Al Krow

That is very good to hear about the steep decline in infection rates; we are similarly seeing a similar decline from the recent peak in the UK even with the full opening that has happened although it's still early days to see how that pans out. Speaking of facts - Covid continues to not be even a top 20 cause of death in the UK currently and, according to the ONS, 90% of adults now have anti-bodies.

Just picking up on a couple of the broader "context" discussions we've recently had: Phil the Australia / UK approach debate has been a really important one - certainly lessons to be learned. They have currently vaccinated just 24% of their population - they are way way down international vaccination league tables. Literally half of all Australians are currently under lock down and their economy is taking a battering. Australians abroad are pretty much stranded. We've obviously made serious mistakes along the way but there was no Covid "play-book". However, I don't think anyone can say with confidence any more that the Aussie approach is still the one the rest of the world is looking to for inspiration? @DiMarco I have no idea how things are developing out in the NL but I sincerely wish your wonderful (albeit a little too tall) nation well. Your suggestion that lockdown was going to be re-imposed in the UK after 2 weeks is just not going to happen. My sense is that we continue to turn the corner. And seeing 10,000 in @walshy's crowd (what a glorious sight!) I know, hand on heart, that I would right now rather be a relatively free Brit, both as an ordinary citizen and also as a performing musician.

So exactly how does "orgasmic" look then? Just asking for a friend...and they are particularly interested in whether it differs between the UK and Germany? 😁

I bet it did! Brilliant!!

If you're ever down London way you'd be very welcome to borrow mine, mate

In which case, Lee, you should seriously consider the Ibby SR Portamento... 😁

Those do look really interesting Paul. But I've just checked and they're a lot heavier than my RCF10As and a lot more expensive too! Looks like the old kit is going to stick around for another day yet...

Here you go...

Well it looks great, sound fantastic in his hands and doesn't cost the Earth. What's not to like?!

I do - HB Spaceship 50M plus a couple of their IsoBrick Pro PSUs (the 5 and the 12). Although my main board is a larger PT Metro 24 with the IsoPro 12 underneath, made viable by this really neat height raising hack: What are you using the TC S'n'U for? If just for octave up to give you a POG effect then the oct up on the Stomp is pretty good. IMO the Stomp is marginally beaten for sound quality by the Digitech Mosaic (which I have) for oct up and there's quite a lot of love for the Digitech Ricochet (which I've not got my hands on yet).

Which model BB is he playing?

Mick - seriously check out the Ibby SR Portamento. Just fantastic. And a used one won't break the bank either.

@oldslapper - what a great pic!! Maybe time to update your Avatar with that one? And you sing as well - bloody marvellous!

@M@23 love the simplicity of your set up Mark! And I see another vote in favour of HB boards and their IsoBricks - they really are great value! How many different fx do you have set up on your Stomp that you are regularly using?

Ibanez do a superb compromise with their SR Portamento fretless: lined side markers but unlined on the face of the fretboard. Best of both worlds - playable kudos! 😊 Oh...and the bass is not too shabby either.

@ped...looks very neat! Now can you PLEASE turn your Stormy pedal the right way up? 😁

Yup absolutely! Set the dirt to Darkglass B7K or Xotic BB and off you go...😉

As "rising stars" it would be churlish not to give due weight to both your views on this, but perhaps less so than from a mentor: It is, however, entirely appropriate to ignore anything I spout, being a knackered old veteran from many failed compressor campaigns...😂

Ciocks are great. If you want something equally compact with similar output but at half the price check out the HB Iso Pro range. I have an Iso Pro5 and 12 powering my two boards.

While we're waiting for the nano PB to hit the UK market, something comparably loud with very decent bass, even more compact and with multifx, tuner, drums, aux-in and looper all included can be got from this Megaboom micro rig...batteries definitely an option too! 😀

Yeah, know what you mean...just like when buying a Rolls Royce you end up getting a BMW these days. Or a Helix Stomp is just another Yamaha product.

Some seriously nice pedals on your mini board! I see you have a Proton Mk 4, it's a great envelope filter. For the size, IMO, very possibly the best analogue filter currently available.

Hi Alain - I've not had either combo you're looking at although I've had a couple of the larger MB combos, but I was interested in your query - the Vox does look neat! And I have to confess having a soft spot for Vox as my very first amp, which was both very loud and incredibly heavy, was a Vox AC30 in the days when I pretended to be a rock guitarist. I've not found too much discussion / direct comparison, but this short thread had a few posts: Markbass Micromark 801 vs Vox VX50-BA | TalkBass.com

Lively covers bands wanted for East London paid gigs. If this first gig goes well then there is likely to be an opportunity for a residency with 6 to 8 gigs PA. The following regular (2 x 1 hour) slots are available: Thu 2 piece - start 8.30pm end 11pm Fri 2/3 piece - 8.30/9pm end 11/11.30pm Sat 3/4 piece - 9pm to 11.30pm Fees......2 piece £220 Fees......3 piece £300 Fees......4 piece £350 You will need to provide PA & backline. Please tell me about relevant gigging experience, whereabouts you are based and a YT clip(s) of live performance and/or showreel.