Hello! My first post!! Amp questions..

[Starman22]

You basically want an amp built in Europe or by a European dude?

 

[Wizard of Ozz]

Clarity, gain, and versatility = Engl SE.

If clarity is important I'd stay away from the Bogners... they are the opposite of clear and articulate sounding. The same goes to a large degree for the Friedman stuff. More of a darker, chewy Bognerized-Marshall sound/feel going on.

 

[jlbaxe]

Clarity, gain, and versatility = Engl SE.

If clarity is important I'd stay away from the Bogners... they are the opposite of clear and articulate sounding. The same goes to a large degree for the Friedman stuff. More of a darker, chewy Bognerized-Marshall sound/feel going on.

I've never played an Engl and I like a Diesel Einstein but owned a Bogner 20th XTC 6L6 matching v30 16ohm cab. Mine had Fender cleans and amazing blue and red channels. I would say more violin like leads. Plexi mode is great as well. Not so much chewy like the Uber rev blue that I had was. XTC paired well with my Mesa MkIII and takes pedals and effects in the loop great.

A lot of guys in Michigan area from e forum. I'm sure you could try most of these amps out.

 

[Mr. Willy]

This forum is about who has the biggest 80's cock, and the most gear for street cred regardless of talent level..

And, apparently, people who are bitter about it.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

axe fx or herbert based on your wants.

 

[nevusofota]

Welcome!

If you know you jive well with the Bogner tone than you may just want to stick with it until you can visit a store and play one of the other brands you're considering. Since there's a good number of RT members from your area maybe you could put the word out and meet up to try those other brands.

I know you've owned a Shiva but have you tried the 20th with KT88's? It has the quintessential Bogner tone and I was amazed at the amount of gain on tap. More so than the standard Shiva. Talk about versatility, it's probably one of the best for this. The boost can be activated on both channels nearly making it a 4 channel amp. Cleans are amazing of course. I haven't played a 101B so can't compare.

 

[hatrick00]

i have a JJ and BE....always wanted an over the top gain amp.... the EVH stealth is what i got for that, fits the bill pretty nicely for that if you want LOTS of gain.... my voodoo modded Uber also does that pretty nicely...

 

[hatrick00]

i also have the 20th shiva, and yea tons of gain on that amp also... with very unique mids... wayyyy different from friedmans... and the clean is prob the best you will find on a high gain amp... but the blue channel on that EVH stealth is something special for gobs of gain...the red channel is a bit much IMO, i keep the gain at like 9 o clock on red channel and it still breathes fire..

 

[bwgintegra]

Go to Motor City Guitars in Waterford, they have about everything you are looking for and more. The guy that owns the store grew up with Dave Friedman and are friends frow way back.

 

[Wizard of Ozz]

Clarity, gain, and versatility = Engl SE.

If clarity is important I'd stay away from the Bogners... they are the opposite of clear and articulate sounding. The same goes to a large degree for the Friedman stuff. More of a darker, chewy Bognerized-Marshall sound/feel going on.

Thanks for backing me up. Definitely proves my point.

 

[bish0p34]

Welcome. If you can get a VH4. YOU won't regret it.

Thanks! The VH4 is moving up my list, seems to be an awesome amp according to the reviews, and videos I've watched. Kind of surprised no one has talked about the Tri Amp yet, is it not that good? A little overrated?

I have the MKII. In no way is it over-rated. It's a fantastic amp that competes with any other amp in that price range, it's just a matter of taste. They don't seem to be popular, but the guys that use them don't get accused of having bad tone.

It's a great sounding amp, that retains full note clarity in chords at any gain level. It's also versatile as all hell. I got every sound I was looking for out of it, by using two different cabs, depending on what band I was using it in. The only reason I don't use it too much is that it's too loud. I only play it at outdoor events now, and use a Grandmeister indoors. The effects loops is totally transparent. The tones have floored me more than any other amp. I've never personally played a VH4, but my buddy went to one from the Triamp MKII. I liked his tones with it, but I still prefer the H&K....to each their own. Fuel's second album is a great mix of the Triamp and VH4. The first album was all Triamp. If you listen back to back you can get a good idea of what each amp sounds like and how they compliment each other.

