Scott_LP

Excellent after sale service!!!!! Played a gig on Saturday when my Blackstar HT-Boost died on me. Not happy, yet managed to limp to the end of the gig without it. I called Blackstar on the Monday who were sorry hearing my news and asked if I could drop it in. Northampton is only up the road from me, so I dropped it off the same day. A bit worried as I've two gigs this weekend, my fears were calmed as being in touch, I was able to pick up my pedal merely two days later in full working order! Thank you, Blackstar! You literally saved my approaching weekend!

I share your pain as I've done that too when setting up my Strat. After MUCH frustration, I was extremely relieved to find out it was just me being a doofus by unknowingly altering my tuner. Back to 440 and all was dandy, phew!!!

I know that some amps require the valves biasing once installed, mine included. I don't know if that would be the case here. I only mention it as a friend of mine's amp failed after just 6 months as the new valves weren't biased by the amp tech, who believed it not necessary due to him installing matched pairs. Just a thought. :-)

Chuckle! So many different comments! To avoid any trouble I'm going to keep quiet, grab a bag of pop corn, sit back and watch any potential onslaught :-)

The most awesome gigging amp! Wouldn't take two minutes to set up, light as a feather and fits in your pocket!

[quote name='Jono Bolton' timestamp='1392937782' post='2374595'] How often do forumites change their strings? I've had mine on since Christmas Day and they sound a bit dead. [/quote] Usually about once a month for me and I always give them a good clean after a gig or long practice, along with a good rub of FastFret. As you say, any longer than that and they start to lose their sparkle. And I start breaking them!

After a few weeks of perseverance, I just can't get along with the 12's so will be reverting back to 11's and stick with them. Glad I tried yet just not for me. Interested in folks thoughs so thanks for sharing your experiences! ! :-)

Gee whiz, there's a lot of kids on here! I read that the OP obviously wasn't here to name and shame yet only after advice, yet he was bullied into naming the retailer. Carry on, and spite me if you may, yet are disrespectful comments helping the OP? The answer is "no!" Spiteful comments help no one!

Oh dear! By just sharing an opinion it gets all childish. I hope the amp is back soon, along with an apology from the retailer.

[quote name='EBS_freak' timestamp='1393519575' post='2381403'] Err.....? [/quote] Err..?

I can fully understand why the retailer hasn't yet been named. If it was me, I'd only name and shame the retailer when I got my amp back in full working order.

I've been playing around with string gauges recently and have settled on 11's on my Strats and LP. However, feeling brave I restrung the Tele with 12's and what a difference! The Tele sparkle is still ever present yet it's like it's just grown a pair, however after about 30 mins my fingers were beginning to get sore. Still, this happened when I moved up to 11's so I suppose I'll get used to it. Maybe a Strat next? Hmm, we'll see! Has anyone else played around with string gauges? I'd be interested in your thoughts.

+1 on band meet! If you've noticed then so have your band mates. Constant mistakes, especially on the same number, is an issue imo. Chances are all of you will thrash out and resolve a lot of other stuff too, which is always a bonus! Hope you get it sorted!

This has been a discussion I'm familiar with, as to whether we want to play the smaller, more cramped venues that don't really benefit from putting on music. Some just aren't fun, so personnally I'd forfeit the gig, take the loss and not do it. My take is if it's not enjoyable, why play? Being fair though, it's not my livelihood. Interesting topic though as I've seen a decline in live music in pubs, which is a shame. With that we're having to travel further to get good gigs. Still, less gigs is better than no gigs I suppose. :-)

I'm with you and agree that praise should be given where due. I've shopped with Andertons before, two Fender's and some accessories, and received nothing but good service. I'll certainly shop with them again! :-)

+1 on recording, even just on a mobile phone, during rehearsal. This way he'll hear what's out of place. Hope you sort it! :-)

Looks like a Hamer Special to me, though not 100%.

+1 for the Blackstar HT1r. I have one for home use and it's a great little amp. Being only a 1 watt, you can get the valves cooking at acceptable volumes for great warm tones. It has a speaker emulated recording output and speaker out if you don't like the 8" internal (I plug mine into a 4x12 sometimes) Hope you get a great result with what you decide!

Thanks for such a nice welcome and your kind words. Kiwi:- Amp wise I gig with a Marshall JCM2000 DSL100, driving either one or two 1960 cabs. Practise with the band I use a Marshall VS65r, purely for convenience as it's a chore taking the big rig all the time (self confessed lazy b@stard). At home I use a Blackstar HT1r.

Hey all, Just a wee "Hello" Message! Our bass player of our the band, Tom, assured me that this is one of THE best forums and insisted that I joined. As a six stringer, who am I to argue with a bass player, here I am. Here's a wee pic of my current collection. Please go easy on me if there's anything you dont like ;-) I'm a total geek with regards to anything Fender, Gibson and Marshall so I look forward to your knowledge! :-) Scott