Quilly

Yes, the smells and sounds of a valve amp...it’s hard to describe. People say “but you have to change the valves etc” I say yes, and ? I like the maintenance and long term aspect of them .

I’ve 2 pure tube Ashdown Heads the CTM100 and little bastard and a hybrid Ashdown Spyder. I just really like the sound of valves clean or driven but I can see how they might not be the most practical head in the world. To me the perfect combination is a valve preamp with an MOSFET A/B power section (not class D) so you get some of that valve tone and with heaps of power without breaking your back or bank . I reckon the ABM 600 is probably the ideal working mans amp.

Carvin basses, I just find the horns and headstock really off putting , how to make a jazz bass ugly .

From a totally pliability perspective I really hate when the put 34" necks on an acoustic body with a traditional sound hole. I had a Fender CBE-100 and it was just way too long (and I a have long monkey arms!) My latest acoustic bass is still 34" and uses f holes, they positioned the bridge a good 3-4" back into the body and it makes a HUGE difference.

Sunburst/white pickguard/rosewood Fingerboard fender jazz basses. I had 2 and thought that combination was just lazy

Gold or silver glittery finish on a bass. Looks like a Christmas bauble

Or those little prayer books you got for your first holy communion 😂😂

Pearloid reminds me of Roman Catholic merchandise 😂

Manbearpig bass

My eyes...my beautiful eyes, how do I unsee this monstrosity

P basses with too many Pickups, knobs and controls. You’re ruining a simple classic. For that matter... Any Frankensteined classics that has had extra nonsense grafted onto them.

My current Ashdown spyder has 2 fans and they’re barely audible (my laptop is louder) . I had an Orange terror bass once and it was like an air conditioning unit. I think fans are the way to go if you want to keep the weight of your amp down so long as you get the right fan !

Oh I dunno , there’s a lot to be said for tinny also

I disagree with the Warwick bit. I really like that Adam Clayton p bass they do. To me it’s their nicest looking bass...each to their own tho .

Stupid pickup covers like those found on vintage fenders and current rickenbackers that make the bass almost unplayable. Why 🤷‍♂️.

I agree , I think the best examples are the fender Pino precision bass and the sandberg Roquefort soft aged bass (I love these) they just wouldn’t look as good brand new. I’m not a fan of heavy relics just enough for the bass to feel “played in”

It’s because bass players are the least precious members of the band 😂

About Eastwood in general . I’m hearing a lot of mixed reviews about the quality of their stuff...they’re not the cheapest either . I nearly got their classic 4 And was considering their Warren Ellis bass I’m just nervous of the build quality of them

Mark Gooday services traces now

The 801 is a great little amp. I actually played 2 gigs with it unsupported in a noisy pub. OK is was an acousticey gig but it still held its own and it’s ridiculously portable .

I’ve used a multitude of amps over 30 years and I’m now playing through ashdowns exclusively.

I’m the total opposite, would pick a baseball bat neck now any day

I really dont like the look of the Lakland Skyline body at all. It looks like a bass that ate too many pork pies. G&L basses in general i think look very dull and uninteresting...too may pick ups , too may dials and knobs. Great playing and sounding basses I'm sure.

My Sandberg Cal (Gen 1) has a huge headstock and I much prefer the Gen2 headstock. Great bass otherwise.