machinehead

What model of cheap Peavey 4x10 was it Dave? Frank.

100 watt 1x12 combo for guitar seems like far too much power to me? Even 15 to 22 watts 1x12 is deafening. I agree with the recommendations above on the 500 w Fender combo. They are excellent gigging combos. Frank.

The 2/3 piece acoustic band is certainly on the increase in the greater Belfast and Co. Down areas. Some of the musicians I play with are involved in some of them, and yes, it does tend to exclude bass players. Frank.

The Reidmar 750 is an excellent and flexible amp and very LOUD. It seems better value than the competition too. Frank.

I have gigged the Quilter with both a single one10 and a pair of one10s. It's a different vibe to the 12" Barefaced cabs but I like them both, depending on the gig. If I was forced to choose, the BB2 is my favourite. Frank.

I was in the same situation here in Belfast. I went for the Quilter and don't regret it one bit. It's my regular gigging amp, with a GK MB200 as back-up. The Quilter has seemingly endless power, a great solid low-end, but not sparkling highs, although that's not what I need. I use mine mostly with a Barefaced BB2 and it's superb. For tonights gig I'll use it with a Super Midget and just add two notches to the bass - perfect. It's a simple but effective gigging amp, with few frills but still never feels wanting. I hope you enjoy yours. I paid £620.00 for mine last year. Frank.

The Quilter BB800 is a simple and basic, but very effective gigging amp. And at a great price - and getting cheaper it seems since Thomann are selling them. All good. I love mine. Frank.

I'm really tempted by these. It would replace the Fender 51 reissue that I gave to my son a few years ago. I always loved how that one sounded and played. Can anyone chip in regarding the weight of these beauties? Frank.

That's a really, really interesting video. Thank you Phil. Frank.

It will be fine if the ship voltage is 120V. Check the ships domestic socket voltage first though. The frequency on a ship is 60 Hz, land-based frequency is 50Hz in most of the world, but 60 Hz in USA. The effect of the higher frequency is similar to a higher voltage. It's a small frequency difference though, so you should be fine, especially if your power supply is made in America. (USA equipment will be designed for 60Hz.) Frank.

Wonderful playing - both the bass and the drummer. I really enjoyed that. Frank.

You could just cover the Markbass steel grills with speaker cloth of your choice. It'd be far cheaper than changing cabs - unless you're looking for an excuse to change? Frank.

That's almost useless without information on the pickup selection/blend and tone settings. As well as strings used. Frank.

I started on guitar in 1969 and gigged on guitar until about 1985. The bass player in the band I was in couldn't make a gig. The singer asked me to play bass for one gig. It was the best thing I ever did. After that gig I never ever played guitar on stage again. That was in 1985. I've played bass ever since. But it's been a great advantage being able to read a guitarist's chords - especially for unrehearsed deps gigs and for jams. Frank.

That's a very cool pic. Frank.

Don't believe what you read from manufacturers. All lead acid batteries will die very quickly if regularly fully discharged. And yes, including the ones sold as "leisure batteries". (Proper traction batteries excepted, but they cost around £800+ so not even considered here.) Car starting batteries can die after as few as 30 full discharges on the cheaper ones. @Jumanji Even that battery you bought shouldn't be discharged more than circa 50% for a longer life. It will die very quickly if you flatten it on each use. Frank.

If you connect two batteries in parallel (as you're suggesting) the battery with the higher voltage will try charge the battery with the lower voltage, as well as powering your amp. Not a good idea if you want to conserve power for busking. It would be better to disconnect the discharged battery and connect the charged one in its place. Also, for long battery life, don't discharge your batteries under about 50%, or about 12.4 volts, (depending on the type of battery - check makers figures). Frank.

I'd say both would be the same ie. cabs connected in parallel. Frank.

My opinion? If you can afford it, keep as many as you enjoy owning. If the time comes when finances get tight, or you want/need to put the money into something else, sell the ones you like the least. Frank.

I know what you mean. I was young once and knew everything. Now I'm old (60) and know feck all. And to make matters even worse, I've noticed myself becoming dumb, aggressive and intolerant. And smelling of wee too. Frank.

I'm definately tempted by one of those. I could accompany my two grandsons on the ukeleles I bought them for Christmas. Frank.

This is something we (one of my bands) actively promote ourselves as- the good-time band that get the punters dancing and drinking. We recognise that that's our job and that it's what we're getting paid for. Frank.

An electric shaver works well. I'm not joking. Frank.

I get slightly nervous, but it always settles after one or two songs however... Last night I was absolutely bricking it. We had Eric Bell, (guitarist and founder member of Thin Lizzy for younger members. ), joining us. I settled after the first song and by the time he decided to do Whiskey in the Jar, I was OK. And for the record, he was a pleasure to play with. Humble, friendly, funny, and what a guitar player! Frank.