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

[scottosan]

Tidy not always mean well build... There are more aspects to consider.

PCB or PTP not matter so much, but i prefer NOT have the power tubes sockets mount on the PCB, for heat problems. Pots, switches, jacks of good quality (there are much better pots then ALPHA). I don't like to see crimped stuff, or computers cables inside.

Hybrid PCB/PTP like the SLO is build for last forever, like a good PTP/turret build.

Considering that both Bogner and Friedman both have amps with PCB mounted tubes, I think your concerns may be overly cautious.

 

[Luca79]

Tidy not always mean well build... There are more aspects to consider.

PCB or PTP not matter so much, but i prefer NOT have the power tubes sockets mount on the PCB, for heat problems. Pots, switches, jacks of good quality (there are much better pots then ALPHA). I don't like to see crimped stuff, or computers cables inside.

Hybrid PCB/PTP like the SLO is build for last forever, like a good PTP/turret build.

There is NO reason why a well-designed PCB amp should not have the power tubes PCB mounted. On my Bottle Rocket, the power tubes are both PCB and chassis mounted.

I had an Ampeg VL 1002 with the PCB all melted

 

[SpiderWars]

I think the key words there are "well designed". I had a JCM2000 with PCB-heat-derived issues so I get the caution but it seems many amps do fine with it.

 

[Jdub]

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.

i read the fucking post bro. slow your roll. Blades crap aint really a happening topic round these parts. Glad you dig it and it works for you. but to come in guns blazing about how amazing and shit it all is ... AINT gonna impress anyone HERE.
Dropping your bona fides in this swarthy crew of guitar slingers like we are all gonna bow down to some sunset strip glory was a ill timed exploit. For the record this forum is full of some of the baddest guitar slingers and gear hounds in the game, so good for you for being a rocker, welcome to the club.
For the record, welcome to the forum and I'm glad you decided to join. Keep the blades shit to a minimum and you'll be fine.

Who the fuck do you think your are Reza? I lurk here and have been around along long time. Way before this shitty forum.. You are a relative new yourself and now that most of the quality peeps no longer participate here, you fancy yourself the ring leader. Ring leader of a bunch of ass clowns that suck your balls even though you come off like a douche constantly and think your way is the only way. In surfer terms, you are a kook. A total wanker. The guy came in here articulated his opinion and experience reasonably well and you and all your clonies jump his shit. Grow up. and by the way, most of "us" find you and your "music" dreadful btw.

 

[MrDowntown]

Blades threadzzzz ALWAYZ deliver. Only thing missing is some (.)(.) action.

 

[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.

i read the fucking post bro. slow your roll. Blades crap aint really a happening topic round these parts. Glad you dig it and it works for you. but to come in guns blazing about how amazing and shit it all is ... AINT gonna impress anyone HERE.
Dropping your bona fides in this swarthy crew of guitar slingers like we are all gonna bow down to some sunset strip glory was a ill timed exploit. For the record this forum is full of some of the baddest guitar slingers and gear hounds in the game, so good for you for being a rocker, welcome to the club.
For the record, welcome to the forum and I'm glad you decided to join. Keep the blades shit to a minimum and you'll be fine.

Who the fuck do you think your are Reza? I lurk here and have been around along long time. Way before this shitty forum.. You are a relative new yourself and now that most of the quality peeps no longer participate here, you fancy yourself the ring leader. Ring leader of a bunch of ass clowns that suck your balls even though you come off like a douche constantly and think your way is the only way. In surfer terms, you are a kook. A total wanker. The guy came in here articulated his opinion and experience reasonably well and you and all your clonies jump his shit. Grow up. and by the way, most of "us" find you and your "music" dreadful btw.

"You and all your clonies jump his shit"...Hmm. First of all, anyone who comes in this forum expecting to put Blades on a pedestal of "tone" is gonna get educated on the real Billy Blades. And if YOU don't know Blades past, I suggest you google Billy Blades and do the reading..there's a LOT. And not here, go to the posts HE wrote bashing builder after builder, people who have been stand up guys in this business..The Gear Page, Marshall forum, etc. All of the shit talking BLADES did is not easily forgotten, or forgiven. That's just the way it is. He is/was a complete ASS CLOWN of the highest order, and even if his amps sound good they are a FUCKING FIRE HAZARD. As proven here. I don't care what anyone plays or owns. But someone that comes in here with an obvious agenda, like the OP is gonna get some shit especially when it comes to Blades.

