LuvMusic

The weather has been great! Was raining when I arrived on Wedneday, been warm and sunny since! My Bass Gallery adventure was a great time! Thanks to all who suggested checking-in there. Worked with Alex, Martin wasn't in, and Alex was very helpful. So helpful in fact that one CAR "Tanglewater" Classic J is on its way back to the USA! I wanted something I couldn't get in the USA and not spend big bucks. One of the features that I found different from a Fender J was the tone pot setup; volume, blend, tone versus volume, volume, tone which I really like. Alex told me this was one of the first batches that was QC'ed and setup in Chris' shop Here's a pic of me with the bass at the Bass Gallery. Thank you to all who guided me to the Gallery....GOOD ADVICE! Cheers!

An update. I'm looking at the Tower of London right now. Just finished my work and tomorrow I'm visiting the Bass Gallery. GuitarGuitar got me a little mad. The Epsom store doesn't stock the Overwaters and wanted a depost to have one shipped into the store. Also not all of the deposit would be refunded if I decided not to buy. So, off to Camden I go.

[quote name='dc2009' post='1357899' date='Aug 31 2011, 01:16 PM']It's always a matter of taste, but a Tanglewater had to be your priority IMO. I haven't heard a bad word said about them and A LOT of the regulars on here have tried them, or even bought them.[/quote] Yeah, the "Tanglewater" classic J with a P/J configuration and Volume, Tone, Blend controls is interesting. Really like the idea of a blend pot! Plus you won't find these in the states.

[quote name='Grand Wazoo' post='1357189' date='Aug 31 2011, 03:22 AM']Guitar Guitar in Epsom has that Squier James Johnston, I've tried it and loved it.[/quote] Thanks for the impression. I'd really like to compare the Overwater Classic J to this Squier. [quote name='charic' post='1357194' date='Aug 31 2011, 03:29 AM']Try out the SEI's... You probably won't see many of those in the states [/quote] You're right, I don't see SEI's in the states. Unfortunately, out of my budget for this trip. [quote name='reggaemaster' post='1357202' date='Aug 31 2011, 03:42 AM']Not an expert on these things, but would a Warwick or Sandberg come out cheaper? Given theat they are made in Germany, and that we are all part of the EU? Good luck bass hunting!![/quote] Thanks for the suggestions. Warwick's are available in the states and Sandberg's too, but not as common. [quote name='BigRedX' post='1357205' date='Aug 31 2011, 03:44 AM']Have a look at [url="http://www.thebassgallery.com/"]The Gallery web site[/url]. It's not always 100% up to date, but it will give you an idea of what they have in stock for you to try. There's quite a few "Tanglewaters" and a reasonably priced real Overwater. I'd also have a look at the Fretking PJ and of course try some of the Wal basses they have in stock. BTW what makes the James Johnston Jazz different from any other Squier Jazz?[/quote] It is a CV Jazz. What makes it unique in the states is the color, matching headstock and decals. All cosmetic, but, not available in the states....UK only. I'll look into the Fretking...thanks for the suggestion.

[quote name='dc2009' post='1357077' date='Aug 30 2011, 06:38 PM']And as for $1=£1, I meant if you can buy a new fender blacktop in the USA for $550, it will cost you £550 here. I've paid for hardcases, shipping and ludicrous import duty before and still saved myself £100 on the cheapest UK price for a bass I imported from the states. (it was Korean made so not even a USA model).[b] So not worth buying here unless you can't get it in the states![/b][/quote] That's exactly my thought too, that's why maybe an Overwater, Burns or the Squire James Johnston, these are not available (without importing them) in the states.

[quote name='Mornats' post='1356993' date='Aug 30 2011, 05:05 PM']Possibly not... a bass that would cost $500 in the States would cost £500 over here but £500 would cost you $815 at today's exchange rate.[/quote] I don't think it is quite that bad right now, but the exchange rate changes regularly. Three weeks from now....who knows? I work for a Swiss company, wish I wre paid in Swiss Francs, then it wouldn't matter! [quote name='noelk27' post='1357037' date='Aug 30 2011, 05:46 PM']Prices quoted in the US are exclusive of sales tax. Prices quoted in the UK are inclusive of VAT. As a US resident visiting the UK and making this purchase, the OP can claim back VAT and declare the goods in the US for the applicable rate of sales tax. As VAT is 20 per cent, probably works out in his favour. All the OP needs do is, at the point of purchase, get the reseller to issue the correct paperwork.[/quote] Tax where I return to the US is 10%, however, I'm allowed to bring in $2000.00 USD in merchandise tax free (could be more), so, not paying VAT is a plus.....if I file the paperwork!

