Lw.

Now they are handles! Great looking rig - congratulations.

A Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 USB interface & "Reaper" free-software would be my first suggestion. 2nd would be a pre-amp/DI pedal that has aux in & headphones out - I love my DHA one & it's very useful for recording & live too.

It's an interesting one because I don't really see something as being new unless it's still sealed in its box - musical instruments blur the lines because shops will often take them out to do a set-up which I'm ok with but once it's been out on the shop floor for people to look at/try out then surely it's ex-demo not new? I've had to learn to let it go with music stuff, you've just got to hope n one has touched your stuff with greasy fingers.

As far as small set-ups go I don't think you can beat your current rig if that's the tone you like but if you want to go bigger, there's a whole world of awesome options available to you. That Matamp is a thing of beauty - they make the best tube amps IMO, it's just the cost that's a little inhibitive (and that cab is too big for me). You can get the Orange version (debatably not quite as nice/high spec but still very good) for 7-800 used so they're a little more affordable. Then of course you'll be wanting a bigger cab - I like 2x12's as a good compromise between size & weight. I've not played through a Treynor amp but there's one of those in the classifieds going for what looks like a good price - no idea what they sound like though but it could be worth a look.

I'm afraid you've just highlighted the futility of this forum; everyone's ears are different & whilst we can all put forth our opinions, there's no guarantee the OP will agree!

Toneman is just re-branded AMB/MAG stuff specially made for Thomann isn't it? I'd get used - the technology/design on those Ashdown cabs isn't exactly cutting edge; if you're going to go old-fashioned & heavy there's no point in you taking the hit on new stuff, you'll get the same sound used & save a load of money. In terms of tone - I've found that style of Ashdown cab completely usable for the money (it's the amps I can't get on with).

As with anything else I do in my life, there is only ever one justification/excuse; because I want to.

What's your definition of light? A used 2x12 by one of the usual suspects (Barefaced, Bergantino, Vanderkley, TKS etc...) & a decent used head would be the most cost effective light/loud option but 2x12's are heavier than 1x12s (obv), 1x12s being a better modular set-up but more expensive.

I feel sorry for the person that's having to make do with slightly damp/cold towels!

If you think so :-) I've also heard the full-size amps aren't the most reliable but maybe for bedroom practice these little ones wood be ok, think they'd be a bit lacking for me though.

You can of course call them what you like, I'm sure you're not being homophobic & we all like to have a laugh at the expense of guitarists but the negative implication is there, regardless of the intentions. On a generally open forum I [i]personally[/i] don't find the phrase particularly inclusive & so have pointed it out. Back on topic; I'm sure the little combo will be fine for super quiet practicing at home but I wouldn't be expecting wonders. But if we're going down the tiny combo route; how long are we going to have to wait for Barefaced to put a class-D amp inside a One10?

[quote name='karlfer' timestamp='1462532713' post='3043802'] Hmm, both of our gaytartists... [/quote] Your what?

Not bad. It's got all the bits in it for people that dislike RHCP to dislike & definitely follows their usual formula but still listenable for someone that does generally like them. I must be getting old as I quite like the chilled out vibes they're going for nowadays, don't even mind the piano. Will give the album a listen on Spotify & maybe buy the record if it's any good.

I wish I had the kind of birthday money that warranted a visit to Mr Baxters! Wunjo's are good people to deal with & get some nice used stuff coming through (though this obv can be hit & miss depending on when you go) but it's generally quite limited in terms of stock variety (it's a tiny store). That vintage shop over the road sometimes have some interesting basses come through too. It's a shame it's just not commercially viable for one of the really big store to open in central - having been shopping in the 'states, it's incredible the amount of stock those big guitar centers hold in the middle of town!

Another vote for OBT's being a one trick pony, though they do that trick very well - I've been able to get a few more tricks out of the OB1 heads but then you're back to solid state. In terms of "tubey" sound from hybrids, I think it's a misnomer really; it could just be my ears but for me the tubey sound comes from the power section of the tube amps (or maybe the full-tube package), not so much the little tubes in the pre. Tube pre's give a slightly nicer OD than solid state/transistor based pre's (which is why I use one) but it's really not the same. I wouldn't say it's just marketing guff but hybrids seem to be missing the point as they neither sounds like tube amps nor are super light-weight. Makes this post sound a bit bleak really. What don't you like about solid state? If you're looking at the high end amps listed above wouldn't it be worth looking for used full-tube amps (there are a couple in the classifieds at the moment)?

I love the idea of a big tube amp on top of modern lightweight cabs - my long-term aim is 2x TKS S112's (I really like the tone of these cabs) with a Matamp or Orange 200w monster amp up top. I think that would be a lovely sounding stack with everything liftable by an individual & not too clunky to get in/out of cars.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1462237992' post='3041408'] Still depends on what you want to do. If you want to gig and make money, your really going to have to start a band that has commercial appeal and can get consistent work. Starting a band and writing your own songs would be limited at best. If there's no originals scene then people are probably not going to be interested in hearing your songs. Blue [/quote] Of Course, though the OP is turning his nose up at Oasis covers which is generally the kind of covers paying landlords want to hear so I assumed money isn't the only driving force here. I disagree with your second point though; I'm more of a "build it & they will come" kind of guy - there are talented musicians & decent music fans hidden away in every town in this country, you just need to coax them out. If the live scene isn't there in your town I think you can start one - the successful people in this industry aren't the ones who have had everything fall on their lap.

As ever with music; if you don't like the current situation (be that live scene, original or covers bands), start your own. Write the songs you want to play, curate your own covers playlist or organise the gigs. Hard work but means you get what you want.

[quote name='project_c' timestamp='1462109720' post='3040314'] Epsom is doable, Twyford is pushing it a bit! Even though they probably have the best selection.. [/quote] Yeah depends where you're traveling from,id say twyford is just as easy to get to from central as Guildford or Epsom but any of the shops should be able to sort you out.

Guitarguitar Epsom & bass gear twyford are both near enough to London. Though wunjos and the gallery should have enough little combos for you to find something useful.

[quote name='GCYPbass' timestamp='1461829948' post='3037899'] Anybody had chance to compare Rumble to Ashdown MAG, Hartke LH or Ampeg PF tone/soundwise? [/quote] I've played through the Rumble Combo & many a MAG/ABM head (so not an exact comparison) - the Rumble is miles ahead for me; naturally good tone (of the vintagey variety) with a decent EQ, the Ashdown's have always just sounded like mush to me regardless of how many buttons/sliders are being used. I haven't used the other two so couldn't comment.

Because that's the song they want to cover? Let's face it, no one is being original covering the recently deceased tracks - it happens every time anyone remotely famous dies. It doesn't make their tribute any less valid just because most other people have chosen the same track. Live & let live. And no - neither of my bands are covering Prince songs.

Now that is a lovely settee. We need a settee porn thread, sans bass.

[quote name='Ant_On_Bass' timestamp='1461689617' post='3036827'] ...I think it's very likely i will get myself one and see for myself :-D [/quote] Probably the best option, the internet opinions on the interpretation of distance selling laws were getting a bit dry.