Musicman20

[quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1341907623' post='1725800'] All good stuff then. Thanks again. Another question about watts/driving cabs/headroom etc - I currently use a TC Electronic Classic 450, which I like a lot. Volume-wise I have never had to play beyond 11 o'clock into 4ohms so feel I have all the power I need with that kind of head. With regard to driving the cabs with a more powerful amp, would there be any advantages/disadvantages in getting, say, the Shuttle 9.2 model but playing at lower volume setting on the amp, as opposed to a 6.2 which I am sure would be perfectly loud enough for my puroses? [/quote] It would just, IME, give you more 'clean' headroom before the clever limiting kicks in and makes it sound like a more traditional tube amp being pushed.

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1341874159' post='1725639'] IMO and IME it's a step up, but there's still daylight between it and an amp with a lump'o'iron in it. [/quote] Sonically, there might be something in it. But, I've been fiddling with my Orange AD200b and comparing it to the Max 9.2 and Streamliner 900. The heft from the micros is VERY impressive. It'll never obviously be as tubey as a proper tube amp, but its close. I know what you mean though...I just love the fact they are so easy to move! The Orange weighs a lot.

[quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1341866475' post='1725457'] What does the Shuttle .2 bring to the party that the original lacks? [/quote] More ommph, better gain on tap, the filter buttons are less extreme (in a good way) and basically an improvement on the tone when you push it hard, (3DPM).

I think you've got the list of strong contenders Clarky. I'd go for the Shuttle 9.2 or the MB800...if you don't mind a little larger, the Streamliner 900. IMO and IME the latest Genz gear is a massive step up in Class D micro amps.

I WANT MINE TO ARRIVE!!!!

I'm the same way with Stingrays and anything Musicman to be honest. I love the RIC shape of the 4003 but I didn't get on with the neck. I won't give up though!

Mesa seem, IMO, a bit stubborn, but they can get away with it because they make amps with great tone. What the world needs is a slightly more powerful Walkabout, with the same pre, a similar power but higher (eg 500-600W), with speakons and a switchable pre/post EQ with a separate DI level. It'd be £1500+, but it would sell.

I'd personally probably take the more boring 8x10 or 4x12 route (x2) by Aguilar as long as someone is moving them.

One thing IS for sure, Tech 21 have the 'Ampeg/tube drive in a pedal/DI' side of the market covered very well. I imagine its very hard to compete with their quality and durability, and more importantly, the TONE, with anything else. I have sold so many BDDI's for them just by showing them to fellow bassists who have seen me going direct. Yesterday I spent a few good hours with the VT Pedal and I am still floored by how good it is. It makes me want the Deluxe version but I'm quite happy with what I've got.

Get a Shuttle 9.2 or GK MB800 and use the VT pedal. Cheaper and lighter!

They are really missing a big market.

It is, in my limited experience with the 9.0 non-Max, a MASSIVE jump in versatility, output and the grit on the Tube channel is brilliant (all the way from a bit of grit to full on grind). The non max 9.2 is probably a fairer comparison but again the EQ, filter flexibility and two channels makes the 9.2 Max a winner, plus it comes with a very well made heavy duty foot switch. Earlier on I had my iPhone going through the aux for music, VT pedal into the input, I was driving the tube channel input gain hard and it was not even warm after 3 hours. Stupidly light as well.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1341676510' post='1722658'] Is there a way I can run my 3.0 through my 6.0 and miss out the valve? [/quote] Yep, pretty sure you can. You can use the 'poweramp' of the 6.0 on its own and Im sure that misses out the tube and the EQ, so you can use the 3.0 EQ section. I think the instructions may have the information on this. As an update, today I got to use the Tech 21 VT Bass pedal with the Max 9.2. The pedal is fantastic. Absolutely amazing tone from such a small pedal. Its like having an Ampeg but not having to own one or cart it about, (and it wont shut down ;P ) Going from the FET to the FET with the pedal made me realise again just how CLEANNNN the FET channel is. It is so clear and clean it is unreal. No colour at all. I could almost get the TUBE channel to grit to a level the VT Bass could but it wasn't as coloured or 'Ampeg' as the VT, obviously. But, it proves how versatile the Max 9.2 really is.

[quote name='Killerfridge' timestamp='1341742197' post='1723316'] Like this? I love my Bongo! [/quote] Yessss

Great band.

[quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1341596463' post='1721667'] I did like Ed Friedlands demo of it. Sounds great! [/quote]

[quote name='dood' timestamp='1341597325' post='1721689'] Great reading! I look forward to getting to hear one of these and a Streamliner eventually. I have to say, after reviewing the MB800 for iGuitar Mag, I was sold without wanting to wait it out for the GB's. I have to say it really surprised me how good it sounded. However, I think you're probably right when it comes to flexibility. The Shuttle has a wider EQ selection for different tones and flexibility, that's for sure. The GK has 'that sound' about it and I'm not sure what the 'flat' settings of the EQ are yet. I have to say that I was won over also by it being 1u high! it sits nicely in a rack case with my distortion preamp etc! Volume wise, like the Shuttle, I reckon they are both stupidly loud Thank you for the review! [/quote] I'd still like an MB800, its a total killer package! Thanks, feel free to move to reviews eventually. I'd like to do a video comparison to the Streamliner at some point.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1341596662' post='1721673'] You know what I think I prefer the FET on my 3.0 to the tube on my 6.0 [/quote] I agree the FET channel has a really crisp sheen tone. Its brilliant for something like a Musicman which has so much character that you want to keep the bass as it is.

[quote name='cloudburst' timestamp='1341593051' post='1721607'] I did own a StingRay for a while in the late 80s. Prefer the feel of the Bongo in every way. But that's not to say I don't like StingRays. I do. Just I'm starting to think the Bongo is a bit of a well kept secret. CB [/quote] Plus 1

[quote name='51m0n' timestamp='1341591558' post='1721566'] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/99358-lh500-%26gt%3B-super-twelve-vs-mb-sa450-%26gt%3B-bergantino-ae410-comparison/page__hl__super%20twelve%20berg%20ae410"]http://basschat.co.u...%20berg%20ae410[/url] May give some clues? Against an ae410 I grant you, but still interesting I hope? [/quote] Did you end up getting a BF cab then?

Personally out of all neck profiles, I find they go in this order of preference for me: Stingray/Sterling/Bongo P Bass J Bass J bass necks are a little too skinny for me, but I love the sound and aesthestics of a Jazz. Warwick 5 string necks are at the bottom. Euggh.

[quote name='silddx' timestamp='1341589885' post='1721529'] You'd go off it in 17 weeks and sell it. You have been seduced by a picture. What happens when you see a four string fretted one in the same finish? You sell the fretless five to a BCer, take a £500 hit, and skint yerself. Again. You're a knob. Just like I used to be [/quote] Hahah, I do this as well, but I give myself a 'cooling off' period now and try to be sensible. It works as well. Pictures can sell instruments very well...

Orange Bass Terror 500 Genz Streamliner 600 or 900 Genz Shuttle 6.2 or 9.2 The TC RH750 amp is probably too much for what you are after (lots of features you might not need) Hartke LH500 Markbass LM3 with a VT Pedal Aguilar TH500 ...lots and LOTS of choice.