ukbassboy

Having so far this year bought psychoandy's '79 P Bass, a Bongo 5HH, Barefaced Compact and have on order a Genz Benz Shuttlemax 12.0 I hoping my gas is over for the year... we'll see!

Hey folks, Just wondering if anyone can help me out. I attempted to install a Bartolini 5.4 pre amp (the pre wired harness) into my Yamaha BB605 just before I left on holiday but couldnt get it to work. I´m pretty sure I have got it all wire up correctly and have tried reversing the battery polarity and in active and passive modes it still doesnt work. Really keen to get it going as soon as possible after I return cos despite the recent additions of a 79 P Bass and a Bongo 5HH this is still my main gigging bass. If anyone is able to provide some advice or even just suggest a luthier near Reading or Oxford that could sort it out for me then that would be much appreciated. Cheers in adance.

[quote name='chris_b' post='730448' date='Jan 31 2010, 12:17 PM']I think that the Compact rewrites the rule book for 15's. They are not muddy, boomy or unfocused. They have full bass and mid tones and are clear and punchy in a way that the "older style" 15's could never be. A Compact might not be the cab for you but I think you really should try to listen to one.[/quote] Or maybe you could try a Barefaced Big One. I believe its got the Kapplite 3015LF which will give you some serious low end and the 6 Inch should give you the mids you are after. Its a bit taller than a ABM410 but its only 45lbs compared to around 80lbs for the ABM410! I´ve just ordered a Compact to replace the Mag115 under my ABM410. I would have gone for the Big One if it had been 8 OHMs but if I get a Shuttlemax 12.0 later in the year then the ABM410 will be out the door. Now that will be a seriously loud rig, around 850W into a Compact and a Big One! If its definately a 4x10 your after then Ive just seen this...[url="http://web.mac.com/thepoptarts/bass_guitar_specialists/Epifani_UL410.html"]Epiphani 410[/url]

[quote name='ColinB' post='719012' date='Jan 20 2010, 01:56 PM']You're right - UK prices are ridiculous!![/quote] And you think we have it bad. I had a look down ´Denmark St´in Buenos Aires today and their prices are crazy... anyone fancy a standard USA Precision Bass for 1500 quid or a Warwick Thumb BO 5 for just over 3 grand? Its impressive though, I reckon about 30 music stores on the one St, very handy.

[quote name='phil.i.stein' post='726558' date='Jan 27 2010, 06:02 PM']Hercules ? a carrier pigeon could probably manage it. [/quote] it'll be arriving in my hand luggage. Atleast it will give me something to look forward too (especially when paired up with my newly ordered barefaced compact!).

[quote name='Marky L' post='724936' date='Jan 26 2010, 11:04 AM']Hey! Spill the beans on how that works chum! [/quote] I'm afraid it's a case of a) knowing the right person b spending summer in Afghanistan! Any takers?

[quote name='ColinB' post='719012' date='Jan 20 2010, 01:56 PM']You're right - UK prices are ridiculous!! Have you remembered to factor in VAT, Import Duty and the courier's charges for administration of the VAT & Duty to this - it can be about 25% extra on the costs![/quote] Yip, no vat or import duty applicable and courier charges treated internal US shipping. Thats about a £350 saving on the best UK price, sweet!

[quote name='alhbass' post='717772' date='Jan 19 2010, 01:02 PM']I used to use a Markbass LMII, and now have an LMK. I'd be willing to bet you'll find a 500w MB head plenty powerful enough! These days I have MB cabs - but for years I couldn't afford them, and so used the MB heads with all sorts of cabs, including various Ashdowns, and, for a while, two Trace 4x12s stacked. I can honestly say the MB heads have always cut it, even at big outdoor gigs. I was (and still am) playing five strings basses too. I heartily recommend you give them a go anyway, if you're after a good, lightweight amp.[/quote] I think I have found a way to (legally) sidestep the US tax and export rules which will allow me to source a Genz Benz Shuttlemax 12.0 for around £650 so probably going to head in that direction. These amps seem to get some great reviews. I like the fact that they are VERY light, you can blend the tube and FET preamps, the headphone jack can be easily used as a in-ear-monitor for when there is no PA support and the 12.0 has a very powerful and flexible power section. Shame we can't get them anywhere near as cheap as they are in the US ($1099 vs £995!).

I've started today on the road to a new light weight rig with the purchase of a Barefaced Compact. The Ashdown Mag 600R will be out the door soon in favour of something lighter, most probably Markbass. I'm just not sure if 500W of Markbass power will have the same Oomph as the 575W of the Mag 600R which I have gigged pretty much on full volume at times (I play a 5 string and like it DEEEEP!). Might have to make the step up to a Little Mark 800. At the moment I have an ABM 410H (UK made, before they went to horribly cheap looking PRC ones) on top of a Mag115 deep. The ABM isnt exactly light at 36 Kg but i have a strange infatuation with it and it does sound awesome. The compact should be significantly better sounding than the 115 and comes in at less than half the weight. Cant wait till it arrives.