 

[Z_13]

The Engl voicing is the primary reason I gravitate towards them. Its in the mids and lows I think. The articulation is another huge factor for me. The clarity is phenomenal. The amount and usability of the gain sweep is another reason.

Highest gain amp by Engl hmmm.... I haven't played all of them so I can't answer that in good confidence same goes for the most vintage.

The Fireball 100 has a stupid amount of gain, more than the Savage 120, and its all 110% usable if you wanted to play with that much. I do not; usually play the FB100 between 10 and 1 o' clock depending on what type of metal I'm playing.

There are quite a few differences between the FB100 and Savage 120 IMO, but I'll stick to the biggest difference I see in a metal context. The FB100=low mid grunt and growl and has a huge low end if you want it and the Savage 120=upper mid bark and bite. I'll add that I perceive the Savage to be more open, less compressed/processed (or organic if you like that term), and crunchy than the FB100. The Savage 120, at least the post 2011 version like I have, is the tightest amp I've ever encountered. I use no boost, it's that tight! However, the FB100 is WAY louder and has WAY bigger balls, and more girth, depth, and punch. I absolutely both amps.

I'm using a TS9 cause I got it on the cheap.

Awesome! After listening to a bunch of SE clips, the amp sounds amazing! I never thought I'd even be looking into ENGL amps, but it's starting to seem like a major possibility. I feel like the only thing on the SE that might limit tonality is the EQ section. Both Clean, and Crunch share the same bass, and mid EQ. Lead 1, and Lead 2 both share another bass, and mid control. It might not be that big of a deal at all, I'd have to check one out in person!! TS9's are nice, and a go-to OD pedal. I used to own a TS808, but thought it was too mid heavy for me, seemed "spikey". It was probably because I was setting it up wrong..

Clarity, gain, and versatility = Engl SE.

If clarity is important I'd stay away from the Bogners... they are the opposite of clear and articulate sounding. The same goes to a large degree for the Friedman stuff. More of a darker, chewy Bognerized-Marshall sound/feel going on.

Thanks for the response! I was definitely thinking of staying away from an Uber for right now, I've owned 3, and although I absolutely love the overdrive channel, I'm just looking for something slightly different, and more versatile. I do like the tone of the Friedman, and it sounds crazy clear/clean. However, once again, just looking for slightly more versatility, and more gain. The SE looks, and sounds absolutely killer! There is definitely a chance this could be my next amp!

I've never played an Engl and I like a Diesel Einstein but owned a Bogner 20th XTC 6L6 matching v30 16ohm cab. Mine had Fender cleans and amazing blue and red channels. I would say more violin like leads. Plexi mode is great as well. Not so much chewy like the Uber rev blue that I had was. XTC paired well with my Mesa MkIII and takes pedals and effects in the loop great.

After reading a few posts on here, and some other research, it seems like a lot of people love the 20th XTC. This is definitely in my top 5 of amps I want to get. After watching Rezamatix videos (GREAT job by the way!!) the 20th XTC seems almost perfect! Man...so many decisions!! All these amps just seem so amazing! It's really hard to just pick one!

 

[Z_13]

Welcome!

If you know you jive well with the Bogner tone than you may just want to stick with it until you can visit a store and play one of the other brands you're considering. Since there's a good number of RT members from your area maybe you could put the word out and meet up to try those other brands.

I know you've owned a Shiva but have you tried the 20th with KT88's? It has the quintessential Bogner tone and I was amazed at the amount of gain on tap. More so than the standard Shiva. Talk about versatility, it's probably one of the best for this. The boost can be activated on both channels nearly making it a 4 channel amp. Cleans are amazing of course. I haven't played a 101B so can't compare.

Damn! I've never even really checked out the 20th Shiva...I always considered the Shiva a low/mid gain amp, more for vintagey sounds. I will definitely check it out! I feel like my only issue MIGHT be with the KT88 tubes. I can't always jam at a loud volume, and I know 88's have to be pushed to really open them up, a little more than EL34's, or 6L6 tubes....right? Thanks!

