lozbass

[quote name='Chopthebass' post='47780' date='Aug 20 2007, 03:50 PM']Loz, I can't find the pro-tec case you mentioned. I went to their website and this is what I found... [url="http://www.protecmusic.com/items.aspx?ProductID=20&InstrumentID=2&InstrumentGroupID=2&CategoryID=1&subCategoryID=34"]http://www.protecmusic.com/items.aspx?Prod...ubCategoryID=34[/url] That doesn't look man enough! Am I looking at the wrong product?Cheers Ian[/quote] Hi Ian, thanks for the kind words - I'll certainly let you know how things go at higher volumes. I'd love to hear two ul410s - wow (and it's interesting to hear that just one was an improvement!) I've had a look at the link - that's not the rack bag that I have. Mine is Aguilar badged but manufactured by ProTec - they're featured on the Aguilar website at: [url="http://www.aguilaramp.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=AA&Category_Code=RB-CC"]http://www.aguilaramp.com/Merchant2/mercha...gory_Code=RB-CC[/url] You'll see the photographs of the 2u and 3u bag. They look and feel pretty strong with robust fastenings, clasps and handles. I ordered mine from the Gallery and it arrived in just a few days. The level of protection seems good under normal (i.e., non-touring circumstances) but using the handle over some distance is not comfortable and the strap didn't suit me: if possible, I'd suggest you limit the amount that you have to carry a 750! Thanks again and good luck if you decide to go with the Aguilar - I doubt you'll be disappointed. Cheers, Loz

[quote name='Chopthebass' post='47600' date='Aug 20 2007, 10:43 AM']Thanks Loz. I've never been a big fan of compressors as I feel they restrict dynamics. I'm sure loads out there will disagree. So I hope when you say it has a slightly compressed sound that it isn't too squashed and cyts dynamics and percieved volume. Because thats what I've found with pedals. I need volume and headroom! Is the gain set like say a Trace, where you set it high as poss with the clip light coming on when played hardest? or is this different being a valve front end? What rack bag are you using? Is it stron enough for the weight? I've got a 3U full flight case, and I'm worried its gonna be too heavy in that! Remind me what cab you're using with it? Cheers Ian[/quote] Hi Ian, (writing with trousers on), I don't want to mislead - what I've experienced/perceived as a compression effect is very subtle and entireley positive (no squashing, just pleasing evenness across strings and notes). I don't think you'll be worried at all by loss of dynamics - the 750 seems to respond incredibly well to nuances in left and right hand fingering/attack etc. Also, the headroom on these things is legendary (justifiably I'd say). I'm still working my way around the unit (after a long wait!) so won't claim to offer a definitive view. However, given what you say about your preferences, I wouldn't have any hesitation in recommending Aguilar. As far as gain goes, I'd say the Aguilar is not at all like a Trace (and I use a TE Series 6 AH200 GP12 extensively). I use the TE in the same way that you describe (I'll be honest, I've never thought about using it another way, but there may be things I could learn!). With the 750, I've experimented with using the gain to add some warmth/grit. Below 12-1 o'clock it's entirely clean. Beyond 1 or 2 o'clock on the gain, the tube warmth becomes evident. However, this is subtle - it's not like kicking-in a fuzz pedal! I need to work more with this and will report on what I find. Many years ago I used big valve amps - Marshall, Hiwatt etc. - and driven hard, a dirty aggressive sound was possible (err...unavoidable). From what I've heard so far, the Aguilar is nothing like that, it's much more subtle and controlled (but extremely big/present and, I suspect, incredibly loud if necessary - I've not used it in a gig or rehearsal setting yet). The rack bag is an Aguilar 3u manufactured by Pro-Tec - it has a wooden interior/frame and is just sufficiently deep to hold the 750. The covering appears to be strong nylon and there's some padding in the front and rear flap. The handle and strap fixings appear to be strong and well sown, however, I find the total weight simply too much for use of the supplied strap. I honestly wouldn't recommend that you think about carrying a 750 too far (either in a bag or rack case). I think retail on the bag is around £60 at the Gallery. The cab I've used so far is an Epifani ul112 (series 1) - I think these are gorgeous for small gigs. Of course, I can't really open-up the 750 with this cab, but at a decent level the cab seems to love the amp and vice versa. I hope this helps. Cheers, Loz

