wateroftyne

How many bands have ripped off LZ since? And many of the artists LZ nicked ideas from, nicked from their peers and predecessors in the first place. And so it goes.

I'd like to hear it tackle some proper Jazz. Something like Moondance, maybe.

[url="https://vine.co/v/Oe3n51x6UVB"]But you have to be a hedgehog to understand the nuances.[/url]

[quote name='Matt P' timestamp='1460395169' post='3025366'] that looks rather nice, if you don't decide to keep it then I wouldn't mind a go with it, I had a look at the prices and they seem very good value (provided that my google conversion of the price was right!) If you are going to keep he Handbox I might make a bid for your Mesa! Matt [/quote] Of course - anyone around Newcastle who wants to see / try it is more than welcome. Just give me a shout. Here's some more bit and pieces, starting with an EQ plot: And here's the 120w tube version:

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1460380812' post='3025161'] Yes, but what about the handles? And the feet? [/quote] Reassuringly solid :-)

Oh, some more info from another email - there are three tubes in the pre (full-voltage only- there's no starved plate stuff) and the limiter is optically controlled.

OK - the kids are safely installed in the softplay, so here's a bit more about it, mainly from what I've asked Leszek. There's a drive switch at the input which bumps the signal for passive basses, and a bright / dark switch, too. I think we can guess what that does, but I don't know the specifics. I'll ask. The EQ is a James / Baxendall tone stack, as used on the Ampeg Portaflex, etc. The lack of a mid knob worried me at first, but I did a bit of revision and I can see that it's possible to boost mids if needed by rolling back the bass and treble. Leszek replied to say he didn't want to use any semiconductor filters on the amp (this is a bit technical for me, but it sounds like a good thing), and assured me that the mids were nice and clear in the first place, so apparently I needn't worry. I asked him why there's no ground lift on the DI, and he replied that it's not needed as the DI is on the audio transformer, not an integrated circuit (again, I can't pretend to understand what this means). As mentioned, there is a 120W valve version of this which is the same dimensions but 3U, and is (I think) 13kg. It sounds interesting. The amp is available in a few styles, including a vinyl covering and a full flightcase. I've got a gig on Friday, and an all-day rehearsal on Saturday, so I'll have lots of time to A/B it with the Walkabout...

I don't have my amp to hand, so I'm trying to picture the screws you mean - IIRC you just need to unscrew those that are on the top..?

I'm allergic to any reverb on the bass. Room acoustics aside, I like the note to start and stop when I say it should. Actually, I tell a lie - I use a smidge of short decay when recording with palm muting. Sometimes. Very rarely.

Coolio! I shall watch this later...

Time will tell :-)

Hi all As some of you might have realised, I like investigating stuff that's not generally known in the UK. I've had the amp itch for a little while - I love my Walkabout dearly, but you know how it is - and while hunting for information on something else, I happened across a Polish audio company called HandBox. They do loads of stuff, including a line of amps - one of which, the R-400 caught my eye. It's 400w, fairly small & light, with a traditional power section and simple controls. I exchanged a few emails with Leszek, the owner, who really seems to know his stuff. To cut a long story short, it landed on my doorstep this morning. (Disclosure: I'm just trialling this amp. I've paid the shipping for it to come over here, and I'm just going to share my thoughts about it with the BC community. I could end up buying one, or if I decide to keep my Walkabout, I'll return it.) First impressions:[list] [*]It was very well packed. Even thought the amp itself is in a flightcase-style box, it still has a fitted case with pockets. [*]I'm not sure what the flightcase finish is - it's cool looking with subtle distressed look (other styles are available), and a tactile feel. [*]The amp's knobs are solid, with a little bit of a 'clicky' feel as you turn them (I'm not sure what the technical term is!). [/list] I have to dash out now... more soon...!

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/281870-fender-cbs-era-strings-l250"]Keep up :-)[/url]

There was enough bass in there for me - it was more about the journey, and all the better for it. What an exciting time it must have been to be a musician.

I really liked this book. It's not a book about being a bass player cos, well, no-one would buy it.

Here y'are... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KprsqMRb0wY

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1458218968' post='3005690'] Conversely though I absolutely definitely would buy this... [/quote] Hmm.

I know I'm predictable, but can I chip in here and recommend that you have a look at the [url="http://www.public-peace.de/index.php/bass-guitars/maruszczyk/jake/4-string"]Maruszczyk Jake[/url]? I checked out the Fender Deluxe P a while ago - in fact, I ordered one, but sent it back - and ended up with a Jake for loads less money. (Disclaimer: other basses are available, etc.)

I just don't play in loud bands any more. Life's too short.

[quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1460116529' post='3022718'] WOT - I hit them with - 'I bought new stock, you sent me B stock, I would be happy to keep it with an appropriate discount'. So far as I can see that is a sensible option that costs everyone involved less time, money and hassle. Anyway, my email to the boss prompted contact from the head of Customer Care and I have now decided to take a full refund and move on. [/quote] Ah, OK - that seems reasonable. A good outcome.

Yep - did you hit them straight away with 'My amp is scratched, can I have a discount please?' If so, I think they're behaving sensibly. Always best just report stuff first, and let them handle it.

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1460112123' post='3022659'] No one has ever complained that a band has been too quiet. [/quote] I refer my learned friend to [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/282636-were-pubsmaller-venue-bands-quieter-in-the-past/page__view__findpost__p__3022207"]this earlier post[/url]. :-)

[quote name='mr zed' timestamp='1460058425' post='3022288'] Watts are not a measure of volume, they are a measure of power. You need to be looking at the SPL. I swear my 900 watt class d Genz amp is not as loud as the 300 watt Mesa Walkabout I used to own. [/quote] I learned this a long time ago. And yes, many bands are just TOO LOUD. I can't remember if it was as bad as this back in the day, but it's one of the reasons I don't get out to see bands much these days.

[quote name='dave_bass5' timestamp='1460016584' post='3021721'] Im looking at replacing my BB2 with a Vanderkley 1x15 (maybe, its first on the list). Ive never found any cab or rig to sound bad at low levels, even turned up in a shop. For me the only test worth doing is with a band. Once the drummer starts i then gauge how well things are working. So yes, recommendations are good but you cant beat a real test to see how things work. I find a lot of recommendations are also based on low level playing, or with PA support. Not always helpful to those needing a cab to do it all, although better than nothing. [/quote] Yup. I'm very wary about anything - cab, amp or bass - until it's been gigged a few times.

April fool's day... serious stuff.