Gear Talk

     It is important to keep in mind that these are all tools to help you make music. People must find that which allows them to express themselves—despite what is/isn’t popular on Internet forums, or with friends. 

Carvin MB15 amp / G&L LB-100 bass

     I am blessed to have more than one bass to choose from, and for tonight's practice session I chose my G&L LB-100. It is essentially an updated version of the Fender Precision built by Leo Fender's last company in Fullerton, Ca. The finish is reminiscent of Daphne Blue, a 1950's Fender custom color-- G&L calls it Himalayan Blue. The LB-100 is my first bass so there is a lot of sentimental attachment there. Still has its original factory strings which I have not intention of replacing anytime soon as it sounds perfect just the way it is. The neck width is somewhere between a Fender P (1.75") and a Jazz (1.5") and has a fingerboard radius of 12". A rosewood fingerboard, alder body and creme pick guard all come together for one heck of a nice instrument.

Carvin MB15 amp fits nicely in the back of my MINI

     The amplifier is a Carvin MB15 combo. Carvin is a family owned, American company who builds all their guitars and amps (along with PA/sound equipment) in San Diego, California. This amp sounds great and includes among other features a mute switch, and an XLR out. Also, it is small enough to fit in the back of my MINI Cooper-- making it even more accommodating to my needs. 

     That is my basic setup; bass --> amp. When I play at church it's pretty much the same, but I might add a BOSS TU-2 tuner in-between, and run through their Ampeg 15" combo, or just straight into a DI box. I really like the convince of having a simple rig and best of all... it sounds great! Check out the rig rundown for Jesse Reeves, bassist for the Chris Tomlin Band:

     One final note; you don't have to spend a lot of money to have good gear. I bought my new American made G&L for less than the cost of many imported models, and only a few hundred more than most of the other imports. The Carvin instruments and amps are sold direct to the customer which keeps the prices considerably lower than any other American made gear and in the ballpark of imported prices.  

"...make sure you look for an instrument of suitable quality... Avoid poor craftsmanship; it's the sign of a poor spirit. That doesn't mean you have to buy the most expensive equipment... Learn to identify quality and appreciate anything thats well made, wherever you find it. Look deeply into the spirit that goes into making an item of quality-- the care, precision, the attention to detail. Incorporate that spirit into your work...make [it] as well as you can. To do otherwise is spiritless." ~Philip Toshio Sudo, Zen Guitar 

Stay tuned & in tune~