NAD: Splawn Quick Rod

[dfrattaroli]

On your delay volume issues, check to make sure whether you're running the loop for line vs. instrument level. That could be the solution. Enjoy!

Yup. Had it ass-backwards. Thanks!

 

[dfrattaroli]

Wow, the loop volume works great. I have the loop volume at about 11 o'clock which allows me to put the OD channel volume at about 1:30, gain at 2:30. The clean channel can't really compete but for playing the OD channel in the house, it's really excellent. The loop volume does allow the saturation to become present because of the open volume. Very, very cool. I'd imagine at stage volumes, the volume discrepancy I hear now (between clean and OD) would be a non-issue because the loop volume would likely be wide open or very close to it.

 

[Vrad]

Well I just had a chance to open up the QR when the family went to church. Here are my now, eyes-wide-open thoughts. Note, I played it in full-power with my Suhr Modern (DSH+, DSV).

1. Surprisingly good clean channel. Excellent actually. Tons of head-room, sounds great with the obligatory chorus and delay. Simple.
2. I completely understand what everyone means about Splawns being unforgiving amps. It's not that it doesn't have enough gain, although I can understand that being the knee-jerk reaction. It's the saturation. That comes from the power-amp and if you don't open it up, you may feel like it's not juicy enough.
3. It's chunky and roars like a Marshall. Punchy and articulate.
4. If you like using the volume knob on your guitar to clean things up, this amp works great in that regard.
5. Not sure how to use the loop volume yet. I had my Nova Repeater in the loop and it seems I have to have the loop volume dimed to hear my delay. Probably need to read the manuals.
6. I used an MXR Wylde OD and that solved the issue with saturation.
7. The StreetRod I played last week seemed to have more distinct differences in tone when going through the gears than the QR. Need to play the QR in half-power if it becomes more like the SR.
8. Have no idea what OD1 and OD2 on the pedal actually do. I hear bit more gain with OD2.

Anyway, I'm just scratching the surface with it. Does it sound like I'd hoped? Yes. But I was surprised by the "unforgiving" aspect even though I'd read all about it and played a StreetRod recently. I figure if I can hang with this amp for a while it'll actually help my technique. More to come.

Dave

That's exactly it. There's very little saturation and compression so it's unforgiving. Yes it improves your technique. It's great for your picking hand. If you want that fast, percussive picking you'll be adjusted to the amp's feel and should have no issue. Your OD statement is totally true. I do the same thing. I use OD1 with a Maxon OD808. Works like a charm. Still sounds like a Splawn, but has that bit of saturation and compression.

FYI, OD2 adds more gain. I think it kicks in a bypass cap that adds more gain in one of the stages.

 

[richedie]

Cool! I am getting a Splawn Street Rod head by fall!

 

[dfrattaroli]

Cool! I am getting a Splawn Street Rod head by fall!

Let me know how you like it. I'm still intrigued by a Street Rod. Especially a head which appears to be hard to find. I played the combo at the Music Zoo which is why there's a QR in my house right now. I had to sell my JVM and Charvel San Dimas. to get it. I recovered all I spent on the JVM and lost maybe $100 on the Charvel. The Marshall has more saturation on the OD Orange channel with the gain less than half on, than the QR does dimed. But the QR had thump and roar that the JVM just didn't have. I could live with the JVM for sure. It's easier to play. But I get a lot of satisfaction in the power chords and open A, open E chugging on the QR in a way I could never gel with the Marshall.

 

[gibson5413]

Congrats Dave! Splawn makes killer amps.

 

[richedie]

Cool! I am getting a Splawn Street Rod head by fall!

Let me know how you like it. I'm still intrigued by a Street Rod. Especially a head which appears to be hard to find. I played the combo at the Music Zoo which is why there's a QR in my house right now. I had to sell my JVM and Charvel San Dimas. to get it. I recovered all I spent on the JVM and lost maybe $100 on the Charvel. The Marshall has more saturation on the OD Orange channel with the gain less than half on, than the QR does dimed. But the QR had thump and roar that the JVM just didn't have. I could live with the JVM for sure. It's easier to play. But I get a lot of satisfaction in the power chords and open A, open E chugging on the QR in a way I could never gel with the Marshall.

Only reason I am buying a Splawn is because I already have a PWE Event Horizon and Bogner 20th Shiva which are easy to play! I want a more Marshally type amp with roar and bite, that is less forgiving, hence the Streetrod. I don't need the 100 watt QR. I talked to scott and I will be ordering the SR head to look like a Plexi, once I sell my 1994 Les Paul.

I will let ya know! OK?

 

[dfrattaroli]

Cool! I am getting a Splawn Street Rod head by fall!

Let me know how you like it. I'm still intrigued by a Street Rod. Especially a head which appears to be hard to find. I played the combo at the Music Zoo which is why there's a QR in my house right now. I had to sell my JVM and Charvel San Dimas. to get it. I recovered all I spent on the JVM and lost maybe $100 on the Charvel. The Marshall has more saturation on the OD Orange channel with the gain less than half on, than the QR does dimed. But the QR had thump and roar that the JVM just didn't have. I could live with the JVM for sure. It's easier to play. But I get a lot of satisfaction in the power chords and open A, open E chugging on the QR in a way I could never gel with the Marshall.

Only reason I am buying a Splawn is because I already have a PWE Event Horizon and Bogner 20th Shiva which are easy to play! I want a more Marshally type amp with roar and bite, that is less forgiving, hence the Streetrod. I don't need the 100 watt QR. I talked to scott and I will be ordering the SR head to look like a Plexi, once I sell my 1994 Les Paul.

I will let ya know! OK?

Cool. would love to see it.