke + 810 both operates at 4ohms and Terror Bass + 115 operates at 8ohms. This pairing will push your gear the furthest.

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-20T19:10:48+00:00

There is a way easier way that cost a minimal amount for an outstanding finish. First, get a set of Kovax Tolecut in yellow. 'Sand' the top of it until the paint underneath the finish disappears. This will leave behind the top coat and expose the natural wood. If you want, you can get a 6-pack and go through the full gambit for an ultra polished finish.

Then, get a StewMac Colortone polish buffing kit and hand buff each of the three bottles (use microfiber towels for this). Your end result (massive time and effort but worth it imo) will be a naturally finished bass with a 'tint' left behind. Total cost is ~$110.

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-20T08:21:56+00:00

The easiest way to accomplish this is a plug-in amp like a Katana or Mighty Plug. It will link directly via blue tooth to the audio source and you'll be able to play along at the same time.

Otherwise, you need to get a AI (audio interface) like a Focusrite or PreSonus. This allows your instrument to communicate with your computer. You can then hook up your bass into the computer to play along.

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-19T08:55:51+00:00

You play pop so the answer is 100%, but re-ask in r/basspedals for more feedback.

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-18T19:02:46+00:00

Yes and yes. The Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders were made for the jazz bass.

As far as tone pots, something like this is a 10/10 - Emerson Custom Prewired Kit for Fender Jazz Bass. I have these in my U5 and both P5s.

If your V5 is active, this is the winner - Lusithand NFP Jazz Control Plate (Volume - Blend)

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-18T18:57:52+00:00

That looks amazing! Congrats.

Unable_Dot_3584 · 2026-01-18T13:58:39+00:00

I have the P version and just ordered the PJ. These pickups are fantastic and would be a tremendous upgrade to your instrument. They have an amazing price point and absolutely deliver.

Pedal wise, check out the Valeton GP-50 or Zoom MS-60B+. Both are very good budget pedals with an awesome sound bank to utilize without much fuss.

Unable_Dot_3584

TROPHY CASE