Yes but...

If 100 watts is the output of the amp, guitarists will dime a tube amp to saturate the tubes and take the amp well into clipping. A tube amp clips softly with even-ordered harmonics which is pleasing to the ears. The result is significant compression and apparent loudness because the amp is at full output more of the time.

A tranny amp is probably cleaner right up to clipping at full power. When a tranny amp clips it is harsh sounding with odd-ordered harmonics which also tend to break expensive speakers. Most bass players bring a lot of amp because they never want to go into clipping at full power so they usually run at 75% or so. As a result the tube watts seem louder when in reality we are just using different tools differently.

hmmm

Really? Now I feel silly!

Champ X2 sounds TON better. Fatter, more round, more "there". At least I can now take the PC back to the bassist's house and leave it there.

There is something called the "Power Chorus". I found it on Craigslist. This a photo from the web, I don't understand the 220v sticker. People talk about this being 400W. I would guess that's like leaving the hair drier on. I couldn't find the manual online, what's it really put out?

It's a PC on steroids. 65w per ch.

Came across this video, and thought it relevant.

Here is 1 (one) watt of Marshall. Too loud for home (ymmv).

Cool amp, Id love one of these. Who is that guy and cant he afford a new guitar?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w71tBeuLn2Y#t=616

Joe Bonamassa. Amazing player.

He can afford one, but old Les Pauls were just built different from anything you find now. Keep in mind that no two guitars are the same, sometimes you find a guitar that just feels "right" and you'll do anything to keep that guitar close.

Was gonna say the same.
I buy just about any strings on sale...but I do have a stock of Martin strings in the case.

If we're still talking about steel strings for acoustic- light strings for learners to avoid the egg slicer effect. Ive been using Elixirs for a long time now. They aren't the best sounding strings around. But they are the best sounding for years. Literally, years. I have three steel strings sitting in the lounge room- two have Elixirs, my 12 doesn't. Im just astounded by the longevity of these strings especially for gits that don't live in cases, get played casually, don't get sweated and beered on. Elixirs just go forever- which why just about every mfr these days ships new acoustics (that might hang around shops for some time) with these strings.

Interesting. Thanks Stuart.

I got a Fender acoustic bass for Christmas but it showd up this week. I don't know if they are elixirs strings, but they look brass but emit some nasty funk. My fingers have come away black for the past several days. It's going away, but really nasty. Is that how elixirs are?

I don't use Elixirs on electric guitars, and I cant comment on bass strings- but no, elixirs don't do that. They've got some sexy polymer coating, and they do wear funny under the right hand- the coating can go a little 'furry' with use. I actually emailed elixir about this and they told me it was quite normal. Last few sets havent done it either.

Electrics- good ol' Diaddario or lately Pyramid Nickels from Germany. Expensive but really really good. Put fresh sets on a Les Paul and Tele yesterday actually for use last night- they sound great.

VaSteve- buy a bottle of Dr Ducks Axe Wax and give them a good clean. If theyre wound strings and the bass has sat around for a long time, theyre probably just gunked/oxdized up. That said, some people seem to react badly to some strings.

I had Elixers installed on my Epiphone after all its mods and they seemed fine. I also had them on my strat after it's setup. I then put GHS nickel rockers on both guitars. My guitars sound so much better with the GHS's, I'd never put Elixers back on.

Elixirs are good for longevity. Thats about it, imho.

I like D'addarios or Super Slinkys.

The bass was brand new in the box. Straight from China I'm sure. I usually use D'adarrios on my acoustics and electrics. Never seen this before. Some fast fret and just playing is taking care or it. Just weird is all. The strings are still shiny. :)

Went to a John Fahey (remember him?) concert years ago at the Great American Music Hall in SF, CA (sat right in front of him). When he came out for his 2nd set, his big Martin sounded like a different instrument all together. Someone behind me shouted out, "Thanks for the new strings."

stick a set of Thomastik enfield flat wounds 105 's or 100's on that puppy....pricey but worth every nickel. You will thank me for this info...New Thomastik Bass Guitar Strings | Guitar Center

Oh my, does that come with the "talent" packet or is it already rubbed on the strings?

you won't regret it. bass strings last a loooooong time.

Do you run the JF344 or JF364?

I have JF344's on both my fretless J bass and my fretless Michael Kelly acoustic. The 100 E string is bit light but finding a 105 set is difficult. If you think those are pricey look at strings for a double bass. The TE strings for my stand up are almost $300.00. Yikes!