Richard Jinman

18 hours ago, Beedster said:

Exactly how a bass should look 👍

Yes, my thoughts exactly. 

Gorgeous neck! Absolutely love the look of this...

8 hours ago, tauzero said:

Sold, for a mere £4124.

 

I occasionally watch bits of those programmes where people sell stuff in auctions, and when something goes for about 20 times the estimate, I wish that the presenters would chase down the buyers and ask them what they knew that made them pay so much. Has somebody realised that this is a rare instrument made in Cremona in the 18th century, or are they just deluded?

Extraordinary…. 

26 minutes ago, yorks5stringer said:

I say this from total ignorance but it looks as if it might need a new set of strings too...?

No, I think you’re right

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115545940513?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=TDioHgGRTc2&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=3y9rdxSdSHG&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
 

Seller cheerfully remarks that the previous owner had “done some work” to the front. Nature of said work appears alarming judging by the photos. Still, it’s only £4k (starting price). 

Fantastic acoustic bass amp. Full details on the Double bass/EUB for sale page. 

And sold!

Anyone like to buy a Phil Jones Bighead? The unit is in new-ish condition, but the cables have somehow migrated to parts unknown. I suspect I've used them for other things. Anyway, they're all pretty standard. Postage extra, but it's pretty tiny so shouldn't be much. 

Anyone like to buy a Phil Jones Bighead? The unit is in new condition, but the cables have somehow migrated to parts unknown. I suspect I've used them for other things. Anyway, they're all pretty standard. Postage extra, but it's pretty tiny so shouldn't be much. 

Now surplus to requirements is this very fine amp from German acoustic amplification boffins AER (original MRRP £1289). I bought it to amplify an upright bass and it does an fantastic job ... extremely transparent direct out of a Realist without a pre-amp. I added a stand that allows you to get it off the floor and angle it up towards you. It also has the original AER padded cover. Condition is extremely good... a few marks and dings on the bottom of the combo and on one corner (please refer to pictures). I've taken the plunge (and taken out a mortgage) and bought a new AI Clarus amp and cab. I would obviously much prefer collection from TA11 in Somerset. I'd be happy to meet someone within an hour's drive or at a push I could bring it to London. Here's a description of the not-so-basic performer I found online:  '

 

The Basic Performer Acoustic Amp with its specially designed construction and its 4 x 60 watt power is an ideal tool for acoustic and electric bass-amplification. More than that, it suits very well for all instruments with strength in the low register, e.g.: cello, harp etc. Apart from its two channels with three-band tone- control and mute-switch it offers a compressor and a notch filter. Long scale lengths, huge body sizes, and resonance problems are only some trouble zones of the acoustic instrument. The small twin-cone system is perfect - it is fast, provides a superior coverage for the critical mid-range and has got enough substance in the bass range. The AER Basic Performer has four 8"-twin-cone speakers which are individually powered by four 60W power amps provide for the required surface area and the necessary sound pressure level.
The special AER band-pass / bass-reflex cabinet design supports the reproduction of even the lowest frequencies with definition. Hi-end preamps, proper filters and additional professional sound design make the Basic Performer amplifier a multitalented all-round solution.
The sound characteristics of this AER amp are full range, open and light - breathing as well as grumbling and surprisingly appropriate for far more instruments than the bass-related instruments such as harp, cello, accordion … or even try a jazz guitar.

 

And here's the numbers: 

FEATURES

1Channels 1 + 2:

2Input: XLR-combination-socket with a socket for a 6.3 mm jack-plug and an XLR-mle-socket

3Channel Mute: switch to mute the channel

4Line/Mic: switch to adjust input sensitivity

5Line: sources with line level, instruments with active preamplifiers and magnetic sound pick-ups

6Mic: symmetrical microphone input with 24 V phantom power

7Clip: overload indicator

8Gain: input level control

9Bass: tone control for bass

10Middle: tone control for mid-range

11Treble: tone control for treble

12Input: socket for a 6.3 mm jack plug

13Channel Mute: switch to mute the channel

14Pad: damp-switch

15Clip: overload indicator

16Gain: input level control

17Color: mid-range contour filter, switchable

18Contour: control for mixing-in internally generated harmonics

19Bass: tone control for bass

20Middle: tone control for mid-range

21Frequency: mid-range frequency selection

22Treble: tone control for treble

23Front, bottom (from left to right):

