BluRay

Yep, both on the current versions I think. Earlier versions might have been 1/4 only. If its dual/combi connectors its definately worth checking with both types of cable (and waggling them about a bit) because I had to return two ABM heads because of these: absolutely fine with 1/4, but loose connection with speakon. So if it the cable moved slightly in the socket, it cut out. I probably just found a dodgy batch, so nowt to worry about. Just worth a good check-over is all. :-)

[quote name='Low End Bee' post='757159' date='Feb 25 2010, 03:18 PM']Maple for looks. Rosewood for playing. Rosewood it is then.[/quote] +1 Suppose its just what I'm used to but rosewood always seems so much better. Dunno why.

regrets ...Selling my first amp head, a 1960s fender bassman silverface (bought in a junk shop in Scunthorpe in 1986 for £50) to buy....wait for it.....a cougar 115 combo. Why? because it was new and extra 50w. Obviously it pailed in comparison. I weep when I see what those heads go for on ebay. Consolation...I was 18 and just didn't know any better. ...buying my peavey 1820 cab, rather than something that can be moved without a forklift truck. Ok slight exageration, but I can't shift it on my own and thats a hassle. At the time bigger was definately better. ....buying my Epiphone EB3. Actually I have mixed feelings about it. It looks amazing and plays well. But having got to know it I just wish it was, well, better. The bridge falls to bits when I change the strings, the set neck feels a bit cheap and the pickups (although ok combined) are naff individually. Record with it? I don't think so. I'm loathed to part with it tho. Its the classic dilema "dead good looking vs slightly annoying". Ring any bells? :-)

[quote name='Rosh' post='747650' date='Feb 16 2010, 07:16 PM']I'll take a look now, thanks! I'm just after a reliable bass tuner I don't need flashy extra lights to call in a mothership![/quote] The rack-light on the Korg DTR2000 is pretty feeble - doesn't make my rig look like quite enough of a christmas tree on its own. TBH I wish I'd saved 50squid and got the one without (the 1000 model). The tuner itself seems pretty good tho. And its well handy to have an integrated tuner.

I recently got a custom (live-in) flightcase for my amp head, partly for transport proctection partly as an excuse to get a couple of rack spaces built-in for tuner and stuff (a bit unnecessary I know, but it saves faffing about cos everything is now in one unit, always hooked-up, one power switch etc). Cost about £190. I'm really chuffed with how it turned out, seeing as I didn't think to go rack-mount to start with. The downside is it is now quiet heavy and bulky. I'd guess it doubled the weight of the head. Its still portable enough - but you wouldn't want to carry it far! Obviously I wouldn't fly it anywhere.

I had a spell with a 200w combo, for boot of car reasons, which I thought would be fine - and to be fair, often it was. But sometimes it just wasn't! I do try to turn right down for the greater good of FOH (its not easy is it?!) but I think there are definately times when some extra backline really helps - instances of crappy monitors, or sound techs tweaking the settings so you can't hear a thing and then wandering off for a piss, weird room accoustics (the deaded high-roof L-shape venues), desk problems, house PA on the blink so you have to rely on a hastely acquired back-up, whatever. On balance I think there's much to be said for having access to a bit more oompf, even if its rarely called on. Peace of mind. And, as others have said, you can get a better sound cos of headroom thing too (even if no one else notices!). Obviously you don't want to look like a overcompensating tw*t in small venues, and depends on the band, but stage furnature is appropriate is some settings too, cos its part of the show. I've had the best results and flexabiliy with a mix and match / modular set up.

[attachment=42236:smw.jpg] [attachment=42237:w1.jpg] Used, abused and much loved thunder 1a. Paid about £160 (I think) in 1986-7 ish. Still the favourite!

[quote name='voodoobassman' post='740112' date='Feb 9 2010, 04:23 PM']Ashdown ABM 300 or 500 2X10 combo works for me.[/quote] + for ABM 210. I had a cheaper 210 Mag (300w) that was pretty good too, and damn loud considering - but only 5 band eq on that tho. The abm is much better tonewise.

[quote name='EmaTheMirror' post='734599' date='Feb 3 2010, 10:54 PM']why? are they averagely considered "smoke and mirrors" on this forum? I think they have a character and mid-freq "pronunciation" which can be quite annoying in some settings, but for my needs I like it[/quote] Being a newbie, I'll risk breaking cover and admit to being well happy with Ashdown ABM stuff; especially the head - great sound with the tube drive, and appears as well made as anything in that bracket. The sub-harmonic thing is a nice touch too. Some people go on about the tone characture and thats fair enough. But having used one non-stop for 18 months, Id definately get another (tho I'd probably save a few quid and get a good nick Evo 2).

Here we go....9 months in the making and shipping....that was a looooong wait. Its Pacific Blue-burst according to the MM colour chart...but in most lights (ie when not being photographed) is more sort of bluey-green, trans finish....closer to the teal colour than shown here. Photos don't do it justice....probably need to take some pics outside.... [attachment=41426:z4.jpg] [attachment=41427:z3.jpg] And the Ashdown / Ray thing is working out well :-)

This is my main rig these days. The head is a standard (non RC) Ashdown ABM Evo iii housed in a custom fight case (from Castle Cases), which includes a couple of rack spaces for toys - currently Korg DTR2000 and Samson PB10 for the extra lights!. [attachment=41410:z1.jpg] [attachment=41411:z2.jpg]

Thanks Mike. The wealth, such as it was, is now firmly distributed between Sterling Ball, Mark Gooday and their trusted intermediaries. I'm now saving for a better quality plectrum :-)

Hey up I've been playing for around 24 years, nowadays mostly just for fun. I seem to have caught the geek-bug and become overly interested in tone, quality etc. Overcompensating, maybe? Dementia? I'm sure it always used to be ok without thinking about it as much! I’m a recent convert to MM Stingray (the extra H was well worth it), and Ashdown ABM stuff (reading some comments here, this seems to be a like-it-or-not thing rig, but I'm really happy with it so far). Vaguely thinking I should have taken lightweight options a bit more seriously, but hey if it fits in a car then thats still a leap forward. I wonder if anyone else has a Peavey 1820 cab – which was part of my first proper rig. It still sounds great after 20+ years – but weighs more than our freezer, so its rooted to the spot at home. It may even have moss growing on it. Anyhow, its good to be here. Speak soon hopefully.

I've used a few ashdowns - solid state and some with tube pre-amps. So + 1 that intermittent spikes into the red are fine. Anyhow, I've frequently pushed em slightly harder (so its in the red quite a bit) specifically to get the grrr from the ABM tube and always been ok - and never seen one fail - maybe been lucky! I think it’s just a visual reference isn't it (and a bit of a gimmick), so I reckon if it sounds ok it probably is. :-)

Just be prepared for a slightly long wait. I ordered a custom Stingray HH this time last year - and it took 9 months to get to the UK (original estimate was 3-4 months). Apparently the delay wasn't at the factory, but in the wait for next batch shipment to strings and things - so it might be worth asking about the frequency of shipments to get a better indication of lead-time. Meanwhile the music store I ordered it from closed down - so quite nail-biting, as I have to pay for it up front! All sorted in the end - and good customer service from EB and S&T all things considered. Put it this way, I'd do it again if I had the dosh for another one. Perfect instrament - well worth it. PS this is my first post here - so hi everyone.