I did have a Trace GP12SMX with TE 4x10 & 1x15 and its definitely the combination that gets you there. I replaced one of the TE cabs with an Orange 4x10 and it sounded good but didn't sound like a Trace amp any more. It was closer to the Trace sound with my Orange head with the Trace cabs.
I think the TE reputation for being rather weighty is exaggerated. The TE 4x10 is the same weight as my Orange 4x10.
This discussion has worked out nicely. I've checked out quite a few of the albums mentioned here and found a few new bands I like. Dead Daisies and Amyl & The Sniffers being the highlights.
If it wasn't for a work mate lending me a bass I never would have got started. Not just one either but a pair of basses. I bought one of them and kept learning.
I can't decide whether that's one of the best looking basses I've ever seen or one of the worst. It's definitely at one of the extremes but I'm not sure which.
Find a good dot work artist. Most of mine are dot work and it's a much more gentle method of tattooing, so much so that I've dropped off during tattoos before plus I can sit for six hours and it's my butt that gets most uncomfortable!