24DI Pre/Post: DI-switch pre/post EQ

2524V Phantom: 24 volt-phantom-power on/off

269V Phantom: 9 volt-phantom-power on/off

27Compressor: switches compressor on/off

28Threshold: control for the operational level

29Active: compressor operational

30Ratio: control for the compression-ratio

31±1dB: indicates the reduction of amplification in dB

32±3dB: indicates the reduction of amplification in dB

33±6dB: indicates the reduction of amplification in dB

34±12dB: indicates the reduction of amplification in dB

35Notch Filter: filter on/off

36Frequency: level-control for the frequency-selection

37Aux Return: level-control for aux return

38Effect Return: level-control for effect return

39Power: power indicator lamp

40Master: Solo - level-control for the overall volume, solo-setting, Ensemble - level-control for the overall volume, ensemble-setting

41Rear:

42Tape In: stereo input for CD and tape

43Phones: headphone output, stereo

44Tuner: output for a tuner

45Insert: insert-point, Tip = Send, Ring = Return, Line Out line-output

46DI Out: XLR-output pre-master

47Send: output for an external effect device

48Return: input for an external effect device or other signal, for example CD-player

49FS-Effect: footswitch effect on/off

50FS-Master: socket for a stereo footswitch, master-selection solo/ensemble

51FS-Mute: socket for a stereo footswitch to mute the channels

52Voltage Select: voltage selection switch

Get the right tool for the job and you'll never be sorry. Call us or click today to order.

SPECIFICATIONS

Basic Performer Acoustic Guitar Combo Amp

1Inputs: Ch 1:

2Line: unbalanced, 1 MEG

3Mic: balanced, 600 Ohm

4Ch 2:

5Line: unbalanced, 1 MEG

6Mic: balanced, 600 Ohm

7Eff.Return: -10dBV/10k

8Tape-In: -10dBV/10k

9Outputs: Tuner: -10dBV

10Line: 0dBV

11DI: -20dBV

12Send: -10dBV

13Phones: stereo, 300 mV / 32 Oh

14

15Footswitch Effect External effect = Tip, ground = Sleeve

16Footswitch Mute: Ch 1 = Tip, Ch 2 = Ring

17Footswitch Master: Solo = Tip, Ensemble = Ring

18EQ: Channel 1:

19Bass: ±18 dB/ 100 Hz

20Middle: ±13 dB/ 550 Hz

21Treble: ±11 dB/ 10 kHz

22Channel 2:

23Bass: ±10 dB/ 80 Hz

24Middle: ±10 dB/ 200 Hz - 1kHz

25Treble: ±10 dB/ 10 kHz

26Colour: - 3 dBV/ 700 Hz and + 10 dBV/ 10kHz

27

28Analog Signal

29Processor: Limiter, Subsonic Filter und

30Enhancer

31Power Amp: Powerconsumption: 220-240 V / 50-60Hz / 300 VA (110V / 50-60Hz)

32Rating: 200 Watt / 4 ohm rms

33Mains Fuse: 3.1 A slow

34Speaker: 4 x 8' twin-cone speaker system (98 dB 1w/1m, freq. range

3560 Hz - 18 kHz)

36Cabinet: 0.59' 3(15 mm) birch plywood

37Dimension: 20.87' (530 mm) high, 14.17' (360 mm) wide, 15.75' (400 mm) deep

38Finish: waterbased acrylic, black spatter finish

39Weight: 50.72 (23 kg)

400dB/V ~ 1V

42 minutes ago, Passinwind said:

 Really? Is it not the 2R Series III: https://acousticimg.com/assets/docs/Manual-amp heads sIII.pdf ? The original Focus was part of the Series II line IIRC: https://acousticimg.com/assets/docs/manual_amp_head.pdf .

 

If it's the 600 watt Series III, I owned the one channel version without reverb for a few years and used it for gigging on my BSX EUB quite happily. For bass guitar it was a bit less satisfying, but an external preamp helped quite  a bit.  It was really great for acoustic upright too, I'd highly recommend it for that.

 

 

 

I’ve bought it, so fingers crossed… will report back

1 hour ago, Owen said:

I am 89% certain this is the high powered one. I used to run one and it was a lovely piece of kit. 

Thanks Owen… did you use it for upright? 

10 minutes ago, Richard Jinman said:

Anyone own or know anything about these? One for sale and seems to be the original model… my understanding is that it’s a more powerful version of the older AI bass amps, but can’t find a great deal of info online. 

Should mention I’m looking to amp an upright and I’m looking for that transparent’ AI sound

Anyone own or know anything about these? One for sale and seems to be the original model… my understanding is that it’s a more powerful version of the older AI bass amps, but can’t find a great deal of info online. 

