Blades - Firebolt - Let's set the record straight! GREAT AMP

[billowen99]

So........I've seen plenty of threads here on RT bashing Billy Blades. As a VERY HAPPY customer and owner of SN #100 Blades Firebolt 50w head, I felt compelled to set the record straight. Billy is a super nice guy and takes the time to build a high quality amp that sounds great! I've owned just about every amp you can own over the past 36 years. I'd put my Blades Firebolt up against any amp you have. ;-) - Blades - made in the USA. So far, since I bought my Blades, I've sent these amps to EBAY and sold them. Wangs 2204HW, Redplate RP40, Orange TH30, Blackstar Stage HT60, Retro King 18w combo. I still have my Fuchs Fullhouse 50, but it's collecting dust. Name an amp and I've probably owned it. This short list was just from the past couple of months. I've owned too many amps to list them all.

Like many of us, we never give up on that search/quest for the sacred killer tone that works best for whatever project we are currently involved in. I've been gigging for 36 years straight. I've never stopped. I started gigging on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood in the 80's when I was just 15 years old........so, yeah, I'm 51 now. I play everything from Blues, Funk, Classic Rock, ROCK, Metal, etc. and have amps and guitars to suit those needs. The Blades Firebolt that I personally own and gig with is amazing and extremely versatile! I can get a wide range of tones and play everything from BB King to Megadeth. It is built tough unlike some people out there calling him and his work a hack job, etc. This could not be further from the truth. It's just a flat out rock solid amp that kicks major ass!

yeah, yeah, yeah.......I've owned the Bogner's, Friedman's, Marshall's (many), Orange, Boogies, 65amps, etc., again, you name it, I've probably had one or 3. The Blades Firebolt is THE BEST amp I've ever owned. Period. In addition........Billy is just a flat out super nice guy who will build the amp that YOU want and that fits YOUR needs. Period. It will be built with the finest parts available, and built fairly quickly. I got mine 4 weeks after ordering it. I live just outside of Denver, CO and there is another well known builder here with a 3 year waiting list. Why wait 3 years when you can buy a Blades and get it in 1 month? It's really a killer amp and I'm guessing that those folks who are bashing Billy don't even own one of his amps. I would suggest you buy one and see how quick your other amps end up on EBAY.

That's my two cents. Blades amps are freakin' killer, well built amps. Period. Tone for days! LOVE IT! I'm going to order a 2nd one just have a backup if needed..........or, maybe I'll get a 100w Firebolt just to have something a bit bigger if needed, etc. But I will be buying MORE Blades amps very soon.......simply because, it's a flat out killer amp........the best I've heard and played!!!

 

[the4thlast1]

Lol

 

[Racerxrated]

Time to stretch my fingers a bit before typing....lol

 

[Chester Nimitz]

 

[crankyrayhanky]

 

[Halen]

I wish my first post on here was as enthralling as this one. I find it intriguing that this is your first post...

So billowen99, let's see some clips of your bad ass guitar wizardry of 36+ years of playing through these epic amps.

 

[cecilbag]

Well it didn't take long in 2017 before we got one of these.......

 

[The Traveller]

 

[billowen99]

I have no agenda to "sell" Blades amps. Yes, this is my first post, but if you had actually read the post, you would see that I mentioned that I was "compelled" to post based on some things that I had read here on RT. My personal experience with Billy AND his amps has been nothing but positive. Again, my 2 cents. I never claimed to be a guitar "wizard", but I appreciate good tone. I can play and I'll get up on stage with anyone. If you wish to check out my playing, feel free. www.trickshotband.com or www.doublebills.com - I'm not here to bash anyone or any amps. I have an appreciation for good music, good guitars, good amps, and ultimately ---- good tone. I have found that the Blades amps produce some killer tone. I was playing a gig with Nate Winger's band "Lords of Distortion" and their guitar player "Mike Learn" was playing through a Blades Venom. It cut through the mix nicely and sounded killer. So, when he was doing his sound check, I asked him about the amp. He offered to let me play through it. It sounded so killer that I called and ordered a Firebolt the next day. I had been looking at the Blades amps prior to this gig. Hearing Mike's amp made me pull the trigger and order one. That's my experience. For those who try to bash me or any other musician for simply expressing what they like, well, I am sorry for you. Musicians support each other and their quest for gear that works well. The bashers are not musicians.

