BassBod

The Retro 800 is essentially the Trace idea, (12 band eq) built into a modern micro amp form. It works fine, and you can get anything you want from the eq...but not really the "signature" response that a lot of makers build into their preamp designs. I've also still got a TE MkIV GP11 preamp, and that too essentially has no sound of its own, as long as you ignore the pre-shape "slap switch". Its just eq, and you use it as you want. Nothing outdated about it, except the bulk 19" rack format and a bit of circuit hiss...but its also got a very effective noise gate built in, and a proper transformer DI. Its a very well designed professional unit. Now, what people did with them, thats another thing entirely....

Mark Gooday is a busy chap - I'm sure he's explored all the opportunities!

Interested to hear how the PJB/Alembic combination works out for you - I'd expect smiles all round.....

My "new Trace" is the Retroglide 800 from Ashdown (owned by Mr Gooday, who was a long time owner of TE) Hasn't got the slap switch, but its small, light, powerful and has a 12 band graphic...nothing else. Its a really nice little amp. Very different to every other amp they currently sell...but I guess they couldn't resist?

Check with MarkBass, but I do remember a very clear statement from them, to the effect that they are not easily modified from one regional spec to another...so it may be a new transformer, rather than a jumper/tap change.

Rob Burns put a photo on FBook a few weeks ago- pretty sure he toured with one. If I get a chance I'll have a trawl back.

There was an early 80's Trace cab, which had a 12"/15"/18" in a column..but no idea if it had a name - think it was from the Soundwave PA days.

I think his normal method is to fix a phono socket into the mould, and you then make up a phono plug to jack socket wire, and fix it somewhere on the tail piece. I'm guessing a jack socket is too big to easily fit into the moulded body. Also, jack sockets have springs that wear out...not good in a moulded pickup housing?

One other thing - and this applies to all of them. With piezo pickups and mics, the sound reduces in "energy" as you go up the dusty end...but with magnetics as the strings get close to the pickup...they all tend to get louder. Not surprising when you look at the geometry, but its worth thinking about.

I've tried the Schaller (yuck, it rattled) and Kent Armstrong (good, but dark...like a giant Fender) and the best was an old Pierre Joseph String Charger. Looks very Wallace and Grommet, but its a single coil with a more open sound, attaches using strong velcro and the coil can moved around a bit to balance up the sound. I bought it used on here, but they sold me some extra mounting bits (posted form USA) with no hassle. It did fall off once, so the velcro isn't fool proof (you have to make sure its really locked into place). Look it up? They've made them for a long time, so I guess there are used ones around.

The PJB BigHead is very good - well worth the cash if you will be using headphones regularly. The PJB headphones are also very good, but there are many others that work well for less. Many of the modern small ampheads also work without speakers, and have headphone outputs, but they are often hissy and a bit of an afterthought...I'd rather use the BigHead for its sound quality.

Used them yesterday for a very noisy blues bash. I wasn't expecting much - they appear to be a solid piece of metal, with a rubber earpiece...no sign of any filter etc. They worked very well, a lot of volume reduction but enough definition to know what was going on. Fine for two hours or so, but like earbud headphones, I think extended wearing could get a bit uncomfortable. Pretty good so far, but not replacements for the proper moulds.

They are a slightly peculiar screw - very similar to a normal fender bridge/strap pin mounting screw, but with a slightly smaller head, that fits into the back of the strap button exactly (has a squared edge). They are also very soft and its easy to strip out the head if you haven't drilled quite deep enough. Trust me. Despite this, still my favourite by far...

Yep, I've had one for a while...its really good. Clean sounds only but very good quality. My only issue is you can't use it as DAC from your iPhone (using the lightening connector) because it starts to draw power and charge itself from the phone...or at lease thats what your phone tells you!

There's a few here in Brizzle and around - watch out it gets expensive if you look about the For Sales too long...

Looks like a lot of fun....Rob Allen and Mo Clifton basses in one room....

Looks like 4pm at the Town Hall for me...didn't know there was a Town Hall...

Will do....think I'm playing on the Sat afternoon, be good to meet a few more BassChatters. Fancy a few mins banter about flatwounds, anyone?

Made by Elvic...now called Neutronics, in Essex. Worth a Google search and phone call...