Ampfest 2010.....Featuring the NATAS :)

[lolzgreg]

I said it once, and I'll say it again, no modded Marshall is comparable to the Cali, in my opinion. I can't wait 'till you start on mine, Mike

The Natas was really a killer amplifier. Anyone who goes for it won't be disappointed (and if they are, you can sell it to me )

I can't wait 'till we do this again

 

[Digital Jams]

Hey guys, just rolled out of the rack as I woke up this morning and my back is in knots and could not move. Thanks god it happened today and not yesterday, my cali is still in the trunk even as no way can I get that out right now.

Most important is that it is always so cool to see the boys again and shoot the shit, even though it is a mother to get down there it has a feel that we were just there several weeks ago. I learn more shit from these 4-5 hours than I do in months browsing the boards, real presence is indeed far better than typed words. Had my Nikon and Q3 and did not even bother to break either of them out, was just having too much fun with the boys so fuck the press release shit.

Yeah so the Natas, I can say without hesitation that there is no other amp out there like it when it comes to metal. Some may like the voicing and some may not but as far as tracking and overall volume imo it is in a whole new realm. It was very interesting and saddning at the same time to hear my cali rip it up and then the Natas just go way about it in shear volume while staying together 100%, it told me what I thought that with Mike's builds you truely are getting a superior amp. VHT on roids type pounding and clarity but raised another notch. It's clean channel is outstanding as well, above average I will say now since we did not have benchmarks to a/b with at that time. The real hip thing was to hear guys like Nick and Greg wail away on it, Mike's stuff shines with killer chops in the metal riffing department. JUst shows me that good players bring out the great in amps.

Yes I will be spammig this week to fund my 100% deposit on the Natas. The hype curtain has been lifted as 12-14 guys have all heard the amp, played it, and have their opinions. The amp is for real and has lived up to what Mike was saying would come. For the guys that dress up their amps with matching stuff and fancy covers you will be happy to know the red chassis looks very nice and will provide great photo ops.

Now for the bro bro ass slapping.......................

Great to speak with you Carl and hope your possible upcoming projects come to be, you work hard to network and you have good mojo coming to you. Always a treat to see you play, you are a great influence to me to get me in the basement on a nightly basis.

My boy H aka Gainiac, thank you for bringing your "A" game as you don't know how much I love when you get into the grove. For the guys that were not there H settled in and was just burning the joint down

Greg, get over to the Asylum and tell H to get your HOM card! Good to see ya again bro and damn that Dean you have sounds great, cool there was something else there other than charvels

Nick, very cool to meet you and thanks for bringing the CCV with you, I am glad you said the tubes were hammered because I knew that amp had more into it and did not want to be negative towards it. That Carvin is one nice guitar. Your Aldrich fucking smokes!!!!!!! One of the best Camerons I have ever heard.

Ralphie!!! We talk too much so I got nothing for you Always great to see you man.

Mike, thanks for the beers and we will be speaking in a month or so I heard you played after I left fucker!!!! Steve came running to the parking lot yelling Fortin was ripping it up

To my bestest drilling buddy Joe, you rule bro!!!

Dave and Danny, I missed you guys and Dave......I had fucking 9 hours of driving invested

One more funny thing was that a lot of the metal playing guys dug the Bones alot, real interesting thing that was for me.

yeah that's all I got and now going back to bed.

 

[dawnofdreamx97]

Nick, very cool to meet you and thanks for bringing the CCV with you, I am glad you said the tubes were hammered because I knew that amp had more into it and did not want to be negative towards it. That Carvin is one nice guitar. Your Aldrich fucking smokes!!!!!!! One of the best Camerons I have ever heard.
.

thanks man likewise! we'll have to do it again real soon! The fortins are killer, id love to own a bones or a cali mod ....or both ha! i brought my ccv into work today and the bias was set to 70mv ! somehow the external trim pot got turned up all the way, and fried my power tubes, it's amazing the amp even played! it still sounded pretty good though, my v1 preamp tube was wacky to, i swapped that out and now all is well, sounds the way is should... glad you liked the carvin , it's a great playing and sounding axe, and yea the aldrich is A BEAST! BEST CAMERON MOD EVER , for real.

