protoplasma
Member
sah5150":24jxgbbc said:I designed and built it.
Steve
Same here.
Same here.
protoplasma
Member
bulletproof_funk":318qevk7 said:Forums -> Youtube. I forgot to check "other" meaning forums, not sure I would've found as much with just Youtube alone. I joined some forums like RT after I got back into playing guitar this year, learned a lot (and still learning) about gear. Many, many threads later reading about various high gain amps I stumbled upon the one on the 2010 LA amp fest: super useful in hearing some great amps not all known to the mainstream against each other, epic effort to pull all that off.
Buying an amp without having first tried it is fairly risky and not my preferred way of choosing gear since even the best recordings can't give you the feel of a live rig, but I took the plunge anyway on the Rhodes Colossus after the videos I've watched on it and have been very happy ever since (thanks, Kyle!). Despite what I said about try-before-buy I also bought a guitar over the 'net and that has also worked out well, maybe I'm onto something here! Really I can't see myself being able to play all the great amps out there every time I discover something new so I rely on the efforts of video and clip posters, so for all you with the gear and time, keep up the good work! If I'm ever in the market again for a high end amp I'd like to plan a vacation around one of the various amp shows I've been reading about.
Thanks for the kind words, and I'm glad you like the amp!
BTW, that foot switch preset mode we talked about will be implemented before the end of the year.
bulletproof_funk
New member
Awesome! Also in time for the X-mas holidays, looking forward to the virtual stocking stuffer. As I'll try to explain to friends and family, "look what Santa brought me, foot-switchable amplifier presets!"protoplasma":3h8nnaze said:bulletproof_funk":3h8nnaze said:Forums -> Youtube. I forgot to check "other" meaning forums, not sure I would've found as much with just Youtube alone. I joined some forums like RT after I got back into playing guitar this year, learned a lot (and still learning) about gear. Many, many threads later reading about various high gain amps I stumbled upon the one on the 2010 LA amp fest: super useful in hearing some great amps not all known to the mainstream against each other, epic effort to pull all that off.
Buying an amp without having first tried it is fairly risky and not my preferred way of choosing gear since even the best recordings can't give you the feel of a live rig, but I took the plunge anyway on the Rhodes Colossus after the videos I've watched on it and have been very happy ever since (thanks, Kyle!). Despite what I said about try-before-buy I also bought a guitar over the 'net and that has also worked out well, maybe I'm onto something here! Really I can't see myself being able to play all the great amps out there every time I discover something new so I rely on the efforts of video and clip posters, so for all you with the gear and time, keep up the good work! If I'm ever in the market again for a high end amp I'd like to plan a vacation around one of the various amp shows I've been reading about.
Thanks for the kind words, and I'm glad you like the amp!
BTW, that foot switch preset mode we talked about will be implemented before the end of the year.
I should wait until Halloween's over to start mentioning X-mas.
A
Anonymous
Guest
Way to go, man!protoplasma":249r4vq5 said:sah5150":249r4vq5 said:I designed and built it.
Steve
Same here.
Steve
gibson08
Well-known member
I dont really have a "Main Amp" I have a few and play which ever one I need to accomplish whatever tone I am going for,,the majority have always been hands on, I have bought a few over the webz a Bogner and a Roccaforte(still have after about 7 yrs) come to mind, some stuff you just cant play local, so you listen to clips until everything sounds the same and buy it 
petejt
Active member
Mostly hands-on experience and some research.
I research web media such as YouTube video clips and online forums, as well as printed media (guitar magazines) to narrow down the search field, and from there seek out to try different equipment at whatever guitar shops I can. I also talk to friends to learn more information and discuss different amps/pedals etc. Then I'll procrastinate for months and eventually buy the stuff.
I've learned that it's best to either buy as cheap as possible or go all out as high as you can- if you go half-arsed you'll end up with half-arsed gear and be worse off. I got burned a few times (e.g. SansAmp, Line6, BBE etc.) but I guess I needed to go through those learning curves. But whenever I come across someone new to the music equipment world, I always recommend to them to take their time- only fools rush in.
I also highly recommend to MAKE DO WITH WHAT YOU ALREADY GOT. That does not mean limiting yourself to the bare minimum. But try to utilise each piece of equipment that you have as much as possible- you never know that some odd pedal or amp may have a feature that when used in a different way could help create just what you hear in your head.
And if you've reached that potential as far as it can go, then push it some more.
