graham1945

Hi, mine's a 600...... number and it's a 1966. The number in the ad above isn't all that clear (the 6 looks a bit rusted) and should be a 600.....? There are pics of mine somewhere else on here, and if someone offered me 15,000 euros for mine, I'd bite their hand off!!!!! I don't think even Fender know how many they made, because in the end they started cutting up the bodies and knecks for use on other models, ie, they didn't sell. I thought that they were in the catalogue for only three years from 1965. Bought mine in 1972 and still love it and use it regularly, although slightly modded (pickups).

Welcome to the Bonnie Raitt fan club!! First time I saw her was on the 70's Whistle Test with just Freebo on fretless Jazz bass - stunning! Been in love ever since. I may be wrong, but were the bass and drums from the Jools Holland Band? As stated above, bass is usually James "Hutch" Hutchinson, Ricky Fataar drums, and of course George Marinelli on guitars. Recommended for the band alone, but Bonnie is the icing on the cake!

Just an update on my original query, I've just bought one of the new Ampeg PF800 amps and in the manual it specifically states that it can be run without loudspeakers connected - (for practice purposes using the headphone and music input sockets). Thanks Ampeg, very helpful, along with all of the advice in this thread.

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1370158730' post='2096964'] Oh yes, of course. But, to explain what I thought when I was lent one for a tour: Stupidly heavy old technology but without actual tubes. Adding to the weight was basically half an empty shell making it looking like an SVT. Underpowered. Compared to my ex Trace 400 SMX 400 watt, it was seriously quiet even with the mid boosted a heck of a lot. Huge, for no reason. Poor EQ. Compared to the modern, extremely portable/light/loud micros, there is no point in it. If you want an SVT, this doesn't sound like one. [/quote] Just to balance this up a bit, as I suspect that potential buyers might read this thread when considering what NOT to buy. I agree that the SVT 450H is heavy (which is why I'm awaiting delivery of a PF800 to arrive at my doorstep this very moment), but I've never had a problem with mine, which I've owned for around ten years. I play medium size hall sized venues, as well as large pubs, and always cut through the mix of a nine piece soul band, without going through the in house pa. This at well below half volume, so, for the run of the mill venue, there is ample volume in my opinion. The nine band equalizer has always given me bags of tonal variation. Agreed the case doesn't need to be so big, but I suspect Ampeg are using the same case for more than one amplifier? The added weight of the timber in the lower half is negligible. It can be viewed as a poor man's SVT valved, but we can't all afford that sort of kit, nor want the expense of replacing valves every now and then.This, in my opinion, is a great value entry into the Ampeg dream (at around £300/£350 for a good used one). By the way, I don't work for Ampeg!! Fair comments by Musicman 20 on his own experience, just thought I'd give another opinion of a longer term user. "what's the worst amp you have owned, or had the luck to use" Surely not? Graham

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1369685726' post='2091678'] I think I want a funk5? Can we see a picture of it just for the pornographic nature!? [/quote] Something like this one? [attachment=136291:DSCN0462.JPG] As above, probably worth around £1,200 on a good day.

OK, just to keep the thread going of course! This is what a 68 year old bloke looks like, still enjoying it after fifty years of gigging. Plus one from 1965. [attachment=136285:Kyps 6 Jan 2012, self SS.jpg] [attachment=136286:SO Kyps Jan 13 89.jpg]

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1365092201' post='2035246'] That Ampeg solid state SVT clone....450H?! AWFUL. [/quote] That's odd, probably the best amp I've owned. All a matter of opinion I suppose?

[quote name='BILL POSTERS' timestamp='1359630069' post='1957744'] I started with a Linear cage amp, actually an RSC version, into a home made 2X15 with Fane pop60s, pretty bad. Had an Elgen 100W that sounded OK with the same cab but was so unreliable I swapped it for a Marshall 100 head, which was even worse. Also had a Fender 100W Transistor amp circa 1993, Truly sounded crap,but iirc it only cost about £60 or £70 new. [/quote] Pretty much the same for me, Linear cage amp, couldn't get rid of it quick enough. Then, almost worse, Marshall 100watt head and two 4 x 12's. Sold it after one gig. Arne't we lucky nowadays?

[quote name='Darcy' timestamp='1179663360' post='2866'] Very dangrous site, lots of things sparking GAS attack [attachment=153:Telebass.jpg] Never seen one of these before.....interesting Semi Telebass 70's neckbucker and jazz at bridge, wonder what that sounds like? [/quote] Well, I bought one of these around five years ago from a Japanese retailer on the Bay, and, in my opinion the one I had didn't sound or even feel good. Sold it for quite a big loss pretty quickly. Looked interesting as you say, but not for me.

Cheers fellas, great response! Pity the manufacturers don't mention this in their manuals. Thanks again, Graham

OK, showing my ignorance here, after fifty years of gigging. Could probably get the answer elsewhere, but it is good value to see where this thread goes!!! I read somewhere that you should never run a valve amp without speakers, however, does the same apply to all transistor and the new class D amps? In other words could I use a class D amp as a preamp only without connecting it to speakers? Thanks, Graham

[quote name='mcgraham' timestamp='1368853286' post='2082255'] My experience is pretty similar. Gigging for 15, on bass and guitar, only really have one amp for each, never had an amp fail. Also never had call for a backup bass or guitar either. [/quote]Same here machinehead and mcgraham, but it's been fifty years of fairly regular gigging for me. One blown 18 inch speaker in that time, blown by a support band bass player using my gear! However I have just ordered an Ampeg PF800 which I will use from now on and keep the SVT 450 in the van "just in case".

Thanks, the dealer or SWR?

Hi, does anyone know who are UK stockists of SWR amps, who actually hold stock? I'm after an amplite. Thanks Graham

Have just sold my Alembic Orion 5 to Paul (Pal) and couldn't have wished for a smoother deal - despite the distance! Excellent communication throughout the transaction. Recommended Basschatter!

Finally found someone my age on Basschat!! Sorry Ady. I bought Ady's lovingly kept Roscoe Beck V today. Great guy to deal with, honest description, great communications. A dream deal. And a nice cup of tea thrown in! Graham

Wow, thanks for posting that, just as they were when I saw them at Devizes town hall and The Hive, Bournemouth. Too young!!

Cheers my friend, Graham (originally from Perth)

Hi, can anyone refer me to a web address relating to the sale of used personal musical equipment to a private individual in the EU. Am just about to sell a bass to an EU buyer and want to be sure that neither of us is liable to any tax/duty. Many thanks, Graham