Acoustic Image Focus 2r series III

[Fred Mott]

The guy sold the Ashdown MK I was looking at in my other thread I posted, so I am looking at a Acoustic Image Focus series III . I can't play it before I buy it, unless I drive 4hrs. Its suppose to be in mint condition. Again I'am asking anyone know about these amps are played one. I'am putting it on my Schroeder 310212. I play mostly Jazz and R&B, I used a SWR 400 on this cab, it sounded okay but just wasn't there for me. I've look at some Thunderfunk amps used but around here even the used ones are high. Couldn't find none on ebay. I don't want to sound like everyone else either. I even thought about one of the Hartke LH heads. The Focus 2r series III just looks cool and the specs temp me.

[staccatogrowl]

That's a great amp to my ear. Obviously, the statement is practically useless for your evaluation. More detail from this end doesn't really help, because your technique, style, instrument type, band type, and venue type are all unknown.

Personally, I would drive the four hours, take my bass and cab(s), and try the amp in question. If you like the amp and buy it, it's the beginning of a good history, and you will enjoy and use it for many years. If you don't like it, there are probably many music stores along the way to preview other gear.

I drove ten hours to preview a fretless bass about five years ago. Today, this bass is my fave and trusty workhorse for practice, recording, and gigging. The initial drive time was a minor investment for the enjoyment and use it has returned.

No person here has your perception and ear. Trust those!

PS Buy something new for a preview/possiblereturn scenario: http://www.gollihurmusic.com/product...AMPLIFIER.html , or http://www.gollihurmusic.com/product...ARUS_PLUS.html

Golihur has 14-day trial period on Acoustic Image Clarus, Focus, Contra, Coda R, & Corus amps: "New owners have a fourteen day trial period during which they may return the amp in new condition -- NO QUESTIONS ASKED! -- for a full refund minus our outgoing shipping cost. Returns must be preauthorized; restocking fee applies if unit is not returned in new condition."

[nutdog]

Like staccato says, I don't have any idea what you need but I have played a coda2R series II, III and (breifly) the ten2, which I think shares this head or something similar. The II is 200 watts, III was 400. Mostly I played the series II coda. It had it's own 4ohm speaker setup, but I could drive two other 8ohm cabs + the internal system at 2ohms if I needed to rock.

And I did. It performed marvelously. Nice EQ, so you can play with sound. I didn't need the effects for bass but this also makes a great acoustic guitar amp. 2 inputs means a mic in one, guitar in another and you've got a mini 1 man PA.

Good company with great service. If you've got an opportunity to buy it for a good price I would try it. I don't think you'd have trouble selling it if you don't like it. I've got a TF550b and if you can get the AI used for less than a used thunderfunk it seems like a good deal. I also think you can't go wrong with a thunderfunk. But it's heavier with one input.

[Fred Mott]

I play a USA Fender P Bass, play mostly Jazz and Blues, also I play in my church, stuff like Keith Green, Chris T. I very seldom do I play slap bass. I have played some country. I play in a small band on week ends. A drummer, guitar, and me. We play a lot of outside gigs when its warm. Most of the time I use my Schroeder 310212 cab. On smaller gigs, I use the same head just turn it down, with a Aguilar GS 210. I really like my 310212 and use it when I can.

[Petebass]

I have a Focus 1R, series III. These are very transparent amps. Don't expect a ballsy bottom end monster with grunt and growl, or something thick and warm (aka muddy). If that's what you're after, either look elsewhere, or put a graphic Eq pedal or pre pedal in between it any our instrument.

If you're looking for a blank canvas amp that basically spits out exactly what you put into it with plenty of power on tap, the the AI focus is your amp. Mind you there's a trick to accessing that power - these amps are a little different to most because the pots are progressive. Ever notice how most amps seem very powerful with the volume knob up to say 10 o'clock, but turning the knob any further does comparatively little compared to the first part of the turn. The AI amps don't do that. The knobs on the AI's remain useful throughout the entire turning circle of the control. so you may need to go up to 1 o'clock to do what other amps do at 10 o'clock, but you'll have just as much volume with more control.

[kerrycares]

better make the drive. words cannot explain what your ears can percieve. it's all apart of the cost of education. make the drive.