Musicman20

OK - just jumped at a full fat Helix new from Richtone for under £1k before the prices go STUPID.

Yeah, sounds like the wrong case. If it concerns you, ring them or email them. I know it's minor, but these basses are £1400!+! I don't know why retailers don't keep a VERY quick and easy database of what is where when it comes to expensive guitars and their cases/documents etc. Did you get the new Pro case?

Those ESPs are by far the best aesthetically!

I can understand a small jump, say £60-80, but £400?!

Hmmm....that is an odd one. They seem to have been officially released in Jan 2017. A year is a bit much....does it definitely say 2015? Is the handwriting clear?

If you want to buy, buy now! £400 price hike at Andertons!

Yamaha have announced huge price hikes! £400 on the Helix!

Maybe a revised model?

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.