Kev

9 years on and he still manages deals like a champ! Purchase a green tank off him, its explosive! Cheers bud.

[quote name='andyonbass' timestamp='1485282818' post='3222794'] If you're in Manchester you could have a look at the Bass Lounge in Worsley - their web page indicates they have a couple of ACGs and Alpher in stock... [/quote] Good advice! Those two are certainly up there with the best (particularly Alpher ), but as others say Im not sure they will necessarily be what you are looking for. Shuker fits the bill.

[quote name='ixlramp' timestamp='1485256422' post='3222460'] > what are the best strings now for low gauge and high tension? This is impossible, actual tension is determined by string mass which is determined by gauge. I guess by 'tension' you mean stiffness that raises 'perceived tension'. Why do you want stiff (big core) strings? If you don't prefer stiff strings on your Dingwall there's no reason at all to start using them on a shorter scale instrument. If instead you use larger gauges of a more flexible string you will have the same feel but with better tone, clarity, intonation and harmonicity. I recommend just using the same brand as on your Dingwall, or another brand you like, but raising the gauges of the lower strings to compensate for the shorter scale lengths of the lower strings. Something like 45 65 85 105 140 or 45 65 85 110 145. A tension chart can help you match the per-string tensions to what you have on the Dingwall, this chart has scale length as an input value [url="http://store.kaliumstrings.com/TensionCalculator/index.html"]http://store.kaliums...ator/index.html[/url] [/quote] I dont understand where you are coming from here. I like the feel of thinner gauges, but prefer the 'perceived tension' (as you put it) of thicker strings. The DR strings seem to be exactly that, as they have thicker less flexible cores and less winding. The key here is not having thick strings, and sadly that is all using things like the kalium chart will suggest, hence this thread

[quote name='Bolo' timestamp='1485120247' post='3221380'] Try DR strings DDT? I love them but I play heavies. [/quote] You know, I overlooked these as I had it in my head that they were much heavier gauge. The 40-60-80-100-120 would be ideal if its not a gimmick and they are much stiffer, has anyone tried this set?

Kalliums are impossibly expensive and I didn't get on with Newtone that well. I don't think either of those offer a thicker core in any case. Custom gauge isn't really the issue here, it's higher than 'normal' tension im after.

I play in B Flat standard and have struggled to find the right strings for my 34" scale bass. I prefer playing with as light gauge strings as I can get away with, whilst still having high enough tension for the kind of music (metal) I play. Dingwall is my main instrument with the band and due to its scale length I can use light gauge strings with no problems. However, on a 34" scale it IS a problem. I typically use along the lines of 45,65,80,100,130 but the tension is understandably not enough when tuning down a step. Being a little out of touch with the round wound string market at the moment, what are the best strings now for low gauge and high tension? Imagine we are looking at hex cores and thicker cores, but Im not sure whats really working out there. The dunlop heavy core strings look like what I wold want, but bizarrely they do not do 5 string sets!

Hideous, both of them.

Always get anxious about the quality of pedals that list an 'all metal chassis' as a feature...

It will have to be beyond remarkable at that price point, I really hope it isn't more than a B7K.

[quote name='eude' timestamp='1485079587' post='3220873'] If manufacturers were required to quote their power ratings in a way that they were all comparable, and accountable to a certain degree, I think things would be very different. I've gigged with 100 - 200 W amps back in the day, pre class D and never ever wanted more power. If Trace are being honest about their ratings, then surely 200 actual watts will be enough for most people, and as a bonus it fits snugly into the back pocket of lady jeans... Eude [/quote] I'd love this to be the case, but I can't see how it is anything but another low powered Class D head, comparable with the MB200. If not, brilliant! But they will have to market it well as it will be overlooked.

[quote name='project_c' timestamp='1485075606' post='3220835'] Lots of people live in small apartments with no storage space, thin walls and have neighbors really close by. Those people tend to live in big cities where they have to use public transport to get to gigs and carry everything by hand, and many of those gigs are in tiny venues where loudness and power are not much of an issue as sound quality. As long as they sound good, they should do well with these. [/quote] I get that requirement, but what are such people using for a cab? In such circumstances, a small combo would be even more convenient surely? If not, why not buy a more powerful amp and turn it down? I cannot see why people need an amp this tiny, 500w+ Class D heads are marginally bigger and much more flexible. As I say, the market is clearly there for companies to be making them, I just don't understand why

[quote name='Beer of the Bass' timestamp='1485035014' post='3220677'] 200W has only been considered low powered comparatively recently. I've been gigging on and off since my teens in the 90s, and I've still never owned a rig of more than 300 watts. Admittedly, I've not spent much of that time playing with rock guitarists, but even then an honest 200w into enough speaker area can go a long way. [/quote] True, but, generally speaking, 200 Class D watts are not the same as a traditional 200 watts. Ill say with some confidence that this new amp will not get close to the volume of older 200w Trace heads.

What is this market for these 200w heads? More and more seem to be appearing, I don't really get who is buying them?? If I were looking for something that low powered for practice or similar, I would be looking at a combo rather than a standalone head and a separate speaker or 2. Clearly there is a market for them and I say good luck to them! Certainly looks more exciting than the GK equivalent

I will second a vote for Alpher Instruments. Not as well known as others, but they build exceptional instruments. I have been through most British built instruments and nothing surpasses Alpher for build quality and choice of woods in my opinion, there is no-one like them. They only build two different model basses and restrict a few options for customisation, simply because they believe the design they have is the best instrument they can make. They give each instrument they build the proper time and dedication it needs. Some of the builders named in this thread churn basses out at an alarming rate, Alpher's output is much smaller (my bass was only the 30-something instrument they had built) and that is incredibly reassuring to me. Me and Chris have become friends following my commission and the guy honestly couldn't be any better customer service wise. Immediate response to emails and Facebook chat messages before, during and most importantly after the build. They are a joy to work with. Check them out, you won't regret it

Dingwall and Darkglass are a perfect match

Oof. http://youtu.be/-EnrHGdw9kw