THEN go ahead and buy that next piece of gear!
A good example is just manipulating your guitar's controls (volume/s, tone control/s, pickup selections) and your playing style, rather than buying several different pedals or multi-channel amps just to get slightly different distorted tones.
You want a 'warmer' sound? Try a higher capacitance guitar cable, or rolling down your guitar's tone knob, or better yet pick the the strings with your thumb!
And honestly- I think that buying an effects pedal based on YouTube demos alone is incredibly foolish.
I research web media such as YouTube video clips and online forums, as well as printed media (guitar magazines) to narrow down the search field, and from there seek out to try different equipment at whatever guitar shops I can. I also talk to friends to learn more information and discuss different amps/pedals etc. Then I'll procrastinate for months and eventually buy the stuff.
I've learned that it's best to either buy as cheap as possible or go all out as high as you can- if you go half-arsed you'll end up with half-arsed gear and be worse off. I got burned a few times (e.g. SansAmp, Line6, BBE etc.) but I guess I needed to go through those learning curves. But whenever I come across someone new to the music equipment world, I always recommend to them to take their time- only fools rush in.
I also highly recommend to MAKE DO WITH WHAT YOU ALREADY GOT. That does not mean limiting yourself to the bare minimum. But try to utilise each piece of equipment that you have as much as possible- you never know that some odd pedal or amp may have a feature that when used in a different way could help create just what you hear in your head.
And if you've reached that potential as far as it can go, then push it some more.
THEN go ahead and buy that next piece of gear!
A good example is just manipulating your guitar's controls (volume/s, tone control/s, pickup selections) and your playing style, rather than buying several different pedals or multi-channel amps just to get slightly different distorted tones.
You want a 'warmer' sound? Try a higher capacitance guitar cable, or rolling down your guitar's tone knob, or better yet pick the the strings with your thumb!
And honestly- I think that buying an effects pedal based on YouTube demos alone is incredibly foolish.
diocide
New member
I knew what kind of sounds and tones I like, so when I saw something come up that was in that neighborhood, I jumped on it. that's what I've done with the amps I've owned, and I've never been disappointed.
My tastes have changed though, and now I'm going with a small amp builder who is going to build something a little more customized.
My tastes have changed though, and now I'm going with a small amp builder who is going to build something a little more customized.
D-Rock
Well-known member
A few factors come in play.
Reputation regarding it's level of gain, compression and tone & build quality.
I then look at what I currently own guitar/pickup/speaker wise and in conjuction with those determine if the amp will suit/mesh well with them.
Often a new amp will require further spending on speakers/pickups/guitars in order to tailor the crafted sound you're after.
I want to avoid that in most cases. I don't want to buy an amp and find out it hates EMGS or V30's, and requires a passive PAF/Evo or Greenbacks/G1265 to get it were I want it to be...and vice versa.
So research is key for me. Hands on, as well as online.
Reputation regarding it's level of gain, compression and tone & build quality.
I then look at what I currently own guitar/pickup/speaker wise and in conjuction with those determine if the amp will suit/mesh well with them.
Often a new amp will require further spending on speakers/pickups/guitars in order to tailor the crafted sound you're after.
I want to avoid that in most cases. I don't want to buy an amp and find out it hates EMGS or V30's, and requires a passive PAF/Evo or Greenbacks/G1265 to get it were I want it to be...and vice versa.
So research is key for me. Hands on, as well as online.
D
dirtyfunkg
Well-known member
Mine is kind of an amalgum of a couple options. Pretty much, I comb classifieds (both local and otherwise) to check for steal deals. Whenever I see an amp that I've heard a lot about, I look at the price, then look at what the market rate seems to be. If it's favorable to me, I buy. Worst case scenario has me selling/trading the amp away shortly after at or above the value I procured it.
I happened to find my VHT online at a Music Go Round in the Detroit area. Saw the price, did some research, and bit on it. After I made the purchase final, I asked them why it was priced so low, and they just said they know they could get better pricing anywhere else, but the economy in Detroit was just so fucked that all of the gear in there was bought at a low price and was selling lower also. When the amp arrived, I fired it up and, frankly, wasn't too impressed. Took it to a tech who replaced a couple of tubes, cleaned the pots, and replaced a couple of the EQ sliders. Got it back and had that skies parting experience. Seriously, the best amp I've ever played through let alone owned. How lucky was that? I was totally prepared to sell the fucker off if it wasn't my thing, though. The amp has a glassy clarity even on high gain that I just haven't gotten anywhere else. No mud, period. For how I play, it's absolutely fitting, like there's no delay or distortion (no pun intended) between striking the string and hearing the sound. So reactive!
