Sparky Mark

Having opened my newly acquired OTB MK2, I was (pleasantly) surprised to find not one single surface mount technology component on any of the printed circuit board assemblies. Orange has designed its own 500 watt class D power stage and used through hole components throughout its build. Before the experts chime in about increased reliability and the other numerous advantages of SMT, I know already, it's just a feeling of nostalgia from when I designed my first PCBA's back in the 1980's. I had no idea any mainstream amp manufacturer (I think Orange just about qualifies) was still building 100% through hole products.

I agree that the wear is fantastic, but I do wonder how any bass gets that level of distress if treated with a modicum of care?

Looks genuine to me. Does FB indicate what year in the 70's it was made? I think custom colours have been available most eras, at a cost of course.

My bad.

Maybe, but if the pots are original, it's a 1967 bass at the earliest.

Possibly the worst soldering I've ever seen, plus this pot is clearly dated 67.

I'm surprised you say there's not much online about the AD200B? There's loads if you search. It's the best compromise between a sensible weight and giggable output all valve head still in production IMO. I'd recommend a pair of ceramic 210 or 112 cabs. There's just something about ceramics that neos don't have IME. There's no science behind my opinion, just my ownership experience with ceramic and neo Bergantino cabs. I'll never lift another 100lb cab but two 50lb are still manageable. The day I can't lift 50lbs, I'll know a 200 watt all valve amp isn't for me either.

CS 62P; there's a few clues to identify.

Not so much the modern replacement sets. There's loads of photos online of the CS 62P pups with plain black undersides. See Thomann for instance.

Pretty sure it's a genuine Fender pickup. The cloth wires, raised pole pieces, the small circular indent between the two centre pole pieces and brass plate look like Fender CS 62P to me.

Ah, understood. There's no reason to suspect the L was left off the very detailed receipt or credit agreement, so probably a 1961.

I'm probably misunderstanding your comment but L serial number plates started being used in 1963.

Thank you Pete. I've arranged to see a property next weekend in BSE so will likely stay overnight, allowing me to check a few venues.

Anyone know about the Bury St Edmunds music scene; like if it has one for instance?

Agreed and I totally understand and respect that we all have our own preferences as to how we do business. Apparently BD didn’t ignore the email but was slow to respond for some reason? It may simply have preferred to close an immediate straight sale vs a less certain P/X delayed for a couple of days. I understand that too. When a deal worth several hundreds or thousands of pounds is important to me, I'll definitely want to speak with the dealer. I've dealt this way with Mark on many occasions with no problems ever since he opened BD.

Whenever I've bought anything from music retailers (Andy Baxter, Bass Direct, The Gallery, PMT, etc., etc.) I've always phoned them to confirm the deal, availability and offer a deposit to secure the item(s). I'd never leave it to email.

I bought one of these. It folds flat and can hold 40kg.

+1 My Mustang fits in this perfectly well, and I like that it's a Fender bag of good quality.

This made me laugh; less than 1% discount is considered a sale!