[quote name='Chopthebass' post='47330' date='Aug 19 2007, 12:13 PM']Great news! I think I'll go ahead with my purchase! Are you pleased with the sound? Cheers Ian[/quote] Hi Ian, thanks for this - I would certainly go ahead with the purchase! I think there's just one thing to bear in mind, the 750 is really heavy. The unit itself is around 46lbs and mine is in a rack bag (which I'd certainly recommend) which adds around 6 or 7 pounds. Beyond that, in my opinion, the amp is stunning. The tone is superb (I'm still exploring!) - very big and present with incredible headroom. I was surprised initially by the slightly compressed sound - on first plugging-in, the volume across strings (and individual notes) was really even, something like using a very expensive, high-quality studio compressor. With the tone controls flat, the sound was fabulous, the kind of thing that brings a grin to your face - upping the gain to beyond 1 or 2 o'clock introduces a little grit, aggression and tube-warmth but with no real dirt or break-up. I'll write a detailed - and objective - review soon. For now, I'm having real fun - this is an incredible unit that appears to be living up the the hype and my expectations. Cheers, Loz

Hi everybody and thanks - I think you can empathise with my relief! The tech said no more than something may have been shaken loose/tight. He didn't spend long with the amp (other than there's around 18 screws to get the lid off!) but a few multimeter tests - sorry I can't be more spedific - didn't cause any alarm. I powered-on again at home twice yesterday without any problem whatsoever - weird (but good weird now!) Thanks again - I promise a review soon!

I have a Danelectro Longhorn (re-issue) knocking about and it's really good fun and incredibly light (around 4.5 pounds at a guess). It's also short-scale and kind of encourages me to treat it as a guitar, i.e., not play bass-lines and play far too fast. The tone is err...idiosyncratic...but not too bad through a good amp. I don't think anybody would suffer back pain given the combination of lightness and scale length. For a high-end version, there's the Jerry Jones Longhorn (and you still see the Neptune model around). These are more expensive, around £400-500 s/h - including import taxes and carriage - but I'm told they really are pretty good instruments (I've not had chance to try one personally).

[quote name='The Funk' post='46879' date='Aug 17 2007, 03:35 PM']A good tech can fix anything. Even things which aren't really broken. I'm glad your Aguilar's working now. [/quote] Hi and thanks - the tech simply gave it a stern looking at. I'm certainly glad it's working too (not sure about the neighbours!) Cheers, Loz

Hi, first, I'm really enjoying the tracks (especially 'blame') I'd endorse pretty much all that I've read above (I have an old TE Series 6 12 band though and love the pre-shape - not easy to replicate via tweaking the graphic - something else going on?). Judicious use of mids can often go a long way to getting you where you want to be. The point relating to room/venue/fill is also really important. Beyond tone/EQ, many years ago I played with a band that 'tuned to the room', i.e., we didn't use standard concert tunings but tried to find a tuning that suited the space (both empty and full)...to be honest, it was probably the best sound I've ever managed. Back to the point - I'm not really sure about the electronics in your bass (US Jazz pickups and passive?), but it may be worth trying to use the instrument itself. A lot of Jazz players look for that Jazz 'honk' by maximising the bridge pickup and rolling-off the neck pickup to around 30-40% (i.e., as you roll it in from zero, the aim is to find a 'sweetspot' where you retain a honk/bark but also get in some fuller bottom-end warmth). I think this tends to work better for finger style playing, but you could try it with a pick (if indeed you're using one) - it may help you to cut through. Cheers, Loz

