hey Ed love your videos, big fan ,, i noticed that when you try out equipment , amps or effects pedal you mostly use your jazz bass,, any particular reason? or is it because it sounds better than all the newer fancier basses ? thnxs, also Ed
oh man... I've always heard that a compressor is crucial for the Marcus Miller slap tone, but hearing you fiddle with both compressors on this rig, I'm even more confused than before.
im really having trouble choosing from the multitude of amplification companies out there im looking for a quite warm sounding head and cab nothing too tinny or metallic sounding what companies would you reccommend?
@AnEcumenicalMatter - I personally use Genz Benz amps, they are neutral and flexible, and come in a variety of sizes. But just about any amp can sound warm if you know how to use it, and put the right sound into it in the first place.
@BassGuitarMag As always, Ed speaks The Truth. I currently use 2 SWR preamps (the "Mini Mo" built-in EFX & "Interstellar Overdrive" SVT-type pre) and even though they were at the forefront of the '80s "Solid State Super Clean StudioTone™" movement, between knowing how boosting & cutting the right EQ, gain stages, and having preamp-stage tubes I can get anywhere from your classic Slightly Overdriven SVT + pick rock tone to full-on Billy Sheehan "Chainsaw Thru Chocolate Pudding" Distortion.
Hey, Ed!! Great review as always. Do you have plans in any future to make a review of the VT Bass pedal made by Tech 21? I've been looking for good demos and reviews on youtube and they all suck! So, it would be nice to see a review well done as you always do, 'cause this pedal blow my mind, but I'm not sure if it's exactly what I'm looking for. Anyway, have a great week and sorry for my bad english. Greetings from Argentina!
@JeroB666 - I honestly can't hear that big of a difference. I'm sure there is, but I've never had the chance to A/B two instruments that were identical except for the fingerboards.
@BassGuitarMag Thanks a lot Ed! Ive been planning on getting a bongo 6 string HH stealth black, and it comes with ebony fingerboard for looks, but I wasnt sure if there was too much of a difference.
Hello Ed! I sent you £1 coz I feel you deserve a tip! I got the Roger Waters P-Bass for my Birthday, I would love to play it through that trace! Hopefully if you review you will use the trace for the review! Cheers
@blockmatix - Thanks for the donation! I don't have the Waters bass scheduled, but it could happen I suppose. That Trace rig has been sent back to the company. It took up my entire studio!
@BassGuitarMag In person how was it? As i am regularly told that 410 and 115 rigs don't work as the 410 over powers the 115 and overall the speakers work against one another, Is there much truth in this (or is it dependant and the exact rigs?) and was this the case here? As this rig sounds MONSTER to me! (Oh also, is is made in the UK?)
@AttitudeCastle - It sounded balanced to me. The 118 has quite a presence of it's own, I don't think it's going to get overpowered. I don't remember where this stuff was built...
@MrRedrocket42 - It's about the same, but they changed the preamp design a little bit. My old RAH500SMX had a blendable tube/ss preamp... I miss that.
At the end, you said loud, proud and green. But you should say Louder, Prouder and Green! Trace will punch you in the gut more thoroughly than those digital amps!
Hi Ed! I'm always aware of your great reviews. Congratulations.
I wanted to say you also that I really like your American Fender Jazz Bass. It's a real sound machine. I have an American Fender Jazz Bass too (build in 2009) with a J-Retro Preamp and SCN Noiseless pickups. Although it sounds very good, I guess it does not sound like your 74's JB.
Ed, would you call the compression of this amp 'natural'? I use a digitech bass squeeze for two band compression. I really don't know if they sound similar but since the basic principle is the same thoy should be. Would you rather use dual band compression or full compression with maybe an opto comp like BBE opto stomp? Do you find any of those useful in different situations?