My Roadster hasn't been the same skies parting deal, but it's a more than adequate backup amp, though I'd love to trade it for a UL, CLX, or even a Valvulator GP3 preamp (actually, kind of ideal as I wouldn't mind moving towards a midi controlled rack setup).
I'm starting to GAS for an Axe-FX or Kemper now--would love to be able to walk into a gig with a light, quick setup and minimal stage volume.
I happened to find my VHT online at a Music Go Round in the Detroit area. Saw the price, did some research, and bit on it. After I made the purchase final, I asked them why it was priced so low, and they just said they know they could get better pricing anywhere else, but the economy in Detroit was just so fucked that all of the gear in there was bought at a low price and was selling lower also. When the amp arrived, I fired it up and, frankly, wasn't too impressed. Took it to a tech who replaced a couple of tubes, cleaned the pots, and replaced a couple of the EQ sliders. Got it back and had that skies parting experience. Seriously, the best amp I've ever played through let alone owned. How lucky was that? I was totally prepared to sell the fucker off if it wasn't my thing, though. The amp has a glassy clarity even on high gain that I just haven't gotten anywhere else. No mud, period. For how I play, it's absolutely fitting, like there's no delay or distortion (no pun intended) between striking the string and hearing the sound. So reactive!
My Roadster hasn't been the same skies parting deal, but it's a more than adequate backup amp, though I'd love to trade it for a UL, CLX, or even a Valvulator GP3 preamp (actually, kind of ideal as I wouldn't mind moving towards a midi controlled rack setup).
I'm starting to GAS for an Axe-FX or Kemper now--would love to be able to walk into a gig with a light, quick setup and minimal stage volume.
phrophus
New member
One of my friends has a VHT D60, which I love, but I wanted some more flexibility for my main amp. I did some research and talked to a few people about the sig:x and ended up snagging one.
Devin
Well-known member
I had bought a brand new Carvin Legacy (original) halfstack because I was/am sort of a Vai fanboy - without ever having played one, and fought with that thing for 4 years (tonewise I mean - the amp was 100% reliable but just NOT for me). I eventually took the plunge on a killer deal for a brand new VHT Deliverance 60 head (again without ever playing one) and LUCKED OUT that time!
It's my favorite amp I've played to date and still can't get over how good it sounds and feels every time I plug in to it, 4 years running now.
My Fender Prosonic is another one of my favorites though - a long time ago I met some guys who invited me to come check out their band rehearsal. As I was walking up I heard some of the sickest high gain tones imaginable and could NOT believe my eyes when I walked in and saw that sound was coming from a Fender combo.
Wanted a Prosonic ever since and scored a minty head a couple years ago.
Honorable mention is my new Yamaha THR10 - I honestly like it almost as much as my big tube rigs. So much fun!
It's my favorite amp I've played to date and still can't get over how good it sounds and feels every time I plug in to it, 4 years running now.
My Fender Prosonic is another one of my favorites though - a long time ago I met some guys who invited me to come check out their band rehearsal. As I was walking up I heard some of the sickest high gain tones imaginable and could NOT believe my eyes when I walked in and saw that sound was coming from a Fender combo.
Wanted a Prosonic ever since and scored a minty head a couple years ago.
Honorable mention is my new Yamaha THR10 - I honestly like it almost as much as my big tube rigs. So much fun!
maddnotez
Banned
Well-known member
I really like my VHT as well but have seriously been considering selling my whole rig and starting over. Sort of why I posted the thread. Something is telling me I need the Randall/Fortin RD50.
Super cheap, 50w should be loud enough??? Just cant find many around. D60 is another gasly 2nd.
Super cheap, 50w should be loud enough??? Just cant find many around. D60 is another gasly 2nd.
C
colimofsmoke
Member
just get the d60, you already got the cab 
would love to have a Fortin. when's that Randall/Fortin/Ola amp supposed to come out?
would love to have a Fortin. when's that Randall/Fortin/Ola amp supposed to come out?
