franzbassist

[quote name='Mark_Bass' timestamp='1363874839' post='2018734'] So in otherwords it "should" be ok to try different valves just don't coming crying to us if your amp goes bang IS this something that you guys would recommend doing? Not that im going to blindly follow your every words but id be interested to hear of any experiences users have had when trying this out. [/quote] Why not drop Mesa an email and ask them whether there are any issues trying different valves?

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' timestamp='1363872237' post='2018680'] That page seems to miss an important bit about the different impedance of the different valves having an effect on the circuit, which shifts tone around in various possible watys depending on what the valve does, the two halves might do different things. [/quote] That's true Oli, but they do say this: Before you discover the new possibilities in your amp, let us give a [b]disclaimer[/b]. Your amp was originally designed for a certain type, and although tube amps are often forgiving, it may not have a tone that you like with a different tube type. For instance, changing the tube type doesn't only change the gain factor; there are other variables as well and your amp may have a circuit that is more particular than others. As a general rule, the substitutions we describe here should work well but there are exceptions and [b]we don't warranty[/b] any problems that result from trying mismatched tube types.

Well the manual says: [font=sans-serif][size=4]INPUT: This jack feeds the first tube in the all-tube preamp of the BIG BLOCK. It is set up with enough headroom to handle both passive and active style instruments. For active instruments you may find yourself running the GAIN control somewhere between 10:00 and 2:00 for optimum headroom. If you do hear a softclip creeping in at higher settings, don’t worry, this is the beauty of a tube front end.[/size][/font] [font=sans-serif][size=4]So it sounds like your amp is doing what it's meant to.[/size][/font] [font=sans-serif][size=4]If you don't like it then try a lower gain valve in V1. If you look at the page [url="http://www.thetubestore.com/Gain-Factor"]here[/url] it will give you an idea of the other valves out there.[/size][/font] [font=sans-serif][size=4]Enjoy![/size][/font] [font=sans-serif][size=4]Gareth[/size][/font]

Back on the site [url="http://ashdownmusic.com/products/1/Bass-Amplification/17/Signature-Series-/83/JJB500/"]here[/url]

[quote name='Big_Stu' timestamp='1363704336' post='2016154'] Personally - and I've done it, my Fender case is quite battle scarred - I'd pull the busted bit of case out the hole & glue or gaffa it back in place then put it down to experience. IF the bass is 100% then the case has done it's job!.......... IF that's all the damage there is? It adds mojo & will live to do it's job many times more. [/quote] +1, if it was only wrapped in bubble wrap it's not surprising this occured. I suspect the courier would agrue that the case was not adequately protected to prevent damage to it and wouldn't honour a claim anyway. If the bass made it to you safely [i]that [/i]is what really matters. Hard cases never sell for much anyway in my experience, so just move it on and consider it a lesson learned.

That takes me back....

[quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1363525218' post='2013601'] Are they the same amp with different power sections? [/quote] Believe so, yes. Difference is in the headroom I guess.

The LB550 has been around a couple of years. LB30 twin valve preamp stage with a digital power section. I haven't seen a version with the ABM power stage and there is no sign of this in the new Ashdown Valve range, so I suspect there's some confused shop marketing going on here.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1362553118' post='2001102'] Try some Lakland Joe Osborn Flats, available cheaply and quickly from Lakland's website. [/quote] +1, these are great strings, although last time I checked they were out of stock..... WoT has been stockpiling ! La Bella FS are also very nice.

How much?!

Rather than a matchstick, which is too soft, get some hard dowel covered in wood glue in there and fill it properly (i.e. totally fill the hole). That should do the trick.

Is this the Brimar you just picked up from me Ash? If so, it worked fine when I tried it, and I bought it from Mr.Foxen originally btw. Do you want to try the other Brimar I have, also from Oli, just to compare?

I'd be game for bass and plenty of backing vocals, with the occasional lead vocal thrown in, but I am not an out and out lead vocal kind of guy

Hi Lisa I would love this gig, but sadly I am too far away (Hampshire). Have to say though, top notch stuff. Best of luck finding someone. Best wishes Gareth

Sold a valve to Ash. Great communication and a pleasure to deal with. No doubt more sales will be undertaken between us (this was our second) at some point.

[quote name='hamfist' timestamp='1361121291' post='1981360'] The TTE does also overdrive a bit as well doesn't it ? It is nice and useable for that ? COuld you compare it's OD to anything else ? [/quote] You can certainly overdrive it, but it's not something I have tried to do to any great extent. That said, varying the position of the gain knob can really change the tone coming from the amp, especially as it impacts on the compressor quite a bit.

[quote name='hamfist' timestamp='1361107836' post='1981096'] Nice one ! I haven't had the opportunity to play through on of these yet, but have noticed that they don't seem to have taken off in popularity as I thought they would. Those who have them seem to rave about them, but doesn't seem like the shops can shift them at all. Anyone any thoughts about this ? Walbassist, I know you used to own a Spyder 550 (my current amp), how would you compare the TTE to it ? [/quote] My guess is that the TTE is not that popular because it's quite an expensive option for what is a fairly basic amp. While the core tone is lovely, the eq is very basic, which may well put people off. I sold my Spyder after getting the TTE. I loved the Spyder tone, but I just felt the TTE was a touch more refined, plus I liked the tube-driven compressor and eq sections. It also looks super cool and is a good weight.

I've just put some NOS Sylvania 12AX7WA (US military "ruggedised" valves) in mine, good golly they sound good.