Eljay

I found the SpectraSonic at Musician's Friend, an on-line retailer here. It had been lingering in the warehouse for sometime. Bought it on faith, and could not be happier. It has a Danelectro type vibe, and the chambering kills! It came w/out a case, and I ranted at them, because it needs one and will not fit any generic case. Fender owns Gretsch, talked with them- They still had some cases available, but I needed to provide them with the Serial # of the instrument! They REQUIRE that to "release" the product. Tt came (at no charge as I had already paid for it), and the rest is history. I had a Thunderjet model that I sold, couldn't handle the "Space-Age" floating bridge. The G6145 has a more traditional bridge fitted, Really really like this Bass, not too many players woudl know of it. Again- well Done!

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1342630566' post='1738313'] The post title says "MAY" win a prize - I assumed from the outset that it was just a jokey title & that there was no prize, I certainly didn't provide the answer in the hope of winning anything. I am VERY surprised that anybody would have thought for a second that this was an actual competition. Cut the guy some slack. [/quote] Thank you form California USA for showing me that SOME can get it. And Rhys, if I could I would HAPPILY get you a strap. Originally about the kewl Gretsch, once answered moved on... Crikey! (is that a correct vernacular rejoinder??)

Yes, you totally missed out. You MISSED that it was all in good fun, and that I think those straps are kool, and thought some might like seeing pics of what I think is a nice product. Have you an issue with that? Is there a problem?? Do you REALLY think I'm trying to SELL something or get free advertising on this board?? Are you nuts?? Greedy, suspicious, insecure people think like that I guess, and can't see what good cheer is. I can, so Cheers and cheerio to your ridiculous theory! Holy Stratford-Upon-Avon! I totally dug the people I met in Britain, from the maid at the Hotel in Bath, to the Old Folks in Devonshire, to the hipsters in London- But some of youse guys here on this Forum.... Wow wow wow. Don't make me do Lexingon/Concord on you bad-attitude Brits; there's too many Goodfellows here, I trust!!! here- Here's a pic of a strap I had custom-made by a guy in Texas- It has my initials so I won't ever sell it of course. The Shamrock on it was a homage to my trip/visit to Ireland (I'm not Irish. alas) Get it???? See I like straps, that's about it, and I'm lucky enuff to work as a rep for a made-in-usa not china strap company that has a heritage. Yes they're distributed in England, am I trying to get you to buy one??? PLEASE! I could care less, thought someone might chime in "Nice!" Just as the Spectra-Sonic is NICE! that ain't for sale either. Here's another one, made for me by a great gal in Australia, Chantal. The deal with that- THAT is a Native American "Katchina", the Eagle Dancer Spirit. Concept was it FLIES over BS rather than engage it. Those Injuns knew wassup, huh??? Kewl Huh?? Jeesh.

All good. Time Gents. My Father (RIP) was stationed for training near Wiltshire, Salisbury during WWII, just before he left for D-Day I later visited there (Stonehenge! ) and saw how the flat territory was used to replicate battle etc. Now: He told me later that during a fierce battle somewhere in France, they were hooked up with an English Artillery Unit that was providing fire for their Infantry- All of a sudden their shelling stopped... He worked his way back to them, and said "Keep Firing!!!" They told him: "Just a minute, Mate- TeaTime!" He swore it was true! He also told me that they briefly joined with some English Special Forces, nd that they were without doubt, the most robust, well-trained, and toughest SOB's he had ever encountered in the Military!! Mebbe I better watch what I say huh? So- back to Bass Amps- Useless to go on and on. If this amp is rubbish, you have been warned! Works for me, sounds like I croaked and went to Valve-Sound Heaven, my discussions of a limited technical nature with henry before, during, and after the build convinced me he is an expert at what he does, and does so with a passion. Lastly- These amps are not sold, they are built-to-order, so it's not like a store is going to snake-oil sell these to an interested player. Honestly, I considered E-Mailing Henry, because I guarantee that he would have a few choice things to say in a technical manner, about his build philosophy and design. But let it rest. It would just open a can of worms. I love this amp, think it's beauttiful, wanted to post it because I like looking at different rigs, like Cornford, which are never seen in the States, that's it. No agenda, no motive. Etiquette- "Assessing" is appropriate, tone is important as well for those who give a damn about such stuff. I personally would not post under the Gent who was happy about his new American Standard J-Bass "Bah, Fenders are low-QC, blah-blah-blah." (I dig Fenders btw) But- It's all good. Cheers.

