wateroftyne

OK... I've had this for about six weeks now - I've had lots of time to really give this a run out, and I'm still as impress as I was when I got it... my Walkabout hasn't seen the light of day since it landed! Build quality is absolutely top notch (externally, and fit'n'finish anyhow - I know nowt about electronics and that, but it looks tidy inside). The soft case is practical and well-made. My initial comment about it picking up a bit more noise than my Walkabout is a non-issue. There's a lot of bottles in it, so if I crank it, and sit facing the amp less than 12" away, it'll hum a bit.,. no surprise there. But in any practical situation - a gig (even a quiet gig) or recording in the house right next to it, it's absolutely quiet. The DI is beautiful - I've recorded with it, and run the line to the desk to couple shows with big posh PAs, and the engineers have loved it. Hopefully it comes across in some of the clips I've recorded. And the tone.. it's just 'there'. Clear, rich and authoritative (I'll not say the 'H' word) - the detail I get using flats is fab... the woody growl shines through, and it really responds when you dig in. Keep the input low (lower than you would on most other heads) and it'll stay clean. Crank it a bit, and it'll get a little hairy around the edges, and then you're into fuzz territory. I've found that the output knob tends to be dialled a little higher than other heads I've used. According to Leszek: 'We use linear potentiometers, other companies use audio potentiometers. If you set the Gain knob and Volume in the center position (12 o'clock) R-400 is actuated on ~55% of the power. In other amps when Gain and Volume are on center, they are actuated ~33%. I prefer use these potentiometers because in my opinion amp is more faster, impulsive.'. The output knob definitely keeps delivering as you get around to the dusty end. I've had the optical compressor light flicker once or twice toward the end of a set, but that was with an 8-ohm cab. Apparently it's just doing it's job. I've got no worries about headroom... but then it's a 400w amp, so there's no reason I should..! Best amp I've ever owned*. There. I said it. And it's not even expensive. [size=3]*I don't actually own it yet. Mine is being built, 'cos I want a different colour. Yeah, I know.[/size]

I think people who are irritated by this should maybe read a book or go for a walk instead :-)

[quote name='Beedster' timestamp='1464546035' post='3060242'] Hmm, my Walkabout is a great amp for the size, but compared to my B-15, no comparison. [/quote] Of course - IMO, once you move away from all-tube, everything's a compromise.

Hey gang Can anyone recommend a hard case to fit a short-scale Fender? Ta.

Mesa Walkabout, HandBox R-400, Aggie 500... Heft, not heavy.

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1464414546' post='3059277'] Ha... I suspect this is closer to the truth. [/quote] Yeah.. me too. Don't get me wrong - I like Dave Swift. Great player, and seems like a nice bloke.

[quote name='drTStingray' timestamp='1464381565' post='3059127'] I suspect your percentages may be a little off but I get the point - I'm looking forward to getting my copy tomorrow as I'm curious to read about his current interest in Ibanez Musician basses. [/quote] OK... 99%.

Scenario #1 - Just Dave Swift on the cover: 95% of bass players: [i]'Who's that bloke on the cover of BGM?'[/i] Scenario #2 - Jools'n'Dave 95% of bass players: [i]'Oh, Jools Holland's bass player in on the cover of BGM.'[/i] It ain't rocket salad, people.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1464364260' post='3058899'] I don't know about that,I go to see as many original bands as my schedule allows. Blue [/quote] Hmm. Maybe you should go and see bands that write better songs, then. :-)

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1464363771' post='3058890'] I've only seen that type of response with bands that are famous. Blue [/quote] You need to look harder...

I've always done both. It's all music.

Two versions - one with a single coil, quite agressive. Has a certain charm. The later version with the heeeeowge Seth Lover-designed humbucker can, IME, only be heard by moles and earthworms.

That's a shame, but I guess they've covered themselves against any liability in the copy on the pop-up information window.

[quote name='peteb' timestamp='1464040574' post='3056097'] Apologies for reviving an old thread but it appears that I will be using one of these amps at the Reivers Rock & Blues Festival in Northumberland on Sunday night. It appears that they are using a Stoneham bass amp as part of the house rig (not sure what cab will be there). Should be interesting, although using house rigs at these type of gigs can be a bit of a lottery if you don't know what the gear is like. Has anyone here gigged one of these amps and how did it perform?? [/quote] I can't help you re: the amp (although as Martin Stoneham has built it, I imagine it's tremendous), but I gigged at the Reivers venue last weekend - in the same marquee, I'm guessing - and it's a beautiful place. Enjoy it.

[quote name='LZD56' timestamp='1464025133' post='3055870'] Wow!! Any idea how much? [/quote] The WB-100? I'm not sure. I've asked Leszek, and I'm waiting for him to get back to me.

What a great pop song.

He's a great player, and that's a great band. Paul Shaffer, too... an original Blues Brothers band member.

It's a half-baked attempt. Mar*cough*uszczyk.

I'll mention it. Geoff, you're welcome to pick it up at any time (assuming I'm not gigging. Cold, dead hands, etc :-)) In the meantime, they've just posted a video for the 120 tube version (looks like exactly the same pre). Me want. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBWzbF9BHjk

[quote name='smaz' timestamp='1463683831' post='3053396'] I assume you're sending that one back when the new one gets here? What are the chances they'll let it stay in the UK to be sent round to a few basschatters to try out? Looks very interesting [/quote] It's been mentioned as a possibility. I think it would be a good idea.

I don't - probably best to drop Leszek a mail. I'm in no hurry for mine, 'cos I've got this one :-)

[quote name='owen' timestamp='1463603236' post='3052799'] Approx £540. That is a very fine price for what looks like a nice piece of kit. [/quote] Yep - especially as it's hand-built. You can feel the quality, and the lack of compromises. Looking forward to getting mine :-)

Leszek's just confirmed the price is 700EUR shipped to the UK, which is pretty much what I was expecting. I'm not sure if the case style etc. affects the price.

Don't chat or muck around between tunes. Just play.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1463426251' post='3051297'] That is a really gobby rear pickup... and I mean in a good way [/quote] Yeah - it's a real contrast to the Haussel stacked humbucker in my 'burst. It [i]really[/i] jumps out when you solo it.