loweringthetone

[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=140252614460&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:VRI"]Manson 8 string[/url] Its not mine and I'm not on commission ! Just wanted to flag this one up for BC'ers. Custom Mansons come up very rarely and I used to own this one. This is a fabulous instrument, a custom build by Hugh Manson. Bloody spectacular with excellent tone and intonation. It's a plethora of exotic woods, put together in a very tasteful way, the top is tiger maple (although this doesnt show well in the photos) and the fingerboard is ebony. The whole thing is pure craftmanship and despite the woods the weight is OK. One of finest 8 strings Ive ever encountered, and very slick to play. PS The guy I sold it to was real nice guy too, and from the address I think it's him selling it now.

I recently bought an LMK from Old Horse Murphy as a 2 channel replacement for my LMII. I thought the LMK was just a 2 channel LMII and would sound exactly the same, but now Im not so sure... I did a direct comparison. At the same settings (12 o'clock everything, using only channel 1 on the LMK) and using the same high quality leads etc. - the LMK was noticeably louder (needed less volume), was more punchy and seemmed to have more 'balls' than the LMII. It also ran hotter - the amp was noticeably warm. - the LMK made an Aguilar GS112 (tweeter version) sparkle, whereas the LMII didnt fire up the GS in the same way - it just gave lots of bass. - the LMII gave a beautifully pure and smooth P bass sound with my rosewood f/b '75 precision and also seemed to more accurately map in a hifi way the sounds of other basses. This included input from another amp - a GK150MBE which gives a very distinctive colour. - these trends were apparent though a GS112 and also when the same amps were used with a very different sounding cab - a 210 Markbass Std with Neos. - a Ricky 4001 with stainless strings, was just too zingy through the LMK/210 combination and needed tons of EQ to get it under control, but surprisingly was more smooth and controllable using the LMII/210. To me, these rather subjective tests all point to the LMII having less top end than the LMK, and I know some members of the forum have suggested the LMII might suffer roll off of top end. However I cant explain the enhanced loudness or ballsiness of the LMK. The LMII is dated 01- 2007 and I bought from new,. The LMK is dated 10-2007 and also appears to be in very good nick. I noticed that the input jack was a bit crackly (dirt ?) but othewise it seems fine. Are these amps just different ?? Any experiences or explanations you could share would be much appreciated Thanks & best wishes Colin

I bought an LMK head with ears and pedal. Good communication. Arrived quickly. Packed comprehenisvely and exactly as described. A great guy to deal with

My experience with Roundwounds . I play fingerstyle. Ive tried many types of Roundwounds on different basses over the years but I always seem to keep coming back to Elites Stadium 40-100 ( in the gaudy blue and yellow packets). Not as expensive as many, but very musical and, although they start off bright, they soon settle in. On a modern 5 string with a 34" scale eg Stingray5 or G&L2500 I'd use Elites 45-105 for good power but with a 130 to help prevent flapping of the B string. This is if you dont mind fretting a string the thickness of a bridge support cable ! On a Rick 4003 I remeber using Elites 40,60,80 but replaced the usual 100 with a 105 because of the slightly shorter scale length. I remember Thomastik Powerbass helped me with a fender with a dead spot (the change of strings minimised the dead spot, for some reason) but seemed to lack the musicality of the Elites on other basses DR Low riders, Rotosound rounds (of all types) just dont seem to cut it for me, but worst of all were Warwick reds, which I found gave a strange grinding tone. If you want a bright zinginess by the shedful, then Ernie ball stainless steel types are a good bet in my experience. Just my 2pth which I hope will be useful

Great stuff. .....but oh S**T ! seems Ive been doing it wrong for 30 years. Could teach an old dog the right tricks at last. Very helpful indeed.

A very late, but nevertheless heartfelt THANKYOU, for a fabulous and thoroughly enjoyable day.