Dan Dare

I think some lightweight amps suffer because they have switch mode power supplies, which are very susceptible to a poor quality mains supply. With no power reservoir, they cannot deal with voltage fluctuation (which is surprisingly common).

Spot on, Meddle. Can't stand these types who say "I play jazz, therefore I'm a better musician than you pop/rock simpletons". They're pathetic snobs, hung up on technique at the expense of musicality. Have had my share of their b/s over the years. Half of them can't even play a straight four in the bar without throwing in all sorts of inappropriate off beats, etc. When you ask the to keep it simple/solid, they look at you pityingly. They should listen to Simon Kirke - a fine technician who isn't ashamed to play it straight if that's what the music demands.

Another vote for the AER.

When you want to get louder, you can add a power amp and extra cab(s).

How about replacing the 12s with something better? If you like the sound of the cab, seems a good idea to stick with and upgrade it. Have a look at the Blue Aran site for drivers. MB cabs nice but quite pricey.

Defo need someone to mix, so take your keyboard player up on her offer. Agree with others' suggestions to combine PA cabs and go out in mono. Stereo a waste of time unless it's for a seated concert hall audience.

We have to be considerate, especially in crowded urban environments. Why piss off your neighbours? Use headphones. As others say, bass frequencies travel. If you want to crank it, rent a rehearsal room.

Do you like it? Can you afford it? Everything else is secondary, especially "value" - real or perceived.

Like most things, the SR16 gets easier the more you use it.

As long as I don't receive anything negative on EvilBay, I'm happy.

Think you'll have to leave. These things are rarely resolved in my experience.

I wouldn't care to be anywhere near one of our drummer's stools, not with what he eats...

Spoombung's first comment is spot on.

I've bought one item on BC - seller was a nice chap and honest. To respond to the general points here, though, people are free to buy or sell or not as they choose and to whoever they like. It may be annoying or disappointing if someone changes their mind, but they have the right to do so.

Cute. Wonder if it was superglued to the bridge?

Wouldn't presume to think anyone might be interested in my senile ramblings, but please post up details as soon as it's finalised. Tx

"Arise Sir Norman". Has a good ring to it.

Damn shame. Great singer.

Or maybe that he doesn't dribble whilst he's playing?

Could be due to legal wrangles between members of the bands concerned (I know there has been a row between member of The Doors).

Thanks all. Would love an 8x10, but am old and live in a first floor flat - would never get it up the stairs. Think you're right re. power and headroom. Plan to get a large PA power amp - cheap these days (that's what Trace did - combined a decent pre with PA power stage), use with the BBE and experiment with cab combinations. Phil Lesh 70s tone would do nicely.

Thanks chaps. Someone asked what I've tried. When the Bassman went (too large/heavy), a Trace AH350+4x12 (and 1x15 when more volume needed). Nice and quite close to the Fender sound, but was not exactly light/easy to get around. Next I got the BBE pre with a couple of power amps (Peavey and RSE), biamped. As stated above, BBE + Peavey into the 2x10 makes the right noise, but not at any volume. Tried a Markbass LM3. Didn't like it - too quacky/midrangey. Then got the EBS, which I find much the same as the LM3 - a little smoother, but not much. Am looking at going back to the BBE/power amps, but wondered if you all had any ideas worth pursuing. Being ancient - 60+ - I find most modern bass set ups too hi-fi and possessed of what I hear as a clangy midrange. I like that fat old school sound (but not dub/reggae - like some string tone, too). Have just put a replacement driver (Oberton) in the SVT15, which fattens things somewhat. Thanks for all suggestions.