wateroftyne

The[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1464860486' post='3063170'] The pots control the amount of tone and volume. Pots are all made to operate differently and different pots are used, so one will do 100% of it's work in the first 50% of it's travel. So an amp with this pot will be fully on with the volume controls at 12 o'clock. Looks like you've got another 50% to go and that can fool the player into thinking the amp is louder than it really is. Other pots will only be fully on at 100% of their travel. [/quote] I had a chat with Leszek from Handbox Amplification about this recently, when I asked about input & output knobs on the R-400 needing to be turned a bit higher then 'usual': [quote] We use linear potentiometers - other companies use audio potentiometers. If you set the gain knob and volume to the center position (12 o'clock), the R-400 is attenuated 55% of its power. In other amps, when the gain and volume are in the center, they're attenuated 33%. I prefer to use these potentiometers because in my opinion amp is more faster, impulsive. Regards, Leszek[/quote]

Some of the most talented, natural musicians & performers I know couldn't give a monkeys about the stuff they use, or how they organise themselves. That's just who they are. As someone posted above, bass players seem destined to herd these people around. It's what we do.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1464857171' post='3063131'] Yes, those people who are likely to be potential Barefaced customers. [/quote] The guy is obviously very discerning, and it's a great coup for Barefaced. But I still had to look him up :-)

[quote name='cheddatom' timestamp='1464853120' post='3063087'] All great musicians but they're not known for their tone specifically IMO. All those guys are pretty inconsistent with tone anyway aren't they? That's what I mean - whether or not Tim C is a virtuoso bassist or whether or not you like his music, I'm pretty sure it's a fact that he's widely regarded as a bit of a "tone wizard" on the bass. [/quote] 'Widely regarded' by people who know who he is, anyway.

I'm not entirely sure the 'standard' CS pedigree means much these days. They're mostly off-the-shelf. My Maruszczyks are built to a target spec & weight, have necks profiled to my preference, the exact hardware I want.

TKS S112 for me, too. Usually for quieter gigs, or small venues - where it will cope with a drummer no problem - or gigs with decent PA where space is a premium. Wonderful cabs.

[quote name='EBS_freak' timestamp='1464727154' post='3061979'] Also... I would like all those that googled TC's name upon reading this thread to put their hands up... :-p [/quote] *Looks nervously around the room*

A better test would probably be a gig. Any benefits in the dynamic (imagined or otherwise!) would probably be lost in a half-empty room. Personally speaking, I'm under no illusion - the whole concept of 'heft' is lost on the audience. It's about the tactile feedback of standing in front of your cab, feeling the notes.

Nice! Well done, Alex...

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1464705465' post='3061606'] If you have NO choice, then the choice is down to playing or not playing which is a reasonable standpoint. [/quote] It's not black or white. The Walkabout, Aggie AG500 and Handbox R-400 (amongst others) aren't exactly lead sleds.

[quote name='chevy-stu' timestamp='1464703377' post='3061574'] Due to it's convenience I've barely used the Mesa for about 18 months, probably doing 200 gigs or with the Terror, but I dragged it out for a gig weekend before last and was amazed at the difference. Compared to the Orange which is loud, pokey and very big sounding to me, the Mesa was so effortless and full sounding particularly in the lower sub 300z area, which is exactly where you want it. [/quote] This mirrors my experience. I spent a few years using micros, thinking everything was OK. And then I started doing the occasional gig with more traditional heads... and each time I didn't have to be so loud on stage to feel it. It was an epiphany - like a swig of full-fat coke after a few years of diet*. *YMMV

[quote name='FuNkShUi' timestamp='1464695557' post='3061471'] These echo my thoughts. [/quote] And conversely, I'm amazed that it's a characteristic that passes so many people by. We're all different.

..or if you get something from stock, expect to pay in the region of £750-ish, which is a ridiculously good deal.

[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1464689910' post='3061387'] It seems that Adrians prices have gone up a little, but still worth it in my mind. I asked for Dark Rosewood on my build too, isn't as dark as ebony, just looks like nice rosewood after a good oiling. Si [/quote] ^^^ +1 to all this.

[quote name='Fisheth' timestamp='1464630125' post='3060982'] Yeah so I was surprised. My last thing to know is about the tuners, are the Hipshot Ultralites worth the money compared to the stock ones? If not I'll be ready to put a deposit down at the end of the week. [/quote] I've experience with both the stock tuners and the Ultralites. The Ultralites 'feel' higher grade, but the stock tuners are just fine. The reason I went with the Ultralites on my custom orders was purely to minimise any risk of neck dive, as I'd asked for lightweight bodies.

[quote name='Fisheth' timestamp='1464614954' post='3060785'] Adrian has just told me his own brand of pickups aren't doing a Humbucker right now, just letting you guys know [/quote] Really? Wow.. mine must be one of the last of this run, then. It's a shame as they're as pokey as hell...

Cheers, Naxos10!

Bump.. anyone? I am clueless in the world of short scale..

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%.