lozbass

Brings back memories - highest end of the celestion range in the mid-late '70s I think. I had one in a similar bin. There were a couple of power ratings on the 15 - I think yours is the higher

Another perfect deal with Martin - the proximity is a good thing as always great to catch-up! Deal in complete confidence - an upstanding BC citizen! Cheers, Martin

Brown Bass and chambers...hmm...I honestly don't know (I'll try to find out) but it would explain a lot. First, the BB is a relatively light bass. Second, I've only played the one that I have, but it's surprisingly resonant and loud when played without amplification - it has an 'organic' and woody tone with a prominent fundamental. My other Alembics sound fairly dead and uninspiring when played acoustically. Agree with Jazzyvee re: BB electronics (Anniversary) - very similar to Series I but a one position boost, hum cancelling pickups, and a good deal less expensive. 4000, ahh, yes rosewood was the default facing on SCs (I'd forgotten) -weird that I've played mainly cocobolo versions: indeed, the only non-cocobolo SC I've played is the buckeye. Nice to see these getting some discussion - my favourite basses by a very long way (despite the idiosyncrasies)

Pleased to hear your impressed with the F1 - I have one too and it's outstayed Mono M80/Vertigo, iGiG and many others. Very lightweight and fairly rigid. I think the Protec Contego is slightly more robust but it's heavy by comparison. On balance, I'm a big fan of the F1 overall - a very easy and comfortable carry

[quote name='Clarky' timestamp='1380412689' post='2225054'] I am guessing that was cocobolo faced then, as that wood (though my favourite looks-wise) weighs like an anchor! I was recently offered a Brown Bass from a US seller that weighed about 9 pounds but the issue was that - with import duty and shipping - it would have been sell-a-kidney expensive (about £4.5k) [/quote] Most of the SCDs I've played are pretty heavy, and yes a lot of that's down to cocobolo facings ('extremely beautiful timber but extremely dense). I have an SCD with Buckeye and it's mercifully light at about 9lbs (light but still doesn't balance too well on a strap). The BB is also about 9lbs - it's myrtle core with walnut facings and mahogany in the neck - I think the old style brass and ebony string retainer (rather than all brass) helps to take a bit of weight out, and it looks lovely. The SII is a joke - thick cocobolo facings and the series pickups - a tiny little thing but it weighs around 12.5lbs.

Fantastic deal with Ziggy on some strings - I messed him about (as a result of a misunderstanding with another BC member) but Ziggy was a complete gent throughout and could not have been more friendly, generous and accommodating. Restored my faith following a difficult interaction elsewhere. A perfect example of how BC should be - deal in complete confidence - thank Ziggy!

I'd have a very serious look at a Millennia TD-1 - beautiful DI with the benefit of tube or SS routing and two bands of mastering grade EQ. It also has a re-amp feature (could be very useful). Used in a lot of US studios for bass (indeed a favourite, and for me, has a good edge over the Avalon U5) but excellent for vocals and other instruments too. Around £1600 new in the UK but occassionally appear for around £1k used. Could be a very good investment all round.

I've bought and sold a lot of pres over the past few years. A DB680 might fit the bill (if you can find one) - very versatile overall with extremely extensive tweaking possibilities, and good for on-the-fly adjustments in a gigging situation. The downside is that you won't get much grit or break-up if that's important to you. As noted the Alembic pres are a good choice - well-built and versatile, with the SF2 being my favourite (extraordinary tone-shaping possibilities but you'll need the manual to even make a start). Some of the Ampeg pres are decent and good value second-hand. I was close to buying a Monique myself (as suggested they are available as a rackmount), however, decided that the tone wasn't really for me - that said, a lovely handbuilt pre with some great tones. Of all the pres I've had, all that remain are the SF2 and a Millennia TD-1 (the latter bought in preference to the Monique). The Millennia has twin topology so is switchable from valve to SS - I prefer the SS as it's extremely crisp. The EQ on the Millennia is genuinely of mastering grade - it's a delight and puts almost everything else I've used in the shade.

Just sold a Mono Vertigo to Antonio - very fast and easy transaction with accommodating action from Antonio (sent a mate along to collect!) Thanks - an excellent buyer and great to do business

The slimmest and one of the most narrow necks I've ever played is on an Alembic Stanley Clarke Deluxe - the slim-taper is 1.5" to 2.15 so the neck remains very narrow and slender (front to back) all the way up. The short scale also assists the comfort for me - it's possible to play ridiculously fast if you wish to (though for me, that implies introduction of a lot of mistakes). I have a Brown Bass - short scale too - though that has a 1.75 nut (still a very slim neck front to back, and again super-fast if that's your thing). My other Alembic shortie has has the same taper as the SCD, however, the neck is slightly wider front to back - probably connected with the wider body on Series instruments. Alembic necks - on nominally similar instruments - do seem to differ a little: probably an outcome of the hand-carving process. I've not tried an Ibanez SR but probably should - I suspect that the slender dimensions (if not the scale) would suit me extremely well.