Classic Tone Going Out of Business

[skullfxr]

My Promod and Nitro are around 2008 I think, for sure pre 2010 without the loop volume. Both are heyboers and they fucking slam. They are my ride or die.

 

[ClintN667]

Leaves the new Soldano in an awkward spot?

I wonder what Avi and Dave gonna tell people when they find the new transformer supplier. Are they going to be "exactly the same as the old ones" yet "sound better than the old ones" at the same time again? Haha.

You know I thought the same thing. Its kinda hard to sell the "this transformer is the best" 3 times in a row. Although I guess all that is needed is the specs then any transformer company could duplicate.

I've only built a couple amps and always use classictone. Kinda takes some of the fun out of it knowing Im going to have to pay at least 40 or 50 more a pop.

I spoke with Kyle at KSR and I think they are using Heybooer at the moment and probably some others. I mentioned they should start building transformers in house half joking(he had mentioned wanting to do something like that at one point)

 

[technomancer]

Leaves the new Soldano in an awkward spot?

I wonder what Avi and Dave gonna tell people when they find the new transformer supplier. Are they going to be "exactly the same as the old ones" yet "sound better than the old ones" at the same time again? Haha.

You know I thought the same thing. Its kinda hard to sell the "this transformer is the best" 3 times in a row. Although I guess all that is needed is the specs then any transformer company could duplicate.

I've only built a couple amps and always use classictone. Kinda takes some of the fun out of it knowing Im going to have to pay at least 40 or 50 more a pop.

I spoke with Kyle at KSR and I think they are using Heybooer at the moment and probably some others. I mentioned they should start building transformers in house half joking(he had mentioned wanting to do something like that at one point)

Nailed it in one. It requires some R&D to make sure all materials are consistent with what is desired, but it is not rocket science to replicate a transformer.

From a marketing standpoint alone Kyle doing his own transformers would be gold... though getting set up for it and finding someone with appropriate manufacturing expertise might be a challenge.

 

[ClintN667]

Yeah Kyle stated he has the room but not the expertise. He said he would like to though. Since they do almost everything in house I wouldnt put it out of the realm of possibility. I also asked about building chassis, headshells, and faceplates for the homebrew crowd. He said faceplates would definitely be doable.

I have 3 projects Im hoping to do over the next few months. Im currently working on a 2204 using Burger's Marshall board then I have his Jose board and faceplate coming. Thankfully I have the iron for the 2204 and I went with Nik's Gargoyle transformer for the Jose which should be delivered today. My last project is a BE type build that I have 2 different PCB's to choose from. I was really hoping to go classictone for this but I dont think I can pick them up before they close down.

My friend in Germany just started his own business and has produced a few pedals and is currently working on an amp. He sourced a local shop for transfomers and he sent me some pics and they looked really well made but I have no idea how they sound. I really dont want to have to order transformers from Germany so I guess Heybooer is going to be my replacement.

 

[japetus]

Less market competition usually equates to higher prices.
If you thought transformers were expensive before, buckle-up.

This was my first thought, sadly.

 

[CornNutz]

These guy's have good prices on Heyboer: https://shop.amppartsdirect.com/collect ... by-heyboer

I also just asked them to stock my custom 100w Heyboer PT with 15v tap. http://www.slocloneforums.com/viewtopic ... 39&t=15503
Hopefully they will!

 

[ClintN667]

These guy's have good prices on Heyboer: https://shop.amppartsdirect.com/collect ... by-heyboer

I also just asked them to stock my custom 100w Heyboer PT with 15v tap. http://www.slocloneforums.com/viewtopic ... 39&t=15503
Hopefully they will!

Is the part # still HTS-8205-MS15? If amppartsdirect doesnt carry it how do I order direct from Heybooer?

 

[ClintN667]

ah I see the contact info in the thread. Is that contact still valid? I should be through with these next 2 builds by the end of December so I will be starting a BE hopefully by Jan.

 

[Bad.Seed]

Yep, Scott Splawn told me this the other day when inquiring about a new amp.

Crazy stuff and huge bummer, they were the most reasonably priced for the quality of their stuff.

Who's Scott going with now?

He didnt say, but did mention it will result in price increases unfortunately. He also mentioned its been a really tough year for him. I know he's been struggling with orders for the last couple years, so hope this isn't the nail in the coffin.

I REALLY REALLY REALLY hope not. He is such a nice guy and I have spoken to him dozens of times throughout the years. Always friendly and always willing to help or answer a question. Probably the most 'human' builder that I have ever interacted with. A nice real and straight up guy. Not to mention a great builder of well built and killer amps.

Couldn't agree more. I'm planning out a new murdered our quick rod build with matching cab. He's the only builder is even consider buying new from. My first experience ordering my 50 watt super sport was great.

I think he really needs some new circuits or models to stay relevant.

I wish Scott nothing but success. I've talked with him on the phone before. Always there if ya need him. I tell everyone, my 2006 Quickrod loop went out and he just sent a new loop board to my local tech free. That was awesome. I made a point when I bought replacement tubes to sometimes go through his site as well. I haven't played the post 2012 splawns, but I always liked the H tranny anyway. I know there are a couple 2005 floating around with Mercurys. Not sure if Scott put those in or they were installed after. Old ones with the big iron were punishing on thump.

