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Alright then... My tech has the amp opened up again, as the volume doesn't seem to be what it should. Apparently the signal travels from several points between the power section and the preamp, and the preamp is quite complicated. At this point the gain on the preamp has to be all the way up to get even moderately significant volume. The model I have, the MK IV, doesn't have a schematic or any kind of plan available, so I'm starting to dig in and see if I can talk to any of the people who had a hand in the early designs. So far my tech has been essentially reverse-engineering his way through the amp, and it's exhaustive. I'd be very interested in hearing about any sources of first-hand info about the MK IV'S design. Thanks! It's off to Ashdown...

COT-50 is a Lovepedal "Chruch of Tone". Mine is modded so it is essentially an overdrive/booster that creates this "British valve" overdrive sound. Great for adding layers to other pedals and pushing the filters, but also great on its own for some hot sounds.

I shall try it. I often use Nøjs only with Gain rolled to almost minimum and Level rolled to 9 o'clock, with Color and Nøjs rolled down, and it becomes a tube-like overdrive which pushes my DiscumBOBulator rather nicely (also adds extra layers to other fuzz pedals). Recently I managed to roll a rather nice sound that I'd describe as "Dark Funk". I like it but it's digital, I'm all analog these days The next Envelope I want to try is Dreadbox Disorder.

My experiment this morning was to try a transparent light blue over the dark base colour. I applied it only to the end of the body so it catches the light. It definitely gives a subtle depth. Apologies for the construction sounds! 20250905_091820.mp4

I must admit he goes to great lengths to get to the answers. Watch his cabinet video it is insane but again informative.

You can switch your feed to Friends. It still has adverts, but not all the other nonsense.

Sounds good! I found a copy that was 90% there and took it to my luthier who is working on it over the weekend. I should have it back by next week. I'll post photos and a tracing for future use! Thanks all

Waiting For An Alibi - Thin Lizzy

What has worked for me for 40 years is to simply not think about it. Make sure you have learnt the songs and practiced at home. Then eventually the time will come - then just do it. Just make sure you have a pee beforehand.

I didn't know this was possible. Let me do some research.

That emotional attachement to things is sometimes difficult to break, and I understand completely what can be a bit of a dilemma when it might be time to move something on. I sympathise with the OP. I have an Overwater bass that was in real terms the first proper bass I owned as a young lad and that's my attachment. For over forty years I've cherished it but in reality used it sparingly mainly because the thought of some bufoon at a pub gig falling on top of it, or knocking it over fills me with dread. I usually use it for short spells just to give it an airing then its back to being a case queen for years at a time. It is well looked after, is well maintained, and still feels fantastic and plays as beautifully as it did when new. There I go extolling why I like it so much, but it rarely gets used at gigs anymore and only occasionally now for studio work. It's part of my personal history as a bass player. Deliberating for the last forty years about what to do with it does make it easier for me now to put it up for sale, and see if anyone might be willing to look after it for the next forty years. It would also help knowing it went to someone who was going to use it, cherish it, and not just flip it on eBay or Reverb or the like at an inflated price. Another musician I know is the exact opposite, he has never formed an attachement with any instrument or musical equipment in his long playing career and even instruments he's played and enjoyed for years at a time could be up for sale tomorrow if something else takes his fancy, or he needs the money otr doesn't have the space. There are times when I'm quite envious of that mindset. My advice would be to think carefully why you are so attached to your instrument and if you can pinpoint that, and rationalise it, it should be easier to decide the next step. Don't though wait another forty years to make up your mind! 🙃

That is all very bloody lovely tbf, and tbh I really want it, but how does it sound!? I think we all want and need to know 😜

Well that was eventful. I'll write more tomorrow.

Waiting for something to happen - The Cure

Another version of this is to imagine everyone in the audience naked. Be very cautious with this method, it may lead to severe trauma.

I was in a band, many moons ago, where the singer professed himself to be racist. His best mate was black, our drummer was Indian. Guitarists were both in relationships with women born abroad as well. He got along with them all fine. We pointed out the obvious but he said "no they're alright, though". In other words, he wasn't really a racist he just kind of thought he was or he was a 'social bigot' who just aped what his family thought. If he had

OK, how about spreading some powder between the top clear lacquer coats? Before the surface is dry?

Nice, very nice. It looks so good man. That's exactly what I wanted to hear about Herrick - I'll give Martin a shot

It Can Happen - Yes

Yes, Ceramic Terry 😉

This is exactly what he's talking about. And you're so right, that is an excellent name to put on the headstock! Still undecided on how to apply the headstock logo or what it will even be. I have an engraver, which would work, but may not be so appropriate. I definitely want to engrave the ionizing radiation symbol on the neck plate. Ahhh such good ideas! I'm going to the paint shop today to see what they have for me to play with. This is great advice - sadly I'm working with cans for now so a little limited. There's a good graffiti shop nearby that seems to have some pretty specialist stuff so I'll see what I can muster up! I'm very excited to see the pickguard once it's back from the anodising place.

Tried one in Andertons recently and it was truly magnificent. Did you mean neodymium pickup?

BRbrBR DENG