franzbassist

I was struggling to get any overdrive from the amp so was just experimenting with other valves. I've just popped a couple of JJs in there for now, but I have loads of vintage Mullard, Brimar and Phillips (which I got for my LB30), so will try different ones over time. Might try new Tung Sol too, as they worked well last time I tried them.

It's warm but certainly not muddy. Like you, my ABM spent most of its time with a flat eq, and the flat eq on the Spyder is very nice, in fact so far I have just used it flat, or with a slight increase in bass and treble and a slight mid cut, nothing extreme at all. I've used my Spyder with my LB212 and one or both of my Mini-Neo cabs; sounds great through all! Should also mention that a tube upgrade is well worth it. The stock Chinese ones really didn't do it for me...

[quote name='BigBassBob' timestamp='1325805225' post='1488227'] Out of curiosity, has anyone compared this to the ABM series? [/quote] Yes, I have. The 550 is naturally warmer, but it isn't boomy, just lots of lovely creamy tube goodness. The top end is especially nice, bright but not brittle or harsh. When you turn the gain up and push the volume it's very punchy, really cuts through nicely and gives that big "umph" people like to feel. To my ears at least, the ABM sounded thinner when I was A/B'ing them against each other. OK, so the EQ is nothing like as comprehensive as the ABM series, and the passive EQ takes some getting used to, but for what it is the 550 is a great amp. I certainly liked it enough to sell my ABM. Cheers Gareth

[quote name='Andyjr1515' timestamp='1325804330' post='1488205'] Got something that will probably do that were off either an AC30 or Hughes & Kettner Statesman (can't remember which). PM me and I'll happily post them to you for free Andy [/quote] That's kind Andy, thanks very much!

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1325792655' post='1487907'] Have you got La Bellas on the Veillette? [/quote] Sure do. Same set as when I got it two years ago!

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1325791018' post='1487863'] La Bella 760N Black Nylons [/quote] +1

[quote name='thepurpleblob' timestamp='1325778173' post='1487523'] Erm... did you phone Ashdown?[/quote] The clue's in the first post

Much has changed chez Walbassist in the last few months, so here's the collection as it stands at the moment.... [url="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6640534509_e1c5b52ba1_b.jpg"][/url]

Here are my two, both bought in the autumn last year: a 1970 fretless (P Retro fitted as original pots long gone) and a 1988 MIJ. Mmmm....

And again, d'oh on my part!

D'oh!

Anyone know where I can get some of these, plus screws, for an ABM head like below? Ashdown don't supply them any more. Cheers Gareth

According to Guy at Ashdown the amp is designed first and foremost to provide a clean valve tone. Obviously if you push it hard it will break up, but by just how much will be influenced by a lot of variables in addition to where you set the gain knob (i.e. pickup height, strength of signal from bass etc.) Cheers Gareth

Evening all So I set up at rehearsal tonight with my trusty ABM 300 Evo II and, while the amp worked, for the first few minutes I would get short, quiet bursts of a sound almost like very high pitched feedback, which also maxed out the VU meter reading. It stopped soon enough and didn't return, but I'm wondeirng if anyone has any ideas what may have caused this? I should add the amp has worked faultlessly every other time I've used it. Cheers Gareth

Fender Bass V?

Having had a major change of gear in 2011 (three new basses and a complete change of amplification) I am hoping that 2012 will be a much quieter year for me!

Yes, always try the passive input first. If it distorts (in a way you don't want or like), lower the input gain or switch to the active input.

[quote name='warwickhunt' timestamp='1325352692' post='1482468'] Drop him a PM... I have! [/quote] So have I!

I knew Pete for 22 years and spent many happy hours at the workshop(s) and snooker club. A genuine, lovely, talented man. I will miss him very much, but both he and Wal leave a wonderful legacy in the instruments they gave to us.