 

[Racerxrated]

who cares?
why you trying to sell us on Blades amps?
People here have played them and said they sound good.
I don't think anyone has said they don't sound good.

Its BILLY that people seem to have a problem with, his attitude, and approach.
Also, all of his shit talking about other amp builders etc. ESPECIALLY WHEN there are PICTURES of the SHIT build quality of some of his amps out already.

And his cosmetic choices are fucking horrendous. I mean REALLY FUCKING HORRENDOUS>!

If he had toned down his approach socially, not talked an endless stream of nonsensical defensive and OFFENSIVE crap about all the other brands and builders...

AND designed a palatable aesthetic, I don't doubt he would be much more respected and even considered anything but the BUTT of MANY jokes around here.

now to be fair, I don't know the guy, haven't dealt with the guy except the one time he Private Messaged me to beg me to stop making fun of him.

And I did, but I am friends with some of the folks he talks so much shit about, so I don't really have any love for him or his amps.

If you really think coming on here with such a declarative stance that is entirely coming from a defensive posture and expecting to erase his sins in one fell swoop. Or to create YET ANOTHER FUCKING SHIT STORM thread so his hits on his website and videos get a bump...you just may get it.

Perfectly stated. I don't think I have anything else to add.

 

[V2a]

I have always stayed out of Blades threads because I wish all builders well. However, I will chime in at this point because I just saw some detailed gut shots at slocloneforum last week. I have no comment on aesthetics or tone, since that's not for me to evaluate (and I haven't played one myself). My only comments have to do with safety. To keep it short, I will make only three comments concerning the Firebolt:

1. The cup holder is probably a fire hazard, as it would promote spillage and likely condensation. I can't confirm the latter, because I haven't seen one tested.

2. The most important connection of any tube amp is its earth (safety) ground from the power cord's (or IEC connecter) ground to the chassis. This needs to be a separate, unbreakable connection so that a fuse will blow if high voltage comes into contact with the chassis. In the Firebolt, the IEC ground lug is attached not to the chassis but to a can cap. This is a HUGE safety hazard because the can cap itself can break away from the chassis.

3. Given point 1 and 2, there is no way the Firebolt would ever pass electrical certification or inspection.

Point #3 might not appear important for the end user, since there are probably many safe amps that haven't been certified (from the bulk of the smaller boutique builders). I consider it a big deal, however, and I'm actually thinking about "hanging it up" so to speak unless I can get my own (safe) amps inspected and approved.

I mean no disrespect here. I don't know Mr. Blades and I wish him well. I would urge him to correct the three safety issues noted above, and I would caution potential or current customers of these safety shortcomings.

 

[billowen99]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =3&theater

As far as aesthetics or the LOOK that people seem to not like........I ordered a very classic design. Much like a Marshall.
You can order whatever you want. So..........to complain about something that someone else ordered is just silly. That's what they liked or what they wanted. But to say that it's some universal design is also not accurate. You can choose the look, style, color of tolex, knobs, etc. So, how is this a bad thing?

