Billy Apple

Hi All, I had some time on my hands up in London today, so thought I'd go out my way to visit the Bass Gallery in Camden Town. All I hear on BC is good things about this store, so was looking forward to being treated as a like-minded enthusiast instead of a dumb hindrance. Upon arrival it is apparent that the place is stuffed full of quality gear, both high and low end, and yes, it's in Camden so space is very tight. There were two other punters in, one trying a brand spanker Fender Jazz, the other droning on about DJ Shadow like he was the next big thing. The BG guy did not seem to know who he was, and after all, 'Endtroducing' was only realesed in '96 (sorry, being a bit of a bitch here). Anyway, after a while these other two Gents left and I was on my own with a man who kept his back to me while I perused the wood. At this point I must point out that there was only one real reason that I went there, and that was to try the Wal Custom 2 Mk 1, as I'd seen it on there site, and at the mo, I've got everything else I need. So, I asked the feller if It would be OK if I tried the Wal... and this was his reply... 'No, I'm sorry we only allow people who are really interested in buying a Wal try a Wal' I was flabbergasted. I explained to him that I didn't know of any other way to know if I was interested in a bass, than by trying a bass. He then questioned me as to whether I knew the Wal cost £3.5k? Of which of course I know, but it is hardly the point. I always believe that If you know in your heart that you want something, then the price becomes immaterial. My collection of Harley Davidsons is testament to that. Then in a most weasely manner, He says that it is not their bass, but they were selling on behalf of someone else, and that they did not want any damage to come to it. At this point I was looking behind me to see who he was talking too. Either they are selling this bass or not, and if so any prospective buyer should have a road test, otherwise I'll take my chances on frigging eBay. After all, I'm assuming they are making a cut, so what is their problem? Anyway, he unhooked her and let me plug her in. But no help or advise as to the circuits was forthcoming, he just turns his back and goes. He may as well have handed me a turd. After a while of plunking I noticed he had disappeared all together. I sat for a bit, then hung the Wal back and exited a completely empty shop. I was wondering if it was my appearance, short hair, jeans, jacket. Or maybe my age, at 44 maybe I'm on the young side for their prices. I dunno, it beats me, but I could've bought the 4 Wals they have hanging up, and still have change for a Fodera. Anyway, just wanted to vent my spleen. I'd hate to be a young talent turning up there, they probably wouldn't open the door. I hope that the people from the Bass Gallery read this, and I hope it sticks in there throat that they missed out on a £3.5k sale. I shall not be returning

[quote name='daz' post='1356719' date='Aug 30 2011, 07:38 PM']Are the GT200's the only bass amp Matamp make now ?[/quote] At this point of writing, I believe so, although others around might have more info about upcoming hybrids. But, it's the only amp you'l need anyway.

[quote name='Wooks79' post='1355195' date='Aug 29 2011, 01:11 PM']Looks lovely, proper old school Bet it sounds awesome too.[/quote] You know it! Defines Awesomeness! I was very much enjoying your Green Giant. I love the 610's, good choice Sir.

[quote name='daz' post='1355265' date='Aug 29 2011, 02:27 PM']Looks great. I like the simple approach. I know little or nothing about amps though. What is 'presence' 'drive' and 'depth' ?[/quote] Thanks Daz. The Presence is a Mid boost, it does not change tone or volume, but increases intensity or pressure if that makes sense to you. The Drive dial is a pre amp gain boost, furthest left is the 'normal' setting. Andy at Matamp told me at this position, with the volume full is 200 watts clean. At this setting you can crank the vol. to full and there is very little hum or anything coming out, but hit the strings and she's as clear as a bell. The further right you go with the drive the higher the gain. At its max you would think you were playing thru a pedal, but it's lovely and warm, no harshness of tinniness. The Depth is a band by-pass filter, which kind of works the wrong way round. Furthest left is maximum bass, and clicking right increases Treble. I never move this off max bass, but was told this is for players with fancy-pants active pre-amps on-board the wood. As is the inputs, which are kind of backwards. My passive Tbird and PBass are way louder thru the low input than the high, but it's not low and high in terms of gain, but rather in terms of guitar. Passive Basses thru low input, active thru high. Anyway, hope this helps. Let me be very clear, I love this amp. I can get a very wide range of tones, volumes and moods out of her, far more than you would ever expect from a box with 6 knobs on the front. Plus I love the fact that the whole rig was built to order for me. Jeff altered the amp sleeve for me AND went out of his way to tell Celestion to sell him 4X BL200X drivers when they were asking for a minimum order of 200. I had even phoned up Celestion myself, and they would not sell me the drivers (unless I bought 200), but we got them. There is no Matamp without Jeff. He has a reputation of being a bit of a fire-brand, and hard to deal with. I found him to be the exact opposite. He is a passionate man, who lets his craft do the talking. Yes, he is plain speaking, but if you are too I guarantee* you will enjoy the experience. *This is not a guarantee

[quote name='charic' post='1196657' date='Apr 12 2011, 11:37 AM']Beasty[/quote] Thank you, and I love the rig. She just sounds great

[quote name='charic' post='1196657' date='Apr 12 2011, 11:37 AM']Beasty[/quote] Thank you, and I love the rig. She just sounds great

[quote name='Rick's Fine '52' post='1354892' date='Aug 29 2011, 01:02 AM']Been watching this since it listed, surely it cant sell for £1200?? Arent these regularly fetching £3K??[/quote] Been watching what?