If I could REACH through the Internet, and push these straps through, they would be awarded as a Prize! I think we have a UK Distributor, but that's not my turf!! Cheers!

Thanks! On the way to a local pub; I can't remember the small town we were headed to, after driving through miles and miles (kilometers I suppose!) of incredibly serene and beautiful countryside, the light rain cleared up and there was a HUGE rainbow over this lush green countryside, probably one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen. At that time, and after several pints of hard cider, another treat I discovered, I considered standing up in the Pub and declaring: "Hear Ye! I now announce my self an official Resident of this Town!! Where do I put my stuff, and what time is Lunch tomorrow?" A small truck passed thru, (lorrie?) that was rush hour. Now I realize it's a bit more hectic in London, but then again, London was w/out doubt, the kewlest city I have ever been to, and I been around! The mixture of old/new, traditional culture with a World Blend of everything kept me in a state of shock and Bliss. Everything was awesome, Everybody was interesting! Absolutely loved the UK. I'm looking into a 2-Week booking of my R&B Project with an agency here. Once, I played with an ensemble that came thisclose to a 12-city tour, being an opening act for UB40, including playing in NOTTINGHAM!! and ending in Wembley Stadium. Shame; never happened!! I KNOW there's an audience for some phat & Funky on-the-edge Urban R&B from USA over there, thers's some very appropriate venues too. Lots of details to iron out, but that would be the BOMB! I told Dani about the London pub where the Waitress had me try (6) types of hard cider before she would let me order... Wow. Gotta get back.

[i]You use a Jaguar amp and cab, well done. Is that what you were after? [/i] Oh yes, that's it~ Actually- Nope, just wanted to show to the UK something they may not have seen B4. Look at the bright side: It gave you an outlet for your pent-up frustrations! You are right; right you are! This amp, this [i]Jaguar 200[/i] is a true piece of...how is it said? sh*te? All these years have I been deluded into thinking it performed and sounded well, but now that you've proferred your opinion, I know better! Here, let me get El-Lay on ya': DUDE! Chill! (surf's up!) The amp is aw-sum! Fer shizzle! [i]I shall shout it in every post![/i] (Not really) LOL, I'm glad you have your days to "assess" a wide variety of criteria. I plan on booking a tour or Ireland and England, hopefully in the not-too-distant future. You will then have the opportunity to listen to Dani G.; my Girl and my Vocalist, sing some isley Brothers tunes that are so deep-pocket you'll need hip-boots my friend. I prolly won't bring the Jag of course, but when you hear her perform "Utterly Beloved" by the Neville Brothers, (from "Valence Street")... [i] You can assess THAT!!!![/i] G'day, or night, whichever! My work here in this thread is done!!!

[b]Well Done![/b] Wow, that was fast, and accurate! That SpectraSonic (Mine, btw ) was made in the Terada Japan factory as designated by the "T" Serial number. They're discontinued of course, have been for awhile. TV Jones has his current SpectraSonic guitars made offshore; he keeps talking about a Bass, but nuthin' yet. What a Killer bass it is! Great build quality, the Thundertrons are excellent, and a chambered bass like this THUMPS like a champ. You Win! Game Over! If I could send overseas one of the awesome straps that I rep for, I would, but for now- My respect for your knowledge. I've posted on the Gretsch Forum as well, and the Hamer Monaco is one helluva bass too!

