Billy Apple Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 [quote name='Sean' timestamp='1394315943' post='2390308'] Is the anti-Nexus vibe about the cost of re-valving? Do you have first hand experience of it? Does it sound fab or rubbish? Is it handmade in the UK? I've no idea of the answers to those questions, just interested in some (reasonably) objective opinion without getting slapped down. [/quote] The amount of valves is a real issue to be factored in when looking at a valve head. Depending on your usage, you could be looking at changing them out every 1 to 3 years. Any-hoo, you keep asking what's it like, so I've done a quick google and found this on Laney's website.. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4KkqJzbkELk"]http://www.youtube.c...d&v=4KkqJzbkELk[/url] I'll keep my gob shut on what I think, but I'd be interested to hear what others have to say. BTW, I very much doubt it's handmade in the UK, but I could be wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 (edited) [quote name='Billy Apple' timestamp='1394317425' post='2390327'] I'll keep my gob shut on what I think, but I'd be interested to hear what others have to say. [/quote] No disrespect to Nathan Williams, who was obviously having an off-day, but I'd need to hear a passive bass with flats played fingerstyle and pick with this amp. I know it's tricky listening to gear on YouTube, but either it's a very bad recording, someone has perpetrated an epic fail on the EQ side of things, or there is NOTHING going on in the trouser department with this amp - and I'm listening on full-range studio monitors. Edited March 8, 2014 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Apple Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Speaking of second hand, up pops this sale.. http://basschat.co.uk/topic/231813-marshall-vba400-400w-valve-amplifier-head-vbc810-8x10-cabinet-for-sale/page__pid__2392128#entry2392128 Now, the Marshall VBA 400 does not seem to get much love here. I must admit to knowing nothing about them, but this does seem exceptional VFM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted March 11, 2014 Author Share Posted March 11, 2014 I posted yesterday about having regretted not buying a VBA in the past. Proper juggernaut of an amp that one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Not played a VBA but seem to remember it has some fans on this forum. I could just have dreamt it, of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandomBass Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1394319383' post='2390350'] or there is NOTHING going on in the trouser department with this amp [/quote] The following picture did for me though... [quote name='Merton' timestamp='1394313173' post='2390275'] [/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted March 11, 2014 Author Share Posted March 11, 2014 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1394534559' post='2392268'] Not played a VBA but seem to remember it has some fans on this forum. I could just have dreamt it, of course. [/quote] As awesome as they are they lack the full handwired magic of something like a Matamp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3below Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Marshall VBA - had one, can be got for sensible prices - mine was £450 ish. Loud, clean or dirty, weighed a ton. Very loud if required. Having owned Hiwatts (200 and 100W 1970s originals), Marshalls and Fender valve heads (still have an immaculate Sound City), all were good. I now use solid state Peavey Tour 700s - cheap, loud, reliable, and good tone (IMO) with BF Dubster and Big One. 100W valve amps more than adequate for most situations. If they are not you need a big PA. Bargains are still out there - carlsbro for example. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 I've reviewed the Nexus tube in iGuitarMag.com it's made in britain and actually sounds fab through Laney's 'big cabs'. Can't remember what issue it was, but despite weighing a ton, the rig delivered. Oh and as for the controls, they're actually dead simple to understand Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Handwired Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 [quote name='dood' timestamp='1394663919' post='2393933'] I've reviewed the Nexus tube in iGuitarMag.com it's made in britain and actually sounds fab through Laney's 'big cabs'. Can't remember what issue it was, but despite weighing a ton, the rig delivered. Oh and as for the controls, they're actually dead simple to understand [/quote] I have'nt played one but I've watched Glenn Hughes play his quite a few times and it sounded great to me. As for VBA's, I think they're pretty good but I wonder if enough people agree as there has to be a reason that Marshall don't make Bass amps anymore and now owns Eden? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesBass Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 [quote name='Merton' timestamp='1394313173' post='2390275'] Hello! Yes I bought Gareth's CTM100, and fan-bloody-tastic it is too! I gig it with either one or two Barefaced Super Compacts. They have to lie on their side for the amp to look sensible, plus the feet are slightly too far apart for it to sit on the cab with the cab the "right" way up: As for how it copes, 100W is the minimum I'd gig with when talking valve power, I think that there will be some gigs where I could do with a little more clean headroom but on the whole it's an immense sound and I love it EDIT: yes you can rag the power valves and get a lovely creamy breakup without making the guitarist cry or the hotel manager come and escort you from the premises [/quote] I've got the CTM300 and I can certainly say the extra headroom over the 100 is welcome for me, it allows me to push the amp a little bit more without it breaking up. Plus the tone is just killer! The first time I used it in a band situation was in the audition for my newest band, it blew them away! They LOVED my tone and on gear alone said I was in (Obviously joking) But the Ashdown CTM series are all exquisite sounding amps! I'm keeping my 300 for a LONG time! Plus the self-bias is great and simple to use! To the OP: As for the Laney, my experience of Laney valve amps is good, they sound great and are fairly simple to maintain, like most amps really! But you need to know what you're after from any amp. I've not much experience with this specific Laney model but it seems fairly decent. You certainly could get more amp for your money with a different purchase. I managed to get my CTM300 for £600, no issues with the amp at all! It's just a case of looking and finding the right thing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted March 13, 2014 Author Share Posted March 13, 2014 [quote name='JamesBass' timestamp='1394672357' post='2393997'] I managed to get my CTM300 for £600, no issues with the amp at all! It's just a case of looking and finding the right thing! [/quote] Bargain! