BassBod

I can understand why the RL units don't use phantom power - this was explained to me by a fantastic tech a few years ago, something like the (up to 48v) voltage of phantom looks fine, but the amps (i.e. power) are very limited. The phantom system was intended to charge condenser mic diaphragms, and nothing else really. The DI boxes that run from it often have "clever ways" of working off limited juice...I don't think Steve Rabe was interested in that approach, he wanted clean headroom and quiet circuits. Having said that, my trusty Sansamp has run off phantom for years without ever behaving badly, although its always got a battery in it as well, and I've never run a high level (line) signal into it.

Well, I like option 3....but with battery clips for connection, rather than the mini jack???

Keep us updated? I've got a RL DI box, and am probably acquiring a red blender box soon, so I've got a keen interest in how this works out. Funny thing is, from what I remember from that Talkbass post, even though it works fine, the original poster still seems pretty unsure of exactly why it works?? I've always used batteries with my DI - they last a long time and I don't use it too often. But from what I've read, the issue with the RL stuff is really the mini jack plug connection - that can short out the supply quite easily if its connected/pulled with the power on.

Daf - there is a Talk*ass post that recently showed how to do this with a Raven Labs unit - but I'm too stupid to do the link. It was using two outputs from a T Rex Fuel Tank power supply and a "custom" cable to provide the mini jack connection. Have a read..then show it to your theatre tech? [attachment=110255:PMBPScable.jpg]

I've had a few built (Clifton)..done a course (Shuker) owned a few (Wal, Manson, Jaydee, Zoot, Bravewood/Steed) and played loads of the others (Overwater, Goodfellow). They are all different, but mostly great instruments. Its all about personal needs/wants - so I'd have to say play everything you can get your hands on..try and notice things like pickups choices, circuits, set up and strings..then see what floats your boat after a few months. You could also set up a UK makers themed bass-bash...heheheh. Now that would be fun!

I used an identical one for a few years (early 90's). Nice amp, great quality sound but not very loud - but it will drive an extension cab very well. Heavy because its built into an open fronted flight case and has a fan you can't turn off (but its not very loud). The Volt speakers are fantastic, and well beyond the spec most contemporaries used.

Well, I'm very tempted - my attempts at arco over the years have been truly terrible. My wife thought the boiler was dead when she heard my first efforts. I'm in France for the next few days, but then back to Brizzle..lets see if I've got any cash left when I get back

Thanks for posting that. Reminds me a lot of the older Bill Merchant Vertical EUB from the 80's - I love the idea of a small hollow body, so the top can move.

My take is the odds of hassle increase as the size of the community increases....people feel less committed if they are not often "in conversation" with a bunch of people /avatars they recognise. Most of use will value our reputation, and try to behave as we do in the real world......and some will act like knobs and treat potential transactions as ebay gaming...and not care about the other party. And some people are just knobs in the real world too. Look for the clues, ask for feedback here or elsewhere etc (although some people apparantly find this offensive!) and if you're not comfortable...move away. Use the feedback on here, it could save hassle for another member..even if its no help to you after the event. I get bugged when people don't reply to messages, or decide against buying things after being very keen etc etc but its just part of life on the inter web. I've still had many successful deals, and got some great stuff I would never have found any other way.

Returning it for a refund is the first thing...but if its a bass you really like.... First thing to try is getting the old nut off...finding the thread size and get a new one. Chances are WD/StewMac etc will have a replacement nut, or a luthier could find something to get the job done. If you're lucky its just been caused by a muppet using the wrong sized tool, and the rod will work properly again once its adjustable. Take a deep breath, leave it a few days - good chance it can be sorted out. I know its a real pain (I've got one similar waiting to be sorted!) but its not impossible.

It may not be the most original music or concept, but I'd happily buy the DVD just to enjoy the music and the effort and knowledge that went into writing and producing it. I'd hate to think how many phone calls etc it took just to make that date happen! I have an enormous respect for what LC has achieved in his playing and music - so please pass the message on. I'd love to have seen the Ronnie's gigs, but this will do nicely for now. Thanks again for the post.

Fantastic - any idea where this was from? Looks like a "good budget" production, and they resisted the urge to wear suits. Great to hear him play fretless again...that is a good way to start my day - thanks.

I really don't see any reason to do it..........unless the food is spectacular (and you just know.....it'll probably get forgotten on the day, man) You have better things to do, believe me.

Very nice indeeeeed! and you kept Whitlam off the bongos......

Sorry..life got in the way yesterday - I guess you've made your own comparison by now! The only "silent" headphone send I've experienced is the PJB CUB...but thats a very limited amp (with a weird high pitch whistle thru the speakers!?). I've also got a great Cafe Walter headphone amp, and even that has some background hiss..but nothing that gets in the way. Have you considered re-furbing the old 200MB? I liked the MB150's I had, but really do prefer the warmer sound of the 200MB - much more musical to my old ears.

[attachment=107511:IMG_0105.JPG] Oh yes...I got my current 200MB a few months ago...and the speaker surround fell apart after about a month of gigging. Speaker itself was fine, just the foam around the edge was rotted and perished. Got a new speaker from Thomann, had someone good put it in for me (too fiddly!) and give the amp section a health check at the same time. The original speaker is going to be re-edged and I'll keep it as a spare. I'm really pleased with the sound - nicer than the two MB150E's I've had before (and stupidly sold). It will rattle a bit when pushed, but I've never heard it on a gig. Now I'll go find those headphones.....

Actually, I've now got a '91 200MB. I've not used the headphone output, so I'll try it later and see if there is any hiss.

My 150E did the same, and also hissed when you switched the limiter on? I think its a "characteristic" of the design, rather than a fault. Mine was a mid 90's version, not recent one btw.

[quote name='brensabre79' timestamp='1336561299' post='1647422'] Or just put it on a chair / beer crate / amp stand to raise it up a bit.. [/quote] Never works for me, makes the mid range too prominent...I like the earth to move, just a little bit .

Yep - I use one a lot, with an EA Micro. Works very well in all but the really noisy situations (big marquees full of drunks etc) but there is always the DI option if there is a PA. For really small gigs I still use an old GK micro combo, but simply for the small size. The EA/BF combination is very effective, and can cover a wide range of gigs, provided you can work with the "neutral" tone of the amp. I only borrowed a Compact for a few days, so I've never heard them side by side....but I would say the Compact has a deeper sound, but is that much bigger...more like an old 15" combo. The Midget is small (not GK tiny) but has more mid range and this becomes more pronounced as you push the volume up. Not unpleasant, but a bit barky? The other thing I would add is its hard to appreciate just how good the Midget sounds when you are standing in front of it and its blasting your knees. I try and keep it a few feet away when I can, and usually I enjoy the sound a lot more.

[quote name='warwickhunt' timestamp='1336385683' post='1644672'] Alternatively what you saw was a VERY rare item... The first Thumb basses were designed to be headless and there were a few made! However, if it was simply snapped off, then fair does. [/quote] Snapped off..leaving exposed truss rod. I really wanted to pull it off the wall and see if it had better balance, but I couldn't bring myself to be that geeky. And the beer was too distracting.

I saw a Warwick Thumb on the wall in a German club...but it had lost its headstock, so was probably dead before it got nailed. A sad sight.