geofio

Hi BassAdder60,   I actually managed to speak to one of the tech guys at Dark glass, He said they did replace any amps with failures , so at least they did that without argument, I must say these amps sound incredible and for recording taking the direct output via XLR sounds fantastic and it is the effected sound , what I like is, the sound is track ready , you just have to amplify that sound via software on the track EQ etc to bring it up to a level that would fit with other instruments I record my bass with drums only normally, so it is easy to control everything that way, works for me,  The Graphic is just incredible on that amp as is the Compressor, , hooking up to the Dark glass suite is cool too, you can change cabinets and mics, there are 3 onboard presets that you can save with a press of a button, I am pleased with the purchase, but must admit when I started reading about the issues from the past , I was not too happy, but glad I didn't cancel and felt much better after speaking to Chris at Darkglass, they are using new power modules on the latest versions, so all should be good. 

Lexicon 810s Firewire audio interface, this interface sounds fantastic it can be used on an Intel mac using  up to Yosemite OSX, and windows 7 32 and 64 bit versions, I will include the firewire cable and the thunderbolt adapter ,mains cable.  This interface is very well made and will do someone a turn, never had any issues with this unit.   £200

specs ,  Zero latency Lexicon monitor reverb
• dbx® high-voltage, ultra low noise mic pre's on all 8 channels
• dbx dynamics (compressor, limiter, gate, EQ) on all 8 channels
• 6 analog combi-jack inputs on the rear panel for mic/line inputs
• 2 front panel combi-jacks accept mic, line, or instrument signals
• Type IV conversion feature emulates tape saturation at high levels
• Zero latency mixer hardware UI with dbx dynamics and a hardware monitor reverb
• 44.1 to 96KHz sample rates, 24 bit processing
• 8 analog TRS outputs (7.1 surround capable) and stereo main (control room) outs
• Stereo S/PDIF digital I/O
• MIDI In and Out
• FireWire 400 connection to DAW

• Low Latency drivers include Windows WDM with ASIO support along with and Macintosh CoreAudio with ASIO support

My feedback-

Just purchased a new Darkglass microtubes 500v2 , managed to have a great conversation with Chris over at Darkglass, I asked him about the faulty units that have been reported , power failures, overheating etc, He explained that during the covid time and afterwards they could not get the quality parts they required to make the amps , so they basically had to make do with what they could source at the time, hence the problems, The new versions of the amp have new power modules and are marked 3 ohm rather than 2ohm on the older amps, they do not expect any issues with the new versions as all parts are up to their high standards and specifications, I was kinda relieved to hear this, as I was reading about all the problems and wondered if I had just purchased a lemon!!! The amp arrived today with the 3ohm marked above the output , so defo one of the new ones , That amp sounds incredible  it really does , my Spector CST sounds like a different instrument, seriously , amazing clarity and power the harmonics are just popping from the fret board , I am very impressed with this plus the amount of control you have over the sound , The cabinet and microphone software works well too plenty of choice from factory presets, the best part for me is the graphic, it is very sensitive and makes a huge difference to the over all sound . So don’t be afraid to buy one of these amps , I did a test recording via the XLR output, you get the sound of the amp captured you just have to increase the gain on your mixer or audio interface there is no control over level via the amp , it’s ok to work with though, looking forward to capturing our next track with the Darkglass. 

Behringer XENYX QX602MP3 6-Channel Mixer with British EQ, in perfect condition, only a few months old used in home studio , fantastic little mixer. original box price includes delivery.  £55

my feedback on B.C.  

On 25/07/2025 at 15:37, Curlymike said:

I'm thinking of getting one myself. I was just wondering should I be looking out for anything special when selecting strings?

 

I love La Bella Deep Talkin bass Flatwound strings but happy to try something else if other strings are more suited.

 

I've just contacted La Bella who have said their flats might not work. However, if I can supply the measurement from the distance from where the ball-end is located to the nut they will confirm.

You can use any strings it takes standard strings of your choice , once tight you chop the ends off at the headstock, you can use any gauge too, zero fret makes life easy in that respect , it is one of those basses you dont want to put down, the neck once adjusted is solid.

On 24/07/2025 at 20:43, RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE said:

Groovy ! How easy is it to change the strings ? 

Really simple, and you can put any strings you want on there, there are 4 large grub screws that hold the strings and they work well, once the thrust washers are on at the tuner end it is so nice to tune and very accurate too. there is a side screw within the saddle for intonation.

On 23/07/2025 at 08:36, HeadlessBassist said:

 

Congrats George! Looks lovely  Does your preamp have a weak bass boost? I find I have to boost the bass on mine nearly all the way, while treble is merely a smidge over the centre detent. 

I would agree with that, but I don't feel I am lacking any bass from it, but I totally get what you are saying, it could be a better preamp in all honesty, I use external preamps.