Update - Success! The DB750 is now powering-up and working perfectly. I took it along to be checked last night - the mains wiring was checked and tightened (it wasn't loose anyway) and the amp was powered-on on a filtered system. No problem - first time power-up, through the self-diagnostic test and into operate status. I switched over from mute and the unit performed flawlessly. I powered-down and moved into a corridor (non-filtered mains) - again, no problem! From corridor to work (where I'm told that the mains supply can be problematic - it's a commercial building wherein the system is not designed to cope with heavy draw)...again, power-on without any difficulty. From work to home and same again - flawless power-on and performance. I tried again this morning to ensure I hadn't dreamt it...sure enough, power-on straight away (and gorgeous tone into a ul112). So...did the tech frighten it into good behaviour (some appear to have this power)? Did the unit 'learn' what to do (magic)? Did the tightening of screws have some impact ('doubt it)? Did the journey shake something loose/tight ('hope not)? Something else (maybe)? The whole episode is intriguing - and has been at times frustrating - but needless to say, I'm delighted that the problem seems to have gone (and hope it stays that way). I'll certainly keep all updated and let everybody know if there's any further difficulty (or return of the original). To close, sincere thanks to all that have contributed - your help and advice (and discourse) is greatly appreciated. The least I can do is provide a review and I'll try to arrange this over the coming weeks. Thanks again, Loz

[quote name='The Funk' post='46520' date='Aug 16 2007, 05:00 PM']I have to admit I bought my Aguilar DB680 secondhand from a private seller in the US. Even after shipping and customs, and conversion from US to UK spec, it came in at around 55% of the price of a new UK one. Budget is always going to be a factor.[/quote] Hi - nearly the same here - about 60% (if it doesn't cost a fortune to get it to work!)

Hi guys, thanks for the new inputs - I'm just back from a couple of days away so sorry for delayed response. As Toasted suggests, there may be something (much even) to be gained from buying a 'made for UK' unit. I would have done this myself if I hadn't found a very cheap deal overseas. However, in detailed communications with Aguilar, I've been informed that the only difference between the US and UK units is the circuit breaker and wiring: Aguilar supplied the requisite breaker (i.e., the one that would be factory fitted to a UK unit) to me with wiring instructions...maybe there's some other magic I'm missing but I can't begin to imagine what it would be. I guess for some (especially those with paid playing work), the problem I've encountered would be much more than an inconvenience. However, it's been a long time since I played for money and the issue is really nothing more than a minor (even intriguing) annoyance. It's interesting to hear that the Gallery is an Aguilar authorised repairer - I know Alex et al and will certainly take my DB750 down if it can't be sorted out locally (I've dealt with the Gallery extensively and would trust their work). I'd also have no qualms about purchasing anything there - back-up and after-sales service at Sei/Gallery is superb. Thanks to BossHog - it's good to know that your experience of dealing with Aguilar has been similar to my own. Again, customer service is excellent. I also agree that the tone and power of a DB750 is really unmatched. The inclusion (or fitting) of the thermistor appears to sort out power-on problems in the vast majority of cases. My understanding (distilled from communications with Aguilar, this thread and perusal of other fora) is that there is certainly some history of problems with the DB750's power-up. The problem seems to be more acute in Europe/UK than it is in the US. Efforts to address the issue with the inclusion of a thermistor have been largely successful (certainly in the US, and to some degree here). Where the problem is ongoing, use of a power conditioner may help (though there can be a downside to using such a device). With my unit, the problems may extend beyond those experienced by some (albeit a small minority of) DB750 users. I'm taking the 750 to be checked by a technician tonight (in a studio environment with filtered mains) and will report tomorrow. On the issue of where to buy a DB750...well there are so many variables...access to resources, requirement for reliability, ease of servicing, warranty and back-up, dealer reputation, price, lead-times, possible differences in technical specs, willingness to effect necessary component changes etc. Everybody has to assemble there own equation. For me, economy was paramount - an almost brand new unit at a major saving. However, if I still earned a living from playing, my priorities would be different. The failure to power-up hasn't caused real problems (no missed work) and I remain reasonably confident (!) that the amp will operate and perform just as intended fairly soon. On the plus side of this whole issue (for me at least), it's been great to receive such knowledgeable, well-intentioned and experience-based inputs from the bass-playing community - thanks to all - your help and comments have been much appreciated.