 

[Racerxrated]

I have no agenda to "sell" Blades amps. Yes, this is my first post, but if you had actually read the post, you would see that I mentioned that I was "compelled" to post based on some things that I had read here on RT. My personal experience with Billy AND his amps has been nothing but positive. Again, my 2 cents. I never claimed to be a guitar "wizard", but I appreciate good tone. I can play and I'll get up on stage with anyone. If you wish to check out my playing, feel free. http://www.trickshotband.com or http://www.doublebills.com - I'm not here to bash anyone or any amps. I have an appreciation for good music, good guitars, good amps, and ultimately ---- good tone. I have found that the Blades amps produce some killer tone. I was playing a gig with Nate Winger's band "Lords of Distortion" and their guitar player "Mike Learn" was playing through a Blades Venom. It cut through the mix nicely and sounded killer. So, when he was doing his sound check, I asked him about the amp. He offered to let me play through it. It sounded so killer that I called and ordered a Firebolt the next day. I had been looking at the Blades amps prior to this gig. Hearing Mike's amp made me pull the trigger and order one. That's my experience. For those who try to bash me or any other musician for simply expressing what they like, well, I am sorry for you. Musicians support each other and their quest for gear that works well. The bashers are not musicians.

Wrong answer. The Bashers ARE musicians, like me and others, who also have MANY years of gigging(30) on this and MANY other forums that were around when this SHITHEEL Bladez and his big mouth started cocking off about builders that have earned respect and admiration from MANY professional musicans, and the average hobbyist who digs guitar and tone. For no reason. If as he stated Cameron ripped him off, well there were many so stand in line. But Fortin, Friedman and other builders that BLADES bad mouthed for no reason..THAT is the reason many here bash him. He cloned a Cameron...good for him. But he also stated he was going to sell for 1500 an amp...yeah whatever. You can spend your money however you want..I have played a Firebolt and it didn't quite measure up to ANY Cameron I've owned, and my little Jubilee combo with a boost also is a better toneful amp to my ears.

 

[billowen99]

My apologies for those who took my post as "coming in guns blazing". LOL Again, it was indeed my first post and I was just trying to post something positive about my experience with the amp that I own and my experience with Billy Blades. It was and is all positive for me. I'm sorry that this was not the experience that some others may have had. There are plenty of good amps out there. I've had plenty of them myself. I will look forward to reading about and owning plenty more I'm sure. Rock on!

 

[billowen99]

yes, I know that many people hate "cream tolex". LOL But it's a great theft prevention system. ;-) And I can pick out my amps in a crowd. I tend to like ugly things. My '61 strat is ugly as hell.........but beautiful to me.

 

[Racerxrated]

My apologies for those who took my post as "coming in guns blazing". LOL Again, it was indeed my first post and I was just trying to post something positive about my experience with the amp that I own and my experience with Billy Blades. It was and is all positive for me. I'm sorry that this was not the experience that some others may have had. There are plenty of good amps out there. I've had plenty of them myself. I will look forward to reading about and owning plenty more I'm sure. Rock on!

Hey no worries. The Firebolt I played did sound nice, and I could tell the Cameron DNA. I do prefer other Marshall style amps to it though. And if you're happy with it, that's all that matters. If only he had taken a different approach, he might be as successful as Friedman is.

 

[Halen]

I have no agenda to "sell" Blades amps. Yes, this is my first post, but if you had actually read the post, you would see that I mentioned that I was "compelled" to post based on some things that I had read here on RT. My personal experience with Billy AND his amps has been nothing but positive. Again, my 2 cents. I never claimed to be a guitar "wizard", but I appreciate good tone. I can play and I'll get up on stage with anyone. If you wish to check out my playing, feel free. http://www.trickshotband.com or http://www.doublebills.com - I'm not here to bash anyone or any amps. I have an appreciation for good music, good guitars, good amps, and ultimately ---- good tone. I have found that the Blades amps produce some killer tone. I was playing a gig with Nate Winger's band "Lords of Distortion" and their guitar player "Mike Learn" was playing through a Blades Venom. It cut through the mix nicely and sounded killer. So, when he was doing his sound check, I asked him about the amp. He offered to let me play through it. It sounded so killer that I called and ordered a Firebolt the next day. I had been looking at the Blades amps prior to this gig. Hearing Mike's amp made me pull the trigger and order one. That's my experience. For those who try to bash me or any other musician for simply expressing what they like, well, I am sorry for you. Musicians support each other and their quest for gear that works well. The bashers are not musicians.

