Sean

[quote name='Bassman Steve' timestamp='1394400803' post='2391089'] Much as though your man might hate it, I always like to mix a mic and DI so I would ask to do the same - it's about what you want and you might be pleasantly surprised at what you get. I have to say (looking at your sig) I'd be tempted to mic and DI the Walkabout. You have a 12" version of my rig (15" Walkabout and 2x15 cab) and I got superb sounds with the Walkabout mic'd and DI'd - and less to carry. [/quote] Hmmm, I might have to try this on one track just to see how good it is; I've got lots of time. Carrying gear's not an issue so there's no restriction other than how much I can put in the car.

Hi folks, I'm going into the studio in two weeks and I'm wondering if anyone's got any tips on recording a 400+. I'm using my 2024 plugged in to it with no effects and it'll be sitting atop a Big Twin 2. So far the plan is to hook it up to a BF Big Twin 2, drive the power section as hard as possible and mic it with an SM57. This came from the guy recording us, he doesn't like DI or sims just real rigs. Anyone got any handy hints?

I use Status half rounds on my Yams. All the feel of flats but with a bit more meat. The tension also suits the basses well.

[quote name='marcblum' timestamp='1394358109' post='2390533'] got one of the very first Strategy heads in Germany. very very impressive indeed. both sound- and pricewise. [/quote] How much did you pay?

[quote name='Merton' timestamp='1394314252' post='2390286'] Dims: 58 x 25 x 25cm Weight: 19kg [/quote] Thanks. Do you know the distance between the feet centres?

[quote name='Billy Apple' timestamp='1394312683' post='2390270'] 8 KT88's may sound sexy, but I'd just be thinking about the £300 re-valve. I sometimes have sleepless nights about the 6 in my SVT. [/quote] Is the anti-Nexus vibe about the cost of re-valving? Do you have first hand experience of it? Does it sound fab or rubbish? Is it handmade in the UK? I've no idea of the answers to those questions, just interested in some (reasonably) objective opinion without getting slapped down.

[quote name='Billy Apple' timestamp='1394308993' post='2390225'] I think Merton just bought Walbassist's http://basschat.co.uk/topic/225178-sold-ashdown-ctm100-xmas-sale-price-l750/page__p__2317157__hl__ashdown%20ctm%20100__fromsearch__1#entry2317157 [/quote] 58cm wide but what's the centre to centre measurement of the feet on it? Will it sit on my BFBT2 ?

How wide and deep is the CTM100?

[quote name='VTypeV4' timestamp='1394300558' post='2390091'] Ashdown have made some tiddlers.. CTM15 I think is the model which has two EL84s. [/quote] http://www.thomann.de/gb/ashdown_ctm_100.htm#bewertung Not a tiddler, per se but very high on my list. I think this is something that you could rag the ass off to get the power valves breaking up but without demolishing the building you're in. I know there are a couple of people with the CTM300 but who's got a CTM100?

You seem to have sussed out the workings of the MB Walkabout as I understand them. I'm glad I'm not alone. They are definitely not conventional and all this is confirmed in the manual. I'm sure someone else will give some more insight. Dennis Marshall (MB authorised repair chap for UK) told me all about the send/return problem and fixed it with a patch lead and it's been fine since.

[quote name='Billy Apple' timestamp='1394232066' post='2389479'] Eh? You think that is cheap? http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/ampeg-svt-cl-classic-bass-head http://www.thomann.de/gb/orange_ad200b_mk3_basstopteil.htm I think you could get tried and tested classic heads for the same price, even more so if you bought one s/h. [/quote] They're both more expensive than the Laney, from what I can see. The Ampeg is on a US website and doesn't include import duty etc. it's only less than the Laney if I live in Beverley Hills 90210 and I'm not stupid enough to think that s/h prices compare to new so that comment's irrelevant. Is the Laney any good and is it good value at that price?

[quote name='Billy Apple' timestamp='1394229373' post='2389458'] It looks cheap, but the price aint. [/quote] What's it sound like? £1300 is less than any comparable valve amp. I don't understand.

http://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Laney-Nexus-Tube-Bass-Valve-Amp-Head/AQO So, what do we reckon to this? For an 8 x KT88 with valve pre-amp this seems very cheap. Is it made in the UK? I can't imagine it is at that price. Anyone have any experience with these? I'm in the market for another monster and am looking at some of the less obvious ones... After years of using lighter, more portable amps I have realised that I need to man up, grow a pair and start to build some muscle; we are evolving into a bunch of spineless weaklings and Class D amps are accelerating our physical demise. :-) It's probably the best bang for buck full valve monster out there putting aside the Bugera BVV3000 and I'd love to get some insider knowledge. Thank you, chaps.

[quote name='JamesBass' timestamp='1393882554' post='2385518'] Valve amps always seem alive to me too, there's so much more tone and definition to a valve amp in my opinion! As a user of the CTM300, I cannot recommended it highly enough! It's got a dead easy EQ, a great DI as most Ashdown's do. The fact it has a home biasing is amazing as well! The ability to bias at home has saved me some money already! Plus the tone is just spot on! It's a perfect workhorse and is used by many great bass players already! [/quote] So, who uses it it then? Who are these great bass players? I need to justify my purchase :-)

Macca played many a Yamaha BB as well as Ricks. It's all about the tone :-)

I spent years trying to find the sound, as many of us do and it wasn't until I heard and played through the 400+ that I found it. I tried Ashdown ABM, Trace SS, GK, Markbass, Laney, Hartke, Genz, TC, EBS, Aguilar and others but until I got that thump in the chest from the 400+ everything else was like alcohol-free beer. I have since tried a Matamp GT200 and that is like a very different flavour of what I like. I'd like to try a VBA400, CTM300, the big Laney and some others before I decide on a second head but the heft of a big valve power section is just an unbeatable experience for me and the 400+ has more personality than all the other amps I've ever had put together. Sure, it's got weird EQ and the DI is the usual Mesa impractical nonsense until you get used to it but the ownership experience is fabulous, it's so much more than a tool to do a job, it's a thing that's almost alive.

Mike's a top bloke as all those above have testified. Good comms, easy transaction. Another Basschat winner!

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1393417133' post='2379908'] I just got an email that my BB2 is in production and I paid the balance... can't wait! [/quote] I had the exact same experience today!

Great to see Marco here. Nothing better than going straight to the customer for feedback. Thanks for the insight into MB :-)

All good. Really nice guy to deal with. Another Basschat winner!

Sold some Berg cabs to Nick. Again this was a very easy deal both ways. Highly recommended.

Nick bought a rack tuner from me. Great guy to deal with, all positive. Another fabulous Basschatter.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1391892286' post='2362427'] I'm quite sure Joe Public can't tell the difference between a bass of any sort and a banjo. Great, now I've got GAS for a BB. Edit: Looks like there's no maple fretboard option, is this the case? [/quote] You'll have to ask Peter, he ordered it. I'm a big rosewood fan anyway so it's spot on for me.