BassBod

Sorry, but I can't record anything as I traded the SS1 a while ago...but I'd recomend changing the preamp, and see what you think. The EMG pickups are only a slight improvement over the stock MECs. However I found the Aguilar OPB-2 preamp was a real improvement (wired vol vol treble bass) and very easy to work with (slight treble cut, slight bass boost, change pickup mix to taste). Someone here now owns that bass - traded with Lukeward?? Hope that's some help BB

My old WT300 really didn't like running at 4 ohms (although it was in the spec) and would go into thermal protection if you just looked at it funny. Now I'm sure the newer WT550 is made to cope better, but do check the manual first to see if they explicitly say its ok below 4 ohms - even if it is, don't be surprised if it shuts down when you really push it. When that does happen, it usually resets after about 5 mins cooling time so its no biggie - just turn down a bit and/or take some low end off the eq. The DI still works even in shutdown. BB

Should be no problem - I'm sure the Sadowsky preamp comes with instructions that include this option - or look at the Aguilar website, as (from memory) the OPB1 is very similar. I had the OPB2 fitted to a Warwick SS1, plus EMG's - it sounds really good and is an improvement over the stock MEC stuff. While you have this work done, also change the jack socket to a brand new switchcraft, it may cost an extra £10 but its something less to go wrong in a year or two. BB

Get on down to Mansons - best shop I've seen by far, and if you want to try something specific give them a call and see if they can get one there for you when you visit (no harm is asking, and if its mainsteam they should be able to help). Their service is usually pretty good, but you do pay a bit more for it. Vintage and rare in Bath is worth a visit....just to see how much they try and get for a grotty old fender. I haven't been to a guitar/bass shop in Bristol for a few years. Mainly because I buy "high end"used stuff, and shops just don't sell it anymore. Also because I've never been impressed with any of the shops here. Eugene was great fun, but I hear he has moved on..... BB

I saw him here in Bristol a few months ago (with Bill Frisell..) so he does get here. Citron acoustic into WW and Hartke 4x10 - I was sitting right above him, so could hear his real on-stage sound, and almost read his music. It was good BB

Nice to see Ian remembered here - never got to meet him, but I have met Pete a few times and he was always very helpful, even with basses that had been round the houses more than a few times. Anyone know anything about the future of Wal? I read somewhere (here?) that Paul Herman may take it on? A 21st century Wal...now there's something to look forward to??!! BB

I've only owned one, but have played about five IIEs over the years - all pretty heavy (for the small body size) but the one I owned was the heaviest. The English ash they used was great furniture wood..but like ash Fenders of the late 70s, can be very dense. I think you've got to put it in context - at the time they were designed, the Pro basses weren't unusually heavy. And we were all younger...of course. BB

As said, check battery first. Mine used to get through batteries every 6 - 8 months, but they died very quickly when they went. Lowering pickups is a good idea, and check the (adjustable) pole pieces aren't set really high. The transistors do distort when they go bad...but from memory its a fairly constant "Jack Bruce" distortion that gets worse when you pluck harder. On mine its was much more noticable on one pickup, but both did it. New transistors cleaned it up completely. There was a chap at Harrow Audio (google 'em?) who was able to get spares from Pete - get to know the bass, see what needs work and then talk to him? For the record, I love the Pro basses for their historical importance and the complete dedication that went into them - really ahead of their time. But I wouldn't buy or play one now. Too heavy, poor balance and a bit of a "marmite" sound - the only bass I've been requested not to play! BB

If the battery cover isn't broken, then its in great condition! The plastic gets brittle with age, so go gently. I had a ProIIE refurbed by Pete at WAL a few years ago, and it seems the transistors used in the circuit can degrade - they can still be sourced but are a bit expensive. The other bit that dies is the jack socket, but its a standard Switchcraft, so easy to replace and a perfect "screw in" replacement. I ended up virtually giving mine away as a "donor" to a friend with a badly decomposing WAL. His was really going down hill - eating a battery a week, missing knobs and one half dead pickup. And the neck had de-laminating/open joints..not a good thing. BB

I think there was a Gator bag some people used for a GK amp head - I would think that should do the job. BB

See above. Some are indeed bass guitars on sticks, others can make a very upright playing experience - all depends on the design, setup, strings and pickups. BB

Always loved the Monk I've heard (Lionel Hampton made him him do it...apparantly. No Fender, no gig.) I thought he played a Pbass, with his thumb? Also +1 for Bob Cranshaw - great sound. BB

I've not used that one, but its my favourite type - great protection, pretty tough and very light. I've used the Warwick/Sadowsky (made by TKL) versions a lot for car and van gigging and I'm suprised how well they stand up. I've also got a Kaces fake leather bag and its very well made, and the best for wearing over the shoulder. But, if I was using public transport a lot, I'd stay with a shaped gig bag or case. Square things really can be hard to get around. You can get a Hiscox for around £65, and it will last forever. BB

I still really enjoy this shorty [attachment=10841:DSCN0617.JPG] But it is a bit specialised - great for jazz etc but not when things get loud. BB

That's pretty identical to my old one, except the cabinet looks taller? I'm sure the amp was closer to the speakers, and it was a fair bit shorter. Maybe they enlarged the cab to get more low end? BB

For what its worth, I really liked my Alligator combo, and I would've kept it if it wasn't so heavy (and relatively limited in volume). The speakers were great, and the preset buttons were useful, particularly if you combined them. My current stuff is better though! BB

I used one for a few years - pretty good (for 2x8" speakers) but really heavy, and eventually got killed by an airline. Was a lot better with a 1x15 extension cab. "Hand made" from what I recall, and well designed, I guess they were a very small company that didn't last very long. Good amp but I wouldn't spend too much on buying or repairing one. BB

I love Alembics...but I couldn't play one that cost three times the value of my car. Even once. Should I just buy a better car??? BB

I've got an Overwater/Harvest canvas job - very good protection and well made. Best I've ever seen. Not really heavy, but is fairly big. I think the leather ones are slightly smaller? (but more expensive). The Levys canvas version is great, but I don't know where you'd get one - maybe Gallery or Evilbay from the states?

I really should pay attention...anyway, the ultimate "warm" for me is the Alembic preamp (F1X or F2B) You can pick them up fairly cheaply (and the modern ones can be easily converted to UK voltage). The downside is a 1U 19" case, but the tone is worth the hassle. Plug into the effects return/preamp in of any small head or combo....and you'll never use the internal preamp again. Not just warm...toasty warm, with butter. BB

Sorry, never heard of them - but I'd guess mid 70s - early 80s. Is there any labelling inside to show where it was made?

Always hard to describe bass amp tone, but yes I'd say the Eden preamp is on the "warm" side, but in a good way. SWR is a cleaner/brighter but can be warmed up with lower-mid eq (and upper mid cut). I've found its easier to warm up a "clean" amp (eq, Sansamp) than to clean up a "warm" amp. If you really want clean then Euphonic Audio is hard to beat, but you may decide it isn't really what you want...it can be a bit unforgiving. BB

One thing about that Tfunk - "the switch" is American style - up is on, and down is off. I think the cleaner setting is up, and the "saggier/warmer" setting is down. Its pretty subtle but makes a more noticable difference at higher volumes. BB