[quote name='The Funk' post='44813' date='Aug 13 2007, 02:10 PM']I use the related Aguilar DB680 preamp. I haven't had any problems with it. I plug it into a power amp that gives me 1000 watts at 4 ohms. After reading all of this I'm glad that's the way I went. Sorry to hear about your problems with the DB750. I'm very surprised that it's a problem which a good amp tech can't fix.[/quote] Hi, I think your route to great tone was a good one! I was going for the one box fix (I often carry a lot of stuff around) and I'd been impressed with the tone/power combination in the 750. I've not been to an amp specialist yet but will have this arranged by the end of the week (then I hope to have some good news!) Thanks for the inputs!

[quote name='bass_ferret' post='44565' date='Aug 12 2007, 08:07 PM']OK Loz I stand corrected - but there are still the warranty and support issues, but if there is no UK support anyway thats not such an issue. There are not many amps out there that pump 750 watts into 4 ohms, lots like the EBS only give full beans into 2 ohms. If you need that sort of power in one box the list is few.[/quote] Hi and thanks - I love the EBS stuff that I've seen (very little opportunity to use I'm afraid). I'm not sure about 'need' for 750, I think it's 'want' in my case (which is probably pretty childish but I justify it on the grounds of acquaintance with one of the most ridiculously loud drummers I've ever encountered!) Thanks again!

[quote name='bass_ferret' post='44568' date='Aug 12 2007, 08:09 PM']Just out of interest you are starting it up in standby and it trips when you turn the power on not the standby? Are you using an RCD?[/quote] Hi and thanks - I'm afraid we've not got as far as standby! The unit has a mute/operate selector and a 45 second diagnostic check prior to full operation. The circuit breaker (effectively the 'on' switch) trips as soon as it's engaged so we don't get into the diagnostic phase. I've not been using an RCD but I'm off to a friends studio in the next few days for further investigations (and use of a power conditioner) - I'll let you know. Thanks for the continuing help!

[quote name='99ster' post='44648' date='Aug 12 2007, 11:20 PM']+1. And it costs how much? Yet there's no UK tech suppport/service agent? WTF? [/quote] Hi Guys, I have a lot of sympathy with what you say but I'll put up with a lot to get the tone and power that I want! I'm not sure about frequency of occurence of the problem I've experienced - there are clearly other reports of difficulties but I'm not sure how many units are around in the UK and Europe (reports of problems can be found in the US too but I believe these have been largely addressed by the inclusion of the thermistor). You are entirely correct though, it's a lot to pay when there's little UK backup from the manufacturer (as yet anyway). No problem on the knocks - as I say above, I'll put up with a lot! I've been fortunate enough to use a couple of 750s extensively, and have been pretty-much convinced the amp has the characteristics I'm looking for (err...once they fire up). Maybe I'm a little too relaxed or maybe its a historical artefact - I started playing in the days when there was no expectation that you would plug in and go every time! Thanks for the inputs - the thread seems to have moved beyond technical points but has clearly spawned an interesting and important discussion re: reliablity and service.

Hi Bassferret and Ian, I've bought tons of stuff from the US over the years and this is the first time I've suffered any problems (I've also saved a great deal of money). To be honest, I think I could have experienced the power-up problem whether the 750 was bought here or imported (I've had detailed interchanges with Aguilar and the difference between a US and UK model are simply the circuit breaker and mains wiring - a 10 minute conversion job at the most). There seems to be an inherent problem with the power-pull on start up that is not connected with where the amp is purchased. I'm not really put-off - these amps are truly stunning when you can get them going - I do hope to find a fix without too much further hassle and will keep all informed: there must be a relatively simple solution that will improve reliability. Thanks for the inputs!

