Bigwan

Economy of scale has to play a part I would imagine... You can get a 5w all valve guitar amp for under a ton because guitarists are, as we all know, ten a penny... Something I'd like to explore beyond the initial 5 minutes I've given it, is my Harley Benton 5 watt combo (the one that looks suspiciously like the Epiphone Valve Jr). I bet it'd sound better than OK into a bass extension cab like my barefaced Two10 with the combo's internal speaker bypassed. It's a sweet sounding little amp for guitar, especially with a nice strat.

Ah yes. So it was. Don't remember Decimax at all then!

Decimax... Think they were related to Carlsbro some way weren't they? Definitely Guitarist vintage. I remember the ad with the chap with the 6 string Overwater strapped up high and beige turtleneck tucked into his jeans...

I'd love one! BUT, and this goes for most of the available low power options, they're quite pricey. I think that puts folk off the whole low power valve amp thing. Most are not REALLY giggable in every situation without PA support so how much use are they really when a lot of producers nowadays just want a decent DI signal to fiddle with "in the box"...

They are identical amps, yes. I preferred the look of the LB30 myself... I never gigged mine without PA support - rehearsal volumes told the tale well enough! The CTM100 is on my bucket list (if I ever get back gigging again!)

You mean like this: http://www.arkhamsound.com/abyss.html

+1 to the LB30/CTM30. Great amps. I've owned both guises, and the matching, extremely rare LB212. Probably my favourite rig I've owned, but not really giggable in the bands I was in with no PA support. Not sold on the CTM15 yet. As you turn up the gain it cuts a LOT of bass so there's a few mods I'd like to make to mine which I'll report back on. It's not a full valve amp (despite what Ashdown may have said about it in advertising/interview), but a solid state front end and valve power amp, no DI. With gain all the way down it sounds very nice...

The SVT3 is a different beast - a "lead sled" that is much more serviceable. The SVT7 is a class D and your repairer is quite right... repair folks are scared of them and won't touch them with a barge pole! Tempted by this myself...

File the Wilkinsons did we sir?

Nice find!

I've heard this excuse a few times. It usually means I can't be bothered. I'd try somebody else...

I'd be tempted to try a Quilter Bass Block with a Tonehammer DI in front of it...

With volume on max is it making ANY sound at all (hiss, hum, etc)?

Looks great!

I'd agree that the control layout looks odd and I don't recall stacked knobs or switches on Statii preamps of that era, but I'm not much of an expert. I'd get pics in the control cavity if possible. Edit: if the price was right I wouldn't be put off by a change of preramp. Great basses these.

Sounds like a job for the Orange Terror Bass...

Do you well these? If you don't you really REALLY should!

On the reshelling front I've discovered a local (to me) chap building custom IEMs who advertises a reshell service. He's on Facebook as "LUGS - Play it by ear". No affiliation with the guy but interested in having my UE900S done and he's confirmed he can do them.

Lush!

Good man!

The P-retro was in the plans for that bass originally. If you ever get tired of it just drop me a line. Awesome bass...

Following this as I'm interested in getting these for my UE900s...

Click your profile name in top right corner, select profile from drop down menu. Type your update in the wee box labelled "write a public message on your own feed...", Simples! At least that's how I do it...

Yes. I'd also consider looking for an Orange Terror Bass 500 if I were you (£300 - £350 used). Along with Ashdown ABMs these are the best amps I've owned. Have a nice grind in the preamp. EQ isn't especially powerful, and some would say they are a one trick pony, but it's a really, REALLY good trick! And they're RIDICULOUSLY loud...