4 Strings

[quote name='ead' timestamp='1378243486' post='2197716'] A switched mode power supply is probably more reliable than something with valves in, more so when they are being lumped around. However there are books on Class A, A/B, D etc so probably not worth getting all hot and bothered about it on here (electronic degree here so some knowledge of the internal gubbins). Each to their own. [/quote] Valve radio equipment in crashed planes have still worked, whereas many a Class D amp has failed in normal use (SuperFlys etc). Unless you physically abuse the glass envelopes valves are generally very robust and tolerant to current surges etc. Each to their own, definitely, although I wouldn't swap my Class D I love to see big amps when I go to gigs!

It's a difficult one, I know my Streamliner 900 is way more powerful and goes much louder without distortion than the previous Hartke amps I've had, and I was very happy with them. The improvement in sound and ease of movement (the HA5000 weighed a ton!) has been life changing. However, I can't compare it to a 'proper' big amp, an all valve one, as I don't have access to one. I think the valve amp would probably sound better. Won't be swapping though, even if I proved it to myself. The easy, one trip from the car is a one way ticket from 4x10s etc and birch ply!

But not for string through type, unfortunately.

[quote name='Pinball' timestamp='1377987273' post='2194509'] In this case he advised Mornats not to buy an expensive bass and told him that as he was happy with his existing bass, other than the sound, the best bet was to decide on the sound he wanted and to upgrade the pickups No sale pushed for at all. It was pretty strange really. [/quote] Sounds like he's a nice, honest guy with his own opinions about why MIA basses are made.

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1377903371' post='2193582'] Was once on a ill of 3 bands and "the agent" for the other 2 called and said they were double-booked. So we were asked to play all night, with our 40min set. So we played it 3 times. [/quote] That's the spirit!

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1377893989' post='2193437'] Our gear is high risk, portable, used in anger quite often (drum stands on leads etc) and most importantly class 1 meaning that it is earthed. I too don't test delicate gear either but I do test the lead and use a multimeter to check continuity from the earth pin to the chassis on the device. Why we would argue about doing that once a year even if it cost you £2 per item I have no idea? [/quote] I didn't think anyone was arguing. What if the earth lead is taken off, or the earth lift switch put into operation to prevent hum when used with a lighting rig?

[quote name='Mornats' timestamp='1377883861' post='2193266'] Nope, the guy in the shop was pretty clear that the American made Fenders were made by Fender for the investment market and not for players. [/quote] I don't think he is right, more a casual comment with an element of truth as there may have been some people who buy purely for (a very patient and hopeful) investment, probably more a comment about the difference between MiM and MiA price and quality

[quote name='barkin' timestamp='1377888214' post='2193346'] Yup. And increasingly, it seems, hotels, social clubs, even village halls etc. I get the impression that some of the people "in charge" at these places are only now becoming aware that they need to get their own stuff tested, which then raises questions in their minds about what others are bringing into their venue. [/quote] But if it's not a legal requirement, they don't have to get their own stuff tested. I think its more to do with someone having discovered it and covering themselves.

[quote name='Ghost_Bass' timestamp='1377862276' post='2192876'] Not S12, i would say probably a Vintage. The S12 doesn't have so many brackets inside (yes, i had a peak inside mine but only for replacing the membrane of my tweeter) [/quote] I'd be surprised they'd post a Vintage as they don't make it anymore. Maybe they are 15" holes (or later S12s have a different bracing design), I think they're showing off the cnc cut wood.

[quote name='Mr Bassman' timestamp='1377648271' post='2189984'] It's up to the tester to determine the frequency of re-tests If say the item is a kettle that is used 20 times a day then 6 monthly tests may be appropriate. If it's a bass amp that is only used occasionally then maybe every 2 years will suffice. [/quote] Really? So it's not an annual event, the tester writes on the sticker when he thinks a retest is required? Didn't know that. What would stop him recommended every 6 weeks in order to get himself some more work? Or, the other way around, being pressurised by the equipment owner to put a few years on.