@mrmusica - I don't use compression at all for live playing. I've spent years developing my touch for the bass...I don't need it. But, there are effects situations, or perhaps for tapping where it has it's use. But I don't use effects much, and I don't tap. Most comp pedals suck the life out of your tone, they're too heavy handed - except the new MXR Bass Comp - that's real nice, very subtle, and transparent. But I still don't need it. I like the idea of 2-band compression, so that's a plus.
@BassGuitarMag Yeah compression for each band would be helpful, but it would also be a nightmare to configure. Good players don't need compression since it reduces their dynamic range when they actually want it!
@BassGuitarMag About that, have you ever tried the Route 66 Comp from VisualSound? i know this compressor is for guitar, but i think this compressor work well with my bass...
Hey Ed, you got tabs for this? Hahahahahahah Just kidding man! But seriously is there a Hartke Hydrive in the line up any time soon or do you have any experience with them. From what I can see their a great bang for the buck. Thanks again.
Great review Ed, as usual! Yet, I 'll stick with the Bergantino HT322 and the Genz Benz 9.2. If I 'm gonna lug a boat anchor to a gig, it's gonna be the Berg!!
Awesome review! Any chance of seeing the other UK Heavy hitters like Ashdown? They too have an overdrive circuit that I'm sure you could do justice with a review like this. Keep up the good work!
@jiafu - I haven't done a lot with strings... but I did record almost the entire DR catalog. Check the Bass Emporium website under reviews and you'll find sound samples for many different sets of DRs. They'll give you an idea what they sound like - awesome strings.
Great review Ed! Trace was king back in the day when bass amps were measured by their respective overall sound pressure levels, not by candy-ass ergonomics. This sure as heck ain't no neo stuff. My guess would be that this Trace stack would crush most if not all Neo/Digital rigs both audibly and physically. Heavy, heavy rig, but I bet this mother moves some serious air. Btw, did you enjoy the breeze while sitting right in front of that stack Ed? So cool to see the green monster on your channel.
@edenite They were purchase by Peavey a few years back, who made the correct decisions by involving several key staff who had worked for Trace Elliot throughout the previous twenty years as well as keeping the brand in its Essex roots (but set up a design office/workshop in Chelmsford). Trace always had a unique "British" heritage to it, and it's nice to see Peavey realize and keep that spirit alive... as opposed to moving production to Mississippi.
FANTASTIC sounding head, a greatly useful 6-function footswitch & an Effects Loop section that takes up space but is TO DIE FOR for us effects users who like to only send that signal to the high-end and also have a "pure bass" signal as well, Stereo Effects like chorus or Looping & generally use other outside effects or processors. So many preamps, so little money... ;-)
Is there any way I can get tabs of the riffs you're playing in those videos?
zamg0d1 1 month ago
I agree with TM Stevens, Trace Elliot is WAY too fucking bright. The low end is just not convincing.
IBJ57 1 month ago
Hi Ed!
Can you review the Orange Terror Bass 500w?
geddylee89 2 months ago
Ed, do you know of any comprehensive guides to graphic EQ shaping? I have a 9-band EQ on my SVT-3PRO amp and no real understanding of how to use it.
ROONTANG 4 months ago
@ROONTANG - Not off hand, but it's pretty intuitive. I would not suggest boosting 30Hz, in fact you should probably CUT that.
BassGuitarMag 4 months ago
@ROONTANG - Also... check out the video for the Whirlwind Graphic 10 band.... I show a few ways to use it.
BassGuitarMag 4 months ago
1:05 gotta love that chicken
armagedonman1065 5 months ago
Oh gosh im sold this will sound brilliant with my sterling
HeyItsRez 6 months ago
Trace Elliot for life!
basszushorbert 7 months ago
hey Ed love your videos, big fan ,, i noticed that when you try out equipment , amps or effects pedal you mostly use your jazz bass,, any particular reason? or is it because it sounds better than all the newer fancier basses ? thnxs, also Ed
epa44 7 months ago
TE, as usual, sounds geat!
bratekr 7 months ago
oh man... I've always heard that a compressor is crucial for the Marcus Miller slap tone, but hearing you fiddle with both compressors on this rig, I'm even more confused than before.
