Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

It sounds like Ampeg is the way to go. Has anyone ever used Ashdown?

Rick, Ashdown amps are fabulous amps, especially the ABM range. Lots of power and bottom end.

But never forget that sometimes it takes very simple things to make a bass player completely happy. For example, as seen on picture below, a 4003 JG, an Ampeg B-100R and a SansAmp Bass Driver D.I. You can't imagine the fabulous tone I have.



All the best,
JL

OK, I'll admit that I'm at sea when it comes to amps and the do-dads everyone is talking about. When I was active in the 1970s, I had an Acoustic 371 with the reflex 18" and the separate head with equalizer. That was then. Now all I have is a little Crate B100, but I recently tried out a used Gallien-Krueger 700 combo. Holy cow, does it kick ***! But what is this SansAmp Bass Driver D.I (above)? Could someone explain (in simple terms, please) what these other do-dads do? Should I have one or more do-dads?

The SansAmp Bass Driver D.I. is basically a bass preamp AND a direct box. The preamp has drive and presence controls (among other standard things such as level, bass, treble...), and helps you build your tone. You can blend the direct signal + the tone built by the SABDDI, all this in one output. Depending on how you tweak it, it can give you tones that are close to SVT or Bassman amps. Combined with the B-100R, I have many tone capabilities in a non-expensive configuration. And it really works fine for me.
You can check info about the SABDDI on the Tech 21 NYC website :
http://www.tech21nyc.com/BSDR.html
All the best,
JL

Vous avez raison, Jean.

I have an Ampeg B100R and a Sansamp Bass DI too. Quite an inexpensive but good sounding setup. The Drive and Blend features of the Bass Driver really make it a versatile little thing. I call this setup a "Mini SVT".

The Bass Driver also works very well with my Marshall JCM800 Super Bass 100W MK II+1982 4X12 cab whenever a Squire-ish tone is called for.

Paul, you asked me a few weeks ago if there was any writng in my 72FL cavity. All that it says is: 4001 L. There was some other writing before they painted it but it got covered

Paul,
a few weeks ago you asked me if there was any writing in the control cavity of my 72. All it says is either 4001 I or 4001 L, I think it is an L. there was some other writing before it got painted but most of it got covered and I can't make it out.
Bob

Paul,
So it seems we have the same setup. Nice !
Next time I play live, I'll experience something : miking the B-100R + DIing the bass, and blending both signals on the mixing desk. Should be interesting.
I generally don't DI live, but I will experience that.
All the best,
JL

Thanks for finding out for me, Bob.
I couldn't find any writing in my '86 Shadow's all black cavities.
The neck PU and control cavities of my '72 Fretless look like this:


(NAT)


(9 ARC
R.R.
4001 J)

I totally don't have a clue what the writing means except the obvious "4001"...

Paul,
Just for fun, I just took a shot of my favorite setting on the SABDDI. I use it with all controls at 10 on the Rick, and all controls flat on the B-100R, except the ultra low switched on.
Enjoy !



All the best,
JL

Jean,
Miking the B-100R + DIing the bass, and blending both signals on the mixing desk is certainly worth experimenting. Go for it et je vous souhaite un bon voyage au "Pays Bas".

Ask the PA engineer to compress the DI signal a little, if he has a spare, to take control of the dynamic range as DI signals tend to have a greater-than-desired one. Have him alternate between compressed and untouched sounds, blended with the miked signal and see which combination you like.

Jean,
My favorite Bass Driver setup with the B100R is like this:

Level-12 o'clock
Blend-10.5 o'c
Treble-11.5 o'c
Bass-11 o'c
Blend-all the way up
Presence-11.5 o'c

The Bass and Treble are cranked more than the 2 Mids on my B100R.

With the Marshall, the Blend is backed off for a half o'clock to let more of the Marshall growl come through.

Bob,
Even though I'm very happy with my Ampeg B100R and Marshall Super Bass, I'll definitely get a classic set of SVT+810 cab someday. That rig is too legendary to pass up.

Paul,
I was reading the archives today and Mark the MD. who used to work there from 73 to 76 I think, worked prep and paint among other things and I guess they sign them, maybe R.R. are someones initials. Duh! I guess the're not from the paint shop.

Jean, my settings are almost exactly like yours, 'cept I have the BASS set at 12 o'clock.

Lefty 4001CS>SABDDI>Ampeg B100R. Amp EQ is flat except for ULTRA BASS on.