machinehead

I've recently discovered the D'Addario ELX220BL balanced tension strings. I like these strings so much that I've fitted them to two of my basses, a USA '75 reissue jazz and a MIM 70s classic jazz. I have a third set waiting to go on my 2008 US Precision. They just feel so lively. Bending and vibrato seem somehow easier to accomplish and overall, I think my playing is a little better due to these strings. Yummy. Frank.

It's interesting to hear a retailers point -of-view and insight on this Molan. Frank.

I've read a lot about the AER amp one & three but there seems to be little to nothing on the web about the amp two. Has anyone came across reviews or any information on the amp two? I've watched the Bass Whisperer's review of all three bottom line amps but even there, he seems to gloss over the amp two, concentrating on the amp one and three. Anyone got any pointers? Better still do any basschatters own one? Thanks. Frank.

For anyone considering buying one of these excellent combos, Thomann have them on sale for £635. That's a couple of hundred quid LESS than I paid for mine in 2008! Bargain. http://www.thomann.de/gb/markbass_mini_cmd_121p_lm3.htm Get in quick :-) Frank.

I have a Fender Rumble 15. I use it for home practice and quiet rehearsals. Great tone. It won't deliver much volume but for what it is, it's excellent. Frank

You won't regret it. I have a Midget that I bought in, I think, 2009 and I still love it and find it very very useful for pub gigs and any small to medium venue. I see in your first post that you thought the Midget might be a practice amp. No way, the volume from these with surprise you. I prefer my Compact when using only one cab but the Midget is great when space is tight and as a pair - fantastic. The only reason I would sell my barefaced cabs would be to buy the G3 barefaced cabs. Frank.

I have had a white, a black, and now a tort pickguard on my ash bodied jazz. I think the tort looks best - warm and classy. That's a lovely jazz too and I vote black over the white guard too. Frank.

I wouldn't disagree with Molan because I haven't played the 74 reissue, which is the one I that assume replaced the 75 RI. All I will say is that the finish and fittings on my 75 RI are excellent. The neck is (I know people say this all the time, but I really mean it, and I'm not trying to sell it ) the best neck I've owned or played. I have Dimarzio Ultra jazz pickups in mine and the sound is, to my ear anyway, just about as good as it gets. The build quality is up there with the well known Fender-like manufacturers. I can't imagine what the improvements will be like. So, I look forward to trying the latest Fender reissues. Although it could be an expensive experience. Frank.

Hi Danny. I can only vouch for the quality of the AVRI series. I have an AV75 jazz reissue and it's a wonderful bass. I have gigged this bass way more than any other bass I have, or still own. I've also got a MIM classic 70 jazz and it's not quite up to the feel and especially the sound of the 75 but also a great instrument. I'd recommend the classic series for a decent saving over the price of the US bass. You're welcome to try any of my basses if it helps you decide. Frank.

Agree with tha post above. The ones I have heard have boomed at fairly low volumes, sounded thin and appeared to be a bit fragile. Frank.

I have just bought and received a beautiful AER Amp Two from Chris. The deal was pleasant and went smoothly from start to finish. Chris very kindly agreed to my delivery requests and kept me informed as things went along. Definately an honest and trustworthy man, as witnessed to by many others before me. Thanks for a very pleasant transaction Chris. Frank.

I wouldn't have said this in the past but I've came to the opinion that in general you're better to buy a US Fender especially post 2008. There are no modifications required, they feel and play superbly, sound good, look good, are well finished and you get a decent case. Plus if you decide to sell they seem to hold more of their value. But having said that, I have a MIM classic 70s jazz in sunburst with blocks and bound rosewood neck and the quality is almost at US fender level. On the other hand they aren't that cheap - currently just over £700.00. I seem to remember when the 2008 US models were introduced they were priced around that level? Anyway, I'm going to recommend the MIM classic series because they are, I think, a possibly future classic. (And not because of the model name. ) Frank.