 

[Digital Jams]

Hey, it was nice to meet all you cats yesterday, I had a good time. This is Chris, Im the dude who brought the Mills cab. Anyways I forgot to mention this yesterday but the bass player from my band and I have been talking about trying to put together a jam session type thing that could be maybe once or twice a month.

Basically we could have some set chord progressions , nothing to crazy but nice things to solo over. I figure we could have as many as 5 or so guitar players and just take turns soloing and playing the chords. My bass player is pretty nasty and would def keep a good groove goin. If anyone is interest let me know, no pressure at all.

Nice meeting you and thanks for bringing a Mills that was not loaded with those shitbag k100s!!!!

 

[lolzgreg]

Dave,

I really wish you made it through as well. I was bummed to hear the word from Scott that you wouldn't be coming

 

[thiswaythatway]

Hey guys, just rolled out of the rack as I woke up this morning and my back is in knots and could not move. Thanks god it happened today and not yesterday, my cali is still in the trunk even as no way can I get that out right now.

Most important is that it is always so cool to see the boys again and shoot the shit, even though it is a mother to get down there it has a feel that we were just there several weeks ago. I learn more shit from these 4-5 hours than I do in months browsing the boards, real presence is indeed far better than typed words. Had my Nikon and Q3 and did not even bother to break either of them out, was just having too much fun with the boys so fuck the press release shit.

Yeah so the Natas, I can say without hesitation that there is no other amp out there like it when it comes to metal. Some may like the voicing and some may not but as far as tracking and overall volume imo it is in a whole new realm. It was very interesting and saddning at the same time to hear my cali rip it up and then the Natas just go way about it in shear volume while staying together 100%, it told me what I thought that with Mike's builds you truely are getting a superior amp. VHT on roids type pounding and clarity but raised another notch. It's clean channel is outstanding as well, above average I will say now since we did not have benchmarks to a/b with at that time. The real hip thing was to hear guys like Nick and Greg wail away on it, Mike's stuff shines with killer chops in the metal riffing department. JUst shows me that good players bring out the great in amps.

Yes I will be spammig this week to fund my 100% deposit on the Natas. The hype curtain has been lifted as 12-14 guys have all heard the amp, played it, and have their opinions. The amp is for real and has lived up to what Mike was saying would come. For the guys that dress up their amps with matching stuff and fancy covers you will be happy to know the red chassis looks very nice and will provide great photo ops.

Now for the bro bro ass slapping.......................

Great to speak with you Carl and hope your possible upcoming projects come to be, you work hard to network and you have good mojo coming to you. Always a treat to see you play, you are a great influence to me to get me in the basement on a nightly basis.

My boy H aka Gainiac, thank you for bringing your "A" game as you don't know how much I love when you get into the grove. For the guys that were not there H settled in and was just burning the joint down

Greg, get over to the Asylum and tell H to get your HOM card! Good to see ya again bro and damn that Dean you have sounds great, cool there was something else there other than charvels

Nick, very cool to meet you and thanks for bringing the CCV with you, I am glad you said the tubes were hammered because I knew that amp had more into it and did not want to be negative towards it. That Carvin is one nice guitar. Your Aldrich fucking smokes!!!!!!! One of the best Camerons I have ever heard.

Ralphie!!! We talk too much so I got nothing for you Always great to see you man.

Mike, thanks for the beers and we will be speaking in a month or so I heard you played after I left fucker!!!! Steve came running to the parking lot yelling Fortin was ripping it up

To my bestest drilling buddy Joe, you rule bro!!!

Dave and Danny, I missed you guys and Dave......I had fucking 9 hours of driving invested

One more funny thing was that a lot of the metal playing guys dug the Bones alot, real interesting thing that was for me.

yeah that's all I got and now going back to bed.

Missed you guys as well. FWIW, I had 4 hours driving time invested and never even made it. I really wish I had just pushed further and just went although at the time, going back home was the better choice.