I wish I could understand how these work...
inuyashaspet 7 months ago
@inuyashaspet - There is an article on compression in the 7/11 issue of Bass Player.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
@BassGuitarMag AWESOME. Would that be the one with Owen Biddle on the cover?
inuyashaspet 7 months ago
@inuyashaspet -Believe so... or maybe it was June?....
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
@BassGuitarMag WHEW, It was the June issue! Cover has "compression basics" on top. Thanks for the tip, ed! Rock on.
inuyashaspet 7 months ago
Awesome rig demo mate! The only trouble is that YouTube's audio doesn't do justice. I'm sure that the Trace is totally earthquakey in person.
bmiranda2645 7 months ago
hey ed
im really having trouble choosing from the multitude of amplification companies out there im looking for a quite warm sounding head and cab nothing too tinny or metallic sounding what companies would you reccommend?
AnEcumenicalMatter 7 months ago
@AnEcumenicalMatter - I personally use Genz Benz amps, they are neutral and flexible, and come in a variety of sizes. But just about any amp can sound warm if you know how to use it, and put the right sound into it in the first place.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
@BassGuitarMag As always, Ed speaks The Truth. I currently use 2 SWR preamps (the "Mini Mo" built-in EFX & "Interstellar Overdrive" SVT-type pre) and even though they were at the forefront of the '80s "Solid State Super Clean StudioTone™" movement, between knowing how boosting & cutting the right EQ, gain stages, and having preamp-stage tubes I can get anywhere from your classic Slightly Overdriven SVT + pick rock tone to full-on Billy Sheehan "Chainsaw Thru Chocolate Pudding" Distortion.
scarred2112 5 months ago
Hey, Ed!! Great review as always. Do you have plans in any future to make a review of the VT Bass pedal made by Tech 21? I've been looking for good demos and reviews on youtube and they all suck! So, it would be nice to see a review well done as you always do, 'cause this pedal blow my mind, but I'm not sure if it's exactly what I'm looking for. Anyway, have a great week and sorry for my bad english. Greetings from Argentina!
juamposo 7 months ago
how would you compare this rig to a David eden setup?
kawi9893 7 months ago
About how much will this top with the 18" cabinet cost?
zamg0d1 7 months ago
Hey Ed, I was wondering in your opinion, which sounds better? a ebony fretboard or a rosewood fretboard?
JeroB666 7 months ago
@JeroB666 - I honestly can't hear that big of a difference. I'm sure there is, but I've never had the chance to A/B two instruments that were identical except for the fingerboards.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
@BassGuitarMag Thanks a lot Ed! Ive been planning on getting a bongo 6 string HH stealth black, and it comes with ebony fingerboard for looks, but I wasnt sure if there was too much of a difference.
JeroB666 7 months ago
Hello Ed! I sent you £1 coz I feel you deserve a tip! I got the Roger Waters P-Bass for my Birthday, I would love to play it through that trace! Hopefully if you review you will use the trace for the review! Cheers
blockmatix 7 months ago
@blockmatix - Thanks for the donation! I don't have the Waters bass scheduled, but it could happen I suppose. That Trace rig has been sent back to the company. It took up my entire studio!
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
@BassGuitarMag In person how was it? As i am regularly told that 410 and 115 rigs don't work as the 410 over powers the 115 and overall the speakers work against one another, Is there much truth in this (or is it dependant and the exact rigs?) and was this the case here? As this rig sounds MONSTER to me! (Oh also, is is made in the UK?)
AttitudeCastle 7 months ago
@AttitudeCastle - It sounded balanced to me. The 118 has quite a presence of it's own, I don't think it's going to get overpowered. I don't remember where this stuff was built...
