Musicman20

https://www.andertons.co.uk/p/MICROTUBES-700/bass-amp-heads/darkglass-microtubes-900-bass-head-amp Interesting...cheaper!

With technology today, no one really needs a huge amp and huge cab, including guitarists. Bassists can DI with a pedal of their choice and guitarist can move on to either super small rigs/combos or similar options to the bassist, tailored for guitars. I would never buy a large rig now...and I've had great experiences with a few bands just using a Sansamps into the PA with no IEMs.

[quote name='Opticaleye' timestamp='1474388891' post='3137609'] The Quilter uses an uprated (for bass) power module based on QSC's K series power amp. Also ok for 2.5ohm use (2ohm if not pushed to extremes). [/quote] Good point.

[quote name='Ghost_Bass' timestamp='1474380422' post='3137514'] Yep, i believe that the D800 and at least also the Magellan800 state that in their specs, both use the same (...ahem... ) ICE. [/quote] Does it appear that Genz left the minimum at 2.7 ohm/800W, and Darkglass somehow learnt how to cool the module to drive it to the extreme for 2 ohm/900w? Hmmm. It is also stretching into the realms of pretty expensive micro amps. I would have thought these types of amps would start to become a little cheaper over time, (despite inflation and Brexit) as almost everyone is now targeting the world of micro amps! At that price I'd opt for the Mesa. It could be that these are hand assembled in Finland? EDIT - It seems Andertons have these for £769 and they are $999 in the USA....so actually we get a fairly fair price here.

It also says the module is 2.5 ohms stable on the spec sheet for the ICE module.

Perhaps, as alluded to above, they will simply have a lower end Mexican Standard and a higher end Mexican manufactured 'Professional' line... I have 2 AS basses from post 2008, and they are both great. I have a Road Worn Flea Bass and a Baja Telecaster, both Mexican manufactured. Both instruments have an extremely high build quality, and I am a fussy buyer. The only let down is the gig bags, but seen as though I bought both before recent rises, (the Baja was a very good price) they are good 'value' for what they are....and I don't see them as any less compared to the AS basses I have.

[quote name='Sparky Mark' timestamp='1474319781' post='3137175'] I'm not sure that I entirely agree that the 2012 and later are any better than 2008 through 2012 American Standards. I have a few examples of these vintages and the only significant difference is the custom shop pups fitted since 2012. The standard pups that were fitted from 2008 to 2012 are slightly more modern sounding (clearer and hotter output) whilst the custom shops are warmer old school. Both sound great and I wouldn't have a problem with using either. The hardware, other than the latest machine heads have remained the same since 2008 to date. The fit and finish has been excellent since 2008 and the USA high mass bridge with through body stringing option is as good as any. The cheaper cast and BBOT bridges fitted to non USA Fenders just don't have the same build quality (probably sound just as good though). For me the most desirable Fenders are the USA standard series, not the higher specification deluxe/elite models that they have released through the years and I am sad that Fender might be ceasing production of this iconic series. [/quote] I'd say since 2008, the American Standard basses have been much better than previously. The 2012 inclusion of Custom Shop pickups was no doubt just a refresh, and in fact, the build quality and stunning cases you used to get with the American Standards tended to be focussed until 2008-until recent years. When they went back to the standard rectangle cases, that was a disappointment.

The best bet would be a new American series overhaul with more 'vintage' appointments, eg 50s/60s colours.

The Orange is much darker and grits up quickly. Very 'thick' rock tone. The Streamliner ca add grit, I real shines as sounding like a high end tube pre-amp....and will be able to offer clean pristine yet warm tones.

So essentially, it is one of their pre-amps from their pedal range (well, a combination) with a robust power section? Like the TH500....

Fretboard, Facebook groups, and strangely Gumtree! If you are in or near a city Gumtree is worth a shot. I've stopped paying to sell things.

