Jazzneck

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1430494225' post='2762047'] I've no idea where they were made, but the pickups in my '63 J sounded incredible - far better than any other J I've owned. And I've owned a lot... [/quote] Same as on my Limelight Precision from Mark - exactly the same comments as WOT.

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1430560706' post='2762567'] It's my somewhat idiosyncratic Red Iron custom, with mods by Champ Electronics. 2x6SL7 in the pre and 2xKT88s in the power. It has a lovely core tone, pretty clean but smooth and gritty when you dig in. Filthy and creamy when driven by a hot bassy signal. I made the case myself, TBH it photographs nicely but is a tad shonky in the flesh ☺ It's not being used much at the moment as my current band requires mega clean with lots of headroom, but will come out again as soon as something rockier/blusier comes along. [/quote] That head looks great and a tad familiar - PM is on its way.

[quote name='Beer of the Bass' timestamp='1430561272' post='2762572'] I wonder how they were running a pair of KT88 to get a 40 watt rated amp out of them. Most instrument amps seem focussed on wringing all the available output out of the valves, so was this more of a conservative, hi-fi sort of design? This could be interesting... [/quote] Interesting point. Tony, Mr. Elgen, designed and built the amp and I was the guinea pig. I used it in anger at High Wycombe Town Hall where, in a three piece band, I only needed to set the volume at about 1.5. I commented that it was bl**dy loud for only 40Watts. A few days later Tony set up a Marshall 100W on his 'scope and calibrated said 'scope to show 100W of Marshall clean, just on the point of distortion. Against this calibration the Elgen showed iro 135Wish clean, just on the point of distortion. Interesting, eh? I don't know how he did it but it was one hell of an amp. [quote name='bertbass' timestamp='1430567751' post='2762684'] I remember Elgen very well. Went to their factory to buy a 100w valve P.A. amp and it was superb. I always wanted an Elgen bass amp but could never afford it. [/quote] It was a great little business with some fascinating characters working there making some really good kit. Was Tony still charging £1/watt in your day? In 1968, a 100W head would have cost the equivalent of £1623.60 in today's money. My take home pay then was £5/10/6 a week equivalent to £89.70 per week today.

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1430553629' post='2762479'] Look forward to seejng this. I have a 100w 2xKT88 head which sounds glorious - nothing quite like it ☺ [/quote] Just out of interest, what is your 2 x KT88 head?

See below - I screwed up again.

Long story short. I have downsized to an Orange BT500 and RetroTwo10 which satisfies more than my needs. However, I still keep bleating to all and sundry that the best bass amp I ever had was the ELGEN 40W prototype head running on a pair of KT88s - this was in 1968. My eldest son has thrown in the towel and is out to prove the point , one way or the other. He is going to build me as close to a facsimile as my memory, my surviving ELGEN 100W head and the few photos I have will allow. The ELGEN was run through a Vox T60 cab, the new one will run through the RetroTwo10. What we have discovered is that the old Marshall built Park 75 head is remarkably similar to my old ELGEN 40W - there may be a story there, too. The project will take a few months to complete. I'll keep you informed.......

[quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1430472398' post='2761690'] It depends on the 2x10 in question & how good it is at moving air. If you stick the 2x10 horizontally on the floor, then you're not gonna get much going to your ears. [/quote] I beg to differ if we talk about Barefaced cabs. I swapped my Ampeg 4x10 HLF Classic for a Barefaced RetroTwo10 mainly to save my back but I have also found: i) The Barefaced moves as much, if not more air than the HLF. ii) Something in the design of the Barefaced makes for an omnidirectional cab. I have found that it makes no difference to[b] my shot ears[/b] (and punters who have commented) on whether the cab is set horizontally or vertically. Just [u]feel[/u] the bass, man.

Set opener "I Saw Her Standing There" first two bars.. Guitar 1 in the key of D Me on bass in the key of C Guitar 2 in the key of A Drummer in hysterics shouting "Far out jazz, man!" I didn't get any kudos for pointing to the set list where it quite clearly stated it was in C. The punters thought it was great. However, I digress, I've dropped bigger and worse bass doo doos throughout my career than I care to admit to.

