funkle

I should have added - my 'reference' rig is a racked Peavey Max Bass Preamp (using solid state channel most of the time, everything flat) running into a Peavey DPC1400X power amp. I only need one channel (700W into 4 ohms) for the Acme B2, and I'm careful with my levels :-)

Hi all, I'm looking for a lightweight head to shlep to gigs for use with my (4 ohm) Acme B2. I'm looking at picking up an (8 ohm) Acme B1 in the future, and I'll be travelling to the US soon, so I'm looking for something international-voltage compatible. Rules out Markbass stuff from the start, sadly. I tried a LMII out and liked it well enough (a little 'coloured' for me, but nice amp), seemed to have enough welly (500W) for the Acme B2. Can't imagine needing more volume! I've researched a lot of heads on this forum and on Talkbass, and although there's a lot of choice (Eden WTX500, GK MB[sup]2[/sup]500, Genz-Benz Shuttle 6.0, TC RH450, Markbass LM2/3/F1/F500, TecAmp Puma 500, Carvin BX500) it looks to me that the EA iAmp Micro 550 is a pretty good match to my needs. I've ruled out the TC and TecAmp on basis of cost, Eden based on reports of poor power output, Markbass on non-compatibility across international voltages, and Genz-Benz on the tube preamp (it doesn't appear to me to be switchable out). The Carvin looks interesting (and inexpensive), but had a run of poor reliability models at the start, although from what I'm reading it appears to have been ironed out. Anyone have any experience with the iAmp Micro 550? Does it truly cough up the power required to drive an Acme? Or perhaps someone else has had experiences with the Carvin BX500 they could share? Pete

[quote name='andy67' post='634773' date='Oct 23 2009, 07:20 PM']Iain Bruce (Nico) ex Proclaimers bassist and nephew of...You guessed it Jack Bruce! Totally stunning player - He is a Senior Lecturer in Music Technology, Jewel & Esk Valley College. andy[/quote] Cool - does he do private lessons without having to do the course? And would I contact him directly, or through the college? Thanks! Pete

I'll say it too. The Squier Classic Vibe Jazz. Flat out stunning for the money. £250 is what I paid. Great build, fretwork, strings, and tone. Shielded too. Pickups seem absolutely great to me, others have installed replacements. They sound like single coils, what more do you want? Bit of set-up when you buy it and you're done. Ready to gig! It's not as ergonomically pleasing as my Lakland DJ4 (has better upper fret access), and the DJ4 has 21 frets, which is what I'm used to. But still, for the cash, you're hitting pro sound easily. I'll whisper it quietly - the Squier sounds better than my DJ4 to me. The DJ4 sounds a bit too 'bright' for me at the moment, not enough in the way of the mids I like. Perfect for Marcus Miller lovers though, I think. But of late my 'tone centre' has drifted to loving 60's alder/rosewood Jazzes, so not surprising, really. Maybe my ears are changing as time goes on... Pete

[quote name='LukeFRC' post='627344' date='Oct 15 2009, 09:03 PM']i know a music teacher who specializes in jazz and teaches bass.... ill aks him if he's taking anyone on if you want?[/quote] That's be great, very kind of you. Could you PM me any details? I'm planning to head back to study with Jeff Berlin next year, and I have a ton to practice in the meantime (still!), but would like to find someone local who 'knows their oats', and could help keep me on the right track. Pete

Sold Rich my Bill Lawrence pickups, and a very smooth transaction with great communications all round. Thanks again Rich! Pete

Anyone know of a bass teacher in Edinburgh who does jazz? Pete

Thanks for that.