lemmywinks

Oh I didn't know that, now is the time to grab one then! Thomann are also knocking these out at £75 (with £10 shipping), not as much of a bargain but they do have the vintage one: https://www.thomann.co.uk/hugheskettner_spirit_of_vintage.htm

The Guykers are fine, just needed some to replace the plastic tat knobs on my Ibanez. RE The Uni Pre - I was looking to buy a new preamp for a bass with 6 existing holes (I have a 4k Uni pre in another bass and like it) but with the active/passive on a switch instead of push/pull. After gigging it a bit I quite like the stock Markbass preamp though so I'm just leaving it as it is at the moment.

Thanks, the claimed output of my power bank on one of the USB Type-C ports is up to 20V-3.25A(Max 65W), it does give different values for the other Type-C port which is rated up to 12V/1.5A (Max 18W) so hopefully the stated spec is accurate. Guess I'll have to wait and see! Was just worried about potentially damaging my beautiful magic shoebox!

If the turning the volume knob makes a difference (albeit temporarily) then some contact cleaner in that potentiometer would be my first port of call.

The cable I bought is rated for 20v 5a. Not particularly bothered if it doesn't last for hours as I won't be gigging with it or doing any serious rehearsing, it's just something I already own so it would be nice to get a battery powered amp for the price of a cable.

Just got one of these, fantastic little thing which is now my go to practice amp. It's the older version with the laptop DC power supply at 20v/3.25A/65w. I have a 20,000mah power bank which is fine for this power/current draw and have ordered a USB cable with the correct barrel tip, will this work ok or will everything explode and leave me in tears? If it is a terible idea then what would be a suitable alternative for mains free use? Thanks in advance!

Messaged a while ago about when the preamp knobs would be back in stock, also put myself on the email waiting list. Heard nothing so ordered the Guyker clones off AliExpress. Emailed earlier this year about a UniPre 5 knob with the active/passive wired to an individual switch, again no response so made other arrangements.

Maybe the Fluff McKagan will be more suitable?

Does your Cort C5 have the old Bartolini Mk preamp or is it one of the newer Plus/Deluxe models with the Markbass pre? An EQ pedal or preamp with a baked in sound tailored to what you like will be your friend here. Sadowsky pre is a good shout, search for a used SBP as you can always sell it on for what you paid that way, they go pretty quickly!

Got sent this by a mate, the tiny 50w Spirit of Rock and Metal heads are heavily discounted, the Vintage one looks to be sold out though: https://www.andertons.co.uk/hughes-kettner-spirit-of-rock-nano-amp-head/ https://www.andertons.co.uk/hughes-kettner-spirit-of-metal-nano-amp-head/ Thought they might be of interes to some on here. Not me personally as I only play proper instruments like.

If intonation is ok but it's sharp as early as the 1st fret then the nut is cut too high.

Stick the Spectracomp on the Toneprint if you haven't already, the Chorus effects and Comp 'n' Drive are good too.

New firmware, Android app and PC/Mac software available. Hopefully it works with my phone now! https://www.sonicake.com/products/pocket-master Release notes: Pocket Master Firmware Version 1.3.3 (Released 2025/5) 1. Increased overall LOOPER duration to 20 seconds 2. Added AC G Guitar simulation algorithm to the FX1 module 3. Added support for BT MIDI control (See the MIDI table in the V1.3.0 manual for setting) 4. Added support for USB MIDI control (See the MIDI table in the V1.3.0 manual for setting) 5. Added a startup Anti Touch Protection switch, allowing users to enable/disable the confirmation Sonicake Manager Computer Software: Version1.3.0 (Released 2025/5) 1. Added startup Anti Touch Protection switch 2. Optimized compatibility with the new firmware and resolved other issues SONICLINK Mobile App: Version 1.3.2 (Released 2025/5) 1. Optimized compatibility with the new firmware and resolved other issues

Surprisingly great isn't it? We did a quick live recording as an afterthought for some quick band promo, ended up using them a fair bit as the quality was far better than any previous live recording we've done.

It's the way to go for fretless IMO

Or a more reliable alternative to a barrel jack. The only bass I own that has a locking jack came with it as stock, it's slightly more awkward to use than a regular jack but I do have the piece of mind that it most likely isn't going to crackle at a gig.

Aside from my old Warwick (which funnily enough were known for jack issues) that's the only barrel jack I've not had a problem with so far. Tbh I think all side mounted jacks should just have a wider hole and a regular 14/" jack on a plate, that's what I have on my Aria with an East pre. Problem free and can fix it in 2 minutes with a screwdriver if it becomes unreliable. https://www.blackdogmusic.co.uk/product/recessed-oval-jack-plate-in-chrome-black-or-gold/

They're all bad, even the good ones. I've had Switchcraft and Neutriks fail, in fact I think it was a Neutrik that gave up the ghost faster than any cheapo AliExpress copy. Had it in my backup bass which had maybe 10+ hours of use and just started crackling one day when I plugged it in, IMO they need to be redesigned with a grub screw you can use to tighten the connection. These appear on a few basses and seem to be a better option if you fancy doing some surgery and the edge of your bass has a suitable surface, I have one on my Ibanez and it's been rock solid: https://www.neutrik.com/en/product/nj3fp6c

Definitely try and poach the singer. What are gigging opportunities like for pub rock where you are? They're becoming few and far between now where I live, far more gigs for more laid back music that can fit in with the small bar circuit.

The best way to not have a band go down the inevitable blues/rock road is to just not have a guitarist tbh. Agree that this sounds like a bullet dodged, just be thankful it happened this early. I've lost count of the amount of bands I've been in that started out as dancey pop outfits for weddings/money gigs but slowly turn into old man pub rock bands. I've noticed our band Spotify list has had a recent influx of sweaty old rock added to it over the last few months so might be time to evaluate again.