B
bigangryguitar
Member
I have two, the first of the two I got was my Budda Superdrive 30 head (series II). I got a stupid good deal on it and took a gamble, paid off I LOVE it! The second is my Sig X, I got to play one a few years ago when they came out and totally dug it but didn't have the funds at the time to attain it. A guy had one locally and I had a guitar he wanted so we swapped and I couldn't be happier. Not sure which one is my favorite but I can't imagine not owning either.
sinnersmoon
New member
All the gear I have except my Marshall MF400 was bought without previous try. Even guitars.
At the beginning of my journey there was a lack of information sources. I mean personal experience. None of my friends was a musician. So my main source was internet. In the search of good hi-gain sound I came across already non-existing website - rocksolidamps.com There I found a lot of clips I was searching for and I fell in love with ENGL sound. So when one of their preamps (E520) appeared on the craiglist, I jumped for it without any possibility of try. Never regretted it.
Then with the time I became a member of a local forum and participated or organized a few sessions with fellow forumites and could play some amps that I couldn`t find in the shops. So finally I could experience them on my own and make my own opinion.
A few months ago I wanted to buy a new poweramp for my preamp (my current 50-watter is not enough for me) but I found a good deal for an ENGL Invader. I have never played one before (played Fireball, Blackmore, Powerball I & II, Savage 60 & 120) but I pulled the trigger knowing that I could still sell it or trade it, if I wouldn`t like it. I`m digging this tone machine so far. Very versatile amp.
My next purchase will be Bogner 4x12 with V30`s and I`m gasing for Titan Custom 100 and new Mako poweramp (damn internet ) and I`d like to add to my collection Diezel VH4 and ENGL SE preamp.
At the beginning of my journey there was a lack of information sources. I mean personal experience. None of my friends was a musician. So my main source was internet. In the search of good hi-gain sound I came across already non-existing website - rocksolidamps.com There I found a lot of clips I was searching for and I fell in love with ENGL sound. So when one of their preamps (E520) appeared on the craiglist, I jumped for it without any possibility of try. Never regretted it.
Then with the time I became a member of a local forum and participated or organized a few sessions with fellow forumites and could play some amps that I couldn`t find in the shops. So finally I could experience them on my own and make my own opinion.
A few months ago I wanted to buy a new poweramp for my preamp (my current 50-watter is not enough for me) but I found a good deal for an ENGL Invader. I have never played one before (played Fireball, Blackmore, Powerball I & II, Savage 60 & 120) but I pulled the trigger knowing that I could still sell it or trade it, if I wouldn`t like it. I`m digging this tone machine so far. Very versatile amp.
My next purchase will be Bogner 4x12 with V30`s and I`m gasing for Titan Custom 100 and new Mako poweramp (damn internet
) and I`d like to add to my collection Diezel VH4 and ENGL SE preamp.
Hemi113
New member
Because I cant afford a Marshall.
steve_k
New member
Turn the dial on the Axe FX.
Atropos_Project
New member
60% Youtube clips, 40% word of mouth. I tried the amp one time for about 4 minutes before handing cash over, and haven't regretted it for a single second.
E
ewill52
Well-known member
I would love to say I tried it\hands on but I'd be a liar. I live in an area where you don't see a lot of variety in local vendor's selections. Youtube and forums helped me down the path. I've been fooled before but overall I think I get a good idea. I've got a Shiva and a Roadster that constitute my "main" rigs....love them both. Last big miss was a Mark V. Wanted sooooo bad to love that amp but we just didn't gel.
Honestly...thinking back, I'm not sure trying it out in the store really qualifies as trying it out anyway. Never have the same mojo, same feel, or any of my rig that I'll run in front or through the loop there. In the few instances that I have had opportunity to get my hands on one in the store, I really didn't "know" the amp until I had some time to woodshed with it and get some time in the mix with it with live drums and the rest of the band.
Honestly...thinking back, I'm not sure trying it out in the store really qualifies as trying it out anyway. Never have the same mojo, same feel, or any of my rig that I'll run in front or through the loop there. In the few instances that I have had opportunity to get my hands on one in the store, I really didn't "know" the amp until I had some time to woodshed with it and get some time in the mix with it with live drums and the rest of the band.
rocknrolla
New member
I asked myself, "What would Hetfield do?".
I read a thread in the Boogie Board forum about the best high gain amps currently available and the Splawn Nitro kept getting mentioned. I just happened to see a Nitro head and matching Splawn cab on Ebay the day I came into a little money so....
I read a thread in the Boogie Board forum about the best high gain amps currently available and the Splawn Nitro kept getting mentioned. I just happened to see a Nitro head and matching Splawn cab on Ebay the day I came into a little money so....