Got mine today, The setup was a bit of a mess out the box, went to tune up,  the A string just gave up, I thought the tuner mech had given up at first, but restrung the bass no problem, the saddles were all over the place, you have to physically have to press them down with your finger the first time you adjust them, fitted the thrust washers today, they do a fantastic job,  well worth doing,

Just had to adjust the neck the action was a bit high from the factory set up !! I went over all the screws nuts etc make sure everything was tight, construction seems very good, excellent wood choices, 7 ply neck should be pretty solid I am sure, hope the string clamp at the top holds up over time it is basically a big grub screw directly over the string, after all that, I must say it is a lovely bass to play it balances so well , I fitted strap locks, playability is excellent, I basically have the action where I want it , I tried it through a few different pre amps, it actually sounded fantastic through Head Rush MX5 , I downloaded some custom bass presets for that unit and wow, really nice sound just enough grunt behind the preamp models to do the job, very pleased with that , I also tried it through a Dark glass alpha /omega going into a dug Pinnick tech 21 preamp, that again was fantastic,   a bit more growl from the bass with that setup, I love playing this bass it sounds very decent, I am normally a Ric/Spector player, for the money it is awesome,  solid once set up. 

 TECH 21 VT bass DI  preamp pedal , XLR out, great for recording , Brand new . £180

MY FEEDBACK ON B.C.    

Blue Baby Bottle SL XLR Cardioid Condenser Microphone , Superb sounding condenser microphone, in fantastic condition, ideal for all uses , vocals, guitar,bass, drums ,overheads etc. 20db cut switch on mic, well looked after comes with original packing includes wood box for microphone.  price includes delivery via special delivery next day in UK.   £200

my feedback on BC   

tech specs.  20hz-20khz

max spl 134db

condenser-phantom power 48v

xlr

cardioid

switches-pad,filter

diameter 2 inches

length 8.75 inches

weight 14.5 ounces

case wooden case

For those in doubt about the Seymour Duncan pickups. https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1360217

15 hours ago, prowla said:

Did you buy it new?

Yup, from a small music shop in paisley, I own many Rickenbacker basses so I had to try the thing out, bloody awful, it did have Seymour Duncan pickups, whether people believe it or not,  didn’t really make any difference as the bass was a pile of junk, I sold it for almost nothing to a youngster who was desperate to have a Rick lookalike to play in his band, the brand was Anniversary made in China. It looked exactly like the bass in the picture, neck, tailpiece etc. exaggerated Body shape out of proportion of course . 

It is Chinese , I had one .They did use Seymour Duncan pickups, again I had one . Take my word for it . Why do people try and prove you wrong when you have had experience of that actual Bass, it’s a pile of junk incidentally. If you don’t believe my experience I can’t help you.

Shape is all wrong on the body so defo not a Rick, in fact everything is wrong, inlays, fretboard wood, bridge, tailpiece, pickups etc, Chinese copy by anniversary, going by the bridge and general appearance.  They are horrible, they tended to use Seymour Duncan pickups. 

GG, have always been the same there is no surprise there, I tried a few years back 6 different Ricks in that shop not one was playable , basically they don’t give a shit,  too busy mucking around any time I have been in, they lost my business years ago for that reason.  I don’t honestly think they are capable of setting up a 4003 anyway, that is the truth. 

Strings too close to the pickups can cause this take the pickups down and see if it stops.

I use my CST on this track with VT bass pre and the onboard dark glass legacy, work well together. Feel free to have a listen on our latest album. Extreme Danger , album is called FEAR.   The track is Goodbye Joe. 
track number 8 , on all streaming services. Cheers Geo

http://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1777231074
 

I own the 4 string version , just superb basses this model. I like the neck in particular, ebony fret board stunning poplar burl on top with an ash and walnut slice sandwich , I think the EMG X and dark glass legacy pre are perfect together , you can get anything you want from the bass , I highly recommend this bass for anyone looking for a quality instrument capable of just about any tone your after. 

Head Rush MX5 Amp modeller,multi effects,etc , basically brand new, not a mark on the unit, complete with power supply and box . Great for bass. Will post pics of actual unit when home . £220 

please check out my feedback . 

my feedback on B.C. 

Korg Wavestate SE  synthesizer, platinum limited edition , all metal build with high quality keybed made in japan with hard case, lots of onboard sounds.  hundreds of high quality additional packs installed,  The software editor librarian is superb , wish all editors were like this ,  in mint condition, korg hard case and original box.  These Synths were selling for over 2k.  £850

feedback.  

now £175. bargain.

no more than £20

11 hours ago, edstraker123 said:

I did wonder whether to put flats on mine but it sounds and plays so nice as it is I don't want to mess that up. I'd love to put a gold pickguard and trc on it - but impossible to get hold of a good one.

Robbie at Ricky sounds does a good one , I have one on my Autumnglo special edition 4003.

11 hours ago, kolossusuk said:

 

It sounds and feels exactly the same as when I bought from you, George, though slightly less trebly as I have strung with flats! 😀. The playability is wonderful as a result! 

I am sure it does, it is a great instrument, putting the finish aside. 

My old 4003, which left me in perfect condition, This is a good 4003, good solid E string,  It left me sounding superb and was set up to play at fairly low action, obviously cannot comment on the set up at the moment, it was a good sounding Ric compared to others. When I purchased the bass I had a choice of 3 , this was the one that sounded best.