Bottle Rocket Clips

[Bob Savage]

So Steve dropped off some gear on Tuesday and I spent the day capturing the sound of the Bottle Rocket (2 preamp versions -80s and Modern is how I'm describing them). The speakers in Steve's 4x12 that I used are G12H30 30th Anniversary...

Some pics... here's the amps setup the way Curt (Chubtone) and I set them when we last played them. Only difference is the Master is down in the pic...

Here is how I dialed in the 80s preamp for this clip:

And here's the 80s preamp clip:

Henning Bottle Rocket Demo - 80s Preamp

Here is how I set the Modern preamp:

And here's the Modern clip:

Henning Bottle Rocket Demo - Modern Preamp

Here is how I mic'd for both clips. That is a Shure Beta 57:

What do you guys think? They are definitely different to me, but I wanna know what you hear (and so does Steve)...

 

[gtrwun]

I prefer the first clip/tone myself. They both sound great, but the first one had a woody knock in the mids that I really liked. The first clip had a more raw edge in the upper frequency that cut. That 80's preamp is a keeper for sure. That clip could sell some product.
The second clip sounded a bit more saturated and smoother I think? Sounded good but the other was more to my personal liking.

 

[Salos]

I prefer the first clip/tone myself. They both sound great, but the first one had a woody knock in the mids that I really liked. The first clip had a more raw edge in the upper frequency that cut. That 80's preamp is a keeper for sure. That clip could sell some product.
The second clip sounded a bit more saturated and smoother I think? Sounded good but the other was more to my personal liking.

Agreed, they both sounded really good. But the first one cut through a bit better IMO for the reason you mentioned gtrwun. Would be thrilled to play through either though.

 

[JerEvil]

As mentioned above, those were my thoughts as well. I think though, you could probably dial them in PRETTY damn close. I like that Bob was able to clearly show the difference between both preamps.

I certainly would not kick either tone out of bed...

Looking forward to giving the black one a thorough Rogering!

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

Yep I hear the difference too. The first is a little more raw and loose where the second is a tad smoother , tighter, and more saturated. I like both though the 80's preamp would be better suited to us 80's freaks and the modern preamp to the down tuners and chuggalots. Both sound really good. I could rock either one and make them sound 80's so both are winners.

 

[gibson5413]

Awesome clips Bob! Can't wait to get my hands on the white amp (80s version). Steve is the man and these clips show he built a killer product!!

 

[mooncobra]

I prefer the first clip/tone myself. They both sound great, but the first one had a woody knock in the mids that I really liked. The first clip had a more raw edge in the upper frequency that cut. That 80's preamp is a keeper for sure. That clip could sell some product.
The second clip sounded a bit more saturated and smoother I think? Sounded good but the other was more to my personal liking.

+1

 

[JerEvil]

Awesome clips Bob! Can't wait to get my hands on the white amp (80s version). Steve is the man and these clips show he built a killer product!!

I am really most interested to hear how different (if at all) our styles of clip end up being...

 

[yngzaklynch]

Liking the first tone a bit more

 

[LP Freak]

Sounds great. The first really had that Balls ToThe Wall tone.

 

[Bob Savage]

By the way, these were recorded with a "strat," single Duncan Hybrid 59/Custom in the bridge, Korina body and Mahogany neck.

 

[Beyond Black]

That amp sounds awesome. Great job Steve and Bob!

 

[Anonymous]

First off, much thanks to Bob for doing this and for the great playing and writing!

Here is what I'm hearing:

1.) I dig the lead sound more on the 80s preamp. Seems like it has more sustain to me and the pinch harmonics jump out more.
2.) I dig the 80s preamp better on the open chords like at 0:19. Just sounds more aggressive and angry
3.) I dig the section that starts at 0:38-1:07 way more on the 80s preamp. Sounds more open to me.
4.) I dig all the palm muted chugging sections more on the Modern preamp. Sounds tighter to me.

Pretty cool. I still think they are close enough that you could dial them very close if you wanted, but there are some distinct things in each... Much more gain is on tap as well if you want it... look at the gain settings...

Steve

 

[JackBootedThug]

i think i like the first.

 

[gibson5413]

Awesome clips Bob! Can't wait to get my hands on the white amp (80s version). Steve is the man and these clips show he built a killer product!!

I am really most interested to hear how different (if at all) our styles of clip end up being...

Me too. You are a monster player. I'll have my work cut out for me!

 

[hstlaurent]

they should send me these heads to demo.

Wouldn't be a bad idea at all.

 

[JerEvil]

Awesome clips Bob! Can't wait to get my hands on the white amp (80s version). Steve is the man and these clips show he built a killer product!!

I am really most interested to hear how different (if at all) our styles of clip end up being...

Me too. You are a monster player. I'll have my work cut out for me!

Oh please! LOL! I am trying to decide if I am going to just do "amp only" or in a mix as well...

Probably both.

 

[gibson5413]

Awesome clips Bob! Can't wait to get my hands on the white amp (80s version). Steve is the man and these clips show he built a killer product!!

I am really most interested to hear how different (if at all) our styles of clip end up being...

Me too. You are a monster player. I'll have my work cut out for me!

Oh please! LOL! I am trying to decide if I am going to just do "amp only" or in a mix as well...

Probably both.

I'm doing both for sure.

 

[Anonymous]

Awesome clips Bob! Can't wait to get my hands on the white amp (80s version). Steve is the man and these clips show he built a killer product!!

I am really most interested to hear how different (if at all) our styles of clip end up being...

Me too. You are a monster player. I'll have my work cut out for me!

Oh please! LOL! I am trying to decide if I am going to just do "amp only" or in a mix as well...

Probably both.

Yes, please!

Steve

 

[Anonymous]

they should send me these heads to demo.

Wouldn't be a bad idea at all.

Handled!

Steve