Kev

[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

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