BassBod

Give it some time, and try out in different circumstances. I've got the same with two great bits of gear - Alembic F2B preamp and SWR Goliath II cab. Both are great..but used together you get a double mid scoop at low volumes that sounds lifeless and hollow. Turn things up to gig volume and it improves, add a bit of "eq defeat" knob turning and it really all works wonderfully. I find a lot of modern cabs are much more responsive through the upper mids, whereas older cabs (or those "voiced" that way) seem to have the upper mids toned down. Just think about the old Trace slap switch - it was a mid removal really?

I'll be awaiting some details on the Acme cab...but for starters, how much hassle was it importing direct from Acme? And how do the "extras" work out these days (carriage, import taxes etc)?

Is the B10 the one with the spike? If so, its got a lot more in common with an upright (heavily built, thicker top) than most acoustic bass guitars. Must be fun! The other option is putting a magnetic pickup in. I've never tried, but I have seen it done in some very loud settings. Trouble is, it starts turning into a normal bass guitar sound.

From my experiences....I'd say that sounds just right. They can work in very, very quiet settings but generally howl with very little provocation. I think its the thin and resonant top. My Martin is better, but only because its a thin body (so has even less acoustic volume!). If you want useable volume I think you have to go the Turner Renaissance/ Rob Allen route - these are electric instruments, but built to sound "acoustic" when amplified. Good one for trying though.....I loved the Eko I had about 15 years ago.

I'd have to go for carbon dating. Actually...I'd have three or four basses made by the Fender Custom shop vintage master-elves...or whatever they call themselves now. And I'd drink the change.

wouldn't touch it....all original can be such an interesting phrase these days.

Thanks Alex - that last comment explains about 20 years of faffing around with bass cabs.

An 8" Barefaced....hmm that's got me interested!

Non T Midget for me (bass guitar and EUB) - been using it since last year, and not missed the tweeter yet.

From memory, it was first designed to be headless...and then re-designed with a headstock. I know which version I'd play!

Sorry to be the voice of doom..but I had a lovely 98 Thumb (may even be the same one, if you got it here). There was really no cure for the neck dive/weight issue..its part and parcel of the design. A good wide strap, with a rough suede backing helps a lot, but I could never get comfortable with it. Hope you have better luck!

So...not really a happy ending. Thanks for keeping us informed. I guess his customer service is never going to improve much (lets hope his neck construction does!).

So you've sold the Ken Smith and the Wal then?

I've always found J types work best for fretless - EMG's are very good, especially near the bridge (but not too close!). I wouldn't worry about a circuit - see how it comes out, and add one later if it needs it?

I did this a few years ago - EMGs and an Aguilar 2 band circuit. It was an improvement..but still kept the original "sound" to a large extent. If I did it again I'd go radical and put some old style DiMarzios in with the same Aguilar circuit for something a bit more passive/aggressive! In the end I moved the bass on - It just wasn't "warm" sounding enough for me.

You've got to watch that Wes - he's quick with the belt sander........

Well, what a result! I'm very impressed with the Kolstein - I'm assuming they are pricey? I'm doing up a Zeller at the moment with the intention of "going acoustic whenver practical" .....but that's got me thinking!

Orchid electronics - a bit over your budget, but very good DI's (and popular with folkies!). Also think about the muting version - again more expensive, but the muting option is very useful for tuning and unplugging.

Looks like they ran out scratchplates.....but still had Pro bass circuits to use up....