AWESOME VIDEOS, BROTHER!!!! In your own words, what is the main differences between a Herbert, and VH4? Does one have more gain? Is one clearer than the other? Wider EQ range?

 

[Z_13]

Welcome. If you can get a VH4. YOU won't regret it.

Thanks! The VH4 is moving up my list, seems to be an awesome amp according to the reviews, and videos I've watched. Kind of surprised no one has talked about the Tri Amp yet, is it not that good? A little overrated?

I have the MKII. In no way is it over-rated. It's a fantastic amp that competes with any other amp in that price range, it's just a matter of taste. They don't seem to be popular, but the guys that use them don't get accused of having bad tone.

It's a great sounding amp, that retains full note clarity in chords at any gain level. It's also versatile as all hell. I got every sound I was looking for out of it, by using two different cabs, depending on what band I was using it in. The only reason I don't use it too much is that it's too loud. I only play it at outdoor events now, and use a Grandmeister indoors. The effects loops is totally transparent. The tones have floored me more than any other amp. I've never personally played a VH4, but my buddy went to one from the Triamp MKII. I liked his tones with it, but I still prefer the H&K....to each their own. Fuel's second album is a great mix of the Triamp and VH4. The first album was all Triamp. If you listen back to back you can get a good idea of what each amp sounds like and how they compliment each other.

Very cool, man! Thanks for the response! I know of, but have never really listened to Fuel, I'll check them out today for sure! Is the Tri Amp one of those amps you have to crank? Like, it can't really be played at bedroom level? Not that bedroom level is something I will always need to do, but when I'm at home, in the house, I don't want to upset the family! lol I usually jam out in the garage, which is semi-soundproof. Thanks!

 

[bish0p34]

Welcome. If you can get a VH4. YOU won't regret it.

Thanks! The VH4 is moving up my list, seems to be an awesome amp according to the reviews, and videos I've watched. Kind of surprised no one has talked about the Tri Amp yet, is it not that good? A little overrated?

I have the MKII. In no way is it over-rated. It's a fantastic amp that competes with any other amp in that price range, it's just a matter of taste. They don't seem to be popular, but the guys that use them don't get accused of having bad tone.

It's a great sounding amp, that retains full note clarity in chords at any gain level. It's also versatile as all hell. I got every sound I was looking for out of it, by using two different cabs, depending on what band I was using it in. The only reason I don't use it too much is that it's too loud. I only play it at outdoor events now, and use a Grandmeister indoors. The effects loops is totally transparent. The tones have floored me more than any other amp. I've never personally played a VH4, but my buddy went to one from the Triamp MKII. I liked his tones with it, but I still prefer the H&K....to each their own. Fuel's second album is a great mix of the Triamp and VH4. The first album was all Triamp. If you listen back to back you can get a good idea of what each amp sounds like and how they compliment each other.

Very cool, man! Thanks for the response! I know of, but have never really listened to Fuel, I'll check them out today for sure! Is the Tri Amp one of those amps you have to crank? Like, it can't really be played at bedroom level? Not that bedroom level is something I will always need to do, but when I'm at home, in the house, I don't want to upset the family! lol I usually jam out in the garage, which is semi-soundproof. Thanks!

It actually has a really good master volume, and does sound good at bedroom volumes. I do use it around the house from time to time. Crank it up, and it's a fire breathing monster. Every time I use it I wonder why it is that I use the Grandmeister. Then I pick it up and remember lol. Breaking Benjamin's older albums were also all Triamp and Duotone (very similar to the Triamp) if you've heard them, not to mention there's a million and one videos of Rush using them as well.

I don't have any clips of me just playing around with it, but I do have some live clips from my band with it. Some are iPhone videos, and some are from a show that was on TV, made with whatever they used to record it. Let me know if you want to check any out. Seems like you've got a lot of amps you're considering.

 

[nevusofota]

Welcome!

If you know you jive well with the Bogner tone than you may just want to stick with it until you can visit a store and play one of the other brands you're considering. Since there's a good number of RT members from your area maybe you could put the word out and meet up to try those other brands.

