HazBeen

I would also add to this that anyone who (you are responding to) has the time to post so much on Basschat probably hasn’t recorded in a very long time. Clearly just speculation...

The OP was considering a lighter weight setup, what my example intends to show is the fact that under high volumes an AB class power section sounds different to a D class with the same preamp section. No more, no less.

I bypassed the BB pre (which has 4 tubes in the pre), subsituting the BB750 pre with the Subway DI/Pre which is the same pre in the D800. So same pre, 3 different Power Amps in the comparison.

True, new D Class heads are a big improvement over the previous generations. BUT I was able to A/B/C a Mesa D800 (with the new D class power amp as we know), my Mesa Subway DI (which is the same preamp as the D800) into a 1000w GSS Sumo and the same pre feeding the Mosfet Power Amp of my class AB Mesa. At lower sound levels there was next to nothing between the D800/Subway+Sumo and the Subway+Mosfet. I actually had a slight preference for the D800, probably because there is an interaction (magic ) going on between the Pre and Power sections of the head you do not have when using a seperate pre and power amp. But at higher levels neither the D800 nor the Subway/Sumo was as thick as the Mosfet. The difference was noticeably smaller then with generation 1 D class heads but it is still there. For me, my ears etc. (well and also my drummer's ears).

I have an 8 string bass the ESP/LTD B-208FM that I use for my Pearl Jam tribute. I upgraded the pickups and preamp (because I wanted to, not that I needed to), rest is stock. GREAT bass. Best bang for the buck I have had in a long while. I recently tried a Frank Bello LTD (not the ESP Custom Shop), also incredible value. Some look a bit "rocky", but you cannot deny they sound excellent and have really playable necks.

Exactly.... whilst D class has come of age the old big beasts still have something more 3D in their sound under certain conditions. I think it is down to the protection circuits (hard limiters or such) built into the D class power stages, when pushed hard they kick in. At lower volumes the D class heads I tried were a close match to AB, when pushed hard they lost. Personally I like the Mesa, Genzler, Trickfish and DG D class amps quite a lot, but the Jules Monique for me is the most reminiscent of a big Aggie or Mesa hybrid. You can buy them in a powered rack head version as well as loose pre/power amp. But all opinion aside, use your ears when choosing and if possible do a lot of A/Bing with the DB751. I use a Dclass head in low stage volume settings, full fat Mesa Big Block otherwise.

And get a graphite neck:)

I’d go Kay M1 upright, or thinking outside the box have a luthier build me a bass from wood (tree, old furniture etc ) dating to that year?

Who’s Simon Cowell...

The one with 5 strings

That is the difference between musicians that have to work for their living and pampered over produced pop stars who think the sun shines out of their behinds because someone else wrote a hit song for them... .bit like footballers vs rugby players.

In what dimension?

I totally disagree, 40 is the new 20 so at 44 I am so close to making it big with my electro emo punk jazz funk..... now where did I leave my glasses? ........

Marmite, you like or loath it. I happened to love it. Stuart Clayton did not as if memory serves me well the Blue colour is a respray to get rid of you the splatter. Nothing wrong with a lovely blue

Stefan has a good grasp on dates so it must be a 94/95 then. I literally cannot imagine being without one, effortless neck, great tone. You will love it I’m sure.

Lefty playing righty! For me it is simple, naturally if I use 1 hand I am a lefty (ping pong, forehand tennis, throwing a ball) but if I use 2 (double handed backhand, cricket, BASS) right feels natural...... odd but true. Couldn’t hit a string lefty.

Congrats BTW, welcome to the club.