[quote name='barkin' timestamp='1377645731' post='2189967'] The most compelling argument i've encountered, for having my/our gear PAT tested is that there are occassions when I/we won't get to do the gig if we don't comply... [/quote] Not had that one yet, we'd just get the stuff tested for compliance if needed. Presumably public authority venues?

[quote name='davehux' timestamp='1377852398' post='2192658'] IT'S HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And it looks amazing - silver grille is the way forward Got a band practice tonight, so it'll get it's first workout with my Orange Terror Bass head. Have to spend the rest of the day at work not thinking about it When do you think I should order some new handles? [/quote] Would they be fork handles?

Goodness, you must buy a lot of basses

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1377819821' post='2192471'] You should get an update from when it leaves BF, surely?! [/quote] If they had admin staff, probably would. Anybody seen this, btw? From their FB page showing some of the bracing design (S12?) [attachment=142669:Barefaced Bracing.jpg]

Also, while my understanding about them regards extra stiffness/stability etc of the neck, would they balance better giving a bit of extra on the body end?

Why are they considered so ugly though? There's no doubt they are, but is it because it's not what our conservative bass-player mind is programmed to see as acceptable? An Ampeg SVT amp is similarly ugly, but normally attracts a 'phwoar' type comment, highly acceptable. If Leo's original was a single cut (not in an tele way, but the way being discussed here) would we find them more acceptable?

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1377242245' post='2185122'] Yep, agree on both counts. Jeremy Pritchard is a wonderful bassist and musician, but he'll be ignored or not noticed by most bass heads. Context innit. [/quote] Not by this bass head.

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1377710998' post='2190728'] Tends to happen when you get past 50 ... [/quote] Speak for yourself! Oh, hang on....

Pino Palladino Andy Fraser Stuart Zender. Nick Fyffe. Paul Turner Sting Geezer Butler John Deacon Jean Jacques Burnell Paul McCartney Lemmy Jack Bruce Steve Harris Dougie Poynter Norman Watt-Roy Boz Burrell John Paul Jones Rick Laird Ric Grech Percy Jones Roy Babbington Boz Burrell Dave Holland Jeff Clyne Mo Foster Hugh Hopper Yolanda Charles John "rhino" Edwards Chris squire John Entwistle Danny Thompson Mani Andy Rourke Bruce Foxton Alan Lancaster (Must have inspired loads to begin) Seth Govan (inspires me anyway!) Jeremy Pritchard (Everything Everything) Chris Glen

[quote name='BetaFunk' timestamp='1377716826' post='2190863'] Nathan East? [/quote] Is he British?

[quote name='EBS_freak' timestamp='1377698646' post='2190511'] <- Bit of a looker that Shane bloke. [/quote] Looks like the cone has sagged in the suspension!

I know you sometimes see very old cabs with a torn cloth 'grille' but, tbh, I've never known any of mine, nor anyone else's that I know to suffer from this in all the time I've been playing which has included many years of chucking stuff into vans and cars. The vinyl cover to the box gets hammered and torn but I've not known the front grille to suffer. I suppose with a paint finish even tears to the box finish is not going to happen. (Btw, having said all that, I've gone Roqsolid too!)

[quote name='goblin' timestamp='1377654238' post='2190010'] Taking a 1000 watt head everywhere because a bit tiresome though so here's my most recent acquisition: [/quote] Superfly! Nothing wrong with that, I use one for practice at home all the time, one side is down and so it cost me £20! Great sound, plenty loud enough (how often do two speakers get used anyway?).

[quote name='Billy Apple' timestamp='1377631854' post='2189733'] You don't have a valve amp then? [/quote] Yes, well, valves in the preamp. What should I be doing? On topic, the only time I have never been challenged about PAT testing was when I took in a cassette player for my wife when she was about to give birth in hospital. Never been challenged for gigs. I have thought about it though, the most compelling argument so far has been to show I've taken reasonable steps to avoid injury/damage. If the test is annual, do these steps stop becoming reasonable on day 366 (quips about leap year aside!)?

[quote name='neepheid' timestamp='1377614116' post='2189400'] Well, perhaps I should let you know that your terse response was interpreted as an attempt to make me look stupid. [/quote] Apologies, not meant to be terse, certainly not meant to make anyone look stupid.