Bigwan

[quote name='markorbit' post='1021002' date='Nov 12 2010, 08:59 AM']That's very a very astute deduction! That's pretty much correct apart from a special transformer by the sounds of it.[/quote] Just because the transformer was custom designed for that amp design doesn't mean the JJ500 isn't the same amp as the MK500. I would SERIOUSLY doubt that there's any difference between the 2 other than cosmetic (especially since MK seems to have jumped ship to TC). Ashdown have history here. For example WAY back when the ABM was still young, and available as either a 200 or 400 watt version, the lines were 'upgraded' to 300 and 500 watts... except they weren't... I believe the same can be said of the 'upgrade' from the ABM to the first ABM EVO series. They're all the same design with different names... While we're on the subject - can anyone tell me what difference there is between the ABM series and the Klynstron series (which was what the ABM was originally called - the Klynstron Bass Magnifier), other than cosmetic? Having said that I adore my first run ABM amps.

In my experience lead free solder produces a duller solder joint than leaded solder. I hate the stuff myself, as do most high volume electronics manufacturers. Just doesn't do the job as well as the real thing.

I've currently a rev C GCB-100 crybaby bass wah on my workbench (belongs to Gareth Hughes of this parish). As standard it's a hopeless, tone-sucking piece of excrement. That's being polite about it. After carrying out ALL of the mods mentioned on the wah-wah site above, namely 33k Q mod (added pot for variable Q), 470 ohm gain & bass mod, 1k5 mid mod, 68k input mod, it really is rather good compared to the original product (didn't need to change the cap value as that's the only difference between a guitar crybaby and a bass crybaby). Still drops some bass end when engaged though but I plan to get round that by adding a variable blend (like an effects loop built into the pedal with the wah circuit in the loop). That should help it quite a bit I would think. Also plan on adding true bypass with status LED. BTW did you know that the only difference between the current standard cry baby and a zakk wylde signature cry baby is 1 component value and a lick of paint... or £40 if you're daft enough to buy one new...

If you have to ask then it's time to quit. Keep tight with the drummer though - they're not ten a penny like guitarists...

[quote name='Musicman20' post='1011821' date='Nov 4 2010, 11:15 AM']Oh, and apparently they also may (note 'may') have a mini amp/micro amp coming out. I really like Aguilar, so Im hoping its fantastic![/quote] Meh... if it sounds like the AG500SC they can keep it. That amp was a bigtime disappointment for me (although I didn't play it with Aggie cabs - apparently they work best with their own cabs). I went back to my *cough* ashdown *cough* (always feel a bit embarassed by that admission round here) - also gave up on my Thunderfunk and went back to my ashdown. Have to say Aguilar are a bit late to that party... but unlike ashdown, you can probably be assured they'll get it right...

Nice looking cabs. Light too, but still an odd size (very small car un-friendly - although I suppose that depends on the car)... Not going to complain too much though. If they perform like the GS or DB series 1x12 they'll fly out the door.

I've always been curious about these. Maybe on my next away trip I'll get a chance to have a go on one...

My mates in school wanted to put a band together and they didn't have a bass player. Now I'm the only one of the original crew still playing an instrument...

I think some of you are missing something quite vital - obviously the look isn't to everyone's taste, but surely the worn-in feel can be something everyone can appreciate? If a relic is done well it should feel like a vintage instrument as well as look like one - from playing a few vintage basses (never played any relic) there's something about a 45 year old bass that's been played a lot that makes it feel so much better than a modern version (thinking a 66 P bass vs. a current US P bass, obvious production differences aside).

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='1008372' date='Nov 1 2010, 11:59 AM']What we thinking these are going to come out at?[/quote] I've asked the question. I'll post here if/when I find out.

Oh I like that... I wonder how much...

No contest in my experience. Buying new it'd have to be the Line6 Studio 110. There are quite a few on here who will agree. If you need bigger/louder think about buying used where your money will go MUCH further.

The 'Rockxxxx' monicker is a fairly recent thing compared to the age of your Warwick (good taste that man, btw - always fancied a thumb 5 from the same era) so you can be sure it's not the basses original case. Must get a local bass bash organised soon...

[quote name='acidbass' post='1004671' date='Oct 29 2010, 02:25 AM']Marcus closed about a month ago, unfortunately. Two of the guys in my band are former employees, and they said it was coming for months. A real shame really as I noodled away many a good afternoon in there![/quote] The attitude of some of the Marcus staff left much to be desired as I understand (not saying it's the same guys you know). I believe there was a bit of a boycott by the guys on fastfude - there was certainly a multipage rant about them anyway. A smile and being polite doesn't cost anything... Having said that they never did me any harm. Only time I really had any sort of conversation with any of the staff was when I pointed out they'd the wrong price on an Ibanez BTB they'd just put on the wall that minute - they were selling it at trade (guy said I probably saved his job)... that's years ago. They wouldn't want to have been relying on me for business - I gave up on most music shops here 10 years ago, just before I snagged a Wal off of TKM in Ballymena for peanuts (relatively speaking)!

I'd swap out the tuners, although if they're anything like the CV ones you might not need to. Squier's producing some top notch stuff nowadays!

[quote name='greyparrot' post='1003323' date='Oct 28 2010, 08:28 AM']personally i think these basses have had a bad start in life, but i think they are becoming more and more accepted in the bass comunity now for the tone beast that they are. I think also more players are using them now and that will creat more interest. Look at the wal bass 15 years ago bass centre could not shift them at £700 now look.[/quote] Yeah Wal's got hit with the whole 80's stigma backlash... Bongo's just got hit with the ugly stick! j/k I actually really like the look of them, but then my wife tells me I have weird taste (don't think she gets the irony in that!)...

+1 to all that GP. Love mine!

There used to be (Rea Sound in Cookstown was probably the best for bass @ a time), but alas no more. I'd love to do the bass equivalent of Mr. Drums (Coleraine), but don't currently have the time, space or money! Oddly there seem to be more drummers out there than bass players - don't know how that works... (note to self: must go down and have a word with Rob @ Mr. Drums and see how feasible it would be to do it for bass...) I find an occasional trip to London the best way for a bass fix (The Gallery) although I've yet to visit BassDirect - kinda scared to really...

[quote name='Lfalex v1.1' post='1000763' date='Oct 26 2010, 07:47 AM']Absolutely everything you can get your hands on! No, really! Considered going second-hand? There's some lovely stuff in the For Sale section, and your money'll go a LOT further...[/quote] +1 to all of that

"heading to the UK fiarly soon . . ." you say. Anything you wan't to share with the group Barry?

I would entirely disagree with my learned colleague. If it were me, and this is only my opinion, immediately strike the Stingray from your list. Any of the other 3 can be great basses, but play them first to take out the 'pig' factor The Burpster mentioned. The 4 string MM Stingrays I've owned/played have been entirely underwhelming - I prefer the Ibanez ATK any day of the week at 1/3 the price. The Bongo can be magnificent though.

Yeah! Grow a pair! You're not guitar players...

From your description a v-type pre would be the answer, but they're not easy to come by.

The way I see it I'd rather they spent 3 years getting it right before releasing it than spend 3 years fixing the problems that should have been found in R&D - the lightweight offerings from GK are a prime example - they're up to release version 7 now I believe... Having said that Larry probably should have kept the Kilo idea quite rather than saying 'coming soon'.