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
@BassGuitarMag Thanks Ed, thats cool, I think it's made in the UK but i'm not sure
AttitudeCastle 7 months ago
do you think you might do a review of the fender blacktop basses??
cheeseperson03 7 months ago
@cheeseperson03 - They look cool, I'd love to try them.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
Ed how does the new Trace gear compare to the Trace stuff from the 80s in your opinion? Better, not as good or about the same?
MrRedrocket42 7 months ago
@MrRedrocket42 - It's about the same, but they changed the preamp design a little bit. My old RAH500SMX had a blendable tube/ss preamp... I miss that.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
At the end, you said loud, proud and green. But you should say Louder, Prouder and Green! Trace will punch you in the gut more thoroughly than those digital amps!
Metaphysicalman3 7 months ago
Hi Ed! I'm always aware of your great reviews. Congratulations.
I wanted to say you also that I really like your American Fender Jazz Bass. It's a real sound machine. I have an American Fender Jazz Bass too (build in 2009) with a J-Retro Preamp and SCN Noiseless pickups. Although it sounds very good, I guess it does not sound like your 74's JB.
marcomunevar 7 months ago
hey Ed. do you prefer to play with your fingers while playing live? Or does it depend on the song or type of set you're playing that night?
IdiotswithaCamera100 7 months ago
@IdiotswithaCamera100 - It all depends on the song.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
WOW!!
You are ACTUALLY Reviewing an amp other than GENZ BENZ???
WOW!!
Peavey must be paying you a good penny!!
But COOL !!
RonnyOnBass 7 months ago
@RonnyOnBass - Peavey is not paying me anything. This was contracted by Guitar World. I was working for them.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
Ed, would you call the compression of this amp 'natural'? I use a digitech bass squeeze for two band compression. I really don't know if they sound similar but since the basic principle is the same thoy should be. Would you rather use dual band compression or full compression with maybe an opto comp like BBE opto stomp? Do you find any of those useful in different situations?
mrmusica 7 months ago
@mrmusica - I don't use compression at all for live playing. I've spent years developing my touch for the bass...I don't need it. But, there are effects situations, or perhaps for tapping where it has it's use. But I don't use effects much, and I don't tap. Most comp pedals suck the life out of your tone, they're too heavy handed - except the new MXR Bass Comp - that's real nice, very subtle, and transparent. But I still don't need it. I like the idea of 2-band compression, so that's a plus.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
@BassGuitarMag Yeah compression for each band would be helpful, but it would also be a nightmare to configure. Good players don't need compression since it reduces their dynamic range when they actually want it!
fingerboy18 7 months ago
@BassGuitarMag About that, have you ever tried the Route 66 Comp from VisualSound? i know this compressor is for guitar, but i think this compressor work well with my bass...
andrescolin02 7 months ago
@andrescolin02 - No, I haven't. As long as it makes you happy, use it!
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
Hi, Ed!
I am thinking about buying a fuzz or an overdrive pedal, but I don't know what I should be getting. Got any tips for a good fuzz or overdrive?
TheBasselusk 7 months ago
@TheBasselusk - I've got demos up of a few different models. See if any if them sound good to you. I personally don't use them much.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
so whats the price of this giant?
MakeTeaNotWar0 7 months ago
Comment removed
RonnyOnBass 7 months ago
@MakeTeaNotWar0 You are probably going to pay around $2800 for this entire set up.
Watch this video too on the Trace AH600 which is plenty of power for most people and goes for about $999.