I've got both a 2004 6550 Pro Stock and a KT88 Pro Mod. Both has Mercury Magnetics in them. They definitely have more raw aggression than my Super Sport 50 KT88 and my EL34B 2015 Quick Rod I owned.

 

[CornNutz]

These guy's have good prices on Heyboer: https://shop.amppartsdirect.com/collect ... by-heyboer

I also just asked them to stock my custom 100w Heyboer PT with 15v tap. http://www.slocloneforums.com/viewtopic ... 39&t=15503
Hopefully they will!

Is the part # still HTS-8205-MS15? If amppartsdirect doesnt carry it how do I order direct from Heybooer?

Part # is HTS-8205-MS15 with Heyboer, not sure what it'll be if amppartsdirect decides to stock it.
Contact Arlyn Arendsen arlyn@heyboertransformers.net to buy direct from Heyboer

 

[technomancer]

ah I see the contact info in the thread. Is that contact still valid? I should be through with these next 2 builds by the end of December so I will be starting a BE hopefully by Jan.

I've got these in my 2 Friedman-ish builds, great iron. I've actually got another set here to do a JEL turret board clone at some point.

 

[lespaul6]

I wonder what the real reason is for going out of business.. that company email was interesting. Did they source a bunch of their raw materials, including their steel from China? I wonder why Heyboer can make it but MC can't? odd

 

[ClintN667]

ah I see the contact info in the thread. Is that contact still valid? I should be through with these next 2 builds by the end of December so I will be starting a BE hopefully by Jan.

I've got these in my 2 Friedman-ish builds, great iron. I've actually got another set here to do a JEL turret board clone at some point.

Awesome to hear. I have 3 PCB'S laying around 2 are BE based boards from 2 different guys and 1 more marshall type board. I think I'm going to do a BE and maybe a JJ or something. Burger said I could use his Marshall board to do a 1 channel JEL but I haven't really heard the actual amp to decide if I want to do it.

As far as Splawn goes I've been saying he needs some new models for awhile or at least go back to doing mods. He has had the Nitro and Quick Rod for over a decade. You really cant keep going and compete with the used market. Friedman has the right idea with having the foundation amp with tonal variants as entire new amps. It's a shame because he charges a good price

 

[311boogieman]

I wish nothing but the best for Scott Splawn as well. He proved his Cust Sat with me on day one when I needed help with my purchased used Quick Rod. He didn't have to. Last I heard from him he was down to a one man shop. Himself. I'm sure that was a tough choice for him. As I've said before, my fear would be he wouldn't be able to keep up with the demand if he started offering new circuit designs. I mean, he did add the B+/old-new/mid cut recently as well as the lower powered and lunch box stuff.

Hope he can keep it going as is



Oh, and here some Heyboer porn for ya ...

 

[stanz]

Today's youth has no interest in playing electric guitar. What was once a thriving pop culture driven industry has been reduced to mere subculture of aging hobbyists. Most of us are approaching the age where the TV remote is the most sought-after device in the house. I was talking to a guy this weekend who wants to sell me a Rockman Smart Gate for cheap. I shared my perspective, and he totally agreed. I was going to buy the Smart Gate, but thought... WTF do I need that for? Pass!

If you're holding onto a large cache of gear, you might want to consider liquidating while you can still get something for it. Select Gibson guitars, Marshall, VOX and Fender tweed amplifiers are worth holding onto, as they are perfect for home decoration. There will always be a demand for vintage pre-hair metal era gear.

The future of the LP guitar...

 

[CornNutz]

What makes you think that goat?

 

[LP Freak]

Today's youth has no interest in playing electric guitar. What was once a thriving pop culture driven industry has been reduced to mere subculture of aging hobbyists. Most of us are approaching the age where the TV remote is the most sought-after device in the house. I was talking to a guy this weekend who wants to sell me a Rockman Smart Gate for cheap. I shared my perspective, and he totally agreed. I was going to buy the Smart Gate, but thought... WTF do I need that for? Pass!

If you're holding onto a large cache of gear, you might want to consider liquidating while you can still get something for it. Select Gibson guitars, Marshall, VOX and Fender tweed amplifiers are worth holding onto, as they are perfect for home decoration. There will always be a demand for vintage pre-hair metal era gear.

The future of the LP guitar...

That's all that needs to be said

 

[stanz]

What makes you think that goat?

 

[panhead]

Hell 15 years ago these forums were on fire, not so much anymore.

 

[panhead]

Today's youth has no interest in playing electric guitar. What was once a thriving pop culture driven industry has been reduced to mere subculture of aging hobbyists. Most of us are approaching the age where the TV remote is the most sought-after device in the house. I was talking to a guy this weekend who wants to sell me a Rockman Smart Gate for cheap. I shared my perspective, and he totally agreed. I was going to buy the Smart Gate, but thought... WTF do I need that for? Pass!

If you're holding onto a large cache of gear, you might want to consider liquidating while you can still get something for it. Select Gibson guitars, Marshall, VOX and Fender tweed amplifiers are worth holding onto, as they are perfect for home decoration. There will always be a demand for vintage pre-hair metal era gear.

The future of the LP guitar...

That's all that needs to be said

That shit has been going on over at TGP for the last two decades.