First of all, RIP Rick Jones. I had the pleasure of speaking with him shortly before his passing. Ironically, we were discussing a new SL head which was backordered for me. With Rick's passing, production has now ended. I need a back-up for my old Clarus 1. I'm sure many people are going to be looking for the next best thing now. Any ideas? We miss you Rick.
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.
Head similar to Acoustic Image. RIP Rick.
- Thread starter Rob whitmer
- Start date
Passinwind
I know nothing.
- Dec 3, 2003
- 23,077
- 46,035
- Disclosures
- Designer/Toaster Tech @ Passinwind Electronics
If schematics and parts are available, presumably lots and lots of people could service the later versions that use ICEpower modules.
RIP, Rick.
I think @DannyW hit the nail on the head: The closest thing to a new AI head will be a used AI head...ideally one that has been treated gently over its lifespan.
Two or three years ago I found myself thinking I needed a backup/spare for my >15-year-old Acoustic Image Focus 1 (Series II) head...and I came up with two possibilities, from completely opposite ends of the spectrum:
- a Walter Woods Electroacoustic Ultra (blue light) ...except A) a WW doesn't sound anything like an AI, and B) Walter Woods is probably not too far behind Rick Jones in terms of time left on this mortal coil, and it'd be even harder to find someone who can repair a Woods once old Walt bites the big one; and
- a tc electronic BQ500 ...which wishes it could grow up to be as nice an amp as an AI, but at least it's 1/3rd the price.
I wound up getting the BQ500. And it doesn't suck, not by any stretch of the imagination. I still prefer the AI, and I pray that there are qualified techs who can service them now that Rick has passed. But the gigs where I've used the BQ500 went just fine, and nobody in the band or audience threw an empty beer bottle at me and yelled "Your tone is poopie, get rid o' that amp now!!" It takes a tiny bit more tweaking of the tone controls to get the tc to replicate the warmth and fullness I get out of the AI, but it's more than passable.
:::shrugs:::
Oh man I did not know this, very sad. R.I.P. such a nice guy and great company. He was the kinda guy that would just give you things on his dime. He always serviced his amps no matter how old or how many owners. He was a pleasure to deal with and made a wonderful line of bass gear. He will be missed. I personally have had a few of his amps over the years. All have been light, powerful, organic and clear. As mainly a rocker his amps have always been my favorites and I still use this as my main amp.
Thanks. I don't remember if I Said I'm primarily an upright player. The AI amps all work great for both, but my main focus is upright.
Do you have a source for this? I thought they were simply taking a period of mourning. I didn't know the company was going to stop altogether.
I asked Rick's son Chris about this at the beginning of May. Here's his reply:
"Things are very much up in the air, in every aspect as you might imagine. I have no answers."
RIP Rick. So sorry to hear of his passing. We had some great conversations, and I've owned and loved a number of his products. He will be missed.
Just saw the news about Rick at the Gollihur Music site... I'm very sorry to hear he has passed on. He was very helpful to me a couple of times with my Coda which has been absolutely great for my doubling gigs... it has excellent power for its size and weight and the clean sound with the upright always gets compliments.
That said, it has an intermittent cutting-out issue that I have to keep on top of by regular use of Deoxit on the switches. It's still working well otherwise but I'm concerned about what to do if it dies some day (or more likely... gets dropped and broken by me!). What is the latest thinking here on two-channel amps or other solutions for doubling?
- Martin
That said, it has an intermittent cutting-out issue that I have to keep on top of by regular use of Deoxit on the switches. It's still working well otherwise but I'm concerned about what to do if it dies some day (or more likely... gets dropped and broken by me!). What is the latest thinking here on two-channel amps or other solutions for doubling?
- Martin
Last edited:
