Custom Audio Amplifiers

[ihave27frets]

So how would you sum up the basic voicing/ tone/ gain structure of these amps?

 

[Juggernaut]

not as good as the Mako....

 

[ratter]

So how would you sum up the basic voicing/ tone/ gain structure of these amps?

ALL over the map. This is what I learned when shopping for one...If you go back to the beginning there was the Standard, then the Standard+ (and sometimes the + is more of a departure than you would think, apparently), then the SE, and an SH (Scott Henderson mod). Then an SE+. Then a Classic, then a Classic+. There's an ML (Mike Landau) mod to the clean channel. And now there's a whole new PT-100 (Pete Thorn) that has yet another new voicing.

I think that they increase in gain as you go up this ladder...

Classic
Classic+
Standard
Standard+
PT-100
SE
SE+

And in some cases the circuits are completely different...not just mods or subtle tweaks from one to the other. And some have 5881s and the original trannies, some come stock with 'plexi' trannies and EL34s. And along the way there have been mods like different versions of the Whomp switch, different voicings to the boost, etc. they will even add a second footswitchable gain knob to make it a pseudo third channel.

So the moral of the story is IMO - if you are buying used, make sure you know exactly what you are getting, because lord knows what combination of features it might have. If you are buying new, call or email the shop to let them help you sort things out. And third keep in mind that they are more than willing to revoice and/or mod to suit your needs.

 

[Gainfreak]

So how would you sum up the basic voicing/ tone/ gain structure of these amps?

ALL over the map. This is what I learned when shopping for one...If you go back to the beginning there was the Standard, then the Standard+ (and sometimes the + is more of a departure than you would think, apparently), then the SE, and an SH (Scott Henderson mod). Then an SE+. Then a Classic, then a Classic+. There's an ML (Mike Landau) mod to the clean channel. And now there's a whole new PT-100 (Pete Thorn) that has yet another new voicing.

I think that they increase in gain as you go up this ladder...

Classic
Classic+
Standard
Standard+
PT-100
SE
SE+

And some have 5881s and the original trannies, some come stock with 'plexi' trannies and EL34s. And along the way there have been mods like different versions of the Whomp switch, different voicings to the boost, etc. they will even add a second footswitchable gain knob to make it a pseudo third channel.

So the moral of the story is IMO - if you are buying used, make sure you know exactly what you are getting, because lord knows what combination of features it might have. If you are buying new, call or email the shop to let them help you sort things out. And third keep in mind that they are more than willing to revoice and/or mod to suit your needs.

Pretty much sums it up!!!

 

[Inca Roads]

Paging, Mark Day!!!

 

[Digital Jams]

So how would you sum up the basic voicing/ tone/ gain structure of these amps?

ALL over the map. This is what I learned when shopping for one...If you go back to the beginning there was the Standard, then the Standard+ (and sometimes the + is more of a departure than you would think, apparently), then the SE, and an SH (Scott Henderson mod). Then an SE+. Then a Classic, then a Classic+. There's an ML (Mike Landau) mod to the clean channel. And now there's a whole new PT-100 (Pete Thorn) that has yet another new voicing.

I think that they increase in gain as you go up this ladder...

Classic
Classic+
Standard
Standard+
PT-100
SE
SE+

And in some cases the circuits are completely different...not just mods or subtle tweaks from one to the other. And some have 5881s and the original trannies, some come stock with 'plexi' trannies and EL34s. And along the way there have been mods like different versions of the Whomp switch, different voicings to the boost, etc. they will even add a second footswitchable gain knob to make it a pseudo third channel.

So the moral of the story is IMO - if you are buying used, make sure you know exactly what you are getting, because lord knows what combination of features it might have. If you are buying new, call or email the shop to let them help you sort things out. And third keep in mind that they are more than willing to revoice and/or mod to suit your needs.

Yeah, lots of choices to go through.

Much better answer than Jugs

 

[Juggernaut]

Much better answer than Jugs

 

[Digital Jams]

Much better answer than Jugs

I have heard two but they were all modded out to SteveVHT designs, so I should just keep my trap shut during these threads

 

[guitarslinger]

I had a 3+SE preamp for a while.

sorta Marshally, crunchy, unforgiving, but very high gain. (Not Cobra high gain, but still high gain)

Similar to a Soldano to my ears

Would probably work well for The Absence.

 

[Juggernaut]

I have heard two but they were all modded out to SteveVHT designs, so I should just keep my trap shut during these threads

Me too, I've never even played the CAA, (would like to), just being mouthy cause Peter and I both play Mako....

