Please talk me into/out of the PT100

[amp maniac]

I currently own a Soldano SLO and a Fryette Ultralead. Love both, but what´s missing is the modded Marshall thing. The SLO is too refined and the Ultralead too tight/stiff/modern sometimes. I like both and have no plans on selling either, I´m just looking to add another flavor. I´m not playing extreme death metal or something like that, it´s more 80s metal for me.

I checked out a PT100 recently, however there wasn´t enough time to really get to know it, but it sounded incredible with the matching CAA cab loaded with V30s, that´s for sure.

How does it take pedals? Can you really transform the amp into another? I´m looking to get a Bogner Ecstasy red pedal in the near future. Also, how powerful is the feedback control? I understand that you can make the amp tighter/looser... How would you compare the PT´s feedback control to the SLO´s and Fryette´s response? Anything else I should know before I pull the trigger?

 

[zuel69]

I don't post much, but I can tell you one thing about the PT100...it got me off the decade long amp merry-go-round bender I was on. Now mine does have an extra gain stage on the 3rd channel but I don't believe that should make a difference in the over all tone of the amp. The clean is beautiful, the drive channels are smokin' with a modded Marshall flavor, the parallel loop is perfect for time based effects. The loop has a return level so you can adjust overall volume and get the tone at low volumes. I can't think of a better amp for me.

I didn't gel with some of the other OD-100 amps but this PT100 is the shit.

I'm messing around with some home recording, here is a tune I'm working on. I used the PT100 at low volumes..this is raw and an idea of the song. Really trying figure out how all this shit works. You gotta make it through the hokey acoustic intro! haha

 

[LP Freak]

The PT does take pedal well. I'd be sure the one you get has the upgraded solid state loop which is more transparent than the tube.

The feedback level is very active on the amp. Turning it fully clockwise really tightens up the amp. Not as tight as an Ultralead but still tight.

And yes, the clean channel is one of the best in the business. The SLO and UL can't touch this.

Overall it's a great amp and probably the best all around amp I've owned.

 

[LukeCurd]

I don't post much, but I can tell you one thing about the PT100...it got me off the decade long amp merry-go-round bender I was on. Now mine does have an extra gain stage on the 3rd channel but I don't believe that should make a difference in the over all tone of the amp. The clean is beautiful, the drive channels are smokin' with a modded Marshall flavor, the parallel loop is perfect for time based effects. The loop has a return level so you can adjust overall volume and get the tone at low volumes. I can't think of a better amp for me.

I didn't gel with some of the other OD-100 amps but this PT100 is the shit.

I'm messing around with some home recording, here is a tune I'm working on. I used the PT100 at low volumes..this is raw and an idea of the song. Really trying figure out how all this shit works. You gotta make it through the hokey acoustic intro! haha

https://soundcloud.com/zuel69/seeunexttuesday-join

Glad you ended up loving it. The White is sexy and your's is the Best PT100 I have played to date!

 

[LukeCurd]

I currently own a Soldano SLO and a Fryette Ultralead. Love both, but what´s missing is the modded Marshall thing. The SLO is too refined and the Ultralead too tight/stiff/modern sometimes. I like both and have no plans on selling either, I´m just looking to add another flavor. I´m not playing extreme death metal or something like that, it´s more 80s metal for me.

I checked out a PT100 recently, however there wasn´t enough time to really get to know it, but it sounded incredible with the matching CAA cab loaded with V30s, that´s for sure.

How does it take pedals? Can you really transform the amp into another? I´m looking to get a Bogner Ecstasy red pedal in the near future. Also, how powerful is the feedback control? I understand that you can make the amp tighter/looser... How would you compare the PT´s feedback control to the SLO´s and Fryette´s response? Anything else I should know before I pull the trigger?

I love the PT100 but i wouldn't call it a Marshall flavor. It s a od-100 circuit modified for a plexi output transformer and el34's. This translates to the mid crunch but wouldn't call it a pissed off marshall.

The SH100 is a mean beast. The PT100 might be too refined for your liking.

 

[amp maniac]

I don't post much, but I can tell you one thing about the PT100...it got me off the decade long amp merry-go-round bender I was on. Now mine does have an extra gain stage on the 3rd channel but I don't believe that should make a difference in the over all tone of the amp. The clean is beautiful, the drive channels are smokin' with a modded Marshall flavor, the parallel loop is perfect for time based effects. The loop has a return level so you can adjust overall volume and get the tone at low volumes. I can't think of a better amp for me.

