Machines

Your bank just saved you £750.

I currently have an ABM500, RM800 EVO III and RM500 EVO II (for sale due to getting the EVO III). They are all pretty basically the same sound, but I find the RM drive is definitely a bit grittier than ABM. You could increase the drive on the ABM by changing to a different 12AX7 in the preamp (not a difficult task to carry out). That said the ABM seems to have more heft/volume 'earlier on' in the output knob than the RMs. But overall - they will give me the same when pushed. My summary would be go for the RM if you want a lighter solution that you may have to set the output higher on to get the same sounds as the ABM, also remember the ABM is generally noisier due to the larger fans running (RM is practically silent). In terms of RM500 vs 800 - very little difference, I just went for the 800 as the price difference wasn't too significant. Unless you have some really high powered cabs, the 800w may be wasted. *Disclaimer - I am an Ashdown affiliated artist.

It looks like a great initative to bring Basschat up to modern security standards, even if the risks presented on the site are not majorly significant.

Approximations on prices please? I assume fewer will mean more expensive per unit. Also, how will they attach? These knobs usually have a grub screw.

I have an RM500 EVO II and ABM500 EVO II. I use both for rehearsal but the RM for gigging as it weighs the same as a sharing bag of doritos. The ABM definitely has more heft, and if gear size/weight/carrying from car parks was not an issue, I would go for the ABM every time.

I agree, it's a normal poly coat though so as hardy as any others. It's had a couple of impacts so far and not even a dent.

This thread looks like the right place. I played one of these at BassDirect last year (which sold) and loved it. I have been drooling over this one at Andertons since, and when it went on clearance with nearly 40% off I had to go for it. Arrived and gigged on the same day, no setup required. Sounds 100% what you expect it to.

For me, it feels that their selling point is that it's CUSTOM ! Yes, but - you are still very pretty much to a certain pair of Fender designs* and number of colours. I don't think there's much there you couldn't achieve with a parts build, other than some unusual pickup configs. The graphics for me are a little gauche, but each to their own. *They have recently added an 'Evening Star' model. The shape looks OK, but this is one of their stock images 🤔. A reasonably specced build came out at nearly 3000 Euros. For me - there are many much safer options from well known builders.

Waiting for my pre-vintage 2005 MIM P-Bass to be collectable.

A well modified instrument will probably lose value on the original. A badly hacked one even worse so. If it's under the pickguard - it might be OK - just ensure it is declared up front to avoid any comeback later on.

Excellent communications, prompt payment and an all around friendly chap ! Deal with confidence.

I'm looking at it 😉

I have had several basses I could not sell on here or Facebook that I took to BassBros/BassDirect that then sold immediately at a 20% higher price (which covered commission). People like the assurance and support of proper business, and will clearly pay more than for a private seller interaction.

Price is important, as they will be going up against a well established Dingwall fanbase in this style of music. I'm guessing £2k+ (as their guitars seem to be not budget friendly). That said, I haven't seen their spec/review, so it could be there's something new in there.

It was a 1979 in not great condition. I had an offer from someone on Bassworld (Basschat's predecessor) to swap for a 1995 Stingray, which was at the time about £750. Obviously I didn't protest.

I did exactly that with an MC900, but it was £250.

I think this is the vintage market in a nutshell. Instruments that are 35-40 years old seem to experience an increase in value/demand as people reach financial maturity/retirement to buy the instruments they wanted aged ~15-20.

Well, what's wrong with the 13th fret ?! 🤣

Enough suspense! He stuck about for the RBXJM2 so it's not too obvious to me.

That is the one at the start of this thread. I modded it with EMGs as well as a a Delano preamp. Would have kept it happily until the 'prettier' one came up.

It came with very dead MTD strings (tapered). But I'm using Ernie Balls on it now. Plot twist. I actually bought another one and sold this one as the new one was 9/10 mint and had a much nicer top.

Only noticed as I was updating my profile, clicked save - then got that error. I didn't break it, though. OK

Just me ?