I know you've owned a Shiva but have you tried the 20th with KT88's? It has the quintessential Bogner tone and I was amazed at the amount of gain on tap. More so than the standard Shiva. Talk about versatility, it's probably one of the best for this. The boost can be activated on both channels nearly making it a 4 channel amp. Cleans are amazing of course. I haven't played a 101B so can't compare.

Damn! I've never even really checked out the 20th Shiva...I always considered the Shiva a low/mid gain amp, more for vintagey sounds. I will definitely check it out! I feel like my only issue MIGHT be with the KT88 tubes. I can't always jam at a loud volume, and I know 88's have to be pushed to really open them up, a little more than EL34's, or 6L6 tubes....right? Thanks!

I think it retains tons of gain at low volumes. Like you, I like playing my amps on occasion at low volume as I have 3 kids all 5 and under. Here is a quick iPhone clip I made when I first got the amp a few months ago. It was late and it's at a whisper volume as you can still here the pick hit the strings. I hate low quality clips but I post this because I think it still shows the amount of gain this thing has and you can still hear that signature Bogner tone, especially when I hit that G chord. It's going through an EVH 212. Another thing is Bogner put a resonance control on the back so you can get a fuller sound at lower volume or when using a smaller cab.

 

[Z_13]

It actually has a really good master volume, and does sound good at bedroom volumes. I do use it around the house from time to time. Crank it up, and it's a fire breathing monster. Every time I use it I wonder why it is that I use the Grandmeister. Then I pick it up and remember lol. Breaking Benjamin's older albums were also all Triamp and Duotone (very similar to the Triamp) if you've heard them, not to mention there's a million and one videos of Rush using them as well.

I don't have any clips of me just playing around with it, but I do have some live clips from my band with it. Some are iPhone videos, and some are from a show that was on TV, made with whatever they used to record it. Let me know if you want to check any out. Seems like you've got a lot of amps you're considering.

I would definitely be interested in checking out those clips!!

It's good to know the HK has a good master section. I'll continue to do my research, and watch as many videos as possible. Maybe even head up to Motor City to check one out. I was watching a video on YouTube with Rebea, and he was talking about an amp by HK that takes the three best channels of the Tri Amp and puts it in this amp to save money. Do you know what amp that might be? I'm sure I could find the video again, but just figured I'd ask. Thanks, bro!!

Yeah, I'm definitely considering a bunch of amps, which kind of sucks. I've owned so many amps in my past it's ridiculous. I'm in a position right now where I could buy one really nice amp. I'm essentially trying to build a dream rig. That's why I'm also considering a Fractal, or Kemper. I just feel like, BOOM! I have every amp I want at my finger tips!! The issue to me is, I'm an old school, "has to have tubes" kind of guy. I'm trying to get myself out of this mindset, but it's really hard. I just keep thinking I'd buy an Axe Fx, and then be upset it doesn't have tubes. My brain would play tricks on me, and I'd want to sell it. I've thought about combining a Fractal with a Mesa 2:90, to try to get some tube warmth, but I'm not sure how well that'd work?

So, if I don't get an Axe Fx, then I want the most versatile tube amp I can buy. An amp that can do almost any genre I want. A "one and done" kind of thing. The Tri Amp, VH4, and e670 all seem to be up my alley. However, another option would be to A/B a rig (which I've considered). Use a Vox AC30 for my cleans, and pushed clean sounds. Then use a 2-3 channel amp for different stages of overdrive. That was my original idea. So. Many. Choices.

 

[Z_13]

I think it retains tons of gain at low volumes. Like you, I like playing my amps on occasion at low volume as I have 3 kids all 5 and under. Here is a quick iPhone clip I made when I first got the amp a few months ago. It was late and it's at a whisper volume as you can still here the pick hit the strings. I hate low quality clips but I post this because I think it still shows the amount of gain this thing has and you can still hear that signature Bogner tone, especially when I hit that G chord. It's going through an EVH 212. Another thing is Bogner put a resonance control on the back so you can get a fuller sound at lower volume or when using a smaller cab.

Dude....that sounds INCREDIBLE! I've never, ever considered a Shiva before, that 20th Anniversary is amazing! 20th Shiva vs 20th XTC....damn.

