Kev

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

Absolutely, on all counts. And to the above, I personally use the neck pickup

Fantastic! They are incredible basses, mine says hi!

[quote name='Mr Fudge' timestamp='1484940861' post='3219952'] Picked mine up from Bass Direct (Mark was excellent ... again) and gigged last week. This is by far the best amp I have ever played by a mile. I like a bit of growl and had the vintage Chanel about 1/2 way up and about a third way up for the blend. The power and presence of this amp is superb and my '73 P sounded incredible. Will put my Jazz through for tomorrow's gig. The only thing I had to watch is when I sat the head on top of my speakers the vibrations was causing the head to move so I had to insert a bit of foam between speaker and cab. I was loud but the amp and the context for the band I'm in was superb. [/quote] Interesting about the movement. All of my recent Class D amps had that issue (tecamp/Aguilar/GK) but the Darkglass has more weight to it and thus far has stayed put! I'll use this story when I turn it up louder at the weekend...

[quote name='T-Bay' timestamp='1484950263' post='3220045'] I used to live just around the corner in Gloucester street. What time does it kick off? [/quote] Doors at 7pm I believe

So, Coventry is holding Metal 2 The Masses for the first time and my band Barbikan are performing in the second heat on 2nd February. Would be awesome to see some of you guys come down to watch! If anyone fancies it contact me for a ticket if you would, £5 for an evening filled with local metal talent, can't be bad

I just hope the pound improves by the time its released. One would assume it will be B7K/VTD priced, and at the moment they are back up for £285 at Bass Direct. They were £225 when the Ultra series came out

[quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1484905937' post='3219508'] Quick NAMM vid https://www.instagram.com/p/BPdrWcYAUJu/ [/quote] Impossible to draw conclusions off such a video, but it certainly sounds more nasal than the B*K/Vintage

[quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1484740550' post='3217924'] How are people getting on with these? I'm enjoying my Darkglass, but I'm wondering about a change, just because, GAS! [/quote] Id be interested to try one. The original Cali76 colours tone too much for me and, after ab'ing, the Darkglass was an easy winner. The compact is apparantly different, but still perhaps more of an effect than a neutral compressor.

Ric fingerboards are always a refreshing change from the mundane maple/rosewood/ebony you see on competitors, but that bit of Bubinga(?) is particularly stunning! Really need to try one of these S series basses.

That fingerboard is gorgeous!!

Ill be there for sure

I'v waited so long for this! So cool to see it finally materialise. Other than the sound sample tease here and there I don't know how it sounds either. Apparently more aggressive than a B7K but at the same time a very different flavour. I can't wait to hear it properly!