jeremy_crockett's Ampeg Amp Rig
I now have "one of each": a Precision, a Jazz, and a Ray.
More gear photos from jeremy_crockett
Gear in this photo
This rig
~$3,787
Value by category
- Bass Guitars 52.7%
- Amplifiers 47.3%
Price mix
Mix of standard and high-end
Boldest pick: Ampeg Portaflex PF115HE
Only 3 pro artists on Equipboard own it, but it's ranked #12 in Bass Amplifier Cabinets.
Squier Limited-Edition Classic Vibe ‘70s Precision Bass Guitar
Avg price: $433.74
This IS a Precision Bass; Do Not be a Label Snob
In the distant past, Squier received very justified criticism. Moving forward, the brand made great leaps in terms of quality and overall value.
Today, Squier's Classic Vibe basses are (mostly) outstanding, and this Fender Special Run (FSR) is a prime example. I do not know if Squier is paying more attention to their FSR stuff, but this bass is flawless. The fretwork was perfect. Compare that to a non-FSR 70s Squier P that I picked up last year, where the frets were miserably sharp and it took a ton of effort to get them close to "OK".
The "Fender-designed" alnico pickups produce the Precision Tone that ONLY a Precision bass can make.
Cosmetically, this is a gorgeous bass and the Surf Green color is striking. In my opinion, nothing compares to a bound and blocked bass neck. This Precision really stands out.
Finally, I want to give Guitar Center kudos for honoring their Price Match policy, as I originally picked mine up for $399 on sale ($479 list), then, 30 days later, Musician's Friend had it as their Stupid Deal of the Day for $348.
I presented my local GC with my receipt, and they handed me $54 cash. Making this one of the best prices I've ever gotten on new gear.
I can recommend this to any player looking to add a Precision to their collection or to a beginner who wants a bass that can last them for years and years and will not be "outgrown".
Fender Player II Modified Active Jazz Bass
Avg price: $1,136.99
Another Example of Fender Excellence
I've always fancied myself a Fender "Passive Only" kind of guy, and for quite some time now, I have been looking for a Jazz bass to replace the Vintera '70s I came to regret selling.
The Player II Active Modified with 18-volt electronics and noiseless pickups was quite the unexpected instrument for me. Sweetwater had an open-box bass listed at $260 below "Street Price", and I jumped on it.
This color is what Fender calls "Dusk", which is the deepest metallic purple that "reads" as black 99% of the time. It's subtle, and I think it's amazing.
Given the number of fiddly knobs, it definitely has a "learning curve", but that's okay. It also comes with Fender's high-mass bridge. A nice touch, I think.
18-volt active electronics. I don't know what that means exactly, other than I've doubled my battery costs. It does have a mini-toggle for active/passive modes. So, that's cool as well.
I've never had a bass with "Noisless" pickups before. There is no single-coil hum out of the box.
Everything feels top-notch; the fretwork polished and perfect. It plays very smoothly and is extremely versatile in the sounds it produces.
Avg price: $425.00
Amazing Bass, Fantastic Tone, Completely Happy!
For many years, I had a nearly incurable itch for a Stingray. Unfortunately for me, they have been out of my price range for just about as long.
Two years ago, I got a Ray24CA and did not get along with it. It was nicely made, however, the sound was far too bright and the two-band EQ did not shape the tone nearly enough.
Thanks to the information that the website TalkBass provided, it turns out that the older generation of Ray34s was most likely what I was looking for; slab body, alnico pickups, two-band EQ. It was widely reported that those particular axes were much closer to the more expensive USA Stingrays.
My initial impression is that this thing is a beast! I am used to passive instruments so I need to learn how to use the active features. But there is an incredible range of sounds this bass is capable of producing.
As well, I don't know if it's the alnico as compared to the ceramic pickups, or if the active electronics are significantly different but the tone is far more customizable when compared to the Ray24CA. It can be incredibly bright or more mellow and low.
If you have been Jonesing for a Stingray but do not want to shell out +$2,400 for a new one, check this ax out. It may be just what you are looking for.
Avg price: $178.37
Superior Bass Practice Amplifier
Ampeg has always been my favorite brand for bass amplification. This little 8" 30-watt guy is no exception. The SGT circuit is usable but not outstanding.
It's well-made and loud enough for practice without disturbing your entire household. The headphone jack is a definite plus.
It's not fancy but it's solid.
Ampeg Portaflex PF20T Tube Head
Avg price: $825.06
Avg price: $788.27
An Ideal Cabinet
I generally do not care for 15" bass cabinets. In the past, I have found them to be blubbery with too much low-end. In fact, I've been using an Ampeg BA-210v2 for the last five years and have been more than happy with it.
This cabinet is different. It's made to be paired with the PF-20T, and it is exceptional in tone and quality.
No flabby lows at all. The construction is solid, and the casters make it very agile to move.
It's a great cabinet! You will not be disappointed.
About this setup
This gear photo by jeremy_crockett features 6 pieces of gear, including Squier Limited-Edition Classic Vibe ‘70s Precision Bass Guitar, Fender Player II Modified Active Jazz Bass, and Sterling by Music Man Ray34CA. The setup spans Bass Guitars and Amplifiers, with a mix of standard and high-end pieces.
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