silverfoxnik

Interesting questions.. 1. I prefer to buy instruments from a person, whether that's in a music shop or from someone selling their own gear privately. 2. Yes, most definitely, though my favourite bass that I have had for 14 years now was bought on EBay from a store in the USA. 3. Personality, variety, knowledge of and availability of more unusual, rare and vintage gear. 4. About an hour's drive I guess. 5. See No.3 above. Hope that this exercise helps you and good luck! ☺

Me too! But I'm prepared to accept that it might just end up being a case of it being different, a opposed to better. Time will tell... 😀

Hi Dave I gigged the Big Block 750/Berg AE212 rig last night and it was great! First impressions are that it has much more punchy and mids driven tone than my Ampeg V4BH head, with some lovely - almost aggressive - valve distortion to it as well that works really well in the band as we do a lot of rock tunes (think Foos, Zep, U2, Muse).. It also has more than enough power for me, and what's more, there was a real authority to it that's hard to describe in words, but I definitely felt it. Overall, I really liked and enjoyed using it and the band certainly did too, but I need to gig it a couple more times to get a better idea of it's capabilities, i think. Cheers Nik

+1 That's the same for me too.

Cheers Chris! I've said the same of you many times btw.. Looking forward to the next one as I said. ☺ Nik

Lots of people write original songs, but some have more talent at it and reach a wider audience with their songs than others as a result.. IMO, the same is true of sampling; lots of people do it as a way to create music, but some do it with far more invention, imagination and skill than others and consequently, reach a wider audience. On a personal note, I think sampling is a totally valid artistic method for creating a new piece of work and is often used in different art forms as a creative tool.. Someone referred to collage for example and the Sgt. Pepper's album sleeve by Peter Blake, which is a great example. On a musical front, Massive Attack's 'Mezzanine' album from the late 90s has samples on it but is, in my opinion, a stunningly original piece of music. Just my 2p worth...

Late last year, Chris bought some acoustic panels from me for his studio and we finally met up last night at Clackett Lane services on the M25 to conclude the deal. We first did a Basschat deal together back in 2007 when we traded basses, and since then I think I've dealt with Chris half a dozen times.. On each occasion, it's been an absolute pleasure because Chris is just a great Basschatter and a completely cool person to deal with and to know! Highly, highly recommended! Thanks Chris, and here's to the next one mate... 😀

+1 Chris This is the reason I take notice of sustain when playing a bass I'm interested in buying; I want to know about it's inherent quality as an acoustic instrument before you even get to what the pick ups do.. I don't there's ever been a situation that I can recall in over 40 years of playing when using any bass I've owned (and there have been many) where I've suddenly thought in a gigging situation: 'Oh s##t, I've just run out of sustain!' Well, maybe the Kay bass that mum & dad bought me from Woolworths when I was 14 years old.. ☺

Will do! I'm excited to see what possibilities it has, but the Ampeg rig has been absolutely fantastic for me, so the new rig has a lot to live up to.

An Ampeg V4BH head with Ampeg 210 + 115 cabs. Main basses used have been a BC Rich Eagle, Squier P with flats and a Gibson Thunderbird.. Will let you know ☺

I've just bought a Big Block 750 and a Berg AE212 and so far, it seems to be a great combination. Haven't gigged it yet, but will be doing that at the weekend, so then I'll have a better idea of it as a gigging rig. Initial impressions so far A/B-ing at home against my all valve Ampeg rig, are very positive.

Cheers Mick!

Just bought Markbass LM3 head from Mick, which is in excellent condition and which works and sounds great.. It's the second time I've dealt with Mick and this has been just the same as the first time; good communications, good gear and a great person to deal with! Highly recommended. Thanks Mick ☺