[quote name='Mike Brooks' post='44163' date='Aug 11 2007, 12:11 PM']Hi, I've recently reviewed one of these amps for BGM and was blown away by it. I'm interested to hear what you've experienced as I contacted Aguilar in the US regarding their warranty and servicing issues as I had concerns regarding what UK players could do should problems arise as there was no UK distributor or service centre. I was contacted and told that a UK servicing setup would be put in place soon, obviously this hasn't happened yet. You may want to contact John Henrys here in London as they were very helpful and supplied the gear for review, they may be able to offer some help regarding the issues you've been having. All the best, Mike[/quote] Hi Mike, thanks for the news and advice. I imported my 750 as a pre-owned (but almost new) unit from the US - I was aware that the ten year guarantee is non-transferrable and also that there's no service centre in the UK (currently). I understood there's a risk here but decided to go ahead anyway. The people at Aguilar have been extremely helpful and responsive but it is irritating that the problem with power-up has not been resolved. A UK servicing agent would be a great idea (I'm not sure how many units Aguilar have sold in the UK - probably a good number with the AG series, cabs and preamps etc.) and would offer some re-assurance. As it is, I'm at something of a loss and will probably need to use a local amp expert (fortuntely, we have a top class guru in Manchester) - I'm sure, on the basis of experience so far, that I can rely on Aguilar to provide necessary details and help. I will contact John Henry's and seek their advice - it appears that the problems I've encountered are far from isolated! I hope to be able to borrow a power conditioner in the week and will report on the outcome (though, I'm of the opinion that a conditioner shouldn't really be necessary - the 750 is an expensive piece of kit and should simply work!) Thanks again, I'll keep everybody updated.

[quote name='Hamster' post='44074' date='Aug 11 2007, 12:48 AM']Have you tried Dave Lunt in Stockport 0161 432 9698 ? Hamster[/quote] Hi Hamster, thanks very much for this - Dave was going to be my first call if I couldn't resolve the problem with inputs from BC members. I didn't have his number previously - I think Dave designed/built the hand-made pre-amp that I had installed (by Ted Lee!) in a Gibson Ripper in 1981!

[quote name='Toasted' post='44037' date='Aug 10 2007, 11:12 PM']It's a great amp. I love it to pieces and have no problem with mine [/quote] You're absolutely right! They are lovely amps (I've been knocked out with those I've used - I wouldn't have spent the money if I'd not been impressed). I'm looking forward to mine powering-up. Thanks for the info on the 'blue flash' - I thought this was a bad sign but it's good to hear others have seen/experienced it.

[quote name='alexclaber' post='43967' date='Aug 10 2007, 08:01 PM']That's interesting to note that a long extension lead solved the problem for one user. I bet if you use a high gauge (i.e. skinny) lead a good few yards long you'll get a similar affect in terms of voltage and current choking to using a power conditioner without giving Furman any money! What is particularly bizarre is that this amp is noted for its comprehensive diagnostic testing at switch on causing power up to take quite a while. Did it not dawn on Aguilar that there is a world beyond the Eastern Seaboard and some of us even play bass? Have you hassled Dave B on talkbass? Alex[/quote] Hi Alex, thanks again. I suspect your right, a long skinny mains lead probably does the job of the Furman at greatly reduced cost! Sub-optimal though, as you've suggested earlier - the 750 should simply work. Haha - I'd love to experience that much maligned 45 second wait with my own unit. All I have at the moment is an attractive doorstop (if you think industrial-style electronics can be attractive). You know, I often wonder about the US. I'm not a regular visitor though some of my colleagues are American and others travel regularly. I do get reports of sometimes narrow/domestic assumptions, attitudes and worldviews and this may be reflected in design practice (I'm not in any way criticising our American cousins here - I suspect many of us here in the UK could take a long hard look at ourselves!) I haven't hassled Dave on Talkbass - I've kept contact direct so far (but once this issue gets resolved, it may be useful to encourage Aguilar to go more public). Thanks again for all the inputs!