Where'd you get stuck on? Turnpike? Sirius and XM have the best traffic updates, better than AM radio since they constant and more up to the minute.

 

[PeteLaramee]

Once again I'm pissed off at myself for missing this.

I was hoping everyone was going to say the amps sounded like shit, no one played well, and everyone acted like a bunch of dicks.

 

[Gainfreak]

Wassup Gents!! I took a break after the ampfest and I haven't been online much. Ive been meaning to catch up for days but I was pretty out of it LOL! I've been staying up late for the last week and it finally caught up to me


I can pretty much mirror what everyone else said. It was great to hang out with a great group of people and as the years keep rolling by I've come to the realization of just how lucky I am to know all of you and I can't tell just how fun this is for me.

First and foremost Id like to thank everyone for comming out. I know it can be a pain in the ass driving to one of these things especially if you are out of state ,so I really do appreciate you guys making it down and it's always great to see you all!

Mike, you are the best and your amps simply kill. I love the fact that all of your amps are different and that there is still more to come!! It was great seeing you and I wish you all the success in the world.

Dave, Man brother, We were all really bumbed out that you couldn't make it but everyone understood your predicament lol! Trust me, I would have most definitely done the same thing and the scary fact is that traveling is only going to get worse

Danny, Paige, Ivan, I missed you guys but hopefully Next time you guys can make it!! Maybe we can have a fest out your way again sometime soon

Scotty! You are a brother from another mother and it's always great to see you! I agree that we talk all the time and that's a great thing but it's even better when I get to hang with you! Your enthusiam is second to none! Now get that back in check!!

Joey Z. Man ...You were tearing it up and thanks so much for comming out to hang. I hate to say this to you but that Northern cacalacky place that you moved to aint where you are supposed to be LOL You are a NY'er and my master plan is to get both you and Mike Fortin back here pronto It was great to see you and we will talk soon! BTW, "H" needs your phone number!

Stevie!! Awesome to see you brother! I'm truly glad that you dug all of the amps. I''ll bring the axe-fx rig down to your studio as soon as you can move your arms again LMAO! That personal trainor should be shot for maming you


Greg!! You are like a long lost friend bro and I often have to remind myself just how young you are LOL!! Damn I'm old!! It's always great to see you and hang out with you and talk amps and just shoot the shit in general. We will most definitely get together soon and I need to pick you brain about recording and such! You are very welcome about Dinner and I had a blast with you guys!

Nick!! It was awsome to see you again and thanks so much for comming out and lugging all your stuff! That carvin was bad ass and You know how I feel about the cameron stuff so it was no surprise to me about how good the amps sounded. Well that's not totally true..... That Aldrich that you have is the sickest sounding cameron ive ever heard LMAO!! That's an amp that you get burried with Tell your bass player I said wassup and it was great meeting him to! BTW.....You are both sick for not wearing ear plugs....

H and Kage.... I don't need to say anything to you guys... You know I love you and if you didn't...You now have it in writing! With that said, we need to hang more often, so let's make it happen

Carl!! YOU RULE... Nuff said. If it isn't enough that you are an amazing player, you are also one of the nicest guys on the planet and I wish you all the success in the world. It's always a pleasure hanging out with you and the guys I promise that I will learn the first lesson you taught me and Im comming back for more!!

the4thlast1 (Wasn't sure if you wanted me to use your real name LOL )
It was great to meet you and I'm glad that you and "B" came out and Id most definitely be into a Jam!! You are another guy who surprised me with the no earplugs in the ear LMAO

As far as an amp review I'll let everyone else post their opinion since I'm biased (to alt least 90ma)

oh Yeah.................MIKE FORTIN IS A VOLUME WHORE...... There... I said it

 

[Digital Jams]

Volume whore is an understatement, holy shit are his builds loud! Not sure what Nitros2400 was tuned to but damn that amp held together awesome and it was starting to hurt to be in there I really need to learn to gallope like Nick and Greg, Kage and I were laughing it up driving back making these noises trying to replicate the tones guys were getting as Mike's amps are stupid percussive

Man I wish I had taped H going at it as he went into the zone, that was one for the books. If he was a woman I would have fucked him right there on the spot

 

[dawnofdreamx97]

Nick!! It was awsome to see you again and thanks so much for comming out and lugging all your stuff! That carvin was bad ass and You know how I feel about the cameron stuff so it was no surprise to me about how good the amps sounded. Well that's not totally true..... That Aldrich that you have is the sickest sounding cameron ive ever heard LMAO!! That's an amp that you get burried with Tell your bass player I said wassup and it was great meeting him to! BTW.....You are both sick for not wearing ear plugs....

