voxpop

[quote name='51m0n' post='465162' date='Apr 17 2009, 03:54 PM']What I heard was that he believes that the output transformer does more to get 'that' tube sound than the tubes themselves in a power stage. Lots of arguments follow as to the validity of this idea, and being something of a tubeophobe its not a quest I've ever really been on.... Having said that I certainly wouldn't turn my nose up at a rig like that! Its really beautiful, who put that grinning buffoon in the picture though? [/quote] [b]grinning buffoon [/b]...................thats me.

[quote name='stevie' post='465159' date='Apr 17 2009, 03:52 PM']You mean overpriced, overhyped and over here? [/quote] Quite right.......

[quote name='alexclaber' post='464720' date='Apr 17 2009, 09:47 AM']Very nice! I suspect the Hellborg pre sounds rather like my Avalon U5, though with a lot more EQ options available. Be interesting to compare the two at some point. I'd like to know more about the power amp and what sets it apart from other high quality PA style power amps - I know it uses an output transformer like a valve amp (don't run it without a load!) and am curious as to what differences that causes. Alex[/quote] Hi Alex, I think you are right its an Avalon type with better EQ options. The power amp sounds like my 1980's BGW studio power amp. Lots of current, grip and power BUT with a better upper mid and top sound. Much sweeter than the BGW. I will experiment with the speaker loading over the weekend and see if it changes the sound. Any thoughts on this??? How will it effect the sound ??

[quote name='yorick' post='464641' date='Apr 17 2009, 07:29 AM']That's not a grin... that's an "oh my god, how much have i spent?" look of bewilderment!!! [/quote] Very true....my bank account is on zero.

[quote name='steve-soar' post='464544' date='Apr 16 2009, 11:11 PM']Hi Marc, I knew this was your quest, hope you have lots of good times with this rig. Now then, what cabs are you using? Is this the McIntosh, or Krell, or Mark Levinson, or Audio Research of bass amps?[/quote] Hi Guys, thanks for all your kind comments. To answer all of your questions I will post a complete review after I've gigged it next week. (Steve) The sound is very like a Krell, its has a very clean and big sound that is a little dry at first. This is a shock as you realize that most amp put a peak in the lower mid to give a 'full' sound. I dialed in a small amount of EQ at 110Hz and got a warmer sound. It is so transparent every small detail of sound can be heard. To sum it up in a sentence.......Its the most MUSICAL system ever......period. I'm using it with two 1x12 Warwick Neo cabs for a light weight sollution. Has anyone tried the Hellborg cabs?? The power amp is Ok for weight if you are just carrying it from the car to the gig when racked in a 2unit case, would not like to carry the stereo version far as it is TWO of the amps that I have in one large case. Will post the full reveiw soon.

Well after a 3 week wait its finally here. Picked up my Hellborg Preamp and 250w mono from the nice guys at Guitar Works Reading today. Here's a pic to show the big grin on my face. I've only play on it for the last 45 mins and will try to put into words how amazing and fantastic the sound is. Every subtle sound is reproduced, every tiny stroke, every small change in dynamics...........Oh god I need a bottle of wine.!! [attachment=23920:DSCN0608.JPG]

[quote name='Stingray5' post='462643' date='Apr 15 2009, 01:53 AM']Hey, congrats on your 1,000th post. I subscribed last year to the free pdf of bassgearmag. Very slick with the different screen views. And what other print magazine would go to so much trouble to publish a full and complete version online for free? At least I assume, at 116 pages, that it's the full and complete version. Do you or any other BC'ers subscribe to the print version? Steve[/quote] I subscribed to the printed version. Got the first copy OK and then nothing, I've email 4 times with no reply...........All I want is what I've paid for...........Oh well put it down to bad luck. Don't bother paying, you might never get a copy.

[quote name='BassBod' post='458013' date='Apr 9 2009, 12:27 AM']It was a while ago, but I'm sure I paid somethng like £26-8 for the Pyramid Golds. Exchange rates have changed etc..but check Thomman? Anyway..they are very smooth, fairly supple but the E string feels big and fat, even though the guages are supposed to be standard 45-105 ish. Not as hard work to play as LaBellas. The other odd things are the outer wraps stop abruptly after the nut (on a regular Fender P or J) so there's little in the way of spare string, only the core goes round the tuner..and the ball ends are smaller than most. One bass (can't remember, but I think it was a Fender re-issue bridge?) can't use them as the ball ends pull through the bridge holes. I suppose you could fix this with small washers, but it was a bit of a shock. BB[/quote] Thanks for the info.

[quote name='redstriper' post='457006' date='Apr 8 2009, 01:08 AM']Are the pyramids smooth to the touch or ridged like the rotosounds? I like a deep smooth old skool sound for reggae and can't decide between labellas and pyramids - the labellas are available in heavier gauges, so might sound deeper. Shame there's nowhere to try before you buy.[/quote] Anyone else tried these Pyramid strings. At £40 from ebay I want to make sure that they are worth the expense. Thought I would try them on a Jazz bass.

[quote name='steve' post='451016' date='Apr 1 2009, 12:30 AM']I share your concerns. I was saying to one of my guitarists on sunday eve how us UK (and beyond) bass players have this forum, and as far as I'm aware, other musos don't have anything of anywhere near the same standard, with such a great sense of community and cameraderie. I hope these two qualities survive the transition. I don't know of anywhere else on the web that has such soul.[/quote] +1......There is nowhere as good as Basschat.

NOW SOLD...................

My Jazz pickups are on Ebay. New cost is around £110. [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110369678225&mfe=sidebar"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...amp;mfe=sidebar[/url] Thanks

There is two schools of thought...... 1.....All drive units should be the same to give a coherent and identical sound. 2.....Mixed drive units that cover a wider range of frequencies, giving greater flexability to mix and match cabs for different sounds and gig locations. I prefer number two but others will disagree. There is no right or wrong IMHO its just a matter of taste.