MrTea

Mine wasn't actually kicking in protection mode (the light never came on) but the volume dropped considerably. I came to the conclusion it was something in the preamp as plugging into the FX return gave the expected amount of volume. In the end I opened it up and sprayed all the switches with Deoxit. I suspect it was possibly some bad connection on the mute switch. I also put in new valves but that was mainly as I'd never replaced them myself (and bought the amp 2nd hand) so wanted to be sure that I had new valves in place.

DM with your email address and I can share the versions I have. I'm a little cautious about uploading them here as I wouldn't want to infringe any copyright.

Quick update on this ... I've used the R400 for 3 gigs and a bunch of rehearsals over the last few weeks and it's been rock solid so it looks like the problem has been solved. To me, it sounds fantastic and I've had some nice comments from others saying the same.

@wateroftyne I appreciate the offer of the schematic and will shout if I need it. Have ordered some new valves as I didn’t think it’s a bad idea to have some spares. I also gave all the jack sockets and switches (mute, bright, overdrive) a spray with some deoxit inside the head and on initial tests this may have solved it. Will try running it again for longer tomorrow but maybe it was a dodgy contact somewhere.

Tried this today by bridging the FX loop with a patch cable but no luck - the volume still dropped. Unplugging the 'send' on the FX loop gives a ground buzz again at the appropriate volume so I'm still convinced it's somewhere in the pre amp stage. Looks like replacing valves is the next step ...

Good thinking - will give that a go tomorrow.

My Handbox R400 has started dropping volume after being up and running for about 30 mins. I'm pretty sure it's the pre-amp as plugging into the FX loop return seems fine. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm hopeful it's just a tube on its way out but has anyone else experienced this?

I picked up this a while back on here but still haven't got around to fitting it! Could anyone help me out and annotate the photo with which wires go where? It's a jazz bass so 2 pickups and an earth. Thanks in advance for any help!

Thanks all. I'll have a play around with the MIDI dictionary and see what I can come up with. If I get something useful I'll try and export and share here. I've primarily picked this up for both the FI and to trigger samples off the 1010 Blackbox. The editor does seem pretty simple so hopefully it should be quick and easy to get up and running.

I've just picked up a Morningstar MC6 MK2 and before I start deep diving into setting this up with the FI I wondered if anyone is willing to share their configuration or have any tips? Looking forward to trying the sustain thing but also hooking up an expression filter to the filters.

I've been following this thread with interest as I recently purchased a Handbook R400 from eBay which unfortunately had an issue when I received it. It worked intermittently for a short while then wouldn't make any noise at all. The seller said they hadn't used it for some time but had worked fine the last time they tested it. The seller was very reasonable and offered to either take the amp back or refund me a % of the original price to allow me to repair it without being out of pocket. I took the chance on the latter. I'd already been in touch with Leszek who responded quickly with a one point for my tech to check and supplied schematics. On each email he got back to me quickly. My experience has been of fantastic support by someone clearly passionate about his products. I got the amp back from my tech yesterday (it turned out to a failed resistor in the preamp stage - impossible to diagnose without tracing it but ultimately simple to replace). My tech only had good things to say about the R400 and was pleased to say that almost everything inside could be replaced in the event of component failure. Things can fail (especially considering this is one of the earlier models) - that's fine as long as they can be easily repaired. I've yet to run it at rehearsal but sounds great so far. Looking forward to putting it through its paces. My story is no help to the original poster but thought it worth sharing a positive story here!

@knicknack Thanks - I may get in touch with them as well. Had a quote from Devon Strings Workshop in Exeter but I wasn't sure how much bass work they do.

I think you're right - I spend far too much energy and cash chasing the 'right bass'. If I made a quick decision and put that energy into practicing I'm sure I'll get further on the journey!

Resurrecting this thread from the dead with a little update ... Had this up for sale but by the time I got a nibble I decided I may well keep it. The bass I bought to 'replace' it turned out to be a 1/2 size Zeller (not 3/4 as advertised and in fairness to the seller he did send me dimensions). That said, it sounds and plays fantastic so it's stayed but I couldn't quite let this go and only keeping a Zeller so it's still with me. I'm now thinking about having a new bridge fitted which I've been quoted £250 + vat. I'm down in South Devon so options are a little limited. I don't really know what I'm asking here - I guess it's 'is it worth getting the work done'! At the moment there's a wide gap between the sound of both basses (the Zeller sounds considerably more pleasing to my ear) but I suspect a lot of that could be caused by the poor contact of the bridge on the body on the Stentor. I don't want to get into a debate of should you play a 1/2 or 3/4 size bass. If it sounds good and I can sit in the pocket on it I don't really care!

Damn - very generous offer! Would have been perfect for mini mixer into my sampler. Snoozer and lose(d).

Now listed in the for sale threads - Thanks to the mods for allowing me to post the request for help with a valuation and thank you all who contributed to this post.