OK guy, when you roll out with "I've been gigging for 36 years straight" that's pretty much in the collective face of this forum. While I sincerely appreciate you enjoy Billy's amps, I'm not sure I understand the blast furnace full force approach you took with your initial post.

A much simpler approach: "Hey fellas, I've been using 'insert amp maker' for a couple of years and dig these things about it. Thought you might dig the tone."

And who are you to call out the so called "bashers" and why would that even matter to you? And you know what, I don't think I've seen anybody bash you per say, just simply call you out. If that's bashing, I would sure hate to see what REAL bashing looks like.

I'm glad you enjoy your amp. If it's so cool, like I said, put up a post of the amazing tones it produces. It's that simple.

 

[billowen99]

I had a 1974 Marshall Super Lead with a Cameron mod. (Maybe that's why I like the Blades) It was a killer amp and one that I wish I still had. But, we have all sold things we wish we didn't sell. There was a time when I just got tired of lugging around that heavy ass amp! LOL So..........I went smaller and lighter. Oh well........I still have plenty of killer amps.

 

[billowen99]

Halen - again my apologies for not knowing the "etiquette" of this forum.
My future posts will take this into consideration.

 

[Beyond Black]

So........I've seen plenty of threads here on RT bashing Billy Blades. As a VERY HAPPY customer and owner of SN #100 Blades Firebolt 50w head, I felt compelled to set the record straight. Billy is a super nice guy and takes the time to build a high quality amp that sounds great! I've owned just about every amp you can own over the past 36 years. I'd put my Blades Firebolt up against any amp you have. ;-) - Blades - made in the USA. So far, since I bought my Blades, I've sent these amps to EBAY and sold them. Wangs 2204HW, Redplate RP40, Orange TH30, Blackstar Stage HT60, Retro King 18w combo. I still have my Fuchs Fullhouse 50, but it's collecting dust. Name an amp and I've probably owned it. This short list was just from the past couple of months. I've owned too many amps to list them all.

Like many of us, we never give up on that search/quest for the sacred killer tone that works best for whatever project we are currently involved in. I've been gigging for 36 years straight. I've never stopped. I started gigging on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood in the 80's when I was just 15 years old........so, yeah, I'm 51 now. I play everything from Blues, Funk, Classic Rock, ROCK, Metal, etc. and have amps and guitars to suit those needs. The Blades Firebolt that I personally own and gig with is amazing and extremely versatile! I can get a wide range of tones and play everything from BB King to Megadeth. It is built tough unlike some people out there calling him and his work a hack job, etc. This could not be further from the truth. It's just a flat out rock solid amp that kicks major ass!

yeah, yeah, yeah.......I've owned the Bogner's, Friedman's, Marshall's (many), Orange, Boogies, 65amps, etc., again, you name it, I've probably had one or 3. The Blades Firebolt is THE BEST amp I've ever owned. Period. In addition........Billy is just a flat out super nice guy who will build the amp that YOU want and that fits YOUR needs. Period. It will be built with the finest parts available, and built fairly quickly. I got mine 4 weeks after ordering it. I live just outside of Denver, CO and there is another well known builder here with a 3 year waiting list. Why wait 3 years when you can buy a Blades and get it in 1 month? It's really a killer amp and I'm guessing that those folks who are bashing Billy don't even own one of his amps. I would suggest you buy one and see how quick your other amps end up on EBAY.

That's my two cents. Blades amps are freakin' killer, well built amps. Period. Tone for days! LOVE IT! I'm going to order a 2nd one just have a backup if needed..........or, maybe I'll get a 100w Firebolt just to have something a bit bigger if needed, etc. But I will be buying MORE Blades amps very soon.......simply because, it's a flat out killer amp........the best I've heard and played!!!

Welcome to Rigtalk, Billy.