Just looked over an old thread and realized that I have had my Focus Amp for well over 10 years...It made me realize that during that time had there been something better I probably would have bought it. Technologically, this past 10 years has been off the hook so, the fact that the Focus hasn't been bettered appreciably in that period is really a testament to Rick and his designs. That said, I would be really into a very high quality tube preamp (with a second mic pre) coupled with a lightweight power amp (like the Focus) or to be able to buy them separately (like the SA). But the Focus (with both its channels and its 800 watts) still hasn't been touched as a swiss army knife bass amp. I do wish the Preamp was more like the Headway (which has something special that adds dimension and depth to the sound) because I would love to have it all in one box (or two that fit with each other)
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Double Bass Acoustic Image Support
- Thread starter dc-upright
- Start date
Just had an issue with my Ten2. Bought it in 2009. Rick offered advice to fix it a home. In the end we decided I should ship it to him. Sent it on Wednesday, back today(Saturday). Only cost...shipping. He is quick and the AI amps are the best sounding amps around. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Almost everybody who has any of the Acoustic Image products has a story about how great Rick is. Myself included 
I'm happy to join the chorus; after the no-nonsense salvation Rick provided, frankly, it is the very least I can do.
I borrowed an Acoustic Image Coda R. A flurry of on stage activity led me to accidentally plug the output cable of another amp into the AI's input. Not good.
Called Rick. He sent me amp and preamp removal directions, which I followed. I mailed the electronics to him.
He returned them, fixed, within one week, for $25. But wait, there's more error on my part and more heroism on his!
I cross threaded one of the bolts reinstalling the amp. He sends me a whole new set of amp bolts for no charge, promptly.
Simply the best, kindest, promptest, and least judgmental service experience of my life. The purchase price of an AI amp is well worth it, just to enter Rick's web of care. Never mind that the amps are light, sound great, are completely reliable, and ideal for double bass. Leaves my old Polytone in the dust (or, perhaps more accurately, in the closet).
Simply wonderful service and care...easy, painless, quick, and kind.
My next amp will clearly be an Acoustic Image.
I borrowed an Acoustic Image Coda R. A flurry of on stage activity led me to accidentally plug the output cable of another amp into the AI's input. Not good.
Called Rick. He sent me amp and preamp removal directions, which I followed. I mailed the electronics to him.
He returned them, fixed, within one week, for $25. But wait, there's more error on my part and more heroism on his!
I cross threaded one of the bolts reinstalling the amp. He sends me a whole new set of amp bolts for no charge, promptly.
Simply the best, kindest, promptest, and least judgmental service experience of my life. The purchase price of an AI amp is well worth it, just to enter Rick's web of care. Never mind that the amps are light, sound great, are completely reliable, and ideal for double bass. Leaves my old Polytone in the dust (or, perhaps more accurately, in the closet).
Simply wonderful service and care...easy, painless, quick, and kind.
My next amp will clearly be an Acoustic Image.
Last edited:
I called the number here, I was getting some low end distortion on the Upshot and I was worried I had blown it:
Acoustic Image
He answered and was very nice and told me to not push the level knob past 2 o'clock for the upshot. I've played a few loud gigs since and he was exactly right.
Acoustic Image
He answered and was very nice and told me to not push the level knob past 2 o'clock for the upshot. I've played a few loud gigs since and he was exactly right.