[quote name='dc2009' post='1356909' date='Aug 30 2011, 03:40 PM']Epsom is a mission to get to if you're anywhere in Central London - believe me, I once ended up there pissed out of my mind! Go to the Gallery first. The Gallery will also have the tanglewater CJ's in, provided they haven't all been bought up! They are great basses, I'm tempted by a CJ5 myself. You will find that anything available in america can be had here for roughly $1=£1 conversion, so not at all good for you.[/quote] A mission........A mission for bass!? Always up for an adventure......what would you estimate travel time to be? Looks like I'll have to research to see if my android GPS will work in the UK without spending a fortune on data. I would be very happy with a 1 = 1 conversion.

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='1356769' date='Aug 30 2011, 02:04 PM']Bass Gallery in Camden, avoid Denmark Street.[/quote] Seems like the Bass Gallery is the place. Got similar responses on TalkBass. Thanks for the replies!

So, I'm heading to London on business at the end of September and it looks like I'll have a free Saturday....time to explore the bass scene! I'm thinking about possibly buying a bass while I'm there.....something you either can't get in the US or is hard to get. A few options I've identified are: - An Overwater / Tanglewood Classic or Contemporary J - A Squier James Johnston Jazz (UK only) - Italia Marnello or Rimini - A Burns Bison RI Not looking to spend big money and these seemed interesting. Any thoughts on this list? Any I should add or delete? What about suggestions on where I should look in London? Any info, help and / or guidance will be appreciated! Cheers!

[quote name='KiOgon' post='898291' date='Jul 18 2010, 01:07 PM']The Up for On is (in my mind) the American way - must be why it seems right to Ben (LuvMusic), but I see it as wrong simply because it's upside down to the notation. I think the guy that designed the amp didn't talk to the guy doing the front panel layout! Cheers, John[/quote] A "Chicago Yankee in King Arthur's court?" Cheers back at you John!

[quote name='sk8' post='897497' date='Jul 17 2010, 01:00 PM']I didn't even get a manual with my LB [/quote] FYI, Ashdown has posted the manual for the LB (and all the new valve heads) on-line within the product description page. Here is the link to the manual: [url="http://www.ashdownmusic.com/tech/manuals/VALVEOPS.pdf"]http://www.ashdownmusic.com/tech/manuals/VALVEOPS.pdf[/url] You will also find in the manual that it states the LB is muted with the mute switch in the up position and as has been mentioned, this is not reality. The LB is actually muted in the down position. What is proper, I don't know. Since this is my first valve head and Ashdown product, I don't know what the historical perspective is. From my user perspective (I own the LB prototype from Winter NAMM), the switch orientation seems logical. Down is "Off" (muted) and up is "On" (unmuted). Same as my light switches (down=off, up=on). Same with the bass shift toggle; down is bassy and up is bright. Maybe ignorance is bliss!? The one item that goes against my intuition is how the tone controls are ordered; mid, bass, and, bright. I'm use to bass, mid and bright/high. No big deal, I just have to remember.

[quote name='alexharvay' post='883309' date='Jul 1 2010, 01:07 PM']Having a play with some pedals at the moment, no gigs for a week or so = dirt board for while. May swap the chorus out for my Prunes & Custard, Woolly Mammoth or Fuzz Factory in a bit. Fun. [/quote] That is a very nice mini!!!

[quote name='sk8' post='866722' date='Jun 14 2010, 02:42 AM']gigged the LB twice in church yesterday. Very pleased [/quote] The Little Bastard in church.......... What cab(s) are you using?

[quote name='tayste_2000' post='859649' date='Jun 7 2010, 05:03 AM'] See toaster, I even put it in the kitchen [/quote] But does it toast bagels!?

[quote name='KiOgon' post='849328' date='May 27 2010, 06:26 AM']Yep - 100% Old's Kool I'm also gassing over the 427 - only £2K ono - no way could I justify though Yep - you may need to burn the drummer though [/quote] For what I'm doing right now the LB is perfect......the 427 looks fine but I don't need 400 tube watts and....... it's even more expensive in the States. As far as gigging the LB, it really depends on the venue and the musicians. I suspect your cab selection can have an impact too. Remember, the LB has a DI (unlike an Ampeg B15 ) so you can always use house sound for larger/louder gigs.

[quote name='Tee' post='848806' date='May 26 2010, 01:13 PM']KiOgon on here has serial No.1 i think.[/quote] He does and here's the link to his thread here on Basschat: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=74433&st=40"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=74433&st=40[/url] The only other one I've "seen" is the one I have that came from Winter NAMM. May be the only one in North America right now. Here's a link to a thread I started on TalkBass: [url="http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=640748"]http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=640748[/url] FYI, Ashdown now has the PDF version of the manual posted on their web site, if you are interested. They have also posted info on the LB cabs. Here is the link to the amp page: [url="http://www.ashdownmusic.com/bass/detail.asp?ID=229"]http://www.ashdownmusic.com/bass/detail.asp?ID=229[/url] AWESOME amp!! Congrats!!! FYI...no pics, no amp!

