Sparky Mark

Have a look at the Ibanez Mikro bass range. They are much better ergonomically than those you have mentioned in my experience. The Mikros are short scale, lightweight with slim necks and a very comfortable body profile. Rounds are usually much easier to play because most flats (TI flats ££££ excluded) are higher tension and tougher for beginners. Just about every new bass will be supplied with an adequate set of roundwounds on it already to go.

No it won't. The combo can drive another cab, but another 410 would be a better match.

It's pretty safe to assume that your combo has not been modified and the speakers inside create an 8 ohm load. You can add another 8 ohm extension but not a 4 ohm cabinet as at any decent volume the head would most likely cook itself.

I agree that an AH500 is a lump but the AH200 as used in this combo isn't very heavy at all. Based on the occasion I'll use either a Markbass or AH200 head; whether an amp weighs 8 or 18 pounds is certainly not the deciding factor and never will be for me.

Agreed. If this combo could be converted into a seperate head and two 210 cabs that would be an extremely flexible and easy to load in/out rig. The carpentry appears straightforward but the tolex refinishing and corners would need to be done to a professional standard to do it justice.

Another option is a 1215 combo which is much smaller and 32 lbs lighter than the 410 combo but still delivers that lovely Trace Elliot sound.

This was my solution to being able to keep Trace Elliot tone in a compact package. I think the AH200 is very conservatively rated. It was using the same 410 TE combo in a rehearsal room that convinced me I needed TE in my life again after 30 years apart.

Me too; it's a fantastic resource and I'm missing it.

Standard DAVA on top of heavy duty DAVA pick for comparison.

The first pick I had was thrown by Jimmy Bane at the end of a Wild Horses gig at Brunel University sometime in the late 70's early 80's. It was a 0.88mm Jim Dunlop; it kinda skewed my preference, he was a great pick player.

My heavy duty DAVA control power grips arrived today and they're very different to Jim Dunlops. Just look at how much thicker they are compared to a JD 0.88mm. They feel really secure in use and unsurprisingly give a slightly meatier less toppy tone than the JD. I might order some of the standard versions to compare.

I've just ordered some of the heavy duty ones to see how they compare with the Jim Dunlops.

When I switch to pick playing I have to reduce the amp volume. Is that my inconsistent technique or do other players have to do the same? I favour Dunlop 0.88mm nylon picks as thinner ones sound too "clicky" for me. My two main bass playing regrets are that I didn't learn to sing whilst playing or practice enough with a pick.

1979 - Gillan at The Kingdom Hall, Brunel University. John McCoy convinced me (and my internal organs) there and then bass was the way to go and he never seems to age! A wall of Marshall cabs crazy loud! (Some even had speakers in them I reckon). 2013 - The Subways at The Square, Harlow. Small venue at ear splitting volume. Rock & Roll Queen is brill.

Fascinating, but what is it?

The only problem I had when I ordered a EHX Mono Synth pedal from DV247 was that it arrived with a euro socket mains adaptor. Took several calls to receive a UK version and there was no indication that the pedal was coming from the continent when I placed the order.

Only an unresearched thought but rather than just pure labour costs, one reason may be China's decades long experience of orchestral instrument production; violins, double basses etc. resulting in a greater number of appropriately skilled facilities and employees.

Yoiks!! I thought this was a possibility but haven't seen any proven instances until your account.

Exactly; who bothers with underpants during lockdown?

It's genuinely nice to know it's gone to a good home and being fully appreciated. 👍