BassBod

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

As I've just done the reverse experience (TF>Clarus) I'd have to say the Clarus is more "clinical" heard on its own, but in a gig setting seems to be pretty warm and clear, with surprising headroom. The eq is limited for BG use, but useful. If you really like the flat sound of your bass, then it works. The TF reminded me a lot of the SWR 220 - I thought its basic tone was "clean", and the timbre control was the key to warming it up, or making it brighter/clearer. The 4 band eq takes some getting used to. As an essentially 25 year old design its pretty impressive. I think the cab element is worth considering - I use Euphonic Audio's (1x10 or 1x12) and they do allow an amps' character to show through very well, sometimes too well. But they also work in gig environments much better than any more traditional cabs (SWR, Eden, Ashdown etc) I've used. Small eq changes can actually be heard and they maintain clarity on stage, even those boooomy 'orrible ones. It would be worth trying to do a "side by side" comparison of your current cab, with some others? Unfortunatley, using your ears, with the same bass/amp, in the same room, at the same time, seems to be the only way to evaluate these things. I was shocked when I first heard the EA 1x12 on its own - dry, brittle, flat - not exactly flattering. But after one gig I loved it. I still sometimes use my SWR 4x10, but now I know what's missing (and those gigs are so loud I've got plugs in, so who cares!?). BB

SF has a point - something like the Aguilar or Demeter valve DI. Power supply (built in) valve and audio transformer...and a ground lift. Might need some sockets... BB

Oh, yes, shouldn't state the obvious, but strong construction is a must for things that live on the floor and get chucked in gig bags - metal jack sockets, fixed to the case please. BB

I'm always keen to try any new or different DI/EQ. I currently use an LR Baggs or Orchid DI(for upright) and Sansamp/Aguilar DB924 depending on the gig. They all sound different. I've yet to track down a Demeter or Sadowsky. On functions, I think the Sadowsky is ahead of the pack (EQ bypass, tuner send and mute..so useful) but it really comes down to a musical eq and a great sounding DI output. Running on phantom power is a nice touch, but I understand it has limitations (limited current?). I sometimes only use a DI (no amp) and I can see this happening more often, as PA's get better and transport get harder, so the more options the better. BB

Another happy exchange experience (amp/amp) to report - arrived on time, well packaged and safe. Recommended. BB

I've used Vic Knight for years - never had to claim, so I can't say I've ever been able to test them - and I hope it stays that way. I've contacted them a few times with questions, and they've always been very easy to deal with. BB