risingson

Does sounds like the Super Vintage would be the one for you based on your description. I’ve had the Black Panel for 2 years or so. I love it but it’s got its drawbacks. The non-defeatable cab sim on the DI is problematic because I like the tone straight out the 1/4” a lot more. Unfortunately that creates noise in the signal which makes it challenging for recording, and in certain live situations it’s also been a problem. On the plus side, the thing just sounds phenomenal. The tube-like quality of it as you’ve mentioned takes some beating, it sounds amazing just before breakup at gain stage. I’ve also got the Jad Freer Capo on my board which I’d probably describe as more versatile an EQ, but it does not have the same level of quality to the tube emulation. The Fender tone stack in the Black Panel is fairly limited in range but it’s totally unique for the tone I want which is pretty vintage. I’m also a P-Bass player but use flatwounds. Match made in heaven tonally for me. Sadly because I don’t use it as my main DI and just as a preamp, the noise from the 1/4” has rendered it a bit obsolete as of late. I’ve not spent any considerable time with the Super Vintage, but I’d say the cab sim on the DI feels more usable given it’s meant to emulate the 8x10. Would be interested to own one at some stage.

No regrets on buying mine. Most flexible preamp I’ve had to date. The interplay between the mid sweep and the J and F circuits is amazing, loads to dig into.

As others have said, service lift at the back - access a bit tricky with a van but you should be able to unload there with ease and then park it across the road in one of the side alleys. Free after 6pm. House amps, they used to have a hefty Orange bass rig in there with so you wouldn’t struggle with level on stage. Wedges at the front around the stage in the back room. Front room more cramped and a bit more challenging sound wise from monitoring pov. It’s not the original venue but I used to play there most weeks and it’s still got some magic about it. Pretty touristy and mixed crowd, a lot of international visitors and always used to have a good feel of a weekend. Have fun.

I’ve owned a 74 Jazz in the past which sounded great but on the heavy side. Any later I’ve found the quality to be inconsistent and seemingly from the late 70s onwards very much so. I think the AVRIs are really good and especially the ones they made in the early 2010s. I’d also consider a custom shop second hand for your budget. I know this might prove controversial but my experience is that if you want an older feeling instrument they do walk a pretty good line on replicating it.

I’ve also not had a huge amount of joy with the B side. The A side is great, extremely well voiced / versatile but the B side to me is pretty underwhelming as a drive or for tube saturation type tones. The rest of the pedal I could not fault. I’ve had quite a bit of luck using my Origin Black Panel into the Capo and cranking the gain and mids on the Bassman setting. Expensive solution to having a drive on my board but very satisfying as it does the squashy valve thing a lot better than the Capo.

I had one of these, years ago now. Very thin neck profile. Not active, mine was vol pan tone tone. A totally honest appraisal were the pickups felt weak and the tone a little thin, as others have said they don’t sound a thing like the German built ones. I do remember getting it as a 14 year old though thinking it was the greatest thing ever.