Electric Bass: Difference between revisions
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{{Editorial}} | {{Editorial}} | ||
<font size = "4">'''The Electric Bass and the | <font size = "4">'''The Electric Bass and the Bose<sup>®</sup> {{L1 no link}} system'''</font> | ||
<font size = "4">Configuration options and practical tradeoffs – one user<nowiki>’</nowiki>s perspective</font> | <font size = "4">Configuration options and practical tradeoffs – one user<nowiki>’</nowiki>s perspective</font> | ||
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=== It costs ''how'' much? === | === It costs ''how'' much? === | ||
The high cost of the {{L1}} system is the proverbial elephant in the room. There is no avoiding the fact that an extended-bass {{L1}} system, employing four {{B1}} bass modules, one {{L1}} system, and one {{A1}} | The high cost of the {{L1}} system is the proverbial elephant in the room. There is no avoiding the fact that an extended-bass {{L1}} system, employing four {{B1}} bass modules, one {{L1}} system, and one {{A1}} is among the most expensive bass rigs one can buy, on a par with the most exclusive of boutique amplifiers. Even the minimum recommended configuration of an {{L1}} and two {{B1}} modules is a lot of money compared to the typical bass rig. | ||
The immediate and obvious question is, "is it worth it?" And the obvious answer is, of course, "it depends." The L1 does make a fine bass amp, but those with limited resources are faced with some hard choices. As with all things, there are tradeoffs. | The immediate and obvious question is, "is it worth it?" And the obvious answer is, of course, "it depends." The L1 does make a fine bass amp, but those with limited resources are faced with some hard choices. As with all things, there are tradeoffs. | ||
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Similarly, adding a second speaker cabinet to a conventional rig can improve the tone even without an increase in amp power. The basic concept is the same; with more speakers available, it<nowiki>’</nowiki>s not necessary to drive them as hard. | Similarly, adding a second speaker cabinet to a conventional rig can improve the tone even without an increase in amp power. The basic concept is the same; with more speakers available, it<nowiki>’</nowiki>s not necessary to drive them as hard. | ||
Note that the full extended-bass {{L1 | Note that the full extended-bass {{L1}} Classic system delivers 1000 watts and has a total speaker area roughly the same as a 4x10 cabinet. This is, of course, highly misleading, but it does show that the system is in the ballpark of a good conventional rig. | ||
The audible difference between a two-{{B1}} system and a four-{{B1}} system with an {{A1}} is not that one "goes deeper" or has "more bass" than the other. The {{A1}}-equipped system definitely does have more "presence" and "punch" than the two-{{B1}} system. This is readily apparent in live listening demonstrations. | The audible difference between a two-{{B1}} system and a four-{{B1}} system with an {{A1}} is not that one "goes deeper" or has "more bass" than the other. The {{A1}}-equipped system definitely does have more "presence" and "punch" than the two-{{B1}} system. This is readily apparent in live listening demonstrations. | ||
Since originally purchasing the Extended Bass package, I've had an opportunity to use the system differently (with a live drummer) and have concluded that for the music I play, if not supporting a drum machine, that a two {{B1}} system is entirely satisfactory. I speculate that the kick drum from the drum machine is soaking up a great deal of headroom, making the Extended Bass package highly desirable should the system be used to amplify drums. | |||
=== Summary === | === Summary === | ||
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* If money is tight, purchasing an {{L1}} system (particularly an extended-bass system) solely to replace a conventional bass rig is not financially justifiable in my opinion. The incremental benefit provided by the {{L1}} does not warrant the added cost. However, if it<nowiki>’'</nowiki>s used to replace additional equipment as well, it is very cost-competitive. Systems should first be purchased for those who would benefit from them more: vocalists, guitarists and keyboard players. | * If money is tight, purchasing an {{L1}} system (particularly an extended-bass system) solely to replace a conventional bass rig is not financially justifiable in my opinion. The incremental benefit provided by the {{L1}} does not warrant the added cost. However, if it<nowiki>’'</nowiki>s used to replace additional equipment as well, it is very cost-competitive. Systems should first be purchased for those who would benefit from them more: vocalists, guitarists and keyboard players. | ||
* If band resources limit the number of {{L1}}s available, continuing to use a conventional bass amp can give excellent results, especially if combined with an {{L1}} to create a hybrid system. | * If band resources limit the number of {{L1}}s available, continuing to use a conventional bass amp can give excellent results, especially if combined with an {{L1}} to create a hybrid system. | ||
* | * An {{L1}} system can and does make a viable replacement for a conventional bass rig and offers the following benefits: | ||
* -Multiple use as a vocal monitor/PA replacement | * -Multiple use as a vocal monitor/PA replacement | ||
* -Reduced weight and bulk | * -Reduced weight and bulk | ||
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* {{L1}} tone that is directly comparable to a high-quality conventional rig can be realized through the use of preamps or amp modelers. | * {{L1}} tone that is directly comparable to a high-quality conventional rig can be realized through the use of preamps or amp modelers. | ||
* The "lack of thump" concern is in my opinion a red herring. The {{L1}} produces a full, rich, musical, pleasing bass tone without having to push a huge amount of air. | * The "lack of thump" concern is in my opinion a red herring. The {{L1}} produces a full, rich, musical, pleasing bass tone without having to push a huge amount of air. | ||
* The extra presence and punch provided by additional {{B1}}s and the {{A1}} is well worth the cost | * The extra presence and punch provided by additional {{B1}}s and the {{A1}} is well worth the cost if the system is also used to amplify drums or if the music calls for it. | ||
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* Studio Tone 4x10, Silvercone 4x10 or Green 25 4x12 cabinet models, depending on venue | * Studio Tone 4x10, Silvercone 4x10 or Green 25 4x12 cabinet models, depending on venue | ||
* Tube mic, close, 20-30% room setting | * Tube mic, close, 20-30% room setting | ||
or | |||
* Full extended-bass Bose {{L1}} system (L1, {{A1}}, four {{B1}}s) | |||
* Damage Control Womanizer tube distortion pedal | |||
* Ampeg SVT-DI tube direct box | |||
'''Basses:''' | '''Basses:''' | ||
* Original bass in use at time of {{L1}} purchase, Carvin LB75A modified with Bartolini pickups and an Aguilar preamp | * Original bass in use at time of {{L1}} purchase, Carvin LB75A modified with Bartolini pickups and an Aguilar preamp | ||
* Current | * Current basses, MusicMan Bongo 5 HH w/piezo, fretless MusicMan Bongo 5H w/piezo | ||
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[[Category:Editorial]] | [[Category:Editorial]] | ||
[[Category:Instrument]] | |||
[[Category:Bass]] | |||