Likewise Ralph! it was really cool to see ya man, same to everyone else.... Isn't that carvin cool ? they are great guitars , great value for sure. And yea that aldrich comes to the grave, never seen or heard one like it.

 

[Gainfreak]

Volume whore is an understatement, holy shit are his builds loud! Not sure what Nitros2400 was tuned to but damn that amp held together awesome and it was starting to hurt to be in there I really need to learn to gallope like Nick and Greg, Kage and I were laughing it up driving back making these noises trying to replicate the tones guys were getting as Mike's amps are stupid percussive

Man I wish I had taped H going at it as he went into the zone, that was one for the books. If he was a woman I would have fucked him right there on the spot

Yeah, The funny thing is that "H" thought that he was playing like crap

He was killing it and Id gather the only reason why he thought otherwise was because he's not used to playing on "20" and the sheer volume was ratteling his ear canal

 

[Gainfreak]

Nick!! It was awsome to see you again and thanks so much for comming out and lugging all your stuff! That carvin was bad ass and You know how I feel about the cameron stuff so it was no surprise to me about how good the amps sounded. Well that's not totally true..... That Aldrich that you have is the sickest sounding cameron ive ever heard LMAO!! That's an amp that you get burried with Tell your bass player I said wassup and it was great meeting him to! BTW.....You are both sick for not wearing ear plugs....

Likewise Ralph! it was really cool to see ya man, same to everyone else.... Isn't that carvin cool ? they are great guitars , great value for sure. And yea that aldrich comes to the grave, never seen or heard one like it.

The Carvin is a great guitar period and the $$$ is the icing on the cake! I feel the same way about the Charvel Production series! Also the fact that your guitar had 12's on it and it didn't make my fingers fall off or bleed is saying something!!

 

[AmpliFIRE]

Wish I could have made it guys!!! My son's Bday party was this weekend as well as our anniversary...so I was tied up to say the least. It's prob. good thing that I didn't make it as I've been more that happy boosting my stock JCM800 and don't have the extra cash for anything else right now LMAO

 

[Digital Jams]

Volume whore is an understatement, holy shit are his builds loud! Not sure what Nitros2400 was tuned to but damn that amp held together awesome and it was starting to hurt to be in there I really need to learn to gallope like Nick and Greg, Kage and I were laughing it up driving back making these noises trying to replicate the tones guys were getting as Mike's amps are stupid percussive

Man I wish I had taped H going at it as he went into the zone, that was one for the books. If he was a woman I would have fucked him right there on the spot

Yeah, The funny thing is that "H" thought that he was playing like crap

He was killing it and Id gather the only reason why he thought otherwise was because he's not used to playing on "20" and the sheer volume was ratteling his ear canal

I could see why Kurtstuff was so blown away in a live setting with Mike's amps, I could believe how tey would just shine cutting through with monsterous clarity and definition. My Sunday jams are going to be a blast with the Natas watching guy's faces melting off

 

[dawnofdreamx97]

Wish I could have made it guys!!! My son's Bday party was this weekend as well as our anniversary...so I was tied up to say the least. It's prob. good thing that I didn't make it as I've been more that happy boosting my stock JCM800 and don't have the extra cash for anything else right now LMAO

is it the 800 i sold you? if so thats one of the best ive heard....

 

[Gainzilla]

Hey Fellas, it was great to hang on Saturday!!! It was great to finally meet Greg, Carl, Chris and especially Mike Fortin. Of course its always great to see Ralphile,H,Steve,Joe Z and Scott( Great riding with ya even if we spent a long ass time on the road!!, Thanks again)

On to the Amps...