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merton Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 [quote name='JamesBass' timestamp='1394672357' post='2393997'] I managed to get my CTM300 for £600, no issues with the amp at all! It's just a case of looking and finding the right thing! [/quote] Holy crap that's ridiculously cheap!! If I find a bargain like that the CTM100 will be on its way out the door!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted March 13, 2014 Author Share Posted March 13, 2014 There's some amazing all-valve monsters in the for sale forum at the moment. I'm gagging for a GT200... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandomBass Posted March 14, 2014 Share Posted March 14, 2014 [quote name='JamesBass' timestamp='1394672357' post='2393997'] I managed to get my CTM300 for £600, [/quote] You What??? You are barred. How dare you..... Seriously though - nice one! Cheers Geoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesBass Posted March 14, 2014 Share Posted March 14, 2014 [quote name='Sean' timestamp='1394696036' post='2394042'] Bargain! [/quote] [quote name='Merton' timestamp='1394713146' post='2394261'] Holy crap that's ridiculously cheap!! If I find a bargain like that the CTM100 will be on its way out the door!! [/quote] [quote name='RandomBass' timestamp='1394810939' post='2395519'] You What??? You are barred. How dare you..... Seriously though - nice one! Cheers Geoff [/quote] Haha yes it was a bargain and a half! The guy just wanted shot of it as he developed arthritis in his back and instantly went out and bought a TC Electronic! Think he said he'd been trying to sell the Ashdown for about 2 months with no sniffs even at a grand, so he dropped it to £795, I saw it and luckily had £600 cash on me and offered him that! He took a day to think it over and agreed! I couldn't believe my luck! I guess it's one of those moments of "destiny" first time in all my life that I've had something like this ever happen to me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted March 14, 2014 Share Posted March 14, 2014 [quote name='JamesBass' timestamp='1394814750' post='2395569'] I guess it's one of those moments of "destiny" first time in all my life that I've had something like this ever happen to me! [/quote] Now, fulfil your destiny and take your father's place at my side! Or something... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Apple Posted March 14, 2014 Share Posted March 14, 2014 [quote name='JamesBass' timestamp='1394814750' post='2395569'] I guess it's one of those moments of "destiny" first time in all my life that I've had something like this ever happen to me! [/quote] [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1394815068' post='2395574'] Now, fulfil your destiny and take your father's place at my side! Or something... [/quote] Yes. Give me the amp and take your place at his Fathers side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted March 14, 2014 Share Posted March 14, 2014 My father's side hurts - mostly from carrying my amp. It's his destiny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted March 14, 2014 Author Share Posted March 14, 2014 [quote name='dood' timestamp='1394663919' post='2393933'] I've reviewed the Nexus tube in iGuitarMag.com it's made in britain and actually sounds fab through Laney's 'big cabs'. Can't remember what issue it was, but despite weighing a ton, the rig delivered. Oh and as for the controls, they're actually dead simple to understand [/quote] Nice review, Dan. It sounds nice and gritty on the video but obviously that's not doing it justice. There's no way to post a link to the review but it's worth going to the site and doing a search, it's pretty comprehensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey R Posted March 14, 2014 Share Posted March 14, 2014 [quote name='Sean' timestamp='1394825623' post='2395739'] Nice review, Dan. It sounds nice and gritty on the video but obviously that's not doing it justice. There's no way to post a link to the review but it's worth going to the site and doing a search, it's pretty comprehensive. [/quote] http://www.iguitarmag.com/magazine-editions/iguitar-magazine-issue-11/reviews/laney-nexus-tube-head-and-nx810-cabinet/ I cant get the video to play I did try out the big valve Nexus a couple of years ago and I remember being impressed. If youre used to a well featured preamp then you'll probably get on with it. Right now though, I think I'd prefer a simpler master volume with two to three band EQ. Tastes change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted March 14, 2014 Share Posted March 14, 2014 [quote name='Mikey R' timestamp='1394827969' post='2395785'] [url="http://www.iguitarmag.com/magazine-editions/iguitar-magazine-issue-11/reviews/laney-nexus-tube-head-and-nx810-cabinet/"]http://www.iguitarma...-nx810-cabinet/[/url] I cant get the video to play ... [/quote] [url="http://licklibrary.ceros.com/iguitarmag/slash-iguitar-slash-magazine-slash-2012-issue-1/issue11/page/144"]Nexus video...[/url] A 'dummy' login, such as [email protected] will work... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted March 15, 2014 Share Posted March 15, 2014 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1394839428' post='2395963'] [url="http://licklibrary.ceros.com/iguitarmag/slash-iguitar-slash-magazine-slash-2012-issue-1/issue11/page/144"]Nexus video...[/url] A 'dummy' login, such as [email protected] will work... [/quote] It's worth registering and subscribing!!! The magazine and all back issues are free to read - and to be honest with 1 million pages dedicated to guitarists, it'd be good to get some support from my bass bretherin! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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