Yes, the whole thing is fascinating and it's great to see a lovely colour pic. of the man with a P bass.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1430388872' post='2760876'] And why would they? Rock 'n' Roll wasn't about technical ability or sound quality, it was about the visceral joy of primal rhythms and abandoning oneself to them, preferably groping a bird with giant bangers while being off your head on floor polish, or something. The means of production and the drugs may have changed, but the basic premise is the same. [/quote] Those were the days - stockings, suspenders and Babycham for the wimmin; Woobines, Mild and Bitter, Y-fronts for the lads. Hofner Professional Bass, a Selmer combo jobbie and off we jolly well went. What fun we had pushing the Dormobile van home after the gig. Did we care? Did we Farc!

Only in America...... http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-32520921

2x12" and 2x15" with crossovers. Like 2 x Vox T60 cabs in one lightweight box.

[quote name='funky8884' timestamp='1430313480' post='2760147'] Take up Alex's offer ! [/quote] +10000 Talk to Alex.... I spoke with Alex in his factory with my own bass in my hand. He listened to what I wanted, plugged me into two different cabs to try loud. Within 1 minute I made the decision to buy a Two10Retro and placed the order immediately. Best decision, rig wise, I've ever made.

I'm not bad, the stick is only there as help after a lot of continuous walking, but it does come in handy if I go into "Grumpy Ol' Git mode" as well.

[quote name='thebrig' timestamp='1430308599' post='2760066'] Thanks Jazzneck, but it's the MIA version I'm after. [/quote] No problem sir, and I wish you the best of luck in your search.

[quote name='thebrig' timestamp='1430229659' post='2759210'] The annoying thing for me is, I am actually searching for a 60th Anniversary Precision which is how I came across it, and I would have gone for it had it not been trashed!!! [/quote] I've got a MIM 60th. Anniversary Precision in nearly new condition cheaper than this if you're interested, but it looks like a post 1958 with the big scratchplate with the knobs on it.

[quote name='Tuco' timestamp='1430305577' post='2760004'] I'm still traumatised from a drunk woman hitching her skirt up and sitting on my lap pre-gig! Much to the amusement of my wife!!! We went down well in front of a packed house but the shock! the horror!!!! [/quote] This sounds good..... Can you get our band a gig there, please?

Jack Bruce - and read this first..... [attachment=190770:download.jpg]

[quote name='Count Bassy' timestamp='1430216865' post='2758974'] I think you'll be disappointed. I don't know who's playing at the RHA that night, but Clapton is playing at the RAH!. [/quote] Thanks for the warning, Count. I would have made myself look even more stupid than you think I am.

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1430220162' post='2759037'] No smileys in your post so I can't tell if you are being ironic.... I really hope you are? [/quote] 'Course I'm being ironic (at this stage). If I was serious I would call in a full Apache strike with flechettes and hellfires, so they better not push their luck.

No, coz that's one I can't stand.

[quote name='verb' timestamp='1430205403' post='2758798'] Have you considered a pea shooter for those neerdowells out of arm/stick range? [/quote] Yes, and after testing various systems I have decided to attach an underslung RPG launcher to my walking stick for this eventuality.

At my age, I would appear for the audition in smart casual clothes. Open neck shirt, pressed trousers, plain socks, polished shoes and a jacket. Oh, and clean underwear, just like my Mum told me, in case I was involved in an accident whilst I was out and about. and as JTUK says, if I get the gig then dress code is discussed.

I Hereby Give Due Warning. I am going to see Eric Clapton at the RHA on Thursday 21st. May 2015. I will be taking my walking stick as I'm getting a bit doddery on my pins. Anyone who attempts to film any part of the concert on their mobile phone, tablet or any other recording device which results in a lit screen being in my line of sight to the stage can expect a very hard belt round the back of the head from my stick. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

Yup!