three

Thanks Fretmeister, I'd agree that the scope is usually an important arbiter - I can definitely hear the distortion but nothing appears on the scope. I've tried all the permutations - different preamps, different cabs, leads, different tone settings on amps and bass but still it's there. I'm getting to the point of selling for spares or repair - I'd love to have the amp fixed - the techs have commented on what a brilliant, over-engineered amp it is but I don't really want to throw any more money at it.

I'd have concurred with the Status Hotwire flats - lovely strings and those that I've had have the black silks

I've had a Warwick Hellborg pre and power rig for around 18 months (bought on here). The pre is outrageously good, as is the power amp when it works properly. In my opinion, the power amp introduces some distortion behind each note - it's not a massive amount but to me it's there. I've had this at two of the top amp gurus in the North West and both say there isn't any distortion. Indeed, on a scope, there's no visible distortion whatsoever. I've spent a fair amount of cash on getting this sorted but to no avail. I've even been told that my bass settings (mid scooped but with a lot of bass and bridge pickup favoured) could be part of the issue. I don't buy the latter as it doesn't seem to be a problem with other amps. I know that the Hellborg principles are a little unusual - transformer in the power amp output - but any advice on what might be introducing distortion would be very welcome. I've tried various pres into the power amp and various basses and cabs and to me, the distortion is always present. Any advice too on a brilliant tech near Manchester that might deal with SS amps would be helpful (I've tried two of the big names in the ongoing list but the results haven't been great). Any opinions or advice are very welcome - I'm coming to the end of my patience with this!

Lovely facing - Alembic really do manage to source some of the world's most beautiful timbers! I'm sure you'll appreciate too the care that goes into the build of every Alembic - the attention to detail is astonishing - lovely to behold and to play!

Just completed a transaction with Benoit on an Overwater. The bass is beautiful - exactly as described (essentially new) and was packed brilliantly and shipped very rapidly. Communications throughout were superb and all information re: tracking was provided within an hour of despatch (pictures of the packing process were a bonus but raise confidence). It was a three-way deal in the end - this can be a cause of some nervousness but Benoit's orchestration was superb. I'd highly recommend as a very trustworthy member of the BC community.

I don’t think that’s an xlr, it’s the socket for the Alembic cable to the DS5. This will carry power to the bass (lights and actice circuit) and signal back to amp/FoH. Phil P - what an outsatanding bass - looks like 13 piece wings - unusual and beautiful cocobolo (if that’s what it is - I’m on a phone). On topic again, I’m not a fan of front of board lights but Alembic will supply pretty much any configuration and I’ve not had any problem with unevenness. The little silver circles that surround side of board lights are a lovely and very subtle touch

I've had them in a couple of Alembics but only really use the side markers - very useful (IMO) for finding your way around in dimly lit setttings (including studios, rehearsal rooms and on stage). I'm not a massive fan of LEDs in the front of the board, though yours Dood are extremely tasteful (testament to what can be achieved with some creative thought). I have laser lights on the face of an Alembic - these really are super-bright and need power from the DS5 - it's not a bass that I spec'd and don't use them. I too think that they're over the top. The bass itself is outrageously good - a tone like no other (SII). The lights in the board add nothing for me.

Another vote for the Bass Gallery - I've been a regular customer for many years (though tend to work less in London now so don't have so much chance to visit). Unparalleled expertise, genuinely lovely people and an amazing selection of instruments and amps. Martin is a genuine genius - I would trust him with basses that I wouldn't let others touch. Wunjos too - always a friendly welcome and knowledgeable staff in an otherwise rather grim part of the city - some of the other shops on Denmark St don't really shine

I've been using - and I've been very impressed with - a Bergantino B Amp. Very/increasingly flexible, around 800w, will go down to 2 and 2.7ohms. Fully parametric eq, studio quality DI, VR compression, cab profiles (if you use Bergs but good with others), very nicely designed and great build, presets/memory function, very punchy and very loud (if you need that). Light too at around 6.5lbs. Not the cheapest option but an extremely impressive amp in all respects (IMO)

A big old Trace Elliot (iv-Series 6) and trouser the remaining £700?

I’ve had expensive and poor results with two of the leading amp techs in Manchester - this with extremely high-end ss gear - real studio quality kit. Roland wouldn’t touch it (valve only). I’m now at a loss and looking outside the city. Good luck to the op with this.

Recently sold an AER Amp One to Chris - what a lovely guy - met in Birmingham for the handover. Chris was extremely flexible and accommodating and I could have talked for hours. Everything in perfect order - payment entirely straightforward and immediate. Deal in complete confidence - one of BC's finest

great deal with Mark recently on a Bergantino - excellent communications and highly flexible/helpful. Item exactly as described - great packing and delivery perfectly on-time. Deal in confidence

Sold a big, heavy old Trace Elliot MkIV to Dan - really easy deal with great communications. Really good to chat too. Extremely trustworthy and reliable - deal in confidence