God, I want this….https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125408783088?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=DOFpg2tIRcW&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=3y9rdxSdSHG&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Just now, Richard Jinman said:

I can vouch for the fantastic work the Bristol Violin Shop do. With an adjustable bass and a set up this is a steal. 

*bridge..d’oh.

On 25/06/2022 at 19:20, Old Horse Murphy said:

This DB is currently with The Bristol Violin Shop for a set up and to have a good quality adjustable bridge fitted. I decided to get the work done to save any potential buyer having to get it done themselves and it will be picked up on Friday 1st. 
 

Given the work will be down as already paid for I'm looking for £630 for the DB and the original gigbag. If a potential buyer wants the superb Tom and Will gigbag I have advertised, I'll do the whole lot for £700. 

I can vouch for the fantastic work the Bristol Violin Shop do. With an adjustable bass and a set up this is a steal. 

Pleasure… good to meet you too

Happy to confirm that Old Horse Murphy is neither old nor a horse. Nick is a lovely bloke though and made my purchase of an AER amp a pleasure. 

Retrieved from the Titanic?

Hi, I've decided to sell my Meinel ply bass which was made (according to luthier Martin Penning) in Markneukirchen, Germany circa 1960s. Martin (he's based in Frome and he's ace) did a fair bit of work on her several years back including fitting the adjustable bridge and the Realist pickup. The bass has just arrived back from The Bristol Violin Shop (also ace IMO) who have set it up. It's wearing an almost new set of Spirocore lights and it sounds great (but you'll need to be the judge of that). I'm selling for the simple reason that my carved bass took a tumble and the neck broke off. Assuming it was curtains for said bass I bought the Meinel. only to discover the magicians at Bristol Violin Shop could reattach the severed neck. Double basses aren't exactly inconspicuous and my wife has suggested I don't need two of them. The Meinel is in good condition for an instrument from the 60s. There's some wear on the edges where it's been laid on the floor, but no cracks or nasties. The tuners work as they should and it stays in tune. I've got the adjustable bridge set low and to be honest I wouldn't mind it even lower. The Realist pickup is working. There's a decent soft case which is well padded, but has some wear. I paid £950 for the bass a few months ago, added the Spiros (£160 from Thomanns) and spent £130 on the set up. It's ready to play. Of course you're welcome - encouraged - to play it before buying. We live in South Somerset (not far from Glastonbury) and I'd be happy to meet up halfway with a serious buyer (not sure how that works with a DB though. Guess you could try it in car park). I might be persuaded to bring it to London, but clearly that's not an option I'd relish.  I'd add some sound files, but I'm a learner on DB so I'd be a bit bashful about that. Ask for some sound files if it helps. All the best, Richard

Just now, Richard Jinman said:

I think the switch to 1-2-4 can definitely trip you up on DB. Not having a minor 3rd under your pinkie for example requires an adjustment. Also using open notes where you might have fretted on DB is a switch of sorts. All good fun though. 

*EB!

58 minutes ago, knirirr said:

 

Ah, I see what you mean. I was thinking "patterns" as in the relations between the notes on the fingerboard (which appears like a linear circle of fifths to me) rather than the hand positions used to play those notes.

I'd not noticed much difference but I used 1-2-4 in lower positions on BG a lot, and 1-4 for 5ths, octaves etc.
Your comment was interesting as in the last lesson I had there was mention of students who've not studied bass guitar finding it easier to learn where the notes are on upright, which surprised me.

I think the switch to 1-2-4 can definitely trip you up on DB. Not having a minor 3rd under your pinkie for example requires an adjustment. Also using open notes where you might have fretted on DB is a switch of sorts. All good fun though. 

1 hour ago, knirirr said:

 

Interesting; I have found knowing patterns on a bass guitar neck to be extremely helpful when switching to DB.

I exaggerated the point… some patterns are definitely transferable, but switching from a finger per fret approach on EB to a 1-2-4 approach on DB demands a rethink of some familiar arpeggios and scales does it not?

1 hour ago, Oomo said:

Thank you for this post - as a lefty that occasionally gets the urge to try DB (and then gets frustrated at being a lefty with no instruments to try out...), hearing about what a pain it is somehow makes me feel a little better

Glad to be of service. I should add that there’s something about the degree of difficulty - no frets, no neck markers - that is addictive in a masochistic way. When you play something in tune it’s like winning the lottery.