GremlinAndy

I got my first live rehearsal (rather than the pre into a desk, and amplified via cans) today. It was the Hellborg Pre into a Powersoft 3002, and into 2x schroeder 21012L's. Jeezus begorrah! Are you kidding me, this is the LOUDEST rig in the world. ...Well, ...it has the potential for *much* more, but I stopped way short of maximum because I had such a great sound at a managable volume. Just wait until I'm gigging with the 2x 1515L's under those two... And drive my amp at 2ohms per side, OMG.... Headroom to die for, in even the largest venue. And all at an easily managable size/weight. It just doesn't get much better.

Well I've had it a couple of weeks now. Erm I have to say that the sound is *really* pleasing. It falls short, in my opinion of the DB680 in that it doesn't give a natural tubey compression. It's a typical tranny feel. ...only maxed out to 11. ...and if anything it gives me a growl which the Aggie doesn't. (Which will probably suit more folk out there than the warm - but hi-fi feel of the DB680) The top and bottom of it is that for ease, size *and sound* I will probably gig with the Warwick... But I think I would go back to the DB680 for recording. The 680 still has that *musicality* edge that's hard to define. But the Hellborg is also great. Different, not in a bad way, ...and like the 680 is leagues ahead of the rest. (IMO) I think the live sound of the Hellborg is probably easier to shape than the 680. I find the tone controls on BOTH these units is kinda limited, however, (and this is VERY important), ...since the sound you get by having everything flat, is FRIGGING awesome, you don't need to fanny much. However, I do feel both are less versatile than most bassists will be used to. (That's a hard to explain "good thing", rather than bad...) In summary: The Hellborg is wicked, and is going to become my gig rig pre. I still think the Aggie has a slight edge... in that it's warmer, but I love the slightly harder aggressive sound of the Hellborg.

[quote name='Simon' post='471421' date='Apr 24 2009, 12:34 PM']I want one of these so bad at the moment! I will own one...some day![/quote] Not arrived yet... Should be here midweek accoring to the supplier. Bah. Standby (again)

[quote name='Max Dread' post='471828' date='Apr 24 2009, 08:16 PM']Just completed a sale to Andy for several leads and looms. Extremely friendly and a pleasure to do business with....... Thanks a million mate Max[/quote] Thank *you* buddy.

The perfect seller! I just bought a flotilla of different leads (or is the collective term for cables, a "nest" [like vipers] ? ...or in my case a "Knot") ...anyhoo I took a long time to decide which of the many options I wanted, and Max was *very* understanding and great at the comms. The result was a great purchase (very happy with the items! ) and a speedy delivery in possibly the best wrapped parcel I've ever had. My thanks again to Max for being a delight to deal with! (Actually I just remembered three of the cables I bought were "Snake" looms. So I guess the parcel might have been a "Slither" of cables?) ...I'll get mi coat. Andy

[quote name='SisterAbdullahX' post='471188' date='Apr 23 2009, 11:55 PM']You ordered your "spare"? Now that's just showing off! And you'll have to pardon my ignorance, but you "ordered" your spare?? I thought they were discontinued....?[/quote] It might seem like showing off I guess, but I'm the kind of guy that when I find a great piece of gear *especially* one that's discontinued, I like to know that I'm not gonna be without it. Even in the event of a pretty catastrophic failure. Discontinued? Indeed they are... But a good scouring of the internet turned up a place which had a new, old stock 680 in stock. Result! This was quite a while ago now, and I can't remember their name, but they were very helpful and superfast delivery... Don't suppose that helps much does it. I just ordered a Jonas Hellborg Pre and am waiting for delivery... Hopefully I'll get it this weekend and be able to tell you whether the 680 is outperforming the *very* expensive Warwick flagship pre... Standby...

What a great guy. Honest and helpful. ...I bought a 1990 Status SII from Rich tonight, which was described (I presumed optimistically) as "Pretty well mint". Well frig me with the other end of a rag-mans trumpet if he wasn't telling the truth! It's *BETTER* than I could have hoped. It almost looks like it was delivered straight from Status themselves. ...I've seen worse shop-soiling! ...and this is nearly 20 years old. Thanks again Rich for a top deal, and for making my Status dream come true! Andy.