Sunday 29 September 2013

Welcome to the Portaflex

Ampeg Portaflex 

I tried one of these on my visit to the Sam Ash Bass Lounge in NYC and instantly fell in love with it. 

You would be easily forgiven for thinking these cabinets, with the flip top to reveal the amp on the other side of the lid, are a smart new innovation. However, these are based on the original B-15 Ampeg Portaflex from 1962. These amps are the stuff of legends for recorded bass, James Jamerson and Chuck Rainey are just two names to have used this in the studio. Since Ampeg stopped their production in 1971 they have become much sort after with a price tag to match. In 2011 Ampeg produced a limited run in their Heritage series, complete with an all valve head as per the original. Along with more affordable 1x15, 2x10, 350 & 500 watt configurations the Portaflex looks here to stay. The tone of these units is that sweet bass classic Ampeg tone, however armed with a very capable and adjustable tweeter modern brighter tones are just a short dial away. 

I loved it so much, I bought one!


Ultimate Tone! Ampeg & Hofner.

Saturday 28 September 2013

See his POG nose face......



I was originally looking for a synth pedal and was trying out one from Electro-Harmonix, I was scratching my head, not sure if it was something that would earn its keep* when I was asked if I would like to try something different. Out came the POG2 and I instantly fell in love with it. While it was more expensive, it is the most amazing octave pedal I've ever heard, and with the preset function you can go from funky moog to church organ at the click of a switch. And no, that wasn't typo, I mean church organ. Take a quick search on You Tube and you'll see what I mean.


*= Everything from guitars, amps to leads has to financially justify its existence, harsh I know but that's the reality of running your own business . 

Bass Shopping In The USA

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What was once Manny's at 48th St became Sam Ash a few years ago. It has now moved from the original site to a brand spanking new shop on 34th Street. What ever your choice of instrument there is a huge selection here along with staff who really know their stuff. So next time you are in NYC pop along, who knows, you may bump into Larry Hartke!


And yes, I've got some new gear! More news on that soon.




Tuesday 3 September 2013

NYC

So tonight we are casually walking in Brooklyn Bridge Park between the Brooklyn & Manhattan Bridge. We hear some shouting, look round and there is a guy brandishing a gun while two cops are telling him to put it down with their own weapons trained on him. He carries on waving it around and I'm thinking they are just going to take this guy out. Finally he puts the gun on the ground and they pile on him, then I hear someone shout "cut!" At which point I notice the camera crew nearby. 
We always seem to see some filming when we are in NYC, usually TV or a commercial although we did see the last Batman movie being filmed a few years ago. Today's will certainly be the most memorable though.