wateroftyne

[quote name='molan' timestamp='1383868420' post='2270353'] It doesn't look like there's a power switching option (although this may be adjustable inside the head) so it's going to need a step-down transformer if anyone fancies bringing in a US import. I I can't really understand the price differential on these from US to UK. [/quote] It's classic MESA. I know you made a very valiant attempted to explaining their pricing policy before, Barrie - but this is just typical of them. They just want to sell in North America, and stuff the rest of us. It's their ball, of course - they can play with it wherever they like. Frustrating, though.

My experience with the small heads has been that they don't lack volume, but they lack steel. That's why I'm back with the Walkabout. it's small, fairly light and only 300w-ish, but the lump of metal in it gives me all the authority I need without having to fall back on 'loud'.

We've done this one before - [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/218446-trick-how-to-get-new-strings-in-10-minutes"]here you go[/url].

Yeah - I can hear it. It's played very softly.

[quote name='EliasMooseblaster' timestamp='1383838211' post='2269826'] Counterparts is one of those albums I've wanted to like for a while now - I've really tried - because I love [i]Animate.[/i] I just don't seem to have been able to get into the other tracks. Seeing you all speak so highly of it on this thread, I feel I should give it another attempt. [/quote] A lot of it for me is that the production is so refreshing... See what you think!

Here 'tis!

That's PW or HYF-era. The GUP-era mullet is even more spectacular....

They just don't build houses like they used to...

Tidy!

[quote name='tonyxtiger' timestamp='1383675132' post='2267543'] Westside say RRP strategy £2499 and prodigy £1899 available AFTER Xmas. [/quote] LOL @ MESA. They're out of their minds.

[quote name='Beedster' timestamp='1383673701' post='2267507'] Can anyone explain why so many people who do not like prog rock - or even rock - of any sort appear to love Rush (me for example)? [/quote] Me too. I can't bear Dream Theatre, Yes, etc. I love Rush and Genesis, but that's far as my prog travels take me. I think it's because the 'clever stuff' is secondary to the songs and the atmosphere.

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1383672104' post='2267438'] Some people still hate Bob Dylan for going electric [/quote] ...but at least the tunes were good :-D

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1383672104' post='2267438'] Your opinion, cool. Not mine though, each has it's own character, and I like the new stuff. That's music though, everyone has an opinion, and everyone's is valid. [/quote] Oh, totally. It's always subjective. But, out of interest, I'd be interested to hear what instrumental breaks from recent albums you think stand up alongside some of the examples I mentioned earlier, and the ones we all know about that I didn't. I'm genuinely struggling to recall any...!

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1383658671' post='2267143'] That's it though isn't it ? They have evolved so much over the years, that it's quite possible to like a period but not another. They don't want to keep producing yet another YYZ or Farewell to kings, they've done that, it's in the past this is now. [/quote] No-one is expecting them to write the same songs, but the production, arrangements and quality of songwriting has taken a huge backward step. With regards to production, listen to something off CA and then immediately listen to a dynamically similar track off MP (or Counterparts, even). CA sounds terrible. Arrangements? The solo in Freewill. The break in the middle of AFTK. By-Tor. The play-out of Natural Science. The marimba solo on Mission. The bass line on Enemy Within. I could go on for hours, but I won't...! i'm a big fan. I've got Test for Echo, Vapour Trails, CA, Snakes & Arrows. I've listened to them all hundreds of times. But I'll be honest - I'm struggling to name any memorable moments or melodies.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1383652629' post='2266976'] Well... I actually did like the 'like' button, but I didn't like the 'dislike' button that came with it! [/quote] Exactly what I thought, too. Maybe we should ask for it again... (On a separate thread. I'll derail no more!)

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1383652025' post='2266968'] We tried that, but nobody liked it. [/quote] I did...

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1383599398' post='2266511'] let down by having only maybe three decent songs on , in my opinion . A lot better than Roll The Bones, I suppose, that one didn't have any[/quote] Oof - I can't agree. Dreamline and Ghost of a Chance are fab IMO. The rest is in 'filler' territory, mind.

[quote name='molan' timestamp='1383571340' post='2265937'] And, as if by magic, we've heard from Carvin already Apparently the BX500 has undergone a few power supply changes throughout the years to address issues of performance with the 90-240 volt switching power supply. The most recent models have had very few reported problems and there's not been a single issue with UK sold ones in 2013. [/quote] Cheers, Barrie! Worth a ponder...

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1383602495' post='2266566'] I still think the best recorded sound of Neil Peart's drums are on Moving Pictures. That's the perfect Rush recording there is for me, the whole album sounds lush, open and dynamic. [/quote] Oh, aye - that's the pinnacle.And then you listen to the lifeless dirge that's CA and you think... is that progress?

I agree with all of the above. It feels like the last album where the songs were 'written', rather than assembled in Protools. I kind-of agree with you, Dingus - there's only three or four standout songs on it, but the mediocre stuff is much better than I remember. Alex should be banned from layering guitars. It sucks the life out of the performances. The drums are lovely... listen to the kick on the intro to 'Leave That Thing Alone'. Why can't they mix records like that these days?

After the recent discussions we've had on BC about modern-day Rush, whether they've still got it. and whether the production is any good... ...Alien Shore from Counterparts popped up on shuffle in the car today, and I ended up listening to the whole album. I massively underrated this at the time. Yes, there's a couple of turkeys on it, and the odd dodgy keyboard flourish, but there's some great songs and the production is dynamite. It's live, dynamic and natural sounding. Alex's guitar is focussed and gnarly. It sounds like you're in a room with a power trio. The slide began after this one, I reckon. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utkLVQYv3tE"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utkLVQYv3tE[/url]

I'm going to agree with the general sentiment. You live in a flat, not a rehearsal room. Turn it doon.

[quote name='NJE' timestamp='1383560820' post='2265748'] My thoughts as well, incredibly cheap. I have watched your TKS thread with great interest, they look great and good prices as well, as you said its the gamble not being able to play one. They should make you a endorsee/rep in the UK with a decent selection of the range. [/quote] Ha... Iit would be fun, but I don't have the space to keep 'em all. And all that choice would make my head explode.

[quote name='terocious' timestamp='1383303548' post='2262802'] Here is my new TKS mini rig of doom. I had a one TKS 112 earlier and liked it so much that I decided to replace my good old Hartke Systems rig (XL115 + XL410) with two TKS 112 cabs. Driven by Sansamp RBI or (mostly) Aguilar Tone Hammer preamp with Peavey IPR1600 power amp. Main bass at the moment is Sandberg VS4 (passive). Awesome sound in a pretty light package! [/quote] Lovely! Those 12's are awesome, aren't they?

[quote name='stevie' timestamp='1383584618' post='2266209'] So what's inside these TKS cabs? Does anyone have any pictures of the interiors? [/quote] I don't, but Tommy checks into this thread - maybe he does...? I've peered through the ports and the little bits you can see inside look hugely tidy.