 

[fearhk213]

The only two I have experience with are the Std and SE+ and they are completely different sounding amps. Both killer amps for sure and huge sounding, but for the type of stuff you play I don't know how much they'd be your bag. I don't really know what you look for in an amp, but I play similar stuff and they just weren't it.

The Std is very open with strong mids. It’s a very raw amp playing and sounding amp. Playing really fast metal is a workout because it’s so open and clear. Unforgiving is the name of the game here.

The SE+ is a little more modern sounding. The mids are scooped a bit and it’s a very smooth playing amp due to the compression. Compared to the Std, the SE+ is strong in the low mids and the Std is strong in the mid mids and high mids. It’s also ridiculously punchy. It’s got a more gain than the Std and it’s more saturated. If I didn’t play faster metal I’d still have this amp, but it’s just so big sounding and the notes are so fat that it sounded a bit congested during fast rhythm parts and the attack was always a little squashed feeling because of the compression.

If I were looking for another CAA for I’d look at the Std +, PT-100, or SE+ w/the Whomp II switch (supposedly tighter and more focused than the first Whomp). From what I've read (haven't heard clips of these yet) it sounds like these might be able to swing it. If I were you I'd just call John, tell him what you're looking for, and ask him what he suggests. They can always tweak it to taste too.

 

[Mark Day]

Paging, Mark Day!!!

fear and DJ have it summed up pretty well.

Calling John Suhr will help you out alot, he can dial in what you need. The customer service goes above and beyond.
Also like DJ says when buying used make sure you know what it is EXACTLY. Get a serial number...John can help you out at that point. You can always send the amp to Suhr and get it upgraded or model changed or tweaked.

Personally I love the amp. I find it tight, articulate on the gain side and it has the best cleans I've ever played. It can get ridiculously loud and have headroom to spare, yet I use it for my guitar lessons during the week at bedroom levels..on the weekend it turns into a monster.
I will be experimenting with the Whomp II shortly. I tried an SE+ at NAMM with the Whomp II...it was awesome but I didn't have my guitar with active pickups or my rack. The Whomp I on my head sounds great so I'm almost afraid to change it...but what the heck.
I have to admit I really liked the PT100(tried at NAMM) as well.


Mark

 

[thiswaythatway]

Much better answer than Jugs

I have heard two but they were all modded out to SteveVHT designs, so I should just keep my trap shut during these threads

I remember Steve's amp sounded great when he boosted the clean channel with an MI Audio Blues Boy. The cleans were really nice, and loud. The gain channels weren't my thing.

 

[fearhk213]

Paging, Mark Day!!!

fear and DJ have it summed up pretty well.

Calling John Suhr will help you out alot, he can dial in what you need. The customer service goes above and beyond.
Also like DJ says when buying used make sure you know what it is EXACTLY. Get a serial number...John can help you out at that point. You can always send the amp to Suhr and get it upgraded or model changed or tweaked.

Personally I love the amp. I find it tight, articulate on the gain side and it has the best cleans I've ever played. It can get ridiculously loud and have headroom to spare, yet I use it for my guitar lessons during the week at bedroom levels..on the weekend it turns into a monster.
I will be experimenting with the Whomp II shortly. I tried an SE+ at NAMM with the Whomp II...it was awesome but I didn't have my guitar with active pickups or my rack. The Whomp I on my head sounds great so I'm almost afraid to change it...but what the heck.
I have to admit I really liked the PT100(tried at NAMM) as well.


Mark

Yeah the cleans are awesome. If I could have afforded to keep it just for cleans and leads (I loved the SE+ for that) it would still be in the stable.

 

[Mark Day]

Paging, Mark Day!!!

fear and DJ have it summed up pretty well.

Calling John Suhr will help you out alot, he can dial in what you need. The customer service goes above and beyond.
Also like DJ says when buying used make sure you know what it is EXACTLY. Get a serial number...John can help you out at that point. You can always send the amp to Suhr and get it upgraded or model changed or tweaked.

Personally I love the amp. I find it tight, articulate on the gain side and it has the best cleans I've ever played. It can get ridiculously loud and have headroom to spare, yet I use it for my guitar lessons during the week at bedroom levels..on the weekend it turns into a monster.
I will be experimenting with the Whomp II shortly. I tried an SE+ at NAMM with the Whomp II...it was awesome but I didn't have my guitar with active pickups or my rack. The Whomp I on my head sounds great so I'm almost afraid to change it...but what the heck.
I have to admit I really liked the PT100(tried at NAMM) as well.


Mark

Yeah the cleans are awesome. If I could have afforded to keep it just for cleans and leads (I loved the SE+ for that) it would still be in the stable.

John now offers the quasi 3 channel thing which probably would have done the trick for you.

Mark