[quote name='GazWills' post='836096' date='May 13 2010, 06:54 AM']PJ that pedaltrain mini is awesome... i had a larger board but got a mini myself last week, [b]but my t-rex fuel tank junior is too big [/b]- looks like the diago is the perfect fit, so cheers!! i'll be putting a pic of mine up next week once the diago arrives - all hail the pedaltrain mini!!![/quote] Before you dump your Fuel Tank Jr. you may want to check-out what this guy does. Might make you think twice: [url="http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=671667&highlight=mini"]http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthrea...;highlight=mini[/url] If the page tells you that you have to be a member, try this link, it's a mirror: [url="http://acapella.harmony-central.com/showthread.php?t=2472374"]http://acapella.harmony-central.com/showthread.php?t=2472374[/url] Modding a Mini to accomodate a Fuel Tank Jr. is very doable.

[quote name='danny-79' post='840351' date='May 17 2010, 05:16 PM']Just a quick question for [u][b]LuvMusic[/b][/u] what are the leads that you are using on your board? look interesting, Thanks in advance.[/quote] The short ones are DiMarzio tweeds. More info here: [url="http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/DiMarzio-Jumper-Cable-Pedal-Coupler?sku=332101"]http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/pro...pler?sku=332101[/url] The longer one is a Lava Cable custom order. More info here: [url="http://www.lavacable.com/lava.html"]http://www.lavacable.com/lava.html[/url] Your welcome!!

[quote name='GazWills' post='840026' date='May 17 2010, 01:00 PM']still prety pricey for my needs, but each to their own - i think a phase 45 sounds just as good for the subtle thing on bass, but way cheaper...[/quote] You're right...the MXR Scripts are nice. I've been using a Line 6 M9 for my "grab and go" solution and the Script Phase model is always in the line-up!

[quote name='GazWills' post='839934' date='May 17 2010, 11:18 AM']i had quite a long play on one in my mates shop recently - really quite liked it. Not many phasers i've tried have a blend function, and i quite like subtlety for phasers, so it worked a treat for me. MP pedals are damn expensive though... couldn't justify spending that much on a phaser[/quote] That's a pretty good summary of my experience also. The blend really helps and the phaser is on the subtle side. I find that it compliments my tone versus becomes my tone. I really like it. They are expensive, but, if you shop around, you can find them used at a more reasonable cost. That's what I did and paid much less than $300.00 US. In fact there are a couple on evilbay right now for about $250.00 US.

[quote name='mildmanofrock' post='839711' date='May 17 2010, 06:49 AM']Hi - nice board - and I'm glad you posted - I was beginning to think I'd killed one of the longest-lasting threads on the forum! What does the Musket pedal do?[/quote] Thanks! The Musket is a muff-type fuzz that gives you a good amount of control. More info on the Musket here: [url="http://blackouteffectors.com/site/?page_id=6"]http://blackouteffectors.com/site/?page_id=6[/url]

Another Mini submission................Cheers!

[quote name='alanbass1' post='810821' date='Apr 18 2010, 04:04 PM']Guess it will be seen as a recording amp getting that valve grind at reasonable volumes[/quote] This is it! I have one too...the prototype from Winter NAMM which is exactly like the hand-built LE. And, as was mentioned, it sounds fantastic......full of valve goodness and British grind that even a Yank like myself can appreciate. The Bastard does have a DI so you can gig it. By itself, it would be fine for a small gig as long as you are not fighting a very loud and self-centered guitar player. If you want loud and like the concept of this head, I'd suggest checking-out the 427....all valve and 400 watts!! Most of the pictures I have seen don't do the amp justice....it really is a very nice looking amp, Also, remember that one of the most iconic bass amps of all time, the Ampeg B-15 was only 30 watts (and had no DI, you have to mic it to use it live). More info....click here: [url="http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=640748&highlight=ashdown"]http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.p...ghlight=ashdown[/url]

[quote name='xgsjx' post='803788' date='Apr 12 2010, 08:41 AM']I can't recommend the Markbass CMD 102p high enough. I used it without going thru pa at a gig of @ 300 folk & both gain & volume knobs was set at 9 o'clock & was told I was too loud! Plenty of bass & never ceases to amaze me.[/quote] +1000......another 102p convert. The best combo I've ever used.

[quote name='KiOgon' post='791692' date='Mar 31 2010, 05:25 AM']#1 - Number 1 - Numero Uno - #1 :brow: [/quote] OOOOOOHHHH!!!!! Very Nice! Can't wait to read your impressions and get a report on how the head sounds with that 12 inch cab. Enjoy! P.S. How's the knee?