Okay ma bruthas in the UK- Let me now see if there are some eagle-eyed Bass Identifiers in Merry Olde England et al... First on who can correctly identify the bass pictured WITH it's Model Number- (That is necessary!) wins the title of Something-or-the other; I'll see what I can come up with... Oh, and extra points if you can tell me the specs and pickups- Ready... GO.

[i]I really cant be bothered to argue with you about this. Oli gave a legitimate opinion based on the description given. You asked for opinions and he gave it. No reason to go ultra defensive and ask him to take it elsewhere, where you yourself invited opinions in the first place.[/i] Ho-kay then don't Yes; he gave HIS opinion, then I OPINED on that opinion. So we're tied! [i]Also Jerome Preston is the bass player for Maceo Parker. Surely must know him considering you posted that video? [/i] Now I remember searching the nest for who played on that track from "Funk Overload" by Maceo, as well as checking out a few things he (Jerome) did, which actually I didn't like as much as that particular track.. But nonetheless- WHAT does that have to do with Oli taking aim at Jaguar Amps? Do they use the term [size=4][b]BuzzKill [/b][/size]in the UK? He certainly is entitled to a "evaluation" based on whatever background he might have as an amp builder or whatever. BUT- BUT- [i]just how useful do you think you contribution is going to be to other people? [/i] [u][b]THIS useful:[/b][/u] I am the owner/operator of the Jaguar 200 since '09- I've had it on tour with me, played it on stage in New Orleans, Natchez MS, Atlanta, Corpus Christi, Key West, Orlando, Galveston, Charleston SC,, Phoenix AZ, Tempe AZ, Salt Lake City---- I'm tired thinking about it. Never re-tubed, not one iota of less than stellar performance, and I actually had a patron in Covington Louisiana with his date- come in to the gig and say "We heard that BASS from outside and needed to check it out!" Yeh, really, it happened. I love this amp,, I am no engineer, do not want to be. The components, tube selection, wiring, drivers,[i] Rough Blonde Tolex[/i], rock the house. That's all I got AND That's all I need. Feel free to offer varying opinions, I shall now adjust my mid-range frequency!

[i]Chances are (And your probably aware) no one has likely played one here. So all we have to go on is specs on the site. And Oli knows what he is talking about. [/i] Ummm that's why I posted about it??? What is wrong with the specs on the site?? [font="Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular"]- 200 watts (class AB)[/font] [font="Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular"]- 3-12AX7, 4 fan-cooled KT88s - SIngle channel with active and passive inputs - Master volume - 3 position midrange tone selector, push-pull bass and brite boost - 4x10 Celestion Truvox 1020 speakers, tuned port enclosure - Head dimensions: 20"W x 10"H x 11 1/2"D; Weight: 50lbs. - Cabinet dimensions: 24"W x 24"H x 19"D; Weight: 78lbs.[/font] I personally would put my live performance with this rig over dry specs, which seem just fine to me, Thanks. Jeesh. And let Oli take his opinions and differences in build philosophy up with the builder, considering he's not heard of/seen Jaguar before, and his recommendation to a "sludge-driven rig" makes me wonder... And Oh BTW- I think Henry Clift knows what he's talking about too. Otherwise, he'd probably be OOB, eh?