 

[bish0p34]

It actually has a really good master volume, and does sound good at bedroom volumes. I do use it around the house from time to time. Crank it up, and it's a fire breathing monster. Every time I use it I wonder why it is that I use the Grandmeister. Then I pick it up and remember lol. Breaking Benjamin's older albums were also all Triamp and Duotone (very similar to the Triamp) if you've heard them, not to mention there's a million and one videos of Rush using them as well.

I don't have any clips of me just playing around with it, but I do have some live clips from my band with it. Some are iPhone videos, and some are from a show that was on TV, made with whatever they used to record it. Let me know if you want to check any out. Seems like you've got a lot of amps you're considering.

I would definitely be interested in checking out those clips!!

It's good to know the HK has a good master section. I'll continue to do my research, and watch as many videos as possible. Maybe even head up to Motor City to check one out. I was watching a video on YouTube with Rebea, and he was talking about an amp by HK that takes the three best channels of the Tri Amp and puts it in this amp to save money. Do you know what amp that might be? I'm sure I could find the video again, but just figured I'd ask. Thanks, bro!!

Yeah, I'm definitely considering a bunch of amps, which kind of sucks. I've owned so many amps in my past it's ridiculous. I'm in a position right now where I could buy one really nice amp. I'm essentially trying to build a dream rig. That's why I'm also considering a Fractal, or Kemper. I just feel like, BOOM! I have every amp I want at my finger tips!! The issue to me is, I'm an old school, "has to have tubes" kind of guy. I'm trying to get myself out of this mindset, but it's really hard. I just keep thinking I'd buy an Axe Fx, and then be upset it doesn't have tubes. My brain would play tricks on me, and I'd want to sell it. I've thought about combining a Fractal with a Mesa 2:90, to try to get some tube warmth, but I'm not sure how well that'd work?

So, if I don't get an Axe Fx, then I want the most versatile tube amp I can buy. An amp that can do almost any genre I want. A "one and done" kind of thing. The Tri Amp, VH4, and e670 all seem to be up my alley. However, another option would be to A/B a rig (which I've considered). Use a Vox AC30 for my cleans, and pushed clean sounds. Then use a 2-3 channel amp for different stages of overdrive. That was my original idea. So. Many. Choices.

That's the new Grandmeister Deluxe. I'll be getting one of those eventually. I have 7 H&K's, and I'm kind of a fan lol.

This is channel 1B, and 2A

This is channels 2A to start, going to 2B when the band comes in. The solo is is channel 3A.

This is channel 3B all the way.

This mostly channel 2A with some of 1A in the middel when we go to some clean playing.

I won't bog you down, but that should give you a good idea of what the amp sounds like in a band context.

 

[jlbaxe]

Welcome!

If you know you jive well with the Bogner tone than you may just want to stick with it until you can visit a store and play one of the other brands you're considering. Since there's a good number of RT members from your area maybe you could put the word out and meet up to try those other brands.

I know you've owned a Shiva but have you tried the 20th with KT88's? It has the quintessential Bogner tone and I was amazed at the amount of gain on tap. More so than the standard Shiva. Talk about versatility, it's probably one of the best for this. The boost can be activated on both channels nearly making it a 4 channel amp. Cleans are amazing of course. I haven't played a 101B so can't compare.

Damn! I've never even really checked out the 20th Shiva...I always considered the Shiva a low/mid gain amp, more for vintagey sounds. I will definitely check it out! I feel like my only issue MIGHT be with the KT88 tubes. I can't always jam at a loud volume, and I know 88's have to be pushed to really open them up, a little more than EL34's, or 6L6 tubes....right? Thanks!

I think it retains tons of gain at low volumes. Like you, I like playing my amps on occasion at low volume as I have 3 kids all 5 and under. Here is a quick iPhone clip I made when I first got the amp a few months ago. It was late and it's at a whisper volume as you can still here the pick hit the strings. I hate low quality clips but I post this because I think it still shows the amount of gain this thing has and you can still hear that signature Bogner tone, especially when I hit that G chord. It's going through an EVH 212. Another thing is Bogner put a resonance control on the back so you can get a fuller sound at lower volume or when using a smaller cab.

Dibs