Merton

Status Retroactive J into an Ashdown BTA200 and two Barefaced Super Compacts:

I currently own 3 Ashdown amps: I have to say I think it's their speakers which let them down, these all sound incredible through my Barefaced cabs - full bodied but punchy and articulate as well. I once had the misfortune of gigging a Hartke HA3500 through an Ashdown MAG 8x10 cab - should have been plenty but the cab ruined the Hartke's sizzle completely. Worst rig I ever used, dare I say it was an Ampeg SVT stack, again the cab just sucked the life out of the tone so it was inaudible unless stood directly in front of it... Have never managed to successfully (IMO) gig an Ampeg rig actually....

Our drummer *almost* summed it up well: "So this is bigger, heavier and sounds the same. Well done." To my ears it doesn't sound the same, it's got a hell of a lot more balls and bottom end, even when flat it is monstrous, and it doesn't run out of puff on the higher-volume gigs like yesterday's. The CTM is a fantastic amp but obviously when pushed it gets that valve clipping and squishing of the notes, which is lovely but not quite right for the majority of my gigs. I like the full blooded valve power section just before tipping point; the BTA achieves that where the CTM would on those occasions struggle. Don't get me wrong, the CTM is brilliant and is perfect for probably 60% of my gigs, the remaining 40% need the BTA though... Not convinced the band or the missus are too happy about that

Forgot to say what I've learned: 1. I really need to practice more 2. Practice would be good 3. I probably will have a completely different rig again by the end of the year, just because I can 4. More time should be spent practicing rather than looking at shiny new toys. It is in fact a resolution I have made, to practice every day from here on in. And to run more, and cycle. But they won't help my bass playing so much. 5. Practice.

[quote name='Moos3h' timestamp='1420114794' post='2645664'] Paddy Ashdown? [/quote] Paddy Ashdown Forest I have a few too many amps now it seems:

BTA200 - still an absolute beast and one of only about 20 in existence apparently, according to the man himself

It's ridiculous in every way. Much bigger, heavier and more cumbersome to move around, and only just sits on those cabs without slipping off, but the sound is incredible. With everything set flat it just sings at you, add a bit of preamp valve drive and you're off laughing all the way to the end of the gig. The CTM is a fabulous amp but on bigger gigs (such as last night!) it did run out of steam occasionally. Not in a bad way because you get that glorious power tube saturation and compression, however for my band that particular sound isn't really required until the last few songs in the second set so I just fancied something with a big valve output stage I could keep cleaner. This is it in spades, loads of tonal options on the front end and if I want to push the power amp hard I can do. Love it

There's a new monster in there. It sounds immense at tonight's gig, though not sure the band are so keen on the larger form factor and weight

In: ACG Graft Recurve 5 Out: Status Shark 5 Status Groove 4 Status Groove fretless ACG Graft Recurve 5 2015 will see at least one ACG Finn appear (currently in gestation) and hopefully a second depending on finances

Peavey has closed it's UK distribution, yes. That doesn't necessarily ran we won't see Trace back on these shores soon, I'm sure Peavey will have some idea of a future plan to sell here

It's no worse than the Markbass logo IMO

[quote name='Huge Hands' timestamp='1419350530' post='2639033'] Martin, if you're still in the area, you'd be welcome to pop down and try mine when I get them. [/quote] Ah cheers dude - gives us a chance to do a proper A/B vs the Super Compacts I own (Obviously comparing apples with oranges...) Hope all is well!

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1419339029' post='2638878'] wouldnt it be the same size and the ports the same size however they are configured? [/quote] Yes

What an awesome present Enjoy it and review when you can Still tempted by these cabs to go with my valve amp...

Nice work I see you have Geddy Lee's signature "cab" in the background too

That spalt maple top is incredible

Bought a GigRig Quartermaster from Luke (in order to make my pedalboard look more complicated than it actually is, haha); he was very easy to deal with and a quicker delivery I couldn't have asked for, many thanks

Has anyone seen what Ashdown are introducing at NAMM? Looks like the chaps who wanted a class D 12-band head are in luck

Terrible news, sorry to hear that

Sold Chris a set of DR strings, was an absolute pleasure to deal with, but then I knew that would be the case because when I met him earlier this year he proved himself to be a top bloke (and rather fine player too)

Oh man the 4x8 cab sounded glorious. Wasn't too good at being super loud but sounded soooo sweet

I also had a v type 4x8 combo, 48kg if I recall. Ouch! Never had a Twin Valve, quite fancy the Quatra Valve but rarer that a rare thing from raresville...

Buy it and if you decide you don't like it I'll chew your arm off for it