[quote name='Opticaleye' timestamp='1474027715' post='3135087'] I think it's more to with tariffs and regulations tbh. It works the same the other way round too with European gear. I couldn't help but notice that there is a £600 difference between a Sandberg Marlowe DK in the US to the price in the UK and the Basswitch DI costs nearly £100 more over there. [/quote] Oh wow, I see. They pay a premium for products like Orange over the in USA. I think the Tiny Terror (etc) was a very fair price here, sold like mad, over there, it was almost like 'unique brit products, full tube, tiny footprint, where do I sign?' and they paid boutique prices for them.

That fretboard though! Wow.

[quote name='Opticaleye' timestamp='1474024462' post='3135028'] I remember when the Markbass LM II came out and it was the same price in dollars as in pounds and that was built in Europe! It was still a bargain compared to other 500w amps at the time. [/quote] I think due to volumes, and perhaps good old fashioned greed, it seems UK 'dealers' (really necessary in 2016?!) add a huge chunk for essentially storing stock.

[quote name='markstuk' timestamp='1474023600' post='3135014'] They don't have to prove it. You do... Also the fact you have the box/packaging folded up in your other luggage might be a clue Usually they only require you to pay the VAT and duty, but they can seize as well... [/quote] Well, we shall see. I'll probably have a go regardless. They could also ask if I'd bought my iPod over there, or a watch, in fact anything....which I may/may not have (and in this case won't have).

[quote name='Bigwan' timestamp='1474020735' post='3134970'] The nothing to declare lane makes it $629 = £476 though. Still more tempting! [/quote] Exactly. One of the 50W/100W tiny guitar heads is 2lbs!!!!

[quote name='markstuk' timestamp='1474015109' post='3134877'] All assuming you don't get stopped [/quote] True. Bought a lot of clothing and other things in the past from the USA and never had a question. Same with old handheld consoles years back. Even when I had the box with them. How would they know I'd bought it in the USA?

[quote name='markstuk' timestamp='1474012085' post='3134841'] Sure, but once you pay any local sales tax, vat and duty the numbers are not that different. And then you have warranty issues having saved 10% at best [/quote] At the size it is, fold up the box, put the amp in it's gig bag, put it in your hand luggage. Tiny piece of gear! I'm off to Florida soon and I'm going to get a few pedals and maybe one of these ridiculously small latest gen amps, but more than likely the Guitar Tone Block 201.

I've used both an Orange Dual Terror on 7W mode through their 2x12, and a Fender 68 Custom Deluxe Reverb in a bedroom situation. Strangely, despite the 2x12, the Orange is slightly easier to tame to very low levels, but both can easily be tamed. No, you will not get proper 'power' hitting the speakers to drive them properly, but it works, and it allows you to write, play with pedals, etc. If I had £300-400 now and wanted an all tube amp, I would probably look at a Fender Blues Junior....and save a little more up.

Nope.

[quote name='dood' timestamp='1473705425' post='3132452'] Why shocked? Genuine question [/quote] I'm not sure actually. I thought it would be more of a funk/fusion type of bass. I have a lot of respect for metal, despite the fact I think a lot of it now is dull and boring to play, but I think it's current math/djent super low tuned craze is one the most odd sub genres. There becomes a point where all of those computer generated kick drums/awful toned guitars just sounds unmusical. Bass just sounds like any other 2 pickup distorted bass tone. Not all of it... Pioneers in the hardcore scene like Dillinger Escape plan are different.....I always side with the punk/hardcore bands. Metal just has such a weird 'image' now....not all of it, but once you get into the metal genre, you'll become associated with it and people may ignore your basses / guitars as another metal fad. Djent is just annoying. The best metal band in the last 15-20 years is Deftones.

Great! If you don't mind me asking where did you get it from?

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1473695460' post='3132348'] Jazzes have more bottom end than a P. It's just in the wrong place :-) [/quote] True. Jazz bass, with both pickups on, seem to have a lot more deep low end, whereas a Precision has more of a thick high bass/low mid thump which is perfect for band work.