The Meathead was way over the top for me, There is so much going on with that amp and so many damn tones in there and it really is a masterpiece of build quality with a host of ver smart, intuitive useable features. Straight up Kitchen sink Amp..

The Natas was truly something to behold. Im not really a metal guy but after playing it for a little bit, I cant see any Modern Metal player turning their nose up at this thing. Very modern voicing, Ridiculously fast attack and tracking coupled with a very harmonically rich tone that was clear as a bell no matter where you were gainwise and trust me, this thing has gain to spare. However, it should be mentioned that this thing did a great job of putting out some very useable 80's tones as well which surprised me, I inititally figured that it would be a one trick pony and it had a bit more versatility than I would have given it credit for.. I Should also mention that both of Mikes Amps had really nice cleans, full of chime and sparkle...

The one that did it for me was Scotts Cali modded SLP reissue. Straight up classic modded Marshall with feel for days. Not much to say other than I was Blown away and after playing it, Im seriously thinking about going the same route with a pedal board and calling it a day...

Ive been so busy and out of the loop for almost a year now and forget about not playing for that time, not hanging with you guys for all that time sucked and it was great to hang and have some laid back fun.. Thanks for the Ear Plugs Ralph, They were a Godsend!!!

Kage

 

[AmpliFIRE]

Wish I could have made it guys!!! My son's Bday party was this weekend as well as our anniversary...so I was tied up to say the least. It's prob. good thing that I didn't make it as I've been more that happy boosting my stock JCM800 and don't have the extra cash for anything else right now LMAO

is it the 800 i sold you? if so thats one of the best ive heard....

yup...that's the one

 

[Gainiac]

Volume whore is an understatement, holy shit are his builds loud! Not sure what Nitros2400 was tuned to but damn that amp held together awesome and it was starting to hurt to be in there I really need to learn to gallope like Nick and Greg, Kage and I were laughing it up driving back making these noises trying to replicate the tones guys were getting as Mike's amps are stupid percussive

Man I wish I had taped H going at it as he went into the zone, that was one for the books. If he was a woman I would have fucked him right there on the spot

Yeah, The funny thing is that "H" thought that he was playing like crap

He was killing it and Id gather the only reason why he thought otherwise was because he's not used to playing on "20" and the sheer volume was ratteling his ear canal

Are you KIDDING??!?? I lost a back tooth somewhere b4 u turned it down... Mike Fortin is DEAF!! there! I said it!! Scotty, thank you brother, youre waaay too kind, seriously.... Now lend me your amp...
Ok, so when are we doing this again?!???

 

[lolzgreg]

I'll tell you, Mike is pretty good at tweaking amps for a deaf man .

Seriously, Mike, watch your ears or you're going to start voicing amps that sound like ass

I'm glad everyone is saying it. That Cali was one of the stars of the fest for sure. I'm REALLY happy you brought it Scott.

For more of the Local Dokles, I could plan a mini ampfest at my house/studio. Unfortunately there won't be any Fortins there (yet), but I have quite the back yard, and I'll supply BBQ food if you guys bring the beer, which you never seem to have a problem doing anyway . The quarters are a bit tight, so make sure you take a shower before you come

Anyone who is interested, PM me!

 

[the4thlast1]

Hey, it was nice to meet all you cats yesterday, I had a good time. This is Chris, Im the dude who brought the Mills cab. Anyways I forgot to mention this yesterday but the bass player from my band and I have been talking about trying to put together a jam session type thing that could be maybe once or twice a month.

Basically we could have some set chord progressions , nothing to crazy but nice things to solo over. I figure we could have as many as 5 or so guitar players and just take turns soloing and playing the chords. My bass player is pretty nasty and would def keep a good groove goin. If anyone is interest let me know, no pressure at all.

Nice meeting you and thanks for bringing a Mills that was not loaded with those shitbag k100s!!!!

No problem man, it was a good time. So ya liked the Mills cab ? I've been kinda on the fence about it but I think the speakers might need to brake in a little more. I liked how that Engl cab sounded, it was pretty smooth for a v30 cab.