Musicman20

I've recently picked up a superb Les Paul Tribute, USA built, genuine Gibson pickups etc, reveal binding, good quality Gibson padded bag, nice weight and a non-painted back (THANKFULLY!) for less than £600! Ok, it's not budget, but....it's a bargain.

Cheers all!

I would go as far as saying I want these, but I wouldn't probably use them, so I've definitely stopped myself.

Those pickups and that pre-amp are so ridiculously powerful, modern and clear that I've not heard anything like it, ever. It is still Musicman-DNA but very modern.

I was up there about a month back and the whole shop is rammed full of gear. Much better than the Newcastle store. The bass section is quite impressive. Some very fine instruments and high end gear. You can see the price jumps though. Eye-watering prices for a new Ric or Musicman...

I've said this before, but the 400SMX bass head (with the huge wooden case and UV light) was a fantastic piece of gear. Once I replaced some fuses as per instructions from Trace (we are talking when I was maybe 18 years old....I got a 'last stock' deal from Electro) it never ONCE gave up. Ever. But, after Uni and then going back into bands and mini tours, I ended up almost dropping it and really injuring my hand on one late night. This was about 9 years back....I knew then I had to think about changing. Part of me wishes I had kept it. I could have just used it for big gigs when I had mates to help get the gear around. But, things move on. I don't know why they just don't release the same kind of solid state amp head, drop half the weight, drop the massive wooden box and release a modern 600W version. I guess Ashdown are the closest to that form factor. The closest I've got to the Trace tone is my Genz Shuttlemax 9.2, which is very crisp, clear and sounds very 'fast' in the mids....I love it.

Boss Katana 50/100. Job done!

Thanks all. He is very keen on a compact well engineered 2x10 and wants to try a Barefaced Retro 2x10. Amp wise, we are still looking, but I think 400-500W at 4 ohms minimum.

Well, the stores local to me are always full of people pulling the guitars off the wall, so I wouldn't in anyway pay the full asking price on those guitars, unless it was a very fine specimen. It's hit and miss. Luckily I've become a little less picky over the past few years and started to just enjoy it for what it is, but...I still wouldn't accept too many QC issues from an online retailer. Recent Les Paul Tribute from Richtone is superb....I'm surprised! Beautiful finish and feel. Sounds absolutely fantastic. Made in the USA. under £600?!?!? There are still bargains out there, but not many. I say shop online if you can. You have more rights should it not be up to standard.

I've seen online video reviews from users, so they are out in the wild. It's certainly extremely portable and I've always liked the bright punchy Trace tone, but I think they should have gone with a 500W unit and kept it around £350... I suspect a higher wattage version is in development.

I was suggesting high end cabs to a friend and it seem nowhere has them now... Any info?

Ok, so it seems around £1300 is fine. You must be able to get a quality amp head and a nice standalone cab for that....

£479. The same price as some high end delay pedals. Not bad at all!

Hey all, A friend has just informed me that his old amp head cannot be repaired. I'm not hot on new products or what is classed as good value for money really, (when it comes to bass amps). I know the usual brands like MB, Genzler, TC, etc, but not sure what people are using or buying over the past few years. He wants: - Lightweight, - 500 watts approx., - Decent cab, - Able to rehearse and gig with both and handle a C tuning without struggling. He isn't look for huge enveloping lows. Mainly rock/alternative music, with a few pedals. What would you suggest? I'd say upto £1000-1200 maximum for head and cab. Cheaper if possible. Thanks

[quote name='darkandrew' timestamp='1501277979' post='3343845'] Is the "H" pickup in the same position in a HS configuration as in a standard H or is it moved closer to the bridge to accommodate the addition of the single coil pickup in the neck position? By the way, I've got a Sterling 4H and it is indeed a wonderful thing. I also have a Spector Euro 5LX and at some point I might even consider swapping that for a Sterling 5 stringer. [/quote] Yep it sure is!!

I agree, save up and buy a 2nd hand model. I really don't think anything sounds quite like it.

£499 is decent. Tempted.

You can take the option to pickup and lay down 10%, then ask them to send it....apparently. I've never done this but they've told me this a few times. I actually don't think they should ever take full amounts on items that are not in stock for a long time.

I can also agree that if you want a Sterling 5, and you have to order, you may as well get the HS.

[quote name='Muppet' timestamp='1500993962' post='3341580'] I think you may own a large part of the UKs quota! [/quote] I've definitely got a few quirky spec Musicman instruments. However, in this climate I would not build up such a collection.

Gosh looks like I'll definitely be holding onto all of mine. Pricing has gone crazy. I'd never be able to replace them without spending about 40% more.

I specifically ordered in a Sterling 5 HS about 5 years ago, maybe less, and it's a lovely instrument. Unfortunately due to normal price rises, then excessive price rises, then the £ issue, they are no doubt around £2000 for a standard 5H now. They can definitely order you one at your spec.

Awesome! Would have lent you a GBenz NX2 212T if you needed it for a gig, but you are sorted!

If you have a 2x12 with no other option for the higher end (tweeter etc) then that is the reason for missing those frequencies, unfortunately.

Well Chase Bliss have just released a delay pedal for £499..... ....man things are expensive.