Electric Bass: Difference between revisions
| (4 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{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> | ||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
=== 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. | ||
| Line 125: | Line 125: | ||
* 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 | ||
| Line 131: | Line 131: | ||
* {{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. | ||
---- | ---- | ||
| Line 155: | Line 155: | ||
* 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 | ||
---- | ---- | ||
| Line 166: | Line 172: | ||
[[Category:Editorial]] | [[Category:Editorial]] | ||
[[Category:Instrument]] | |||
[[Category:Bass]] | |||