I have two amp heads. A Mesa Boogie Walkabout and a Genz Streamliner 900. When I was in your situation and wanting a backup amp, I decided to buy two different amps so that I could use either, depending on the gig. For me, I think it's a waste to own two amps the same. Why not enjoy some variety? Frank.

Used to play with Jonny Quinn, drummer with Snow Patrol. Mind you, I was a fair bit older than him. Frank.

If the LM III is like the LM II then it has two outputs. One Klippon and one dual Klippon/jack I think. Frank.

Welcome IBWT. Belfast is a good city for live music. A couple of good suggestions there from Gareth. I'll be in the John Hewitt myself tomorrow night to listen to some great playing and singing. Frank.

I have the Dimarzio Ultra jazz set in one of my jazzes. It has received more positive comments on the sound than any other bass I own. They are really quiet and sound thick and growly. Just to add to the confusion. Frank.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1400074545' post='2450468'] Doesn't seem like very much of a balance to me, so... WE NEED MORE NEGATIVITY ABOUT BAREFACED CABS TO REDRESS THE BALANCE!! [/quote] Yes, there's not nearly enough negativity about Barefaced products, so here's one of my previous posts in another thread. I hope this redresses the imbalance. I am planning to buy a third barefaced cab. Should I think again? Frank. QUOTE: "Here's the truth about BareFaced cabs: The company is owned by a guy who knows little to nothing about designing bass cabs. He uses components based on low cost rather than best performance. He offers what traditionally sells, at the expense of what offers an improved performance. He snares the foolish into buying his products by making them look pretty, even though they are average (often below average) performers. He doesn't publish his technical specifications, making it difficult to understand the product he is offering for sale. Worse still, he even exaggerates and publishes barefaced lies about his cabs performance data, all to fool the gullible into buying his products based on looks and image. If you ask for advice on buying one of his cabs, he lies to you to get a sale. The most important part of his business model is to develop a brand image so that he can position his products as a premium cost item and take advantage of the veblen effect, whilst offering products that demonstrate inferior technical performance compared to other (sometimes even more expensive) bass cabinets on the market. He simply continues to manufacture that which is selling and doesn't develop and improve his products. He markets bass loudspeaker cabinets designed to give the buyers what they traditionally expect and never attempts to push to boundaries of design and engineering. He plays it safe every time. Once you buy his product, you're on yer own mate - no returning the cab and getting your money back with [i]this[/i] company, should you not want to keep it for any reason whatsoever. You can expect absolutely no after-sales service. Frank.

Congratulaions Danny. I'd love to hear your new cab at a gig. Are you playing around Belfast much these days? Frank.

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1398729851' post='2437107'] If you're talking about the Asian "Sterling by MusicMan SUB" series... maybe. I'd say they're not too far off. The OLPs were a nice basis for a cool bass, but it needed upgrades. I was a big OLP fan, owned 4 of the things and still own one. But they needed a decent pickup at the very very least. Some were great basses, other dogs. Quite variable. If you're talking about the USA Ernie Ball MusicMan SUB series, just no. The SUB is way ahead the OLPs in every respect. [/quote] Mmmmmm. The SUB is a really great bass but I have an MM3 (5 string OLP) in cherryburst and matching cherryburst headstock as well as a US SUB. I agree that the US SUB is a higher quality bass, but the OLP is not to be sniffed at. Mine is superbly made and sounds fantastic with excellent playability. Built like a tank too. I would say to anyone thinking about buying one - go ahead. You won't be disappointed. Happy new bass acidbass. Glad you found one you like. Frank.

For what it's worth my advice would be to buy a used post 2008 US jazz and be sorted with no faffing about. No need to change anything, plus you get the superb SKB case. And if you want to sell, you get your money back. Frank.

The Compact/Midget combination is a wonderful rig. To be honest I rarely use both - it's mostly the Compact for gigs and the Midget for rehearsals and smaller pubs. My favourite is the Compact with the Mesa Walkabout head but for convenience and still no compromise on volume, the Midget and Streamliner copes very well. I'm spoiled for choice really. Enjoy the new rig. Frank.

PM me your email address and I'll send you a pdf template. Frank.