RandomBass

Im beginning to think i may need to try another MiBass 550. I had one briefly but it didn't stand up to the ABM... maybe i should revisit...

[quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1338027956' post='1668787'] Dont worry, it's the awesomeness indicator. [/quote] That probably explains why my lamp is so dim, or not glowing at all Cheers Geoff

[quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1338027956' post='1668787'] Dont worry, it's the awesomeness indicator. [/quote] That probably explains why my lamp is so dim, or not glowing at all Cheers Geoff

yeah cheers for that Raggy. Also read something from an Ashdown endorser on TB. He was impressed with it too. Along with the MiBass, if i remember correctly. Cheers Geoff

Has anyone had a play through one of these new ABMs yet? Just curious about how the Class D output stage fares compared to the ABM500. Cheers Geoff

This is indeed an interesting debate. I've been comparing my OTB and ABM over the past few months - and it's made me really experiment with the ABM much more than I have done before. What I can say is that the OTB is such a good, simple, solution. I wouldn't say it is tonally lacking - however, it is EQ challenged. I can get a scooped sound, a mid sound or a bright sound, but there's not a lot of variation between these really. It is of course well known for it's volume levels - and through my single BF Compact it really does show this off. A 500W amp weighing 5kg into an 8 Ohm cab weighing 12kg, that can handle it? Yes please. However the ABM has so much more - including weight lol. I have never once struggled with volume through the ABM. With the input gain set properly, and a bit of EQ where you need it, and my ABM is definitely more than enough for anything I'm going to need on stage, anywhere. Anything more will be DI, thank you very much. Oh yes, the ABM DI is far superior to that of the OTB. I'm probably the only human being that doesn't find the ABM compressor to be rubbish. I've considered it to be lacking in the past, but some recent messing about has resulted in me using it all the time now: and with it set correctly, I don't get a drop in volume, nor does it mess up my tone. I'm still mulling over these two. They are quite polar opposites in their design and execution. Simplicity vs complexity, weight, and versatility. On paper, I'd say the OTB wins the day. But practical use of both says that the ABM is far superior for my needs. IMHO, YMMV and erm any other FLA.... Cheers Geoff

Comparing the stock 12AX7 valves with AT7s, for me the latter make the OTB a much more useful amp. Significantly more clean headroom and adjustability, and a less hot DI (although I use a 20dB attentuator with it). I can get a mid-scooped tone (not for me though), a deep heavy bassy tone, a bright clangy tone and something in the middle which tends to suit me 99% of the time. The grit is still available, but I just need to turn the gain up past 1 oclock to get it, instead of about 9 oclock with the stock valves. However, I'm not sure it can replace my ABM500 - infinitely more versatile tonally, just as loud, far better DI, tuner out, decent effects loop (the OTB is horrid, although I tend not to use loops), footswitch and so on. The obvious downside is that the ABM is more or less three times the weight of the OTB (14kg vs 5kg according to the specs). And the twin fans on my ABM are quieter than the single fan of the OTB, although its a moot point when gigging. Cheers Geoff

[quote name='Johnnyc' timestamp='1337327877' post='1658031'] I reckon that would make an epic lightweight, ridiculously loud rig! [/quote] Well I use one with a Compact, and yes, it is! Cheers Geoff

Out of interest my Evo 3 is UK made.

Out of interest my Evo 3 is UK made.

I also think it's just the compressor too. And here in East Sussex, the Jury is out on it. Sometimes I think it works fine - other times I just don't like it at all. All very strange! Cheers Geoff

[quote name='icastle' timestamp='1336605093' post='1648471'] It takes a lot of skill to be able to create that sound... [/quote] I manage to make that sound most Friday or Saturday evenings in front of an appreciative crowd, so I must be skilled...

Hi I've gigged with just a Midget or just a Compact. The Midget is more mid-rangey than the Compact, and I personally prefer the all round sonic ability of the Compact (which is all I use now, with an Orange Terror Bass). However, the low end can be brought back into the Midget with some appropriate EQ on the amp, and it will probably be more than loud enough for your needs. Cheers Geoff

Positive experiences at Bonners in Eastbourne. Never used them for mail order, only personal visits. Very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff. The only downside is the state of my bank balance afterwards Cheers Geoff

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1336419425' post='1645424'] Call me a philistine, but VVT every time (and all ramped up 100%). P [/quote] Ditto, with everything on 11 Cheers Geoff

[quote name='crez5150' timestamp='1336223532' post='1642739'] Geoff can you send me a quick pm and I'll add your name to the list as a reviewer. [/quote] Done! Cheers Geoff

What a brilliant idea. I've been mulling over a smaller lighter combo option for a while and the 120 would be right up my street (been looking at the Roland 120 XL recently). I hope this idea of yours works as well as I think it could - I'd love to review something like that, especially in a gig situation. Cheers Geoff

[quote name='BRANCINI' timestamp='1336132152' post='1641326'] Thought this was goint to be a thread about a Peter Green/Fleetwood Mac number. [/quote] Lol very funny

Apologies that the first response doesn't help one jot, but couldn't help notice your sig. I also have a TB and a Compact: how does the VT Bass work for you with this setup? I've been eyeing up the deluxe version, but probably wont have the chance to try one before buying. Your experiences would be welcome reading... Apologies for de-railing your original question so soon! Cheers Geoff

I had an Amber SR700 for a year or so. Beautiful piece of work, very well built, superb setup and oozed quality. However I eventually began to struggle with the very slim neck - I started suffering cramp in my left hand after extended playing, and it took me ages to realise it was the neck causing this. I'd never had the problem with other (thicker necked) instruments, and now I play J and P type basses without problem. I'd still recommend an SR to anyone though - just make sure you get on with the neck. Cheers Geoff

I'd be very interested to hear your views on the MBE once you've had a chance to give it a good workout, especially gigs. Cheers Geoff

I'd definitely give it another shot with a quality cab. I dabbled with a PF500 for a while, and through my BF Compact it sounded really very good indeed. In fact, I'm not quite sure why I don't still have it lol. and such a tempting price... Cheers Geoff