wateroftyne

[quote name='chevy-stu' timestamp='1464703377' post='3061574'] Due to it's convenience I've barely used the Mesa for about 18 months, probably doing 200 gigs or with the Terror, but I dragged it out for a gig weekend before last and was amazed at the difference. Compared to the Orange which is loud, pokey and very big sounding to me, the Mesa was so effortless and full sounding particularly in the lower sub 300z area, which is exactly where you want it. [/quote] This mirrors my experience. I spent a few years using micros, thinking everything was OK. And then I started doing the occasional gig with more traditional heads... and each time I didn't have to be so loud on stage to feel it. It was an epiphany - like a swig of full-fat coke after a few years of diet*. *YMMV

[quote name='FuNkShUi' timestamp='1464695557' post='3061471'] These echo my thoughts. [/quote] And conversely, I'm amazed that it's a characteristic that passes so many people by. We're all different.

..or if you get something from stock, expect to pay in the region of £750-ish, which is a ridiculously good deal.

[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1464689910' post='3061387'] It seems that Adrians prices have gone up a little, but still worth it in my mind. I asked for Dark Rosewood on my build too, isn't as dark as ebony, just looks like nice rosewood after a good oiling. Si [/quote] ^^^ +1 to all this.

[quote name='Fisheth' timestamp='1464630125' post='3060982'] Yeah so I was surprised. My last thing to know is about the tuners, are the Hipshot Ultralites worth the money compared to the stock ones? If not I'll be ready to put a deposit down at the end of the week. [/quote] I've experience with both the stock tuners and the Ultralites. The Ultralites 'feel' higher grade, but the stock tuners are just fine. The reason I went with the Ultralites on my custom orders was purely to minimise any risk of neck dive, as I'd asked for lightweight bodies.

[quote name='Fisheth' timestamp='1464614954' post='3060785'] Adrian has just told me his own brand of pickups aren't doing a Humbucker right now, just letting you guys know [/quote] Really? Wow.. mine must be one of the last of this run, then. It's a shame as they're as pokey as hell...

Cheers, Naxos10!

Bump.. anyone? I am clueless in the world of short scale..

OK... I've had this for about six weeks now - I've had lots of time to really give this a run out, and I'm still as impress as I was when I got it... my Walkabout hasn't seen the light of day since it landed! Build quality is absolutely top notch (externally, and fit'n'finish anyhow - I know nowt about electronics and that, but it looks tidy inside). The soft case is practical and well-made. My initial comment about it picking up a bit more noise than my Walkabout is a non-issue. There's a lot of bottles in it, so if I crank it, and sit facing the amp less than 12" away, it'll hum a bit.,. no surprise there. But in any practical situation - a gig (even a quiet gig) or recording in the house right next to it, it's absolutely quiet. The DI is beautiful - I've recorded with it, and run the line to the desk to couple shows with big posh PAs, and the engineers have loved it. Hopefully it comes across in some of the clips I've recorded. And the tone.. it's just 'there'. Clear, rich and authoritative (I'll not say the 'H' word) - the detail I get using flats is fab... the woody growl shines through, and it really responds when you dig in. Keep the input low (lower than you would on most other heads) and it'll stay clean. Crank it a bit, and it'll get a little hairy around the edges, and then you're into fuzz territory. I've found that the output knob tends to be dialled a little higher than other heads I've used. According to Leszek: 'We use linear potentiometers, other companies use audio potentiometers. If you set the Gain knob and Volume in the center position (12 o'clock) R-400 is actuated on ~55% of the power. In other amps when Gain and Volume are on center, they are actuated ~33%. I prefer use these potentiometers because in my opinion amp is more faster, impulsive.'. The output knob definitely keeps delivering as you get around to the dusty end. I've had the optical compressor light flicker once or twice toward the end of a set, but that was with an 8-ohm cab. Apparently it's just doing it's job. I've got no worries about headroom... but then it's a 400w amp, so there's no reason I should..! Best amp I've ever owned*. There. I said it. And it's not even expensive. [size=3]*I don't actually own it yet. Mine is being built, 'cos I want a different colour. Yeah, I know.[/size]

I think people who are irritated by this should maybe read a book or go for a walk instead :-)

[quote name='Beedster' timestamp='1464546035' post='3060242'] Hmm, my Walkabout is a great amp for the size, but compared to my B-15, no comparison. [/quote] Of course - IMO, once you move away from all-tube, everything's a compromise.

Hey gang Can anyone recommend a hard case to fit a short-scale Fender? Ta.

Mesa Walkabout, HandBox R-400, Aggie 500... Heft, not heavy.

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1464414546' post='3059277'] Ha... I suspect this is closer to the truth. [/quote] Yeah.. me too. Don't get me wrong - I like Dave Swift. Great player, and seems like a nice bloke.

[quote name='drTStingray' timestamp='1464381565' post='3059127'] I suspect your percentages may be a little off but I get the point - I'm looking forward to getting my copy tomorrow as I'm curious to read about his current interest in Ibanez Musician basses. [/quote] OK... 99%.

Scenario #1 - Just Dave Swift on the cover: 95% of bass players: [i]'Who's that bloke on the cover of BGM?'[/i] Scenario #2 - Jools'n'Dave 95% of bass players: [i]'Oh, Jools Holland's bass player in on the cover of BGM.'[/i] It ain't rocket salad, people.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1464364260' post='3058899'] I don't know about that,I go to see as many original bands as my schedule allows. Blue [/quote] Hmm. Maybe you should go and see bands that write better songs, then. :-)

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1464363771' post='3058890'] I've only seen that type of response with bands that are famous. Blue [/quote] You need to look harder...

I've always done both. It's all music.

Two versions - one with a single coil, quite agressive. Has a certain charm. The later version with the heeeeowge Seth Lover-designed humbucker can, IME, only be heard by moles and earthworms.

That's a shame, but I guess they've covered themselves against any liability in the copy on the pop-up information window.

[quote name='peteb' timestamp='1464040574' post='3056097'] Apologies for reviving an old thread but it appears that I will be using one of these amps at the Reivers Rock & Blues Festival in Northumberland on Sunday night. It appears that they are using a Stoneham bass amp as part of the house rig (not sure what cab will be there). Should be interesting, although using house rigs at these type of gigs can be a bit of a lottery if you don't know what the gear is like. Has anyone here gigged one of these amps and how did it perform?? [/quote] I can't help you re: the amp (although as Martin Stoneham has built it, I imagine it's tremendous), but I gigged at the Reivers venue last weekend - in the same marquee, I'm guessing - and it's a beautiful place. Enjoy it.

[quote name='LZD56' timestamp='1464025133' post='3055870'] Wow!! Any idea how much? [/quote] The WB-100? I'm not sure. I've asked Leszek, and I'm waiting for him to get back to me.

What a great pop song.

He's a great player, and that's a great band. Paul Shaffer, too... an original Blues Brothers band member.