bassix

[quote name='Ashdown Engineering' timestamp='1444426279' post='2883267']
Hi Bassix,

Bit of confusion here it appears so I thought I should try to help. So firstly to clarify - 'pushing the input volume more than i would have liked' can you expand a little more on this? What was it causing the worry about turning the input volume up? A bit more info on the input gain on the Rootmaster.... If you ever played or saw the old MAG amps they had Passive and an Active inputs so as such unless you had a freakily high output bass or very low output bass most users would have the input level around halfway, However the Rootmaster is very different as there is a single input jack as opposed to the passive/active inputs on the old MAG. Therefore this means that the single input control on the RM has to cover the entire spectrum of what was covered by the pair of inputs on the old MAG. Therefore the input gain is designed so that if you are using an ultra low output bass, take a vintage P bass for example you will need the input gain almost all the way up! If you are using a monster 24v active bass the input gain will be set right down low almost off, then the vast majoity of regular out basses will most likely sit between halfway and 3/4. This is how the amp is designed and you should have been able to hear the front end clipping if you were driving it too hard and if you were lacking volume I would hazard a guess you weren't. The RM amps can run with the input all the way up all day long with no problem but you should hear and see on the VU if the input was too high.

Hope this helps.
[/quote]

Thanks for the information, when I tried in the shop the staff said that it could be pushed more than other gear at the input to maybe 1-2 O'Clock which I duly did at practice. I had the volume maxed and the input at 3 O'Clock with the "Shape" button unpressed to get heard against a guitarist and drummer.

Admittedly this was at 8 Ohm so I wasn't getting full welly from the amp but I thought (perhaps incorrectly) pushing it any further would be unwise for the long-term health of the amp. Perhaps this is an educational issue but to be fair I like to have headroom to move into if required and there wasn't that at 8ohm.

If anyone is interested this is where I bought it, over £100 cheaper than the next best.

http://www.musik-produktiv.co.uk/ashdown-rootmaster-420.html

[quote name='Merton' timestamp='1444385600' post='2882740']
The RM800 has power in bucket loads, it's insane.

The input stage can be pushed harder than you think (assuming no crazy EQ/sub/comp settings) so I wonder if the 420 just wasn't being driven hard enough at the front end?
[/quote]

The chap at the shop said that you could but I was having it a 3 O'Clock to make it heard which felt too much to me.

[quote name='0175westwood29' timestamp='1444388828' post='2882794']
At 8ohms I can maybe see why it was struggling maybe if you got a couple of 210's I think you'd be fine get the load to 4ohms
[/quote]

The problem with it is the gigs I play I generally bring a head and plug into someone else's cab, the thought that it wouldn't be sufficient based on someone else's cab was too much for me. I'm sure at 4 Ohm it'd be fine but I couldn't guarantee I'd be getting that.

If memory serves it went through a 300w 410, it just about kept up but that meant maxing the volume and pushing the input more than I would have liked.

I didn't try the abm evo, I was thinking class D at the time, at the moment without bass head, if I had the money I wouldn't hesitate to get the rm800.

I bought the 420, adored the sound against A LOT of other amps in the shop so bought it online for a ridiculously good price. Took to it to band practice at 8 ohm and it just couldn't cut it so it went back.

If this was a 4 my bank balance would be in trouble! Lovely looking.

I use the same model Peavey head at my practice studio, its a great bit of kit, does make me wonder why I'm looking at £500+ amps when you can get these at a fraction.

I'm in Brighton, anywhere close?

This is the dream bass for me ever since I played one in London 3 years ago. Maybe once my studies are over.

The budget is about £200, given that it won't be used a massive amount as the majority of venues provide a 410/610/810 I cant really justify a greater outlay.

Most of the gigs are DI'd also but I want it so in a worst case scenario I would be able to chuck it in a car/taxi and the show will go on.

I've given up on getting a lightweight cab within my meagre budget but I'm still looking for something reasonably transportable. With this in mind I'm looking for a 1 cab solution, so, would a 115 or 210 be sufficient to get a decent sound? If so, which would provide the "better" option?

I'm sure people will come back and say get both, however this isn't really an option from a space perspective at the moment.

Parameters are I play in a punk band with a precision, generally looking for it to handle pub gigs and small clubs.

Interesting.. What is the nut width on the neck? Is it the modern 41.3mm? Do you know what year it is?

Oh no..

Beautiful, haven't wanted a Rickenbacker for a few years, this could change that!

The deed is done. My heart wanted the RM800 and my head the RM420, the head won out for once! Should give me what I need and is a fair bit cheaper.

Bump

Looks awesome, whats the protection like?

They were different from model to model actually. The thundergun had a shallow, gibson-esque neck for me, glossy but very comfortable. The Reverend Justice and Decision are the Jazz/Precision equivalents and were similar in proportions but both felt comfortable to me. If memory serves they had more of a satin type finish.

This was on a trip to Glasgow I went to Merchant City Music (great service by the way), I actually went in to try a precision but the manager was a bass player and suggested I give them a go. I was glad I did, as they sound great. The one confusing thing is they have such big bodies that they look like they are going to weigh a tonne but they couldn't have been more than 8.5lbs each, some strange alchemy going on!

They are definitely on my hit list for my next bass though, if you fancy one I doubt you'll regret it and with distance selling regulations you can't lose.

Haven't played a dub king but tried the thunder gun, decision and justice whilst in Glasgow and they were excellent instruments. Lightweight, strung through with different but ultimately lovely feeling necks.

Seem to be extremely rare in the UK so doubt many will have tried.

I tried the RM 800 today as I'm on the lookout for a new head and boy what a sound! I tried it against a Fender rumble 500, TC Electronic BH550 and Aguilar Tonehammer 350 and for my money it beat most of them hands down although the Tonerhammer deserves an honourable mention.

The only decision now is whether to go for the RM420 or 800..

Didn't realise there were any cv jazz with maple neck?

My MF had its first gig at the weekend and I can't tell whether it was the bass or the amp but this thing is powerful straight from stock! It just has a great thick, classic precision tone. I was considering upgrading the pickups but that'll be on the back burner for the foreseeable future.

Ttt

Yeah, I thought it may be a bit much to ask. I'm in the difficult position where the band are increasingly being asked to play further and further afield but we don't have access to a large vehicle.

I may be able to stretch the budget to £300 for the right cab, however I'm starting to think we'll need a van first!

Pm's replied to, no gigs for a couple of weeks but in derby again weekend of 12/09 and Woking 19/09 if anyone nearby wants a crack.