[i]I can't actually make much sense of your previous post.[/i] Try then re-reading it one sentence at a time. Take your time, no rush. Let's take another turn: I can't see any value in arguing YOUR opinion of how the Jaguar Amps are wired, constructed, and of what components they use. I'm certain that the builder, Henry, would love to take issues with your appraisal of his work. Maybe not, he might be very busy building amps and running his business. I've stated that the Jaguar 200 is a ridiculously beautiful sounding, toneful amplifier. Of course for [b]my[/b] purposes- For whom else??? I'd never loan my equipment out! Even to a good friend! I then stated that your recommendation of Dunwich amps-which I have seen before- touts a sludge/doom/saturated and fuzzy voicing.THAT (ugh) would never work for me, and the type of music I play, and my attack, my basses, my entire approach to playing the bass guitar. Other bass players may have different goals, and quite obviously play in different ensembles, projects, etc. Some of the users of the Model 200 are listed with videos on the Jaguar website, not my thang either, but obviously the 200 floats their boat as well. I posted my amp here because I'm thrilled with it's sound, it's performance, it's value as a tool for my work as a musician, etc. Other posters here in this thread apparently think a 200-Watt 4xKT88 Circuit would work well, and think that the aesthetic of the amp is superb, as do I. You OTOH, seem to challenge it's construction, wiring, components, and overall design philosophy and approach. I'm new here, I would imagine you have a history of such challenges and are highly-opinionated, as am I, towards MY gear. I don't know who Jerome Preston is (I could google I suppose) and why him "playing your old BC Rich" has any bearing whatsoever on the original post- about a GREAT amp. That's how I see it. Now- Is that a tad more clear? No???? Shame!

[quote name='Rick's Fine '52' timestamp='1342558127' post='1737153'] Nice, is that a maple-cap neck P? Good story too. [/quote] Thanks, it's a skunk-stripe maple neck, maple board- not sure of the radius, but it has a 1 1/2" width at the nut, interesting for a P-Bass now that I think about it. Always sounds tight and low, the way a P-Bass should!

Are the Schroeder cabs available in the UK? I'm loving my PL212. 12" Drivers are the best of all worlds IMO, and the Punchline series uses Eye-talian made BNC drivers which sound superb. http://www.schroedercabinets.com/ Light as a feather (38 lbs); mine's in Rhino WHITE, which is eye-catching as well as ear-splitting!

[i]I really wanted the burst Bongo but the UK doesn't seem to get involved with the Ltd instruments quite so much. [/i] Really? Surprised, that's a shame; they should.Think they will have the roasted necks as well. [i]That's nice Eljay. A man with taste.[/i] Certainly is a killer bass, I think the Mahogany adds some deep resonance, all the better with the awesome Bongo eq. EBMM had the taste to [i]build[/i] this beaut, I just got up early enough to [i]buy[/i] it when they offered it and a few other one-offs for sale at the BASSPLAYER LIVe event held a few years back!

Here's mine. Mahogany with a BE Maple neck, one of 2 built (The other is an H-S and belongs to Dave LaRue) They soon will be shipping the Sunburst 'Hog Bongos as a PDN offering from MM. How, you ask, does an HH Mahogany Bongo sound? Haha. Very nice, thangu.!

Sure, yeah, OK whatever you like. I could forward your analysis to Henry, it would be interesting to hear his "rebuttal" as it were. See; he's run a well-regarded and succesfull Company for some time now, works his butt of to assure high-regard for his gear, and seems to have the credentials. The bulk of his line is highly reviewed, praised by and for guitarists, his 200 is the only bass-specific model in his line-up. What would he say? Dunno,, don't care. I'm a Bassist, not an audio enginner or designer. I HAVE (obviosuly) played thru the 200, and couldn't be more pleased with it's tone. Now this: [size=3][font=Georgia, serif][size=5][size=6]Specs:[/size] This amp was designed for heavy, saturated, fuzzy doom/sludge/stoner tone. [/size][/font][/size] From your link- NOTHING- I mean NO THING could be a less desireable sonic goal for me. For others, wunderbar, along with it's apparent non carbon comp resisitors, etc. "Heavy, saturated, doom etc etc." Uh, no- I actually play a little bit more in-the-pocket groove-style melodic and tight, not that I don't allow for many other styles, to each their zone. But that- NEXT! Sorry, I haven't been here long at all, I don't know your field. And whether you would play a Jaguar 200 and /or dissect it literally or figuratively, no matter what your findings- I'm happy, and would not want a rig made by mfr. whose sonic goal would [i]ever [/i]include "sludge" among it's attributes. Are U serious??!!!! Then sludge on! See it all equals out in the end, no? Actually, Yes it does. Observe: [b][font="Arial"][size="4"]Maceo Parker: Do You love Me[/size][/font][/b] [b][font="Arial"][url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0OAKh87plc"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0OAKh87plc[/url][/font][/b] Cheers.