I didn't gel with some of the other OD-100 amps but this PT100 is the shit.

I'm messing around with some home recording, here is a tune I'm working on. I used the PT100 at low volumes..this is raw and an idea of the song. Really trying figure out how all this shit works. You gotta make it through the hokey acoustic intro! haha

https://soundcloud.com/zuel69/seeunexttuesday-join

Sounds cool, thanks!

The PT does take pedal well. I'd be sure the one you get has the upgraded solid state loop which is more transparent than the tube.

The feedback level is very active on the amp. Turning it fully clockwise really tightens up the amp. Not as tight as an Ultralead but still tight.

And yes, the clean channel is one of the best in the business. The SLO and UL can't touch this.

Overall it's a great amp and probably the best all around amp I've owned.

The one I´m looking at has the tube buffered loop. Is the difference really that big? Just to be clear, I was talking about pedals in front of the amp (overdrive pedals like the Bogner Ecstasy red), not in the loop. Will it take those well, too? Yeah, the clean channel is great. I have not yet heard such a beautiful clean on any other multi channel amp.

I currently own a Soldano SLO and a Fryette Ultralead. Love both, but what´s missing is the modded Marshall thing. The SLO is too refined and the Ultralead too tight/stiff/modern sometimes. I like both and have no plans on selling either, I´m just looking to add another flavor. I´m not playing extreme death metal or something like that, it´s more 80s metal for me.

I checked out a PT100 recently, however there wasn´t enough time to really get to know it, but it sounded incredible with the matching CAA cab loaded with V30s, that´s for sure.

How does it take pedals? Can you really transform the amp into another? I´m looking to get a Bogner Ecstasy red pedal in the near future. Also, how powerful is the feedback control? I understand that you can make the amp tighter/looser... How would you compare the PT´s feedback control to the SLO´s and Fryette´s response? Anything else I should know before I pull the trigger?

I love the PT100 but i wouldn't call it a Marshall flavor. It s a od-100 circuit modified for a plexi output transformer and el34's. This translates to the mid crunch but wouldn't call it a pissed off marshall.

The SH100 is a mean beast. The PT100 might be too refined for your liking.

Unfortunately, there is no SH100 around to try. But I was under the impression that the SH100 is kind of a lower gain model? Also, I thought that the PT100 is the most marshally head of the CAA bunch? Would you mind to elaborate on the differences to the SLO and the Ultralead if you have ever played them? Thanks!

 

[LP Freak]

If you're going through the front of the amp with fx there's no difference. The tube loop does affect the tone though and isn't as transparent as the SS.

 

[lolzgreg]

I played one in a controlled environment along side 5 or 6 other amps and I really didn't like it very much at all. It was one of the few amps I would describe as bland, and didn't have much punch. This had the whomp II and all the bells and whistles. It still sounded good, but it was nothing that I would hang on to considering the competition.

 

[J.B.]

Sent you a PM

 

[J.B.]

And no, I’m not selling mine!

 

[RSRD]

I played one in a controlled environment along side 5 or 6 other amps and I really didn't like it very much at all. It was one of the few amps I would describe as bland, and didn't have much punch. This had the whomp II and all the bells and whistles. It still sounded good, but it was nothing that I would hang on to considering the competition.

Im glad to read this, since I always felt there must be something wrong with me when it came to the PT 100. You nailed it when you say it didnt have the PUNCH you wanted it. Thats exactly how I felt. I like a great deal of poke from mid range.Where the PT seems more balanced thru the whole spectrum, mid range is not its forte like an xtc. Much more refined tone then the xtc though. Just wasn't for me.

I can appreciate what a great amp it is though.

 

[LukeCurd]

Unfortunately, there is no SH100 around to try. But I was under the impression that the SH100 is kind of a lower gain model? Also, I thought that the PT100 is the most marshally head of the CAA bunch? Would you mind to elaborate on the differences to the SLO and the Ultralead if you have ever played them? Thanks!

I haven't played the SH either but I have played the SL68. Not what I as expecting is all I can say.