 

[billowen99]

I've bitten my tongue plenty in this thread, but must reply to Reza. Dude........it sure seems like
YOU are the ASS here. You keep referring to Billy as an ass but you go on to be the same ASS.
How is calling him an ass and then you acting like a bigger ass helping anyone? And you keep
referring to me "the OP" as some sort of idiot with an agenda. Chill out dude. Put that ego
in check.......you're not THAT great!

I have explained myself thoroughly here. I DO NOT HAVE AN AGENDA to sell Blades amps.
Admittedly, I was unaware of his past. I simply had a great experience and have a great
amp that I love, and yes, it sounds killer! And yes, I know tone. I've listened to your clips
and can hear that you have some good tone as well. Does that make you some sort of
tone god? Nope. Don't you think Billy may have gotten better at building amps over the
past couple of years? Maybe you're suffering the effects of living in Los Angeles? Having been
born there in 1965 and living the L.A. life and yes, playing those legendary clubs in the 80's,
I now what it's all about. A bunch of fake ass people! I moved to the Denver, Colorado area
back in 1994 after the Northridge earthquake as I was just sick of the lame ass idiots
living/moving there and the music scene completely died........and it STILL sucks. Anyway,
moving to Denver was fantastic. Lots of nice, humble "REAL" people here. The music scene
is great and we actually get paid to play. Life is good.

I'm really trying to stay positive here. Yes. Your tone is good. Some of your songs are good.
But, you're a flat out asshat! Unfortunately, when anyone listens to your music, they will
have that in the back of their minds........oh, there's Mr. Tone god, Lord of Rig Talk, the guy
who decides who can say what on this board. Just so lame it is silly. But soooo L.A.! LOL

I hope that you can find peace. It will likely require moving out of L.A. and surrounding
yourself with real genuine people who won't put up with your ignorance and giant ego.

I'm sure you will have a colorful response filled with profanity. I can't wait. LOL
It will surely just illuminate all of your wonderful qualities.

 

[sleewell2]

why are you defending someone who you have no clue about? read up on things he has said and get back with us. he is trash.

btw he isn't building shit anymore, he has other people do that. look at the first amp he built and you will realize why he gave it up. he just makes the outsides look trashy as fuck like his horrible tattoos.

he fucking sucks ass and is a miserable excuse for a human. its clear you don't really know anything if you are defending him.

 

[Racerxrated]

Oh BULLSHIT. ^^^I've disagreed with Reza too many times to count, yet many who also disagree with him seem to be on the same page when it comes to BLADES. Just the way it is. Blades dug his own FUCKING grave with his ASSMUNCH posts of the past, and no amount of "Hey they sound great" is going to erase that stuff. And many here on RT will always remember it, so no matter when someone tries to bring up months later how great they are, rest assured we will remind any noobs here the TRUTH about Blades.

Bro, play whatever you want and I'm happy for you that you dig your amp. But if you want to attack someone for going after Blades, count me next.

 

[billowen99]

sleewell.........you may want to read all that I have posted. If you perceive it as "defending" him,
you are mistaken. I'm not defending anything that was done in the past. I have already stated
that I was "unaware" of any of it. AGAIN........I bought an amp. I dealt directly with Billy.
He was super nice and built what I wanted. I got the amp and it satisfied my needs, although
I did ditch the JJ's that came in the amp and loaded it with good tubes. That is all.
Am I defending someone or some thing? Nope.......just stating that my experience may
have been different than many others. It was all positive for me. I have expressed
gratitude for those who provided helpful information and I will indeed be investigating
those claims of dangerous elements in the amp. Once I do, I will post photos to reveal
what I found. I just have not been in the studio lately and we got a foot of snow overnight
so I doubt it will be any time soon. I will indeed be happy to contribute.....and will continue
to do so. But acting like an ass doesn't help anyone. Maybe Billy does suck ass as a human?
I really "don't" know. All I do know is that my "business" experience with him was stellar.
That's all that "I" have to go on. So.......if you see that as some declaration that I am
now automatically some douche..........well, I feel sorry for you......because YOU don't
know me either. So, what does that say about you? If you follow your own logic, well,
need I say more? Why not get back to posting helpful replies.

