Category Archives: Reviews

Review: Peavey Amps

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I’ve found that a lot of amp companies have great higher end amps, but bad lower end amps.  Peavey is not one of those companies.  I’ve been exceptionally pleased with their lower end gear as well as their higher end.

I was first introduced to Peavey at one of the gigs I play at where back line is provided.  The cab I played through was the Headliner 410.  This amp, as well as most Peaveys, packs a punch.  For the venue, I would pump my amp no more than halfway up and you could hear the bass all over the stage.  The best part is that it is cheap! This amazing cab is only $300 new.

All Peaveys I’ve played through are inexpensive and totally reliable.  For the great price, you can’t go wrong! The one thing I will say about Peavey amps is that (for me) the sound can be a little muddy.  I usually correct this by turning up my high mids and messing with the tone knob on my bass. Other than that, great amp!

What do you think about Peavey? Let me know!

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Review: Orianthi – “Heaven In This Hell”

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While Orianthi may not be a bassist, she is a highly talented guitarist and vocalist.  And I love her. Orianthi released her second studio album, Heaven in this Hell, about two weeks ago and I have had the opportunity to listen to it top to bottom.  This album really shows off Orianthi’s vocal talent as well as her musical talents.  I love this album so very much that I figured  I would review it.  Here we go!

This first song off the album is Heaven in this Hell.  This song encompasses many rock influences.  When you first turn it on, there’s this eerie voice over before a heavy guitar intro comes on.  The song has a groove worth dancing for!

However, the next track is You Don’t Wanna Know and this track really encompasses modern country.  The guitar intro is so earthy and almost bluegrass-y.  The track still holds the rock feel to it, but it’s a lot like what modern country is today: Kick ass. Other tracks like Fire, If U Think That U Know Me, and Rock, also hold a lot of country influences.

Then you have tracks like How Do You Sleep?, How Does That Feel? and Filthy Blues, that hold a lot of blues influences.  The guitar solos and lyrics hold true to what a lot of modern day blues has become.

This album as a whole is incredible.  The songs are extremely catchy, well produced, and well written.  Definitely worth it to listen to!

Review: Combo Amps Under $500

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Combo amps are great.  Everything you need is packed into one space, so you don’t have to remember to bring your amp head, the cabinets, and cables. However, it can sometimes be difficult to find a REALLY good combo amp.  SO! I have tried out a few combo amps that I really liked and thought I’d share them with you!

Gallien-Krueger MB115-II:

I love Gallien-Krueger and all that they do, especially with this combo amp.  This amp comes standard with a 1×15 speaker, 4 band EQ, an Aux in, a limiter, and a balanced direct out.  This amp can deliver up to 200 watts of power AND it only weighs 35 pounds! A lot of punch for a little amp.  The even greater thing is that this amp only costs $449!

Fender Rumble 350:

I gotta say that my favorite thing about this amp is that it comes with wheels.  It also comes with overdrive built in, 4 band EQ, a line out, aux in, 2 inputs, 2 2×10 speakers, and it can provide 350 watts of power. This amp is great for live shows and studio recording.  Retail price: $499.

Peavey Tour TKO 115:

This is probably the best combo amp that I’ve played through in a long time.  This amp comes equipped with 400 watts of power, 7 BAND GRAPHIC EQ, a high frequency tweeter, an effects loop, and so much more! This amp has the power and the punch of a 4×10 cab, but is much cheaper than buying a stack.  Retail price: $449.

If you have any amps you’d like me to try out, contact me and let me know! I also encourage feedback.  Have you tried these amps? What did you think?

Review: Fender Rumble 75

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I APOLOGIZE FOR BEING DISTANT! I’ve been EXTREMELY busy while in Florida these past few days and I’m so sorry!

Anyway, I’ve been trying out a lot of amps lately and sharing my thoughts on them.  However, I’ve never talked about the one that I already own: A Fender Rumble 75. This Fender amp is a combo amp with 4 band EQ, built in overdrive, an aux in, a line out, and two inputs. This Fender amp is clear and consistent, just like any Fender amp.

This amp serves as a really nice beginner’s amp, a good practice amp, or a good stage monitor.  I mostly use mine as just a way to hear myself better on stage.  However, this amp doesn’t really have the power to fill some of the larger venues that I play at.  I love the aux in on this amp, because I can plug in my iPod while I practice so that I can play along with a track.  I use the headphone jack as well when I practice late at night.  This way, the house doesn’t shake and break and annoy the others in my house.

This amp was a good purchase and it served me well through the years that I have had it.  The more powerful Rumble amps sound just as good as my little Rumble with the man power to fill larger venues.  If you’re looking for a reliable and a great sounding Fender amp, definitely look into the Fender Rumble.

Review: Monster Cables

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I never thought to buy Monster Cables, but I have no idea why.  I finally broke down and bought my first Monster cable and I couldn’t be happier.

Monster Cables are strong enough to produce high quality sound for any musician.  I bought a Monster cable for my amp, because my last cable caused the amp to buzz.  I noticed instantly that the buzzing was gone with my Monster Cable and that the tonal quality of the amp was enhanced.  Monster delivers such a clean, crisp sound that it blew my mind away!  The bass is more punchy and all around it sounds fuller.

