franzbassist

If it were me, I think/hope/pray I would use the P to scratch the "back to basics" itch. If the Clover already does a good impression of a Jazz then keep it.

[quote name='D.I. Joe' timestamp='1364382900' post='2025605'] 500. I wouldn't think the 800 would be much different would it? More headroom I suppose... [/quote] 500 is an analog power section, while the 800 is digital. [quote name='Opticaleye' timestamp='1364388716' post='2025742'] If the TTE sounded muddy, maybe the colour control was up. [/quote] +1 to this.

I have no problem with reliced basses as long as it is done well. Indeed, I have a Sandberg VT5 (a PJ5 to you and me) that I bought to partner by fretless 1970 P - which I have since sold - and I have to say Sandberg do an amazing job.

When I had an Ashdown LB30 I checked with them that it was okay to try lower gain valves in the preamp. They said it was, but it would change the character of the amp. My current amp, a Markbass TTE500, has four valves in it (one each for gain, compressor, eq and colour) and when I asked them they said that I should only use the valves the amp was designed around. So, check with the maker, as they should know best!

[quote name='Mark_Bass' timestamp='1363882147' post='2018884'] Theres no gain pots just the eq, which i generally run flat or pretty much flat -just just a bit of extra treble boost more than anything else. I've emailed Mesa, i brought the amp used so theres probably no reason for them to worry about voiding any warranty. [/quote] I think Vic means pop the lid off and see if there's a trim pot inside which can be adjusted, rather than what's on the front panel.

[quote name='Mark_Bass' timestamp='1363874839' post='2018734'] So in otherwords it "should" be ok to try different valves just don't coming crying to us if your amp goes bang IS this something that you guys would recommend doing? Not that im going to blindly follow your every words but id be interested to hear of any experiences users have had when trying this out. [/quote] Why not drop Mesa an email and ask them whether there are any issues trying different valves?

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' timestamp='1363872237' post='2018680'] That page seems to miss an important bit about the different impedance of the different valves having an effect on the circuit, which shifts tone around in various possible watys depending on what the valve does, the two halves might do different things. [/quote] That's true Oli, but they do say this: Before you discover the new possibilities in your amp, let us give a [b]disclaimer[/b]. Your amp was originally designed for a certain type, and although tube amps are often forgiving, it may not have a tone that you like with a different tube type. For instance, changing the tube type doesn't only change the gain factor; there are other variables as well and your amp may have a circuit that is more particular than others. As a general rule, the substitutions we describe here should work well but there are exceptions and [b]we don't warranty[/b] any problems that result from trying mismatched tube types.

Well the manual says: [font=sans-serif][size=4]INPUT: This jack feeds the first tube in the all-tube preamp of the BIG BLOCK. It is set up with enough headroom to handle both passive and active style instruments. For active instruments you may find yourself running the GAIN control somewhere between 10:00 and 2:00 for optimum headroom. If you do hear a softclip creeping in at higher settings, don’t worry, this is the beauty of a tube front end.[/size][/font] [font=sans-serif][size=4]So it sounds like your amp is doing what it's meant to.[/size][/font] [font=sans-serif][size=4]If you don't like it then try a lower gain valve in V1. If you look at the page [url="http://www.thetubestore.com/Gain-Factor"]here[/url] it will give you an idea of the other valves out there.[/size][/font] [font=sans-serif][size=4]Enjoy![/size][/font] [font=sans-serif][size=4]Gareth[/size][/font]

Back on the site [url="http://ashdownmusic.com/products/1/Bass-Amplification/17/Signature-Series-/83/JJB500/"]here[/url]

[quote name='Big_Stu' timestamp='1363704336' post='2016154'] Personally - and I've done it, my Fender case is quite battle scarred - I'd pull the busted bit of case out the hole & glue or gaffa it back in place then put it down to experience. IF the bass is 100% then the case has done it's job!.......... IF that's all the damage there is? It adds mojo & will live to do it's job many times more. [/quote] +1, if it was only wrapped in bubble wrap it's not surprising this occured. I suspect the courier would agrue that the case was not adequately protected to prevent damage to it and wouldn't honour a claim anyway. If the bass made it to you safely [i]that [/i]is what really matters. Hard cases never sell for much anyway in my experience, so just move it on and consider it a lesson learned.

That takes me back....

[quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1363525218' post='2013601'] Are they the same amp with different power sections? [/quote] Believe so, yes. Difference is in the headroom I guess.

The LB550 has been around a couple of years. LB30 twin valve preamp stage with a digital power section. I haven't seen a version with the ABM power stage and there is no sign of this in the new Ashdown Valve range, so I suspect there's some confused shop marketing going on here.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1362553118' post='2001102'] Try some Lakland Joe Osborn Flats, available cheaply and quickly from Lakland's website. [/quote] +1, these are great strings, although last time I checked they were out of stock..... WoT has been stockpiling ! La Bella FS are also very nice.

How much?!