franzbassist

My band have used these since the early 2000s, so they have done a lot of gigs!  They still work well and are in good overall condition and come with the much rarer controller.

Full disclosure: Two things to note, both of which I am sure can be resolved with a service:

i) There is a small tear in one driver that we put tape over a decade ago!

ii) One of the 1/4" jack connectors has a somewhat intermittent connection, but if you use the XLRs all is well.

Testing is welcome before collection from GU8 (Guildford area).

I bought this new in April last year, using it briefly before discovering GR Bass. As such, everything is in mint condition and I still have the original boxes too so shipping is an option.

This is an incredibly versatile amp, so much so that I couldn't possibly run through everything it can do here.  There are lots of video reviews worth watching, but I am going to guide you to our very own Dood's review here, which gives a good deep dive into the amp.

• Boss Katana 500 Bass Head (£734)
• Boss BT-DUAL Bluetooth adapter (£45), so you can adjust settings on the fly via the app
• Boss GA-FC pedal (£99)l, again, for ease of switching in a live setup
• Boss VE-22 Vocal Processor Bag (£74), a perfect fit for the amp, power lead and a couple of speaker cables

I’ve added some pictures taken today but forgot to add proof of ownership.  Hopefully folks will know I am a stand up guy on here and save me the effort of retaking the pictures.

10 minutes ago, Merton said:

Did anyone see Marlee King opening the show?

My mate was playing drums; he also happens to be dtum

and monitor tech for L42 of course 😁

Yes.  She doesn’t lack confidence!  Drummer was very good.

That’s a great reply, thanks.  Reassuring too.  Yes I last saw them about 10 years ago, so that would explain a lot re. the vocal change. And yes, Mike’s vocals are so much better than they used to be.  That was a pleasant surprise.

Agree re. Nathan, PRB (a machine!) and the brass.  All good on that front.

Roachford:  Also good points, I guess I was highlighting the difference more than anything.  If MK had nattered as much over the course of the Level 42 set they’d have had to drop a couple of tunes! 🤣

1 minute ago, Count Bassy said:

As far as I'm aware the Albert Hall only has 5 levels.

STOP IT 🤣

Don't get me wrong with this post, as I have enjoyed (without ever really being an ardent fan) Level's music for many years, but last night's gig left me underwhelmed for a few reasons:

i) Mark's vocal was weak.  I know he's never been the greatest vocalist, and how he even pulls it off playing some of the lines he does is beyond me, but last night there was no power there at all.  Is age catching up with him, as it does with so many singers, or has he just got a cold perhaps?

ii) Unlike Level gigs I've been to before there was virtually no chat.  They played almost all of World Machine with perhaps a dozen words said in total.  A total contrast to the support act Andrew Roachford, who was really engaging and gave good value.

iii) The lighting was very poor.  Half the time the band, all dressed in black as well, were hardly visible!  Also, why have a projected backdrop and only use it twice?  Surely something better could have been put together.

Honestly, the whole thing felt it was done on a pretty small budget.  I don't have an issue with that per se, as I know they aren't the scale of band they once were, but I came away really disappointed. I've seen Level four times before last night and they were way better.  I'm posting this not to bash the band but more out of concern, hence why I'd like to hear other opinions in case I am way off the mark?

16 minutes ago, kwmlondon said:

In terms of options though, I'd be fascinated to try out the six-position but as it is I think I'm better off with 4. It's like compression - the best system I used had an on/off switch that worked. As soon as I start to get too much choice I feel like I'm wasting time faffing and give up!

I really like the addition of middle solo, and bridge and middle in parallel, so it was a good swap for me.  

I have swapped to a white scratchplate though.

I have one of the limited edition JT4 basses and also a JT5 which I added the six way rotary to.  It’s made a fantastic sounding bass even better.

I actually run my basses passive a lot of the time, but the Neve preamp really is very good when you kick it in.  My 5 is pretty light, balances very well and sustains for days too.  It’s become my main bass for gigging.

My JT5

My JT4 (18 of only 82 worldwide)

Pickup settings for the six way.  It really expands the range of sounds.

Last Friday’s setup with my beloved Franz bass and the quite incredible GR Bass rig.

Welcome!

I've lived in the locality most of my life, and went to college in Guildford many years ago. I used to avoid Andertons as I found them condescending and unhelpful, but they are now absolutely top notch for service.  I wouldn't hesitate to shop there.  

32 minutes ago, ChrisJaxon said:

Do you still have the Elites? 

I do indeed

Amazing cabs.  The perfect balance between power, punch and portability.

Straight swap for my Franz Dave?

Oh my, Stealthy Status.  A lovely example Dave.

I think I posted the very same clip a while back with the very same reaction. It really is very good.

And sold

I will entertain sensible offers.

Just now, woodyratm said:

Cheers folks, there is a drastic change on the nut tbf - standard to A#. But that was the exact same back in ‘22. Every bass I get gets the same treatment. 
 

String gauge is usually 105 to 135. 

Okay, so yes, a new nut may well be in order.  You could wrap fine gauge sandpaper around each string and then run them up and down the nut slots to file open the existing nut (put a little pen mark right at the bottom of each slot so you don't take it lower!), but I appreciate you may not be comfortable with that!

Are you going to a much heavier gauge? You may not need to make any changes if it's just the next gauge up.  As @bassbiscuits says, you may need to adjust the intonation and relief, but you may not!  

Also, I've never had to drill out a strap lock hole to allow for a bigger screw (and I have fitted Dunlop locks to loads of basses); I just put a little bit of wax on the new screw and they always go in easily enough.

As to cost, these are the kind of tweaks I've made on my basses for years, so I'm afraid I have no idea. Sorry

A smooth as usual sale to Martin. Great comms, instant payment, you know the drill

This will shortly be going up as a commission sale, so if you are interested please do get in touch with me soon.

19 minutes ago, TheGreek said:

Now when I first saw this I thought "this will sell quickly"...lovely colour, respected seller and great brand...how wrong I was!! 

 

That's twice now!!😉😉

Thanks Mick. Yes, it's an odd one. I can only put it down to the brand being so small and "boutique".

Just chipping in to say this is a great cab. A real one cab does it all solution for small and medium sized venues.  And Freddie is a most excellent person to deal with too