BassBod

Most bass guitar pickups won't really work - they are the wrong shape and won't be a good enough fit to the arc of the strings. A split Pbass can be used, but you've got to construct a fairly complex bracket to hold it and get good string coverage. Look up Rockabilly players, as they tend go for a Mag pickup for volume and a piezo to get the click in their sound. I've used a Kent Armstrong hum bucker, which had a healthy output and Pierre Joseph single coil - a very clean and clear sound - but only with metal strings, of course. If you are fairly happy with the sound you've got...I'd suggest looking at good preamp options. Just getting the levels right makes a big difference. Something like the Sansamp with two inputs and memory would give you a lot more control - the setup would take some time to get right, but after a few gigs it should work well. Its really level first, then eq to taste. Good luck

For the scratch plate, I've had good results with thin brass sheet. Cut out a section to sit under the end of the plate, then glue all the bits in place on top. Pretty much invisible on its put back together, but the brass takes all the strain.

Apologies for not making it...ended up playing in Trowbridge...then Ledbury...one of those days. Looks like fun was had!

Very good points about using stock drivers...even cabs that are used carefully can have problems over time so its good to know a big supplier like Eminence can be used. I've put modern Eminence speakers into an old SWR Baby Blue (2x8") and it worked out very well, but I think I got lucky. I now have a pair of TKS S112's. Early days but I'm very happy so far..and they work particularly well with the Aguilar TH500 and its warm voicing.

Recently bought a cab from Ed - easy transaction, great communication and everything exactly as described. Also a fantastic proper packing job for delivery..much appreciated. Top marks all round!

I understand the joy......

Very strange...all my Brizzle gigs are full of drinkers with limited interest in whatever music is being played. And drunken requests for that Pogues' song...you know, that one.... goes like LAAAAAADDDaaaAAAAAA......that one.... can my mate play your drum kit.....

Yep...depends on date...but Yep!

I understand the feelings - but deals can get complicated and values are all relative... Chalk it up as another experience and reflect on where else you could find such a variety of kit, without paying dealer premiums on everything. Remember the terrible part exchange deals we used to accept from local shops? I've learned to avoid a few sellers who must get every penny back in their deals, but there aren't many....

Superglue...sounds ace, very tough but a right pain to work.

Great news...all the best, must be time for a new pedal....

I would suggest trying some other preamps (pedal or rack) into the effects return of the TH500. You will take away some of the Aguilar sound but may prefer other, less coloured options. Worth some experimenting. I've used the Sansamp VT DI both in front of the Aguilar preamp and into the effects return - both work and sound slightly different (more drive and distortion options with the VT) ...but for general gigging the Aguilar alone is fine for me.

Yep, one of the best.

Wouldn't think so....direct current can kill speakers, but you'd hear all about it...check plugs and cables first? Get waggling!

I've still got some 1961 LS3/1 speakers here at BassBod towers....these are the early outside broadcast big grey boxes, with 15" paper cone speakers in. I understand they were used all the way through to the 1980's. The bass response is very generous and seems to come from nowhere (although they don't do loud)....nothing like the Spendors/Rogers and other bookshelf sized BBC designs I've heard. If you were listening to these as reference speakers I could see how the bass would easily be left low in the overall mix. Add some low end bleed form a loud live band and it could be a problem.