4001 Surprise Growl!

[ch willie]

A few weeks ago, I played an incredible outdoor gig. I'm the rhythm guitarist and singer in our band, but our bassist likes to play a bit of guitar, so I go to bass for a few songs.

I carried along my 78 Rickenbacker 4001 with Ric horseshoe and toaster pickups. Our bassist had just gotten a Peavey stack, and I plugged into it for the first time.

I've got flats on the bass, and through my Fender Rumble 350, it booms smoothly.

But man, I was not expecting what happened during that outdoor gig with the bass plugged into that stack. The Ric GROWLED. It had such an excellent tone, much more aggressive than I was prepared for. I didn't change the amp's EQ. and our bassist plays with a lot of treble. But there was nothing tinny about the sound. It was full, deep but extra clear. But that tone!!!! If that were my bass amp, I'd figure out how to tame it on particular songs, but that growl works so well with many of the songs we do--classic rock but with a heavier edge.

Love my bass!

[RickyBubba]

Enjoy the ride…you are now free to move around the dynamic range!

[Captain Bob]

Curious as to what model Peavey stack he is using? I have zero experience with Peavey gear.

I was wondering last night about the Reeves Custom 100 (Hiwatt DR103 clone) and how it would work with bass, compared to their 225 bass amp? No doubt, a question for Bill Janson at Reeves. I was listening to '66 and '67 era 'Who' recordings last night. 'Pictures of Lily', etc.

[ch willie]

I don't know the model, but the amp is a 90s era job. It's all solid state, but it's warm and deep and punchy too.

Sure made my Ric sound like an angry lion, and man was it a great experience.

[johnallg]

Welcome to the dark side!

[ch willie]

The dark side, indeed. Darth Rickenbacker.

[Captain Bob]

Have you checked with your bassist for that Peavey model? I recall years ago (maybe early 90's) somebody mentioned a Peavey amp they liked and I seem to remember 'silver line', or some similar name being referenced. I'm curious.


This preamp (in pedal form) that I had custom built, is 'out for delivery' today, and I'm looking forward to re-living a slice of the 70's.

[ch willie]

It's a Peavey Nitrobass head--perhaps I'm wrong about it being a 90s model, just don't know anything about Peavey stuff. The tall cabinet has 2x15s, but it's got great punch. It's got warmth and punch too. Really so much better than the solid state Peavey Bass stack I owned in the early 80s, a Mark IV, I think.

[Michael4bass]

Hey Captain Bob, I want to hear about that 360 pre-amp pedal when you get it. Thanks.

Bassically, Michael

[Captain Bob]

Ah, thanks. I'll have to research that Peavey. I know nothing about that brand and have no excuse after 40 years. I'm a firm believer in 15s for bass.

Yeah, the 360 plus pedal arrived Thurs. I haven't had a chance to try it and I won't have an opportunity until I get back into town Wed. There are historically good reports about the Viva Analog builds. Except, that they are difficult builds.
This was built by Dom Decosa in FL. (Domdec314) at TB. He uses the exact same parts from Viva, plus adds the DI with ground lift.