Of course, the con to these amazing cables is that they are pricy.  I bought my 3-foot-long speaker cable for $34.95 at Guitar Center.  However, if you’re like me and are sometimes picky on how your instrument sounds, Monster Cables are definitely worth the extra cash.  They last for a long time AND they come with a lifetime warranty! So, if your cable breaks, you can send it back to Monster, and they will send you a new one. How  could you go wrong!

I definitely recommend Monster Cables for any musician.  If you’d like to find out more, visit their website here!

Review: Dampit Humidifier

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Keeping your instrument humidified is a very important task.  Without humidity, the wood in your instrument can crack or warp.  Not only can these things change the tonal quality of your instrument, but they can be very expensive to fix! Keeping you instrument humidified is important for your instrument and for your wallet!

That’s why I made the inexpensive investment in the Dampit humidifier. The Dampit humidifier is a small rubber tube that you simply place inside your instrument.  For my upright bass, I just had to place the humidifier in the F-hole and I was good to go! The Dampit works as a time release.  It slowly releases moisture to the inside of your instrument creating a long lasting, healthy humidity for your instrument.  The Dampit is also reusable, so you only have to pay a one time fee! Many other musicians say that their Dampit lasts for years and years without ever needing a replacement!

The Dampit is made for several instruments. This includes, Upright bass, acoustic guitar, violin, cello, clarinet, piano, and many more! To find out more and see if Dampit is right for you, check out their website! I love my Dampit already, and I definitely recommend it!

Review: Ampeg Amps

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While on my search for the PERFECT amp, I came across Ampeg.  It was inevitable that I would come across Ampeg, since it is such a staple in the bass amp world.  I’ve played through quite a few Ampegs, but my review for it changes depending on the amp.

I’ve come to the conclusion that Ampeg would be a great amp for larger tours.  I’ve played through several 8×10 cabinets that sound dynamite.  However, if you’re looking for something that will be good for small bar shows, Ampeg may not be for you.  The sound quality on some of their lower models falls a little short.  Some models don’t push the sound forward, some just don’t cut through the sound, some just sound tinny no matter what you do.  I think some of these lower model Ampegs would be great studio or practice amps.

Like I said, Ampeg makes great higher end amps.  Their larger amps have the power needed for larger venues and they are still affordable for their size.  If this is what you need, Ampeg would definitely be something to look into. Great amp, great price.

Review: GHS’s Fast Fret

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Last night was the first night that I used GHS’s Fast Fret and I’ve fallen in love.  I was looking for something that could clean my strings, but it ended up doing so much more.

Fast Fret cleans your strings from dirt and grime while brightening your tone.  Fast Fret, also, prolongs the life of your fingerboard.  However, my favorite part of Fast Fret is how it makes my strings feel.  They feel a LOT smoother under my fingers and allow me to slide with more ease.  This is especially a great relief for people, like myself, who use steel strings.  Fast Fret helps you keep that steel sound, but takes away some of that “stickiness.” Your fingers will GLIDE across the fingerboard.

I used Fast Fret right before I started playing and it lasted well over two hours.  I only had to do a touch up once during our four hour set.  Use Fast Fret before and after you play for optimum cleanliness.  This product works great.  You can hear and feel it working IMMEDIATELY! So, pick up some Fast Fret and rock hard!

Play on!

Review: Fender Jazz Bass

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The Jazz bass is probably the most popular and the most standard bass.  However, maybe you don’t play a jazz and are thinking of joining the dark side of jazz bass owners.  Have no fear! For I will tell you all of the things I love about my Fender Jazz and why you should acquire one of your own.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Jazz Bass is the tone. With my jazz bass, I have an ash body, maple neck, and a maple fingerboard.  This combination of woods makes my sound bright and clean.  I could go completely direct to a room and still be completely satisfied with the sound. The second thing you’ll notice is the durability.  These basses can last for YEARS to come.  They come ready to tackle the hardships of touring.  I’ve banged mine up a little, but I haven’t noticed any difference in the tone.

These basses are made so that you can literally pick them up from a store, plug in, and play.  They are made to last for years to come and gigs to come.  If you are interested in owning a Fender Jazz, DO IT! This is the most reliable and best sounding instrument I’ve ever played.

Review: Gallien-Krueger Backline 600

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I recently purchased an amp that I have had my eye on for MONTHS.  That amp is a Gallien- Krueger Backline 600.  This little amp is a great addition to any rig and for a great price!

The Backline 600 runs with 300 watts and 4 ohms.  This is enough power to fill a sizable room with strong sound.  This amp delivers a crisp and clean sound that could please any bassist. The sound of this amp is very dynamic, with strong lows and cutting highs.  This is a GREAT amp to add into your rig.

The icing on top of the cake is that this amp is road ready.  My amp is a pre-owned amp, but it still sounds just as great as if it had been new.  These amps can take the pressure of a musician’s career and be able to play great for the next show.  Definitely a plus!

If you’re thinking of making the switch to Gallien-Krueger, I say go for it.  This is the best amp I’ve ever played through, and I’m never going back.