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' timestamp='1342548554' post='1736972'] Better off getting something domestic. Point to point, or turret board layout, mutually exclusive things, from the blurry gut shot, it is turret. And carbon comp resistors don't last, they are problematic, age sensitive components that absorb water over time and make bad noises, pretty much responsible for the random bands and high noise floor of the Sound City 120 mkivs I have loads of, I replace them with metal film. Looks like its a Fender pre with switchable mids rather than an Ampeg, from the simple component layout and not many valves. Ampegs have a complicated pre with a two band pre followed by a separate mid control circuit. For nicely wired US made amps, check out [url="http://dunwichamps.com/Home_Page.php"]http://dunwichamps.com/Home_Page.php[/url] mostly pics are on the Stonerrocklives forum, since that is his hangout. But we have plenty of good amp builders here in the UK. [/quote] There are plenty of good amp builders everywhere I imagine-I've seen/heard/played amps from the UK, US, Czechoslavakia (or whhatever it's called now!) Italy, Russia, etc. I bought the 200 in 2009, and it's seen a LOT of gig/stage time. A lot. The carbon comp resistors haven't given me any problems that you mention. I wasn't suggesting ANYONE other than in the US buy or even consider this unit; ( I think he has a Dealer in the Netherlands, not the point. Lots of good choice for amps, this IS ONE OF THEM. Amazing sound, hand-built, the owner is a call away; he delivered the unit to me to save me from paying freight- Why not PLAY THROUGH and really examine a rig before you pass some kind of judgement based on a "blurry gut shot" and your interpretation of his build specs. I bet the Builder could chime in here and engage on a technical level; I won't and don't care to. If this rig was/is not to your liking- That is fine. Here's my Arsenal: TecAmp Puma 500 w/ Genz-Benz Neox 210 ThunderFunk 750A w/ Bergantino HS-410 AER Amp One Ampeg B15R GK MB Fusion w/ Schroeder PL212 Mesa Boogie "Buster" 210 Wedge and last not least Jaguar 200/Matching 410 The list of rigs I've owned in the past- V4BH, Hellborg System, etc etc. would take way too long to list. The Jaguar 200 is at the top of the food chain; leastwise for my requirements and sonic tastes. ANd not a whimper from it in over 3 years.....

LOL There are some V-Dubs that [i]MOVE[/i], but then again-Nothing quite like a [i][b]Jaguar[/b][/i] automobile, especially the classic XKE's... I was considering for a long while having a valve amp built for me; I had in mind something that would reproduce the classic tube sounds of a B15, but with higher-power and more headroom as well as the presence and mid-focus definition that is uprfront for the Bass Guitar in contemporary "pop" music. I always liked KT88's as well. Contacted several builders, had some really neat ideas, then I saw this rig on exhibit at NAMM, he builds mostly high-end well-regarded guitar amps. But he's a bassist, who used his lab to try & recreate the classic SVT Blueline tone. I think his circuit and his matching up w/ 410 Celestions is better- Not as cumbersome as a 'Fridge combo, actually very ergonomic for a 200-watt tube amp-And it has PLENTY of power and range. Nice touches with the "phat" and "bright" pulls, and a 3-way midrange freq choice, but ya know- VOL BASS TREBLE is about all that's needed with a well-tuned rig like this. Gets a lot of attention on stage too, wherein 90% of rigs are basic black. Still better heard then seen tho>

[quote name='Icunningham' timestamp='1342477064' post='1735999'] just got myself an american standard jazz bass. This thing is seriously awesome, will get pictures up as soon as i finish work tomorrow, its a lovely charcoal frost metallic colour with a rosewood fretboard. pictures soon to follow [/quote] Wow, Charcoal Frost is over-the-top!!! Congrats, the name FENDER still has what we call here in the New World: MOJO, cannot hardly go wrong. Must be a beaut I'm sure!