The SLO I tried I wasn't impressed with. It was gritty and flubby and sloppy. Tons of saturation for leads but didn't sound clear to my ears. Very EVH 5881 sound. The OD-100's I have played will simply crush a SLO IMHO. Same saturation with more articulation while still sounding complex and rich. This is the STD model as I think the SE goes to much into the sag realm.

As far as PT-100 goes I have played the one with the extra gain stage at Zuel has. and another black one. They are the most marshall of the CAA bunch but still not a Marshall. Better in lots of ways but not better in some ways. It a marshall with leather heated seats and a clean channel to die for.

The UL is a tight beast with a hairy preamp. Fizzy if you don't crank it or don't use russian tubes in the preamp. It's a ok amp but I have always found other amps that do the VHT thing but just better. IMHO

I guess I would have to ask how saturated you want your el34amp to be? And if you need a clean channel?

 

[zuel69]

Yea man, I can't thank you enough for pointing me to that amp!!! Funny reading some of the negatives about mid range and all that because it is the exact opposite of what my amp is all about. Not doubting anyone's personal experience with the amp but this one has as much punch and mids as I would ever need. I actually turn the mids down more on this amp because of their strong presence. I don't use the whomp(s) or any depth type of knob on any amp because I'm such a modded Marshall, old school metal, hard rock type of guy and I find that sort of thing takes away from that character...

Unfortunately, there is no SH100 around to try. But I was under the impression that the SH100 is kind of a lower gain model? Also, I thought that the PT100 is the most marshally head of the CAA bunch? Would you mind to elaborate on the differences to the SLO and the Ultralead if you have ever played them? Thanks!

I haven't played the SH either but I have played the SL68. Not what I as expecting is all I can say.

The SLO I tried I wasn't impressed with. It was gritty and flubby and sloppy. Tons of saturation for leads but didn't sound clear to my ears. Very EVH 5881 sound. The OD-100's I have played will simply crush a SLO IMHO. Same saturation with more articulation while still sounding complex and rich. This is the STD model as I think the SE goes to much into the sag realm.

As far as PT-100 goes I have played the one with the extra gain stage at Zuel has. and another black one. They are the most marshall of the CAA bunch but still not a Marshall. Better in lots of ways but not better in some ways. It a marshall with leather heated seats and a clean channel to die for.

The UL is a tight beast with a hairy preamp. Fizzy if you don't crank it or don't use russian tubes in the preamp. It's a ok amp but I have always found other amps that do the VHT thing but just better. IMHO

I guess I would have to ask how saturated you want your el34amp to be? And if you need a clean channel?

 

[carlygtr]

I had a PT-100 for a year. I had it sitting next to an SLO-100 for that time. I prefered the SLO. Amp had too much bass in all channels, IMO. No charactor in the lead channel, etc

You want a Marshall, get a Marshall. IMO the PT-100 didn't sound any more like a Marshall than the SLO did.

Satriani JVM. That's my pick. IMO it smokes the PT at less $$$$$

 

[billm408]

I had a PT-100 for a year. I had it sitting next to an SLO-100 for that time. I prefered the SLO. Amp had too much bass in all channels, IMO. No charactor in the lead channel, etc

You want a Marshall, get a Marshall. IMO the PT-100 didn't sound any more like a Marshall than the SLO did.

My experience as well. I really wanted to like the PT100 and gigged with it for a year. It had all the features & functionality that I wanted my SLO to have. Great cleans (which it does), solid OD channel and a 3rd channel for leads. The problem I had with the PT was a top end fizziness that I could never quite dial out. I thought the clean channel was the best I've had in a channel switcher but the OD channels were fairly blah and uninspired. I eventually went back to the SLO because I had forgotten how much the loop sucked! FWIW, both amps are long gone.

 

[LukeCurd]

I had a PT-100 for a year. I had it sitting next to an SLO-100 for that time. I prefered the SLO. Amp had too much bass in all channels, IMO. No charactor in the lead channel, etc

You want a Marshall, get a Marshall. IMO the PT-100 didn't sound any more like a Marshall than the SLO did.

My experience as well. I really wanted to like the PT100 and gigged with it for a year. It had all the features & functionality that I wanted my SLO to have. Great cleans (which it does), solid OD channel and a 3rd channