Clarky

Thanks Frank, I have already emailed them. If I don't get a timely reply, I will pick up the phone!

Thanks Frank! I will drop them an email

Cliff Burton and Mark King - to name two players from very different genres - used really light gauge strings (35-95 IIRC) and noone ever accused them of having a weak bass sound.

Like a dope, I trimmed the G of my La Bella Low Tension Flat set in order to fit my 2+2 Rick 4003. The strings didn't suit the bass and came off after 5-10 mins.... leaving me with a G that doesn't fit a regular Fender 4-in-line headstock or pretty much any popular bass other than a Rick! So does anyone know of a retailer that sells single LTF strings so that I can get an uncut G? Thank you!

Thanks @Sparky Mark. I am about to road test my ABM 500 on Saturday but am already thinking ahead about possibly upgrading if I like what I hear. My ABM 500 is an older UK made model which I picked up at a very good price on the forum (£210) and I - rightly or wrongly - think an older amp is more likely to run into issues than a new(er) one. I was also looking at the Geezer Head of Doom but am assuming the Doom control is just clever re-branding for a regular Ashdown gain control as the amp shares the same tube as the ABM 600 (its also missing the Compressor of teh ABM 600, which I know not everyone likes but what harm I say).

Out of interest, what is the difference between the ABM 600 and the previous ABM 500 (which I have recently acquired and actually puts out 575W)? Is it just the extra 2 bands of EQ sliders, as surely 25W is neither here nor there in terms of output?

Re: Zilla and tools, apparently its to do with the size of modern staple guns 🤯

This is the US company. $300 for head sleeve, $108 delivery. Add in just over 20% for import duty and you get to £400 ish. https://mooncabinets.com/products/custom-headsleeve-for-orange-terror-lunchbox-style-amps

I have been through this recently. Unfortunately Zilla Cabs, the only UK based TB500 head sleeve manufacturer, have stopped doing them (something to do with the latest tools not fitting inside the sleeve). I could only find a US manufacturer but with import duty and shipping it would have been over £400, which I am not willing to pay.

Amazon usually has them with Prime (next day) delivery. They are out of 45/105 but have 40/100 at £31 delivered, next day. Worth keeping an eye on Amazon I would say Edit: oops, missed comment above on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/DR-Strings-40-100-Handmade-Lo-Rider/dp/B0002FO8CE/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=3SPBHJQ2X34WJ&keywords=dr+nickel+lo+rider&qid=1657026274&sprefix=dr+lo+rider%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-2

My Barefaced ST and ABM500 rig

This setting works a treat (in fact I cranked the input a litttle more than you have). Many thanks! First impressions: I like the tonal range and OD (which together make it more adjustable than my Orange TB500). The fans are not as intrusive as I had been led to expect, significantly quieter than some other amps I have owned (eg Mesa). Now I just need to gig it to see if it delivers the promised H* word. *heft

Joe bought a Tech21 pedal from me and all was tip top and tickety boo, aka good!

My newbie came in a Gator rack bag, which seems very protective if a little deeper than is really necessary

Thanks gents

I just picked up an ABM 500 from the forum (uK manufactured rackmount version). Any advice for settings to get a warm-but-not-gritty overdriven sound for old school blues rock? Obviously I can play around and use my ears ... but there are so many variables in the controls, I thought I would just ask here first for a short cut! PS, on first play around the overdrive doesn't seem to drive very much at all, but it may be that I need to balance it with input and gain settings?

Couldn't find a feedback thread so let me be the first to say thanks to Alex for selling me a nice amp, exactly as described and well packed. Many thanks!

US Blues Hall of Fame inductee Wily Bo Walker plus band (with me bluffing on bass) playing an evening of blues/rock/Americana at the Lord Raglan, Wokingham. Arranged by Radio Wigwam. Free entry. We are onstage 8pm

@Merton pointed out these amps and some rather expensive handbuilt European ones a few days back. Looks v cool

Tension of 760FL (and Mustang specific version) is higher than Low Tension Flats but not hugely so. Still very easy under the left hand