I’m gonna post these reviews inside individual pages, but for now I’ve got ‘em here as scanned in pdf files.
I had fun playing with the gear so hopefully you’ll enjoy reading about it…
I remember back in my younger days, that Aria as a company was considered the entry-level guitar or bass for aspiring rock/metal kids. Over the years, with artists like Steve Bailey endorsing their basses, Aria have abandoned some of the more obvious rock/metal body shapes and finishes for an altogether classier look, but can they back up this mature image with quality?……
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Ashdown.pdf (coming soon)
The MK500 has a beautiful deep red candy finish with simple black and white hardware. The power switch is chrome, and has a cool blue LED in the centre of the button. Couple this with the old-school VU meter that lights up when the amp is on, and you have a fabulous blend of straightahead functionality and retro cool……
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When shopping for pedals, we are faced quite broadly with two types of unit – those that are practical and unspectacular (e.g. Compressors, D.I.s) and those that are awesome fun, way over the top and only useful in a small number of settings. (E.g. Bass Whammy, Lovetone Meatball) Chorus pedals fall into the first category – they aren’t extremely fun or exciting, but used tastefully and sparingly, they can add an appealing colour to your sonic palette…..
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EBS TD 650 Head, with Neo 2×10 & 1×15 cabs page
EBS have been seeking to further establish themselves as the hot company producing high-end bass effects and amplifiers. The TD 650 amplifier represents their latest efforts to produce a system that can deliver a true hi-fi bass sound and their Neodymium cabinets claim to combine lightweight construction with heavyweight tone. So how does this rig stand up to serious scrutiny?…….
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.GB Guitars Spitfire 5 String Bass page
Having met Bernie a number of times and watched Stuart Clayton demo his basses at music shows, I was interested to see how his custom basses would perform in a number of real life playing situations. I’m a great fan of versatility and adaptability in an instrument, and my plan was to put this bass through a number of different live and studio tests to see how it holds up…….
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Hartke HA 3500 Amp with VX 210 & VX115 page
I love the smell of a new rig – it’s like a new car– fresh, unspoilt and ready for action! This rig looks great and although I miss the look of the aluminium cones I’ll reserve judgement – as long as Hartke haven’t cut corners, the price tag makes this rig very attractive….
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SWR Workingpro 700 Head with Working Pro 2 x 10 and 1 x 15 cabs page
In the past I’ve used a number of SWR heads and cabinets on tours and although they’ve all done the job properly, I really can’t say I’ve ever been a big fan. With an impressive array of A-list bassists endorsing SWR, they certainly have a pedigree that can’t be argued with – let’s see if this new rig can change my mind…
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Zon Sonus Fretless 4 String.pdf
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Lovetone Pedals: Meatball & Cheese Source.pdf