Hi Alex, thanks for the detailed response and the technical details - I'm really not expert where tech issues are concerned and appreciate the advice. I'm afraid I responded to your PM prior to reading the above and will re-appraise in the light of the details here. Given that one of the reasons for procurement of the 750 was headroom (and that this may be compromised by the conditioner if I understand correctly), then an alternative fix might be called for. I'll wait and see what I get from Aguilar and keep everybody informed. Thanks again (to all!)

"However...... If I wanted a bomb proof reliable, seriously loud tone monster i'd buy an Aguilar DB750 and a pair of 4ohm cabs @ 2ohms it's pushing out close to 1000w" Mark [/quote] I agree entirely...but just make sure you can turn it on (see my pleas in an Aguilar problem thread) - thanks Mark for your suggestions on the power conditioner (currently being actioned!)...sorry not mastered the quote box thingy yet

Hi, I used a TE Series 6 AH 200 throughout the late 80s and 90s and still use it now - it's absolutely phenomenal and you can pick them up on ebay for around €400 in good condition (probably less). Paired with your cab it should sound wonderful. There's also the more powerful versions (AH300 and up) - these can be found readily for €500 or so. I have a particular liking for the Series 6 though others may disagree - go for the 12 band too. With all that change, you can invest in some lovely Belgian beer!

Yeah me too on the Comfort Strapp - even makes my mid '70s Jazz bearable (for 15 minutes or so...) What did they feed bass players on in the '70s (Smash and Toast Toppers if memory serves - full of nourishing proteins)

[quote name='Oxblood' post='43868' date='Aug 10 2007, 05:10 PM']Well, it's not just a problem for European users, it seems. Get a load (but not too much of a load - don't want to trip any circuit breakers) of this from across the pond: [url="http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=190882"]TalkBass thread[/url] From what I'm reading, the DB750 certainly is "a truly exceptional amp in conception, design and performance" - but not in a good way! IMHO Aguilar's design staff need to be dragged into the village square and pelted with dung/rotten veg/concrete blocks over this. It's outrageous to market a piece of gear which you know damn well will be powered off ordinary domestic mains supplies, and yet not take this reality into account when designing the power supply stage. It really isn't difficult to design a power supply that has 'soft start' behaviour built in. [/quote] Hi and thanks - at least I had a laugh when I looked at the link and your suggestion re: the Aguilar people (who seem rather lovely by the way!) I do feel a bit more relaxed about the problem too - maybe my unit isn't peculiar/faulty. The power conditioner idea indicated above seems to have been succesful in some cases so I'll give this a try. On the 'soft start', I agree, maybe this should have been foreseen. I think Aguilar reacted pretty quickly however, and from what I hear, they were sending out/fitting the thermistor in the US for free on early models (I could be wrong here). The major problems seem to have occurred in the UK where our 240v system doesn't seem well-suited to working with the 750. I'll press-on with a Furman and keep all updated - thanks again.

[quote name='Marcus' post='43841' date='Aug 10 2007, 04:36 PM']I have 2 mates with DB750's both use a Furman power conditioner and have no problems, I borrowed one for a gig once and used it without the Furman, wouldn't even switch on ? Weird amp..... AWESOME SOUND !!! I hope you get sorted with it......[/quote] Hi Marcus, thanks - maybe a Furman's the way to go. I'll try to borrow one before investing and see if it makes a difference - I'll certainly report on the result. It's comforting to hear that it's not only my unit that seems to have the problem (though I empathise with those that are struggling). If you know, I'd appreciate advice on the Furman model that your friends are using. Thanks again.