King Tut

Yesterday i picked up a lovely AH250 GP12 SMX. This prompted me to do some research and found some info that related to one of my other Trace heads - an AH300 GP7 SM that I picked up off here some years ago. I've used it a few times, no problems, bags of power and not too heavy. Apparently, some of these amps have a power amp called the 'Bipolar Bear' - easy to spot as it's written on the board and has two big heatsinks that are easy to spot. Apparently this board can be troublesome and as well as being prone to failure, it can also take your speaker out in the process. I was gonna sell this amp but I'm reluctant to pass a potential problem on to someone else, or to risk my own speakers - particularly my Barefaced Big Baby! So - questions - there's a fix know as the Clive Button Mod which should have been applied when they went back to Trace for servicing (who does that?!). Is there an easy way to tell if this mod has been done to my amp? Could I assume that if my amp hasn't failed by now, it's not likely too and it's safe to use/sell on? I'm reluctant to spend a fortune on the thing as it doesn't hold a huge amount of value as it is, and i have plenty of other amps . . . . . . decisions, decisions. Anyone have any thoughts?

Yeah that looks like the kiddy. I'd be surprised if he got $266 for it. Trouble is with this one, the vinyl is all peeling on the back. Not very well done! Thanks for your help!

I picked this up as part of a deal on an SMX AH250 head. I don't want the cab so looking to move it on. It's a Trace 1x15 that's been covered in orange vinyl to match the previous owner's Orange head. Allegedly used to belong to Toploader's bass player. A thing of beauty it is not. No horn, two jacks and xlr's on the back. Anyone know which model it is?

I'm not using mine at the moment as goi g for a warmer more old school sound, but they are fabulous amps and extremely loud!

Opened proceedings at Giants of Rock, Minehead with Stray yesterday. Nice friendly stage crew and a fabulous crowd. Used my Bugera Veyron Tube again and loved it. Decent monitor mix and a great craic afterwards. Was a bit disappointed with Hawkind, who were one of my old all time favourite bands but loved The Quireboys - first time I've seen them.

Have a look at the Mahogany bodied Sires - I think they're the V3. They come in pretty light apparently.

Stray bass here. No, no info other than what's been touted on the Facebook page. Looking forward to opening on Saturday on Reds. We were actually offered the closing slot on Sunday when Gun pulled out but that made it awkward for a couple of our members. Really looking forward to watching Hawkwind, just a shame they're a direct clash with Diamond Head who I used to quite like back in the day.

Agree - I think on the ABM's the gain alters the tone.

Provided much mirth in our band!

Thanks Merton. The sub harmonic generator wasn't switched in but the deep switch was. I've messed about at home with the pre and found I could drive it a bit harder than I was before it clips. I won't be using it on Saturday but will prob take it to a couple of dates on our Feb tour to see how I get on!

Surprised no comments on this - anyone got any thoughts - particularly on the volume?

Despite the power rating claims - and that's been done to death elsewhere, make no mistake that these are bloody loud amps. I'm using mine regularly with Stray who aren't exactly a quiet bunch of shrinking violets, and the volume on tap is ample.

I'm happy!

600. It's 220, 600 and 2.5 khz on the valve one. And I'm already pushing the mids a bit on my VT Bass pedal. It obviously depends what you're aiming for. I'm looking for a big old school overdriven valve amp sound without the faff!

Tube

Just used mine at rehearsal and wound the mids up full with the selector in the middle position. Sounded bloody fab. Next trip out for it will be Giants of Rock next Saturday.

Got a Sire V9 4 string waiting for me to get home from work. Today's gonna drag!!

Beautiful. My first bass was one of these and if I can find a decent o e at the right price I'll snap it up!

Yeah thursday night - tickets in advance or on the door. Wow, would be glad to welcome a basschat posse!

Thanks Al. Funny abut the recording, a guy called Alex Cohen (Alex Humbug) approached us at the gig and asked if he could record it. His hobby is recording/collecting/trading live band recordings. He set up at the back of the room with a pair of mics into a portable recorder and did his stuff. Our keyboard player sprinkled some magic dust on it afterwards and voila!. We're co-headling The Garage with Ken Pustelnik's Groundhogs on 12 March!

Here's Stray at The 100 Club with 'I Believe It'. Bass isn't very clear in the mix but I'm using a Bugera Veyron T

Love the maple board!

Tempted even though I've got a valve one!

Love mine!