JPJ

[quote name='landwomble' timestamp='1477589614' post='3163239'] TC Electronics BG250 208 and a second cab for gigs. Cheap and great. [/quote] I'll second that, although I haven't used a second cab, just DI into FOH

I used to run my Stagg EUB through a PJB Briefcase and it sounded pretty good to me, but your not going to keep up with a drummer as the PJB 5" speakers are not the most efficient. Although I no longer have an EUB, I'm using a TC BG250 2X 8" combo with my fretless for 'acoustic' gigs that I'm pretty sure would sound good with an EUB, and would be loud enough to gig with imho especially in an acoustic style gig

[quote name='Ghost_Bass' timestamp='1477395165' post='3161910'] So... the OP changed from a 500W AG500 to a 1500W SM1500 and felt more "heft"? And people are saying is due to the toroidal transformer? And the extra headroom from having 3 times the power output doesn't play a part here? In that case my class-D Shuttle 9.2 is more "heftier" then the toroidal equipped 15W TE Boxer combo i have or the 280W GK RB400iv i had... We shouldn't mix things, we all know that a 500W toroidal amp, compared to a 500W SMPS, has more sub-lows (great for those who like it, i'm very happy without a muddy stage sound) and the greater the power output of an amp more headroom is available. So what's the news about the SM1500 sounding better? Even the SM900 would beat the c**p out of the Aggie. The SM400 would be a better comparison, both in the same muscle rank, the tone would be decisive factor there. [/quote] Fair point well made. Output "volume" levels were about the same, but the SWR was more open, even, and just felt like the bass was 'breathing' better. I just wish the damn thing wasn't heavy enough to have its own gravitational field.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1477316099' post='3161332'] Of course it was always going to... the Thread title points it that way as class D is an option in many amps available today and the OP was saying his amp is the best.[/quote] I wouldn't be so bold to make that claim as there are too many amps that I haven't gigged (the only real test imho). My point was simply that I was surprised by the difference, and maybe in hindsight I shouldn't have been. I think I've posted the photo of the innards of the SM1500 before and its basically two massive toroidal transformers, hence the weight and my non-techy 'big iron' comment. [quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1477316099' post='3161332']And the SM1500 was one hell of an amp..all the SM's were upto a certain period. They don't make them like they used to [/quote] Agreed!

So here's the thing, I've been an SWR fanboi for as long as I can remember and my love affair with all things SWR peaked when I bought my SM1500. But, as perfect as she is, she is a little on the heavy side, so for the last year or so, I've been gigging an Aguilar AG500 (which my back loves). But this weekend, the Aguilar is in the shop having a new power light LED fitted, so I've had to man up and use the SWR for my two gigs and a rehearsal. Now as many of you know, the Aguilar AG is not short in the 'heft' department, but holy cow batman, the SWR is just so much 'more' of everything. I'd forgotten just how good this amp is, needless to say I'm one very happy bassist, and any thoughts of selling the SWR have been completely dismissed. Yes, the weight is an issue, but I could do with getting in shape, and I'm sure I have a 'bullworker' lying idle in the loft 😎

If the zero fret isn't doing its thing properly, is that not just a case of cutting the slots a little deeper in the nut to allow the string to 'break' over the zero fret?

A further, less than positive update. Whilst playing the bass last night, and during tuning, the G string tuning peg gave up the ghost. Basically, it appears the tuning post has sheared off the worm drive cog as the post is now freely rotating and does not turn when you turn the tuning key. I have contacted Thomann about a replacement, watch this space for updates!

A good friend of mine has had his silver Ford Transit van stolen from the North East of England along with the following equipment: Behringer X32 Compact (Flightcased) [SER#: S1305535AAP] Behringer S16 (Flightcased) [SER#: S1400464AJA] Behringer S16 (Flightcased) [SER#: S1400434AJA] Elation MIDICon (Lighting Briefcase) [SER#: 00719200013310067] Intel NUC Computer (Lighting Briefcase) [SER#: C6YK345002YX] Powerwalker Pure Sine UPS unit (Cased) Pair JBL PRX612M Speakers (w/ Covers) Can my fellow Basschatters keep their eyes peeled for this gear please? There is a £500 reward for information leading to the recovery of the gear.

[quote name='Andyjr1515' timestamp='1475421291' post='3145760'] So....am I forgiven, JPJ? [/quote] I'll let you off just this once ;-)

[quote name='Andyjr1515' timestamp='1475260701' post='3144595'] Well - for a mere king's ransom.... [/quote] I have your king, I will release him to you in exchange for a black fretless version of this bass 😉😎

In our case, I bought the PA, took an extra share of the gig money until it was paid off, and the PA is now owned by the band. The rule is if you leave the band, you forfeit your share of the PA. We're just starting into an upgrade bought and paid for on the same basis. Regarding the lugging, setting up etc. one of the guitarists owns a van, he collects me and my gear plus the PA from my house. We all help lugging it into and out of the venue and whilst I do most of the setup, I prefer it this way as I'm a bit of a perfectionist and I like to know the gear isn't being abused. Works for us, but then again we are all good friends both in and outside of the band, and there are no egos or prima donna's in the band.

So having lived with this bass for a month or so, I've started to fettle her a little to iron out a few of the niggles. This weeks task has been to shave about 2mm off the bridge which has improved the action and the playability immeasurably. One thing I've noticed is that she eats batteries (2 since I've gotten her) and I'm only using the tuner. I did try her electrically through the iRig into the iPad, but the jack socket (or the cheap jack lead I was using) was providing an unreliable connection. Could be that there is something amiss with the wiring too, so my next task will involve opening her guts up to see what is going on. Having said all of that, this is still an amazing bass for the money, and well worth spending a little time to iron out. I'm loving just picking her up and noodling away and as a tool for song learning whilst away from the main herd, she's become invaluable.

Doh and I must get better at reading....

At the rate you are progressing with this build I'd have thought Swift's were more appropriate than Swallows? Lovely work by the way, can't wait until I have time to get back to building stuff myself.

I like the look of this. I've often thought why have tone controls on the amp when I've got a full three-band eq on the bass (who hasn't cut something on the amp only to put it back on the bass?). Also, the chance to use a preamp of your own choosing, cool idea I shall be looking out to try one of these.