Just clicked on the link, and did not get the sale on Gumtree. Maybe it's been taken down. My friend applied for a Job via Bumtree, and was emailed an application form containing all manner of nasties. Be very aware! Also downloading pics off ebay can contain hidden viruses

[quote name='bassman2790' post='1252353' date='Jun 1 2011, 08:50 AM'] Rover technical info CD. Invaluable reference library for owners of Rover Mini, MGF, Rover 100,200,400,600 and 800 series Free to good home. New owner to cover postage costs Thanks[/quote] Hi, Does this cover the MG ZTT 2L diesel (135 cdti I think) ? Thanks

[quote name='KingBollock' post='1342076' date='Aug 16 2011, 04:35 PM']and very occasionally live Ragworm (left over from Sea Fishing).[/quote] As an aside here. You fish with Ragworm? Years ago I would sea fish off the coast of Northumberland, using Ragworm that I dug up from the beach at low tide. I've heard this is now illegal. Is this true, and if so, where do you get yours?

I had a few of these (I'm assuming Red Eared) Terrapins back in '83-'84 when there was a real craze for them. But unless you have the time and space, they're not a great pet. They do smell, and more over they can carry a multitude of diseases, salmonella being the main one, so the're not good for kids to handle. And, yes, they do have the potential to grow substantially. I would contact a local vet, or aquatic pet specialist and see if they know of any enthusiasts who might take them in. Otherwise you might take my cousins tack back in '84.. ME. 'Hows ya Terrapins?'... CUZ. 'Oh, me Mam said they've got Salmonella, so we flushed them down the bog!'

It's a catch 22 question, and no matter what you post it's both the right and the wrong answer. I reckon the best thing is to buy the best that you can afford at the time. I think with separates it's important to match the speaker with the amp, in both terms of magnet , ohms and watts. I've got a Matamp GT200 with 2x 212 Matamp cabs rated at 400 watts each. The standard driver is a Celestion neo (at 600 watts per cab), but I opted to have ferrite drivers fitted, giving a much warmer old school tone, Although these would not be the the choice of an Alembic playing slapper (speed of magnet movement due to mass or something?). The whole cab weight thing is something that affects the over 40's (myself included) this is why I opted for 212 over a 412. In my youth I used to throw around a Marshall 412, but alas those days are long gone. Although the GT200 head weighs a f**cking ton. Anyway, in answer to your question 'Which is more important, the amp or the cab?' Hmmm, I dunno, what kind of Bass ya got?

It went for £640, so someone got a bargin

[quote name='hillbilly deluxe' post='1351701' date='Aug 25 2011, 08:04 PM']On the first pic the burst is on the out side edge of the body and is dark,the pic of the rear of the body does'nt show any of this,even around the edges.How ? The rear of the body is usually the same colour as the dark edges of the burst,it makes it look like two different basses to me. Just found this,it looks the same. [url="http://www.oldenburger-music-station.de/Gibson_Thunderbird_4_1976.htm"]http://www.oldenburger-music-station.de/Gi...bird_4_1976.htm[/url][/quote] Thanks for that.

[quote name='robocorpse' post='1351636' date='Aug 25 2011, 07:00 PM']Thats definitely real, but the seller could have cleaned the bloody fingerboard first! [/quote] So you are saying that TBirds are not uniformly finished front and back? or is this a year of manufacture thing?

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='1351644' date='Aug 25 2011, 07:04 PM']Wonder if year of manufacture dictates rear finish?[/quote] Hmm. Could do. All I know is that I've had 3 post '95 Vintage Burst Tb's thru my fingers, and they've all been finished front and back. I was thinking about bidding on this, but then became unsure, Although the case is consistent. Wanted to arm myself with all basschatters' knowledge before asking the seller. All I hear about Gibson is that they are scrimping on things now, but not back in '91

[quote name='Wooks79' post='1320579' date='Jul 29 2011, 03:56 PM']So here is the set - Happy bunny! [/quote] Very nice indeed

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='1351606' date='Aug 25 2011, 06:23 PM']It must be 25+ years since I had a T'bird but I seem to recall that looks about right. The front was burst and the back was just a standard lacquer... saved Gibson on costs I imagine![/quote] Fair-do's if that is the case, but I've got one in my hand right now (well, not while typing) and she is finished front and back.

There is a Gibson Thunderbird up for grabs on eBay at the mo, but the pics of the sunburst front do not seem to match the plain wood finish of the rear. Have a look for yourself, and tell me what you think. [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320746988199#ht_500wt_949"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...99#ht_500wt_949[/url]

I put out a request for some spare leather to make a strap with. James sent me a bundle of the most excellent quality, and all for gratis. A thoroughly decent chap.