 

[billowen99]

Reza - my apologies - I read a reply and thought that it was from you, but it was from Racerxrated:

"You and all your clonies jump his shit"...Hmm. First of all, anyone who comes in this forum expecting to put Blades on a pedestal of "tone" is gonna get educated on the real Billy Blades. And if YOU don't know Blades past, I suggest you google Billy Blades and do the reading..there's a LOT. And not here, go to the posts HE wrote bashing builder after builder, people who have been stand up guys in this business..The Gear Page, Marshall forum, etc. All of the shit talking BLADES did is not easily forgotten, or forgiven. That's just the way it is. He is/was a complete ASS CLOWN of the highest order, and even if his amps sound good they are a FUCKING FIRE HAZARD. As proven here. I don't care what anyone plays or owns. But someone that comes in here with an obvious agenda, like the OP is gonna get some shit especially when it comes to Blades.

I thought this came from you. Again, yes, I'm a noob and trying to sort through this stuff as best I can.
Still learning.

UGH! I think I'll just shut up again! LOL

 

[billowen99]

Reza - thank you very much. I appreciate that thoughtful response.
Again, I'm sorry that I went off thinking it was you. I did check out
your band, and yes.......anyone who is out there gigging get's
my respect. We're not just sitting around in some bedroom
recording and "editing". Playing live is what it's all about.
I managed to play 50 gigs in 2016. Not too bad while holding
down my own business.

 

[maddnotez]

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.

i read the fucking post bro. slow your roll. Blades crap aint really a happening topic round these parts. Glad you dig it and it works for you. but to come in guns blazing about how amazing and shit it all is ... AINT gonna impress anyone HERE.
Dropping your bona fides in this swarthy crew of guitar slingers like we are all gonna bow down to some sunset strip glory was a ill timed exploit. For the record this forum is full of some of the baddest guitar slingers and gear hounds in the game, so good for you for being a rocker, welcome to the club.
For the record, welcome to the forum and I'm glad you decided to join. Keep the blades shit to a minimum and you'll be fine.

Who the fuck do you think your are Reza? I lurk here and have been around along long time. Way before this shitty forum.. You are a relative new yourself and now that most of the quality peeps no longer participate here, you fancy yourself the ring leader. Ring leader of a bunch of ass clowns that suck your balls even though you come off like a douche constantly and think your way is the only way. In surfer terms, you are a kook. A total wanker. The guy came in here articulated his opinion and experience reasonably well and you and all your clonies jump his shit. Grow up. and by the way, most of "us" find you and your "music" dreadful btw.

Reza you fucking wanker

 

[Racerxrated]

Reza - my apologies - I read a reply and thought that it was from you, but it was from Racerxrated:

"You and all your clonies jump his shit"...Hmm. First of all, anyone who comes in this forum expecting to put Blades on a pedestal of "tone" is gonna get educated on the real Billy Blades. And if YOU don't know Blades past, I suggest you google Billy Blades and do the reading..there's a LOT. And not here, go to the posts HE wrote bashing builder after builder, people who have been stand up guys in this business..The Gear Page, Marshall forum, etc. All of the shit talking BLADES did is not easily forgotten, or forgiven. That's just the way it is. He is/was a complete ASS CLOWN of the highest order, and even if his amps sound good they are a FUCKING FIRE HAZARD. As proven here. I don't care what anyone plays or owns. But someone that comes in here with an obvious agenda, like the OP is gonna get some shit especially when it comes to Blades.

I thought this came from you. Again, yes, I'm a noob and trying to sort through this stuff as best I can.
Still learning.

UGH! I think I'll just shut up again! LOL

Nope. That came from me. Go ahead...fire at will. Lol

 

[billowen99]

Racerxrated - I'd really rather just focus on talking about killer gear.

 

[Jeff Hilligan]

it snowed a ton today here in MI

 

[MrDowntown]

it's predicted we'll get snow here in NC over the weekend...Lord, God, it'll be a month before the stores have milk and bread.

 

[Jeff Hilligan]

it's predicted we'll get snow here in NC over the weekend...Lord, God, it'll be a month before the stores have milk and bread.

 

[glassjaw7]

it's predicted we'll get snow here in NC over the weekend...Lord, God, it'll be a month before the stores have milk and bread.

meanwhile in Michigan
Yep. Fuck MI right now, lol.

 

[Halen]

To have lived in LA during the epic time of the 80s....