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1342542957' post='1736887'] I like it, now. [/quote] LOL, Yes; EVERY bassist should be close to something in [i][b]Rough Blonde[/b][/i] during performance!

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1342524715' post='1736476'] That's a lovely looking rig. [/quote] Thanks! I asked him to use "Rough Blonde" tolex rather than basic black --- Partly because of the descriptive nature of the color! He outsources the head and speaker box'es of course, but they do fine work. Looks Good I think, Sounds like HEAVEN! (Must be the tubes...I mean VALVES!

The Slant Series are SUCH amazing intsruments. [url="http://www.stevensguitars.com/models/slant4/"]http://www.stevensgu.../models/slant4/[/url] Michael Stevens work is immaculate, the feel of the neck, the fretwork, pure genius. He's considered a Father-Figure here in the States by a lot of other Master-Builders. Mostly guitars, but of course his Basses are awesome- Makes them in 5-6 stringers too, as well as a set-neck. He also designed the Fender Roscoe Beck Model for Roscoe, and this is his continuation; with the dpdt switches "hidden" etc. Very unique way of string-ferruling, done to keep an angular and taut pull on the strings. Just another design element, that along with the no-nonsense bridge, keeps this instrument amazing. He's not cheap, but people pay that and more for "other" basses that do not have the attention to detail that he offers. There's sdme very good pics on his Facebook page as well. [i]the slant looks like a jazz bass made by someone who actually wanted a warwick dolphin [/i] I dunno, I have a Thumb, IMO the Stevens and 'Wicks are different builds entirely. I dig the Dolphin Bass, would love to own/play one, but as soon as I saw pics of the Slant and read about Michaels. work, I placed my order!

1969 P-Bass. Story: Found this at a prominent Vintage Dealer in Los Angeles, Norm's Rare Guitars. First I picked up/played an all-original 60's something J-Bass, with it'shang-tags, case, etc. as new. Cost: US $!0K- as I was reminded by Uncle Norman! ("Unless you're gonna buy it, Put it down!") So I did. THEN- Saw this P-Bass, beat all to He**, [b]spray-painted![/b] Matte Black w/ multiple dings; pup shot, bridge rusted, weird aftermarket tuners, everything needed restoration. But the neck! THE NECK! Best I ever felt. Paid US $400. Took to Eric's Guitar Shop (If you visit and need work on your axe-none better)- Duncan 1/4-punder, BAII Bridge, new tuners, p/g, string retainer, re-fret, neck sanded w/ light tung-oil, then off to Wilkins (does finish for Sadowsky, Lakland, etc) to have the spray paint removed, and left natural 40+ year old alder. A Player-Player-Player Bass, I have some other amazing basses inc. passive and active...But THIS!!! Is a P-Bass! Blimey! (Is that the correct expression?? I was gonna say Oh, SH*** it rawks so bad!. Either Way: Sorry for the inferior pic, but- May I introduce:

Thanks Gents, for all. Sorry about the 4th of July & all! (Sometimes, considering all things, we MIGHT have been a lot better off having Parliament run this Country! ) The UK for me was/is da bomb! From the hippest stuff in London to thatched-roof cottages (for real!) in the country-Too Kewl. REAL fish/chips, and the spirit of the people I met was the BEST by far in all of Europe that I toured! (close tie w/Ireland ). I'll watch my spelling and remember to use the boot, not the trunk- Gear- I've got some pieces that are INSANE! I'll post my '69 P-Bass in the proper category, already put my JAGUAR 200 in "Amps", My Stevens and Trussart in "Basses " . Here's my Henman-Bevalaqua B4 and my Blonde ASAT for an appetizer: Cheers to all~