Matt P

I know it's been a while since there was an update on this but i was in Martin's shop today dropping a Trace Head off for a service and asked about the 100w head. Martin has been moving to a new premises recently and is in the process of getting it properly set up, he said that once he was settled in then he'll be getting back on the 100W project as he wants to get it finished and into our sweaty paws. from the number of amps that i saw in for service today i'm guessing he has been fairly busy with the day to day repair work (on previous occasions i've had to wait a week or two before dropping amps off for service as there has been a backlog.) Matt

all my levy's straps are the suede/suede ones with minimal padding so they're very soft and supple from the beginning, I think they're all 2.5" wide and are the usual pick for all but my heaviest basses (that 77 in particular). I've not noticed any difference in the length adjustment between the Levy's ladder type and the ladder type from, Leathergraft or Heistercamp (i prefer the ladder type as I don't like metal buckles near delicate finishes.) Matt

I didn't know this, I'll be watching the website for a future bargain! Matt

I have a Heistercamp as well and they are fantastic, I didn't suggest them as the prices are above what the OP was suggesting as the top budget. the one i have was a present from my wife and is exclusively used with my best acoustic guitar. Matt

whilst i did recommend leathergraft most of my straps are the suede Levy's ones, some of them are over 20 years old and still going strong. Don't totally rule out leathergraft though as some of their designs are available in an XL version which maxes out to 60" the comfy definitely does. here

I don't recognise the logo and none of those markings match those on my Levy's straps. For a good value wider strap I'd suggest something from Leathergraft, they're nicely made and very good value, i think the entire range is within your budget, i'm using one for my '77 p-bass and it helps enormously with the 11lb. https://leathergraft.co.uk/ Mine is the Pro deluxe and it's very well made with good padding and tidy workmanship. HERE Matt

wow, just wow!

I'm loving this, the design is superb, the craftsmanship looks top notch and the motivation to keep going is admirable. I'm not sure I'd ever be in the position to commission an instrument of this level so my only chance would be a raffle ticket (or a few). looking forward to seeing this progress. Matt

It might be worth trying a HPF in the signal chain to filter out the very bottom end, should give the amp and speaker a better chance, i'm going to be trying a similar thing using a Trace acoustic cube as a personal monitor for EUB, i've got a HPF and an eq pedal to cut lots of bottom end as i'm mainly using it to keep myself in tune. Matt

Not sure how i missed this, for a lighter feel whilst not losing the tone IMO there is one choice and that is Newtone Heritage strings, they are light balanced tension strings and it's all i've used for the past 15 years or so. the total tension of the 12's is less than the total tension of other brands 11's, they're available in gauges down to 10's if you want super light. I've been using the 12's on pretty much every acoustic i own, I've fitted the 11's to a guitar for a beginner friend and they were wonderful. quite a few of my friends have been won over too, i tend to put in a bulk order for more than 10 sets at a time and that gives a lower price per set and shared postage costs. I find they last longer than the D'addario Phosphor bronze i used to buy so the slightly higher price is not an issue for me. Link to the webshop Matt

I've been meaning to ask the same question, I've got a P-retro with a failed battery and a bass with a battery box that i'd like to fit it too. Just haven't got round to sending that email. If you can share the info that would be fantastic. Matt

Ivar is what i'm using, you are advised to anchor it to the wall at the top though, i've got a whole wall of it in my study/music room, I'd take a photo but the room's such a mess i doubt it would be much use to you! I'm using the shallower one and the cases to stick out, but they're well enough supported. Matt

can't help you with any suggestions but i am taking notes for songs to add to our setlist! some great tunes so far, at least 3 that i'm going to suggest to my bandmates tonight. Matt

if you're looking for light gauge acoustic strings, I can highly recommend the Newtone heritage strings, they're lower tension and balanced, the total tension on their 12's is less than 11's from other companies, and the 11's will be lower overall tension than the D'addario 10's but without some of the tinniness i've found from very light strings. I've been using the 12's for 15 years now and have also got a few of my friends hooked on them as well. as a bonus you can get them direct from the maker.

we're just a pub 3 piece band doing the usual covers most of the time, we do have an alter ego as a folky 3 piece acoustic band though, when we're playing pubs its vocals only through the PA, when it's acoustic then it's vocals, acoustic guitars, EUB, and a bit of cajon in the PA. I doubt we'll ever need a sub, I'll probably sell the amps, the 15's and the foldback monitors and then buy another pair of the 310's to use as foldback monitors. the desk we've got is way too big as well so that will get swapped out for something smaller as well.