Bigwan

Most I have spent was £1800 for a custom built bass. Wouldn't do that again, however I would be prepared to spend significantly more than that on a vintage P or J. I wouldn't go above a grand any more for anything else. I say that now...

I had one for a few years and can see the point of view of people who swear by them, but everyone's different and mine didn't speak to me the way my J and P basses have since, but it may just have been mine - It's the only one I've ever played. I also didn't need the flexibility the preamp offered - I'm set and forget. I definitely don't think they're worth the current pricetag, but that's just personal opinion based on my own experience. You never know though - I could play another one tomorrow and be willing to re-mortgage the house for it!

Both my ABMs are series 1, and I love them to bits. You're right, of course, that the ABM is more flexible, but I definitely wouldn't say it sounds more expensive or complex. I was blown away by the Orange the first time I plugged it in, but then it's each to their own, isn't it. Can't agree about the volume though. I've always found the ABM400's quiet.

Sound-wise I'm entirely happy with my current rig (Terror Bass into a Tech Soundsystems 4x12), however I wish I had 2 smaller cabs for transport purposes (physical size more than weight). If I could cut my Tech cab in half and use one or both of the resulting cabs as required then I'd be set...

[quote name='essexbasscat' post='1328391' date='Aug 5 2011, 10:31 AM']I put in a bid on the off chance it may win, but really expecting it to be well and truly outbid. Felt like Christmas when I won it !! Let's just say it was under £500 [/quote] Bugger! Bargain!

[quote name='essexbasscat' post='1327728' date='Aug 4 2011, 08:16 PM']A cheeky bid on e - bay for the RW sunburst sorted that one out ! now there are two [/quote] How cheeky, as a matter of interest?

I refer you to my previous: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=146957&hl=terror"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=...7&hl=terror[/url] The Terror is louder and punchier in my experience. The ABM is more flexible, but I never used the flexibility myself. I ran the ABM with preamp all the way over to valve, EQ off, pre-shape on and gain to taste. The Terror set flat is VERY close (considering the passive EQ curve with all the controls straight up). Did I mention that it's LOUD!!!

Ha! I bought my first 5 string cos it looked cool! If you can get on with a 5 then go for it (you'll never know unless you try!) What bass is it anyway?

Oteil Burbridge is playing one of these with Derek Trucks in the Tedeschi Trucks band. Pretty good endorsement right there!

Aged white methinks. Tort would work too, but since it's not a solid colour not every shade of tort would look right to me...

As far as I'm concerned there's zero crossover between the two. I've heard people who can't play a note one day write amazing songs the next, whereas we've all seen people who've woodshedded for 20 years, and may have amazing technique, but you couldn't make me listen to them if you paid me...

You WILL NOT need the TB1000... The 500 is stupidly loud. My Terror Bass and 4x12 is a hell of a rig! I'd go for a better cab than that myself. A 4x12, 2x15 or 8x10.

I'm a long time supporter of Ashdown and the first series of ABMs (pre EVO). I went lighter with the Orange Terror Bass (still have 2 ABMs) - believe everything you've read. It's crazy loud and potentially very gainy - my 1st gig was with gain on 3 and volume on 1 with no PA support (although using a very efficient 4x12) against a loud drummer and 2 half stacks (Peavey and Mesa). Overall very happy, although slightly tempted by the Genz Benz Streamliner... I'll probably do the tube change on the Orange to drop the gain levels and DI output. I don't really miss the fuller EQ section of my ABM as I never used it. Gain and Preshape was all I needed.

[quote name='TRBboy' post='1309373' date='Jul 19 2011, 05:09 PM']Yeah I spoke to them at the weekend. They haven't had any more stock since I was in there a month or so ago. They have got a Basic, a Cali PM and a Bullet (I think), but that's it. There's a KT at their Norwich store which they could get shipped across, but want me to pay a 10% deposit before they get it in![/quote] They want you to pay a 10% deposit for them to shift stock from one of their shops to another? You'd have thought they'd be glad of the CHANCE of a sale! With that attitude they've no chance!!!

Lakland 55-01... *SHAMELESS PLUG MODE ON* see my sig *SHAMELESS PLUG MODE OFF*

I've been eyeing the LB stuff for a while... How loud is 'very loud'? Nice setup btw!

That's great value!

Having made the change from an Ashdown ABM recently I'd agree that an Orange Terror Bass is a good move. Cabs to taste, but if I was looking again I'd also be checking at Barefaced's Compact and Super 12

I remember lusting after one of those in the early/mid 90's. I think Mike Inez played one in the video for 'Mama I'm coming Home' (Ozzy)...

I avoided P-basses like the plague for many years. Now I'm a total convert. I can tell you it doesn't take CS prices to get a really good P-bass. I bought my 2nd at the weekend - an '83 Squier SQ series - for £100. Comparing back and forward with my 08 US Precision I have to say there's not much to separate them, other than the Squier has had a hard life and could do with the frets stoning. Play as many as you can. Buy the one that suits you best.

One of the best threads I've ever seen on here! My ATK better run and hide. cos the sandpaper's coming out soon! Where did you source your veneer Andy?

In the past year I've bought 2 cracking used basses for under £200 - Ibanez ATK700 (albeit with finish cracking) for £150 which I'd put up against any modern Stingray, and a well used 1983 Squier SQ series Precision for very little (just on Saturday past), which is on a par or better than the 70's reissue Fender Japanese Precision I owned previously. Keep an eye on your local gumtree or music frums. There are bargains to be had! New I'd second the Squier Jaguar suggestion. They look like excellent value, although I haven't tried one yet.