dannybuoy

I have the latest model B7K, I had the B3K years ago but not compared them back to back... But I do know that the 7 does not sound exactly the same as the EQ imparts some colour and a volume boost to the overall tone. Also the latest pedals (both models) have a cut position on the attack switch nowadays, although I prefer not to use it and reduce treble with the EQ instead if necessary.

If you can live without the headphone output, PMT ate knocking out the Orange Terror Bass heads for £350. Great vintage tone but then you'd still need to find a cab... but that Fender Rumble combo for £400 sounds like your best bet.

Only 120V labelled on the input though so you'll need a transformer unless he can build you a 240V version. I'd ask before buying!

+1 on the Pyramids, love those strings. I forgot they are pretty low tension compared to others. I also had a dead E once. Two P basses side by side with 2 sets of them, swapped the sets around and it was definitely that string. Just sounded like it had a foam mute under it in comparison with the others for some reason! I got a whole new set sent out for free though so can't complain.

If you can, give the TIs another go and wait for them to become worn in, you may prefer the sound when they're a bit funked up! Or some foam under the strings perhaps to increase thumpability? Only other option I can see is the LTFs you mentioned - supposedly similar tension/feel to TIs but with the LaBella thump: [url="http://www.labella.com/products/ltf-4a/"]http://www.labella.c...roducts/ltf-4a/[/url]

I'd go for the EMG Geezer Butler signature, they're getting rave reviews.

If you play a 4 string, get the bottom BEAD strings from a 5 string set and bin the G, or get one of the various 4 string sets designed for drop tuning - you'll want at least a .130 B string if tuning to Bb or A, ideally slightly higher. Also a bass with two pickups, bright steel rounds and played with a meaty pick into a Darkglass B3K or B7K pedal will sort out the tone department!

Yeah I heard about the boost issue, shame really. But it's good to leave it on permanently set to mild levels as when on it introduces a speaker sim effect on the DI which is useful for taming any distortion pedals that come before it. I've been tempted to pick one of these up myself.

Also MIJ Fenders will only increase in value now since the demise of Fender Japan!

Also - Sandberg Electra VS4

Rare to see an MIA under £600, MIJ is your best bet but harder to come by. Lots of interesting MIM bases out there though, from the classic 50s, Roger Waters, and Nate Mendel models, then also some cracking Squiers, the Classic Vibe, Vintage Modified, Matt Freeman... Do you have a preference for colour or maple/rosewood?

The Bass Blower does not recommend it? Not heard that before! I would have tried the Blower Box into the VT first - the VT is like an amp sim so would come last. Just watch out that too much bass boost from the Blower combined with too much gain from the VT would make things go to mush. With the VT when I had one, I liked the character around noon, but if playing fuzz or distortion into it I needed to back off the character control to calm down the midrange a bit. The character control is just like the mid knob you see, except placed before the distortion instead of after.

I'd contact MXR about getting it fixed.

Not sure if it will be an issue, but assuming you need the +10dB (on the VT) or line level output (BDDI) switches in order to provide enough output to feed a power amp, I'm not sure if the LS-2 will play nicely with the hotter signals, it could potentially distort.

For your needs a simple supply with daisy chain will suffice. I have one powering a dozen pedals and only encounter noise issues when using certain digital pedals such as Zoom multi fx units. http://www.effectpowersupplies.com/9v-dc-regulated-power-supply-for-single-effects-3-p.asp http://www.effectpowersupplies.com/9v-dc-regulated-power-supply-with-integrated-6-way-daisy-chain-2-p.asp If you do want one with isolated outputs, this is by far the cheapest: http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_powerplant_junior_b_stock_2.htm

One thing to note about these amps is that the drive control does more than add drive, it rolls off the highs and deep lows, kind of like a vintage speaker emulator. I hear that it's like a variable version of the AGS stomp switch on the Tonehammer pedal. I really liked mine, but returned it as the fan was too loud and kicked in at full blast after 10 minutes of being switched on. Not a problem on a gig, but for quiet home practice it was a deal breaker. Already had the 'well you should buy a practice amp for practice' responses from a few people on Talkbass who were rather upset about the fact I wanted a quieter fan. Shame really as I loved the sound, just wished it had a more intelligent fan control that only kicked in when needed and adjusted the fan speed as necessary.

This thing does sound great, I wonder if they have plans for a traditional multi fx unit? The overdrive sounds are really good, I'd certainly think about ditching my pedals for one of these.

Found some clips: http://www.markbass.it/Bass%20Multiamp%20presets%20by%20Cesare%20Chiodo?&preview=2b271554ccf51754a785098bb0950f9c

I take it you are driving a power amp directly then if using the +10dB button? The volume boost would overdrive the front end of another pedal that's expecting an instrument level signal. If chaining these pedals together just make sure that only the last one has the boost switch engaged.