Title of video to search for: Bass Club Chicago Demos - Trace Elliot AH 600 Bass Head
RonnyOnBass 7 months ago
Hey Ed, you got tabs for this? Hahahahahahah Just kidding man! But seriously is there a Hartke Hydrive in the line up any time soon or do you have any experience with them. From what I can see their a great bang for the buck. Thanks again.
macflapalicious 7 months ago
@macflapalicious - yes. The next thing in line is the Hydrive 500 w/a 410.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
How much is this ?
svtrs1 7 months ago
Great review Ed, as usual! Yet, I 'll stick with the Bergantino HT322 and the Genz Benz 9.2. If I 'm gonna lug a boat anchor to a gig, it's gonna be the Berg!!
kingsx925 7 months ago
Awesome review! Any chance of seeing the other UK Heavy hitters like Ashdown? They too have an overdrive circuit that I'm sure you could do justice with a review like this. Keep up the good work!
knappymer 7 months ago
@knappymer - Possibly. It all depends on what I get assigned.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
reviews on strings? im stumped on what to get =/
jiafu 7 months ago
@jiafu - I haven't done a lot with strings... but I did record almost the entire DR catalog. Check the Bass Emporium website under reviews and you'll find sound samples for many different sets of DRs. They'll give you an idea what they sound like - awesome strings.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
@BassGuitarMag thanks so much! =] i look forward to your upcoming reviews
jiafu 7 months ago
Sounds so freaking sweet!!! Awesome review Ed.
sirmoog 7 months ago
Hi Ed there are alot of bass videos with the carvin B2000 amp but with no sound demos, is that something that you might be able to review?
wakomaniac45 7 months ago
the amp shines when slapping i find
XxDisciple666xX 7 months ago
What strings were you using on that bass?
nova2007 7 months ago
@nova2007 - DR Fat Beams
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
@BassGuitarMag Can you tell me about DR Fat Beams? I was thinking of purchasing them.
nova2007 7 months ago
Great review Ed! Trace was king back in the day when bass amps were measured by their respective overall sound pressure levels, not by candy-ass ergonomics. This sure as heck ain't no neo stuff. My guess would be that this Trace stack would crush most if not all Neo/Digital rigs both audibly and physically. Heavy, heavy rig, but I bet this mother moves some serious air. Btw, did you enjoy the breeze while sitting right in front of that stack Ed? So cool to see the green monster on your channel.
MrRedrocket42 7 months ago
And how much is that stack? an eye and both arms? hehe...
Trace Elliot is not exactly "cheap" so to speak.
SadisticB1tch 7 months ago
Yes... Trace is still going! They've been going strong even though they are not the latest craze. I want a Trace stack... again! :D
twangchief 7 months ago
Thanks for this Great info! It is what's Wanted and Needed!
taichifist 7 months ago
"That's pretty gnarly."
Dugger1997 7 months ago
Amp sounds pretty good but I'm digging your shoes!
Joedeco06 7 months ago
The Compressor is kind of cool!
Submania100 7 months ago
@Submania100
Yeah, when he turned on the high compression I definitely heard a difference. Sounded pretty great to me.
Tooltrocity 7 months ago
trace elliot is still going? lol
edenite 7 months ago 11
@edenite They were purchase by Peavey a few years back, who made the correct decisions by involving several key staff who had worked for Trace Elliot throughout the previous twenty years as well as keeping the brand in its Essex roots (but set up a design office/workshop in Chelmsford). Trace always had a unique "British" heritage to it, and it's nice to see Peavey realize and keep that spirit alive... as opposed to moving production to Mississippi.
scarred2112 5 months ago
FANTASTIC sounding head, a greatly useful 6-function footswitch & an Effects Loop section that takes up space but is TO DIE FOR for us effects users who like to only send that signal to the high-end and also have a "pure bass" signal as well, Stereo Effects like chorus or Looping & generally use other outside effects or processors. So many preamps, so little money... ;-)
scarred2112 5 months ago
killer intro!
ninjaxbassxkid 7 months ago
Who's the figure of on the drum. Looks like a bass player.
MrHattrick63 7 months ago
@airesoyaire - Oh yeah? You should have seen me try to take this stuff out of the box!
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago 10
oh wow i was just wondering when this was gonna come out too
vectron12 7 months ago
Weird your doing a trace elliot review as less than 12 hours ago i bought an AH600, We must have some sort of psychic link there Ed ;)
barret707 7 months ago