Bloopdad1

I know these basses quite well. They're typical "school basses" most of the local authorities bought loads of these back in the early '80s. Most schools here in S Wales had at least a couple of these knocking around. A local residential education centre kept 8 of them. They're all consistent and strong. Decent sturdy student basses that actually sound half decent considering... Not bad at all for orchestral playing and in my opinion much much better that the new Chinese stuff, gear 4 you etc, and hold their own with instruments 4x the price. This one will be well played in, resonant and if it was going to crack, split or the neck fall of it would have done so by now! It'll have a strong bass bar, the sound post will be correct and you won't need to fart about with the nut. New bridge £110, strings £200, tail wire 50p and your good to go... Its not shiny, it's not pretty, they have thick gloopy varnish and no-frills machine heads but if it can survive 40 odd yrs knocking around the valleys it'll be ok... 😁 If you do go see it double check the neck joint is stable. Ignore the bridge, tailpiece, tail gut and strings you will be replacing those anyway.

I think it's great that we're all different, it's what makes bassists a fab varied bunch of people. I simply can't stand a light bass... I had a 75 jazz that was so light it felt like a toy! The heavier the better, I feel it give the notes weight and added thump (plus when you dig in, the bass is completely stable). But then again it's not surprising as I'm primarily a double bassist - my main orchestral bass is a HUGE 5/4 size German 5st that needs a forklift to move the bloody thing.... But what a sound! 😎😁 (totally agree with you about Fretless markers though...or any markers come to think of it!) 😂🤣😅

Thanks for the info Agedhorse. I'm glad it's nothing to worry about. I have been using the tube preamp section a lot lately, I just couldn't remember such a delay after switch-on...? Best amp I've ever owned. So good in fact that I've not looked at an alternative these past years. Hopefully it'll keep going for another 9yrs!

Hi all Hoping for some advice. I've a Genz-benz Shuttle Max 9.2 that I've gigged about 4 times a week for the last 8yrs. Recently when turning it on its silent for about 10 (heart stopping) seconds then it quickly ramps up to normal operation. I'm thinking worn out capacitors? Whatcha think? If I keep using it like this will it damage it or simply just get worse? (Its my favourite ever amp that has unbelievable headroom, it does super clean for double bass, warm full and wet for my '70's P bass with flats, mega punchy for my 5st jazz and makes my EUB growl for ever! - I've played lots of other amps and for me it's just superb). Hoping for advice. Cheers

Light basses... Anything under 10lb - they feel like toys. There, I've said it! (everybody is different after all)!

Hi all Just bought a proper funk machine from Anth (77/78 sunburst P bass). I'm absolutely delighted... can't put the bloody thing down! Anth is a lovely fella. Perfect communication and quickly answered all my questions, sent me additional photos etc. Pleasure to deal with. Buy with confidence, he's a top bloke.

Check out Soundwear bass cases - not cheap though (I think they're on offer now for £650'ish down from £900 - big discount). The best case for my old English bass. Zip goes right over the scroll and the best protection available. Not light but superb with 1"+ padding. I've had mine for 10yrs and it still looks brand new. You can unzip it on its side and the case opens like a clam shell enabling you to lift the bass out (it keeps its shape, almost semi rigid). Obviously you can reverse the process to fit the case. For my big 5st I've just bought a Tuff-Bag Deluxe. Had to import it from the states (Arizona) but its almost as good as the Soundwear, comes in much cheaper at £420. Zips all the way up and lighter. Depends on the value of your bass and budget I suppose and if you intend to carry it far/public transport (eek!!). (I'm not involved with either Soundwear or Tuff-bag... I just own them. In 30yrs of playing I've found none better to suit MY needs). Have a look at them.. See what you think 😁 I would say pop in to have a look at mine... But I guess that's out of the question these days!

The Bergantinos really are superb. I loved mine.

Hi I've just gone through your exact dilemma... I've been using an AE212 for all my gigs (from theatre shows, covers band, panto, sessions and even in orchestral settings) for years and it's been absolutely superb. But 12mths ago due to the weight of it I decided to go modular using single 12s. After trying loads of manufacturers and talking with Alex Claber I chose Barefaced, going with their Big Baby 2 and a Super Midget (both 12", 8ohm 600w - although they can handle a LOT more!) My Berg weighs in at 29kg but the Barefaced stuff is a ridiculous 10kg!! Yes, I believe the AE212 has a bit more bottom but both Barefaced cabs can be EQ'd to compensate (although they are MUCH better for double bass than the AE). They are totally transparent and clear, additional to the "bass thump" I now can hear every detail of every note (I've had to brush up on my chops too as now I can't get away with poor technique - they're that clear!) Obviously linked together they are immensely louder than the Berg. Longevity due to the lightweight construction is unknown to me but I always pamper my gear so I'm not worried about that. Although there's reports of of them falling down a flight of stairs with no damage (they're so light they bounce! - the Berg certainly wouldn't 😂😂) It's was a sad day to say farewell to my trusty and excellent AE212 but I'm so happy with my choice to go modular. Hope my experiences of changing cabs helps. (I'm not involved with Barefaced and I expect most high end 12" cabs will suffice but there is life after Bergantino! Just my opinion) Although the new NXT does look interesting..... 😁 Have fun choosing.

Pm sent.

I'm in Llantrisant if you want to have a go of my setups... I use Barefaced and Bergantino cabs coupled with Genz-Benz and Gallien-Krueger amps. All superb. I use pirastro Evah Pirazzi strings on 2 out of 3 of my basses (and a set of slap strings on my other bass) plus Evahs on my Yamaha SLB100 stick bass. Bass guitar - I use D'dario XL nichols on both my 5st elec basses, and a stinking old set of labella flats on my P bass. Covers all my gigs from Opera, Classical, Choral, jazz, theatre, big band, rock, pop, bluegrass etc etc. Let me know if you want to pop round. Cheers