RandomBass

[quote name='Lfalex v1.1' timestamp='1338713939' post='1678207'] I did this, and made a new sleeve for the head. Works a treat. [/quote] Now this, I like

I have owned and used items 2, 3 & 4 on your list with my BF Compact in rehearsals and gigs. My vote however goes to the Orange Terror Bass 500. They can be picked up for about £350 secondhand. From the list above, I'd go for the PF500. My MiBass just didn't feel very loud. The Harley Benton head refused to turn on after about a day or so. Well sometimes it would power up, about 10 minutes after switching it on. Sometimes not.

[quote name='gjones' timestamp='1338463683' post='1674899'] The TC Classic 450 sounded VERY loud when I played it through the BC212 I used to have. I could never get the same volume when I played my ABM through the same cab (may be due to the weird compression circuits the TC uses to get more volume out of less watts) . So far I've played the MiBAss loud only once through an old Ashdown 4x10 provided at a gig I play at regularly and it sounded loud and clear. I'll be playing with a rocky 3 piece on Sunday through my ABM Neo 15" cab in a venue where you need to be LOUD so it will get a good test. I'll bring my ABM with me 'just in case' and I'll post on how things went next week. [/quote] Top man! Thanks for that, I look forward to hearing how things went. I'm a firm Ashdown lover (sounds almost dodgy, that!), and my ABM serves me very well. i got hold of a terror bass as a trade on here, and while i love its sound, looks and of course weight, for me the ABM is superior (apart from the weight, but that doesn't really bother me). I'm also looking forward to trying the new ABM1000 at some point - but I don't think they are in the shops yet. Cheers Geoff

[quote name='gjones' timestamp='1338463683' post='1674899'] The TC Classic 450 sounded VERY loud when I played it through the BC212 I used to have. I could never get the same volume when I played my ABM through the same cab (may be due to the weird compression circuits the TC uses to get more volume out of less watts) . So far I've played the MiBAss loud only once through an old Ashdown 4x10 provided at a gig I play at regularly and it sounded loud and clear. I'll be playing with a rocky 3 piece on Sunday through my ABM Neo 15" cab in a venue where you need to be LOUD so it will get a good test. I'll bring my ABM with me 'just in case' and I'll post on how things went next week. [/quote] Top man! Thanks for that, I look forward to hearing how things went. I'm a firm Ashdown lover (sounds almost dodgy, that!), and my ABM serves me very well. i got hold of a terror bass as a trade on here, and while i love its sound, looks and of course weight, for me the ABM is superior (apart from the weight, but that doesn't really bother me). I'm also looking forward to trying the new ABM1000 at some point - but I don't think they are in the shops yet. Cheers Geoff

[quote name='gjones' timestamp='1338463683' post='1674899'] The TC Classic 450 sounded VERY loud when I played it through the BC212 I used to have. I could never get the same volume when I played my ABM through the same cab (may be due to the weird compression circuits the TC uses to get more volume out of less watts) . So far I've played the MiBAss loud only once through an old Ashdown 4x10 provided at a gig I play at regularly and it sounded loud and clear. I'll be playing with a rocky 3 piece on Sunday through my ABM Neo 15" cab in a venue where you need to be LOUD so it will get a good test. I'll bring my ABM with me 'just in case' and I'll post on how things went next week. [/quote] Top man! Thanks for that, I look forward to hearing how things went. I'm a firm Ashdown lover (sounds almost dodgy, that!), and my ABM serves me very well. i got hold of a terror bass as a trade on here, and while i love its sound, looks and of course weight, for me the ABM is superior (apart from the weight, but that doesn't really bother me). I'm also looking forward to trying the new ABM1000 at some point - but I don't think they are in the shops yet. Cheers Geoff

[quote name='gjones' timestamp='1337986845' post='1668501'] Have just played first gig with my new (preloved) MiBass and it sounded great. I was worried it wouldn't have the grunt I wanted but it has plenty of volume. It has a very punchy sound almost like it's compressed. I much prefer the sound of the MIBass to my old TC Classic 450. I may have my Ashdown ABM up for sale soon at this rate. [/quote] Very interesting. How did you find the amount of volume on tap from the MiBass compares with the TC Classic 450? Tonally i loved the MiBass, but the one I briefly used didn't appear to have the heft behind it. Maybe I should review this... Cheers Geoff

I have one of those Planet Waves rubber guitar holder thingies. I use it every gig and its brilliant, totally secure. But it has to be used at a suitable height: on a Barefaced Compact in my case. A big stack wouldnt be so ideal. Cheers Geoff

