mrtcat

Spent a large part of last year playing big hair metal with a deeply inappropriate "Steel Panther"esqe twist in a band called "Iron Pussy. We mixed covers with songs we wrote ourselves. It peaked in a gig which saw us play at a residential drum academy where we were joined on stage by Gregg Bisonette, Ian Matthews, Steve White and Craig Blundell. After that things lost momentum and died after our singer had to return to the states after his visa expired. The project was masterminded by my drummer friend who also plays in my main function band. Last night at our gig my drummer asked me if I'd want to give it a go again. He has found a new singer and a new guitarist, both of which are pros (this makes me the only amateur) who are really up for it. I knew he was looking and we have casually been writing together. The aim now is to focus on the original stuff whilst keeping covers in the locker. I agreed and now the work starts. Time to get the wig out lol

I could lend one of my new BFM simplex 1x12 cabs in return for a frank and honest review on the BFM and BC forums. I'm not in London but can probably arrange to relay it up.

I think as mentioned before that the demand may not be sufficiently high to bring prices down. However a decent small class d amp with minimal colouration in a tidy package would surely be popular enough with many people even if it's not much cheaper than a version with pre built in. I'd love to play with people who would embrace this approach but sadly every time I mention it to either of my bands I get derision and looks of disgust from all involved.

Will be gigging a pair of simplex 1x12s from next weekend onwards. Dates are here www.crudemeasure.co.uk Anyone who wants to drop by my place with their amp and have a play on the cabs is welcome to. I'm in Northants nr Towcester / Silverstone. I make decent tea :-)

I found tc lacked real weight. Just my opinion.

I think a pair of simplex 15s or a single 15 and a simplex sub would give you a better result. They'd be heavier but still light compared to others.

Hey Steve, it's 20"wide 17"high and 15" deep. It'll go pretty low if you use something like kappalite 3012lf but that'll need plenty of power to drive it as the tradeoff for big low end is the fact it's not the most efficient option. For dub reggae you would be better with the 15" version that is a little bigger. The 12" version weighs a touch under 16kg with the neo driver. Component costs will depend on the options you go for. With a kappalite 3012lf, ply, paint, corners handles etc you won't see much change from £350. I would offer to build you one but my local ply supplier no longer stocks decent stuff so I have to travel quite a distance to get it. Factor that in and after labour you'd be into bergantino price territory. This is why I'll be giving up building this yr. If you buy the plans from bill fitzmaurice website you'll see its a straightforward build so I'd recommend having a go yourself.

Thanks Mark, it's a couple of inches smaller than the J12 in pretty much each direction which was the deciding factor for me as I'm looking at using the car for gigs instead of the van from here on in. It's light like a jack too especially with the neo driver. An easy enough build though.

Thanks guys, I'll do a proper review once t'other cab is finished and I've had a chance to use them in anger.

I'm hanging up my BFM building hat this year due to incoming baby and the fact that its pretty much impossible to operate at a profit with prices of everything in the uk (drivers, wood etc). Decided to treat myself from some leftover bits and do a new rig. I've made a simplex 1x12 with kappalite 3012lf driver and another with the same driver and a tweeter. Currently waiting for the crossover components so second cab can't be completed. Have whipped up a matching case for my amp head too. Finish wise ive used some tuff cab in "funky purple". Not that funky in the flesh lol. The finished cab sounds lovely. These will replace my Berg NV412 and I'm already happy that they will be as good as that. Cheers

I've had an Svt2 which was amazing, an Svt4 which was great, an Svt6 which was ok but noisy and have used an Svt7.......which was gash. All IMO of course. Sansamp is the key to great ampeg sounds these days unless you want to splash huge cash and have a strong back.

RCF905s are great but possibly a little hard to find used so if you find some buy them quick. I was pleasantly surprised by a Mackie hf sub I heard this weekend but I always worry a little about Mackie reliability and service. If you want passive give me a shout. I have a pair of used BFM titan39's in the workshop that will shake your world.

Got booked to play a 30th birthday a few years back. Turned up at the given address (6 piece band) and were told to set up in the living room. Was an ex 50s council house so we filled the front room completely. Everyone danced in the hall and kitchen. Great gig tho lol

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1396784124' post='2417227'] Ok, it's a job... as I wont do a gig for no money. We pay minimum for each gig and if that means we don't get that min, we have to cover it from the kitty. Good payers supply the kitty. This way we can afford deps and petrol money etc etc .. [/quote] This. Much as I love gigging I always run the band like a business. Doing this has given us a professional approach which in turn has lead to better gigs and greater enjoyment. It has also allowed us to run better gear and pay deps when needed which again improves proffessionalism. Plus it's much easier to justify to the good wife when I'm out gigging weekends if I bring home good money.

Gigging is my only option these days. We're expecting our first baby in June and the money I earn from gigging is what will allow Mrstcat to have a decent amount of maternity leave. If playing didn't bring in cash then I'd have to get a bar job or something to supplement our income.

[quote name='SlapbassSteve' timestamp='1396641548' post='2416063'] Can't go wrong with a pair of Mackie SRM450's [/quote] A possible option although I find the sound they produce pretty unpleasant. Most other suggestions above will significantly blow the £800-£1000 budget unless you can find them used. I suggested Rcf as you can get a pair of powered 12s new for about £1k

Where are you based? If you're anywhere near here you can pop round and I'll happily give you a PA 101 session if it helps. I've got a stupid amount of kit in the workshop at the moment so can go through anything from mini PA to festival rig.

When you say you don't need mics do you mean you won't be using them or that you already have some? If it's just for music I'd get two of the best RCF powered 12 or 15 inch cabs your budget will allow. They're tough, compact and plenty loud with good sound quality. If you need to use mic's with it for plays etc then two of the same with a small mixer will do a great job. Other brands to look at would be EV, Yamaha, HK Audio.

I understand your upset at being last to know and that would certainly grate on me a little but don't be too hasty. At the end of the day these guys are free to do what they want. If the rise of the reunion project starts to affect your current band then spit the dummy but I'd be inclined to let it pan out a bit as these things tend to just peter out a bit and disappear. Yes you now know where you stand communication and trust wise but do you need to be best pals with the people you play with? With regards the PA situation if it continues I suggest that you talk about a bit of Financial recompense for your efforts.

[quote name='Handwired' timestamp='1395864439' post='2407432'] NV412 [/quote] Got one of these. As near to perfect for me as I think is possible. Love it to bits and I'm defo also a Barefaced fan but the berg is a peach.

Played a social club with a band which is not my usual one. I agreed to join them when they wanted shot of old bass player and I needed to bring a little more cash in. Great guitarist, decent singer and a really nice chap on drums who sadly can't keep time. They seem to think it was a great gig but I thought that with the exception of about 10 songs it was poor. I'm all about giving an audience songs they know and love but these guys are dead set on playing their favourite stuff regardless. Think my days may be numbered with them.

Saw steel panther at Brixton Academy last night. Totally killer live show despite the backing tracks lol

Regularly run amp flat but with jazz bass I put a little frown on the eq to flatten out the natural scoop the jazz has.