gjones

[quote name='KevB' timestamp='1327319518' post='1509140'] Hats off to anyone who gets a tone they like out of an Ashdown ABM . I seem to have tried several in music shops and rehearsal rooms over the years and never got on with any of them. I was particularly interested in Ashdown when they first started as I'd used and liked Trace gear and the company was set up by ex Trace people. Lots of pros use them so I guess I've been unlucky but I haven't found an Ashdown I liked yet. But then plenty of people can't stand Trace stuff so it's horses for courses as usual. [/quote] [quote name='ThomBassmonkey' timestamp='1327323561' post='1509237'] I'm the same, I've used a LOT of Ashdowns (MAGs and ABMs) in my time and I've never once been happy with the tone I've had. I'm happy with my setup too, loving the MM into GK thing, both basses and both amps are stunning pieces of kit and they all work together to give me a lovely gritty fat sound. [/quote] Don't get me started on Ashdown amps. I've owned Peavey, Hartke, Fender, TC Electronic and always find them lacking compared to Ashdowns. I still own a Ashdown EB entry level combo which sounds great and I still use it for smaller gigs. It's the punchy low mid sound of them I really like and it's the sound I hear in my head when I imagine 'my ideal tone'. But of course it's always down to personal preference. And there's many many amps I've never tried.................although I played through a Mesa Boogie stack the other day and that WAS tasty!

[quote name='SteveK' timestamp='1327159825' post='1507215'] I know a few drummers who, had they been 'told off' by an engineer (BBC or not), would have presented said engineer with a nice bit of bling...in the shape of a snare drum necklace. EDIT: Thinking about it, I know a bass player who would be none too happy about either [/quote] Which is why they're playing down 'The Dog and Duck' Saturday night not Wembley Stadium.

[quote name='eddiehoffmann' timestamp='1327251195' post='1508344'] Hey guys! Have a listen to these audio clips from this German website: [url="http://www.bonedo.de/artikel/einzelansicht/ashdown-mibass-550.html"]http://www.bonedo.de...mibass-550.html[/url] [/quote] Sounds excellent and very Ashdown like. Unfortunately I've just sold my lightweight TC head to buy a big ol Ashdown ABM head. I didn't buy the MiBass because there's not enough feedback or reviews online to make an informed decision. Once I can be sure of reliability I may go for one once my back starts to creak with the weight of my gear.

[quote name='Faithless' timestamp='1327232263' post='1507991'] I know Anthony Jackson used to play with Stern, but he plays a 6string, doesnt he.. [/quote] Checked him out and that definitely looks like the guy.

[quote name='Gwilym' timestamp='1327237967' post='1508078'] Indeed. The obvious choice is practice and improve as a musician. [/quote] [quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1327237531' post='1508069'] What's wrong with just concentrating on playing some great music now? [/quote] Oh I can't play bass! I just like to look at them

After fitting a J - Retro pre amp to my Jazz and buying an Ashdown ABM 500 III (after not getting on with my TC electronic classic 450). I have the horrible feeling that I've found that 'Perfect' sound that I've been searching for all these years. I should be happy but there's a hint of sadness lurking in the background. I feel a sense of regret that the quest for the holy grail is now over. That I've found what I've been looking for (unlike Bono) and there'll be no more evenings spent lurking on ebay and gumtree looking for that elusive bargain bass/amp and reading review after review on the hunt for the sound I was looking for. Maybe I should take up a hobby to fill the void? Flower arranging perhaps?

[quote name='Faithless' timestamp='1327231075' post='1507971'] A bit OT but, who was on bass that night, wasnt it Janek Gwizdala? And yeah, Stern uses to play in 55bar all the time. [/quote] It was a chunky black guy playing a 5 string if I remember rightly. One thing I remember is that his playing was very restrained but right on the button and he and Kim really made a supertight rhythm section.

I was in New York in 2006 and got talking to Kim Thompson who was playing in a band in a little bar in the village call The 55 Bar. She was backing a guitarist (who I didn't realise at the time was Mike Stern ex Miles Davis guitarist) and she and the band were really cooking. She told me she was playing the next week with Beyonce in LA and I have to say I assumed she was pulling my leg and telling porky pies. But no there she is in your video giving it waldy!

[quote name='razze06' timestamp='1327008437' post='1505271'] i'm in for an ediburghbassbash! perhaps we could just hire a good practice room for an afternoon? [/quote] With a bar!

I notice that the basses with the most enticing and professionally photographed images end up much better selling prices at the end of the day.

I've just sold my TC Electronic Classic 450, which wasn't for me, and bought myself an ABM 500 III and frankly it's exactly the sound I want. It's immensly loud and has earthquake like low end (I have to turn a lot of the lower frequencies down)........and that's through a 2x12! I recommend turning the bass frequencies down on the amp then bring the volume up to band level. Then bring the the low mids and bass back in again until it sounds how you want it. I'm sure you'll get a better sound that way and more volume. And keep the sub atomic generator OFF! It's Pino Pallidino's amp of choice and if he thinks it's good.............it probably is.

Dave just bought my TC Electronic Classic 450. Money paid like lightning. Dave's a gent. Deal with confidence.

Pleasures all mine I hope you like it.

[quote name='Protium' timestamp='1326925407' post='1503986'] Switch the sub harmonics off. Waste of time. [/quote] My thoughts exactly. Those ultra low frequencies may be difficult for the cabs to handle. Try getting a good sound with the sub harmonics off. ABMs have PLENTY of low end anyway. I'm sure this will get you a better sound.

That guitar's going on the wall of a plastic surgeon in Santa Monica never to be played.

Wizard do guitar pickups too [url="http://www.wizardpickups.co.uk/shop.asp?category=Humbucker"]http://www.wizardpickups.co.uk/shop.asp?category=Humbucker[/url]

[quote name='silddx' timestamp='1326751247' post='1501621'] At least the smoke covered the smell of men and their disgusting Lynx aromas. Pubs and venues smell horrible now. [/quote] Tis true.

Even though I've never smoked and even though my clothes and gear stunk after a gig and even though I still recall looking out from the stage and seeing a cloud of smoke hanging in the air about 2 feet above the punters heads (which can't be healthy - especially if your a non smoker serving behind the bar all day). I still miss the days before the smoking ban. I always end up standing outside in the cold with the smokers somehow.

I see what you mean about the 3D. It's given me a migraine.