Kev

[quote name='roman_sub' timestamp='1453479776' post='2959916'] Kept the B3K, sold the B7K. Tighter sound, less knobs, and better EQs out there (IMO). [/quote] You are aware that, providing they were built in the same revision, the circuits are identical, so a flat EQ B7K in turn would sound just as tight as a B3K? The bells and whistles of the B7K all come after the drive circuit, with the EQ circuit flat they sound identical. This is based on experience and owning a B3K and B7K of the same revision at the same time. RE EQ points, this is why I have a B7K Ultra on order. The extra mid frequency switches excite me To echo others, the B3K could not replace a Rat, and visa versa. The latest revision of the B3K, with the attack cut switch, certainly warms it up, but without the EQ section it will always have that gritty dirt sound in any setting. Low end, the circuit in either iteration cannot be beaten IMO, the grunt switch set to Fat is about the bassiest drive I ever heard. But in direct answer to your question, the B3K is good. Very good. The EQ points on a B7K however are perfectly tuned to the dirt sound and add an awful lot. In truth, I couldn't go back to a B3K now. Given B7Ks have now dropped to £220 new (this was the price of a B3K not so many years ago), if I had the cash I would grab a B7K, overkill or not

Just an FYI on this, this is very much the prototype and it is just being announced at Namm. I think Summer is the target for these things actually being made and distributed

What an odd looking little box! Bizarre placement of Balanced Output and USB on the top as said, as well as the Aux and Phones. They seems to have just whacked little switches all over the top. Tuner screen seems to be very close to a stomping foot. I'm not really sure what the demand is for a unit like this in pedal form, its more of a multi effect pedal than it is a pre. Interested to see what it is all about.

Well, I received my strings a few days ago, thank you very much! For those interested, the 5 string set is 130 100 80 65 45. I have used D'addarios on and off for around 7 years and I am a big fan of their Flex Steel, Pro Steel and Nickel sets, depending on the bass. I tried these out on my Alpher Mako bass, replacing a Newtone Steel round core set 127 100 80 67 47, so a Nickel hex core makes for quite a different string , despite the gauges being very similar. Upon stringing up and tuning, first thing I noticed was the much higher tension feel than the Newtone strings. Whilst round cores are more flexible in general, I was still surprised at how much stiffer they were. I was quite amazed at how well these strings stayed in tune immediately after tuning to pitch for the first time. I can't remember ever tuning up new strings and not having to adjust the next time I picked the bass up. These strings are LOUD and very punchy. A good bit louder than the Newtons. Lots of low end and low mids rumble, quite a signature tone of these strings as eqing never really dialled this 'tone' out. Not boomy, but thick. Highs are very 'polite' with not too much zing for fresh strings. I haven't tried the Nickel D'addarios for a while but off memory they are a less zingy, and much less zingy than pro steels/flex steels. Finger noise is low and the higher tension meant low fret noise too. Its interesting to read some comments about the strings sounding 'open'; I actually found the sound quite focussed. They sound equally good with fingers and with a plectrum, they don't seem particularly suited to slap. Strings smooth and comfortable to play, good balanced sound across all strings with pleasant harmonic content. Use of these has been limited to amplified home use through a Markbass combo and headphone use through an iOS setup. Obviously have to see how they break in, and I understand longevity is a big part of the pitch here, but initial thoughts: [b]Pros[/b] Loud and punchy Nice sound straight out the pack Smooth and balanced [b]Cons[/b] Higher tension than similar gauge strings (which could be a Pro for others) Very much have a tone signature that some may not like Wont be bright enough for some For me, the tension is a bit of a killer as I like a more flexible string, so I do not think I will be investing in these beyond this beta set. However, lets see how they break in. I understand that these strings are going to be around the £30 mark, which if true will put them above flex steels as the top price of the D'addario RW range. If they make a lighter set when released I could revisit, but not as they are. This probably comes across more negative than perhaps is fair or even intended, but I think more than anything they were perhaps just not quite what I was expecting or hoping for.

I shudder at what the price might be, but this thing seems superb and Doug is really excited about it. It's the most ambitious project they have taken on and I hope it really works out for them. Foot-switchable B3K and Vintage citcuits, too...

It's being sold on Amazon as in stock?? Edit: actually, most major shops online seem to be selling it as in stock.

Ah, the new Vintage Deluxe, can't wait to try that. They are blooming excellent!

For a beat up old Squier, amazing. When you see some of the instruments you can get for that kind of money on here or on eBay second hand, its truly remarkable!

I also have a desire to support my fellow countryman wherever possible. Why commission someone thousands of miles away when we have such incredible talent here? When I picked up my Alpher Mako bass last year, I enjoyed the moment of being handed the bass and shaking the builders hand, as well as an afternoon of bass chat. You don't get that from the UPS guy.

[quote name='Guinness21' timestamp='1452960089' post='2955108'] I wish thomann stocked pike pedals, at some point I will be buying the b7k, new vmtd and t bass di and will return two. I'm 99% sure for a designated drive I'd get a vmt, I'm just looking for something to provide a hair of drive and to warm up my sound a little. [/quote] Contrary to many people opinions, the B7K is capable of very warm gritty drive, there is an early demo video somewhere showing what it can do. It's not all about heavy drive and fizzy top end, you just need to know how to use a 4 band eq and the switches and see how they interact! However, if warmth is your main goal. A vmtd does make sense, and the new version looks superb

[quote name='Guinness21' timestamp='1452954019' post='2955023'] If the era affected the clean side that would be the 1 pedal for me. As it stands, I'm not too bothered about the completely clean sounds from either the b7k or the vmtd. [/quote] Doug has said that you can achieve everything the Era knob could with the two mid controls. Not as simple as turning one knob, but the sounds are still there

Buy second hand and you will get a quality comp for £100. Keep eyes peeled

No-one?

Nothing, some pedals do it for some and not for others

[quote name='Bigwan' timestamp='1452781935' post='2953457'] An improvement... [/quote] But it's only the preamp section that has changed, the drive circuit is unaltered so a change, or improvement as you put it , was always bizarrely ambitious!

[quote name='Bigwan' timestamp='1452779517' post='2953405'] The clean stuff all sounded great (actually VERY useful sounding preamp pedal!)... then the distortion went on and messed it all up! Yuk... [/quote] Given that you don't like the B*K drive sound, what did you expect?

Yup, sounds like a P bass

[quote name='project_c' timestamp='1452688308' post='2952397'] Anyone see this? I never use distortion personally but the EQ section on this thing sounds very good for those who like a clean tone. [media]http://youtu.be/eFPCg9a5_mo[/media] [/quote] I was resisting until I watched that. Preordered...

Having recently took delivery of a custom Alpher Instruments 5 string, I would love to put a 5 string set through its paces. These strings sound very interesting indeed!

[quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1424628679' post='2698491'] I can't tell. Are you saying it's the finest instrument in the universe incapable of being bettered? Or are you saying that you can't polish a turd? [/quote] Haha!