Not got an active now, but used hybrid rechargeables when i did. Never a problem with them. I still use them for my wireless and the odd pedal. Cheers Geoff

[quote name='gjones' timestamp='1338211966' post='1670856'] I originally bought an old UK built EB 150 1x15 combo 6 years ago and really liked the sound (still have it and still like it). The ABM gets the same sound but with more grunt and the MiBass is very similiar with really versatile EQ (I think Ashdown call it semi parametric). There's almost a compressed quality to the sound (although there is no onboard compressor) which makes it really punchy and so far I'm very happy with it. I'll be playing wiith a loud rock/blues band at the weekend so will see how it gets on but I'm sure it will sound great (and it's insanely light too which is a bonus). [/quote] funnily enough an EB180-15 was my first combo lol. I love the MiBass design, functionality and weight. It was just the output of that particular one that didnt do it for me. I should try another one for sure. Apologies to the OP for a slight hijack. I promise to stop now lol. Cheers Geoff

Im beginning to think i may need to try another MiBass 550. I had one briefly but it didn't stand up to the ABM... maybe i should revisit...

[quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1338027956' post='1668787'] Dont worry, it's the awesomeness indicator. [/quote] That probably explains why my lamp is so dim, or not glowing at all Cheers Geoff

[quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1338027956' post='1668787'] Dont worry, it's the awesomeness indicator. [/quote] That probably explains why my lamp is so dim, or not glowing at all Cheers Geoff

yeah cheers for that Raggy. Also read something from an Ashdown endorser on TB. He was impressed with it too. Along with the MiBass, if i remember correctly. Cheers Geoff

Has anyone had a play through one of these new ABMs yet? Just curious about how the Class D output stage fares compared to the ABM500. Cheers Geoff

This is indeed an interesting debate. I've been comparing my OTB and ABM over the past few months - and it's made me really experiment with the ABM much more than I have done before. What I can say is that the OTB is such a good, simple, solution. I wouldn't say it is tonally lacking - however, it is EQ challenged. I can get a scooped sound, a mid sound or a bright sound, but there's not a lot of variation between these really. It is of course well known for it's volume levels - and through my single BF Compact it really does show this off. A 500W amp weighing 5kg into an 8 Ohm cab weighing 12kg, that can handle it? Yes please. However the ABM has so much more - including weight lol. I have never once struggled with volume through the ABM. With the input gain set properly, and a bit of EQ where you need it, and my ABM is definitely more than enough for anything I'm going to need on stage, anywhere. Anything more will be DI, thank you very much. Oh yes, the ABM DI is far superior to that of the OTB. I'm probably the only human being that doesn't find the ABM compressor to be rubbish. I've considered it to be lacking in the past, but some recent messing about has resulted in me using it all the time now: and with it set correctly, I don't get a drop in volume, nor does it mess up my tone. I'm still mulling over these two. They are quite polar opposites in their design and execution. Simplicity vs complexity, weight, and versatility. On paper, I'd say the OTB wins the day. But practical use of both says that the ABM is far superior for my needs. IMHO, YMMV and erm any other FLA.... Cheers Geoff

Comparing the stock 12AX7 valves with AT7s, for me the latter make the OTB a much more useful amp. Significantly more clean headroom and adjustability, and a less hot DI (although I use a 20dB attentuator with it). I can get a mid-scooped tone (not for me though), a deep heavy bassy tone, a bright clangy tone and something in the middle which tends to suit me 99% of the time. The grit is still available, but I just need to turn the gain up past 1 oclock to get it, instead of about 9 oclock with the stock valves. However, I'm not sure it can replace my ABM500 - infinitely more versatile tonally, just as loud, far better DI, tuner out, decent effects loop (the OTB is horrid, although I tend not to use loops), footswitch and so on. The obvious downside is that the ABM is more or less three times the weight of the OTB (14kg vs 5kg according to the specs). And the twin fans on my ABM are quieter than the single fan of the OTB, although its a moot point when gigging. Cheers Geoff

[quote name='Johnnyc' timestamp='1337327877' post='1658031'] I reckon that would make an epic lightweight, ridiculously loud rig! [/quote] Well I use one with a Compact, and yes, it is! Cheers Geoff

Out of interest my Evo 3 is UK made.

Out of interest my Evo 3 is UK made.

I also think it's just the compressor too. And here in East Sussex, the Jury is out on it. Sometimes I think it works fine - other times I just don't like it at all. All very strange! Cheers Geoff

[quote name='icastle' timestamp='1336605093' post='1648471'] It takes a lot of skill to be able to create that sound... [/quote] I manage to make that sound most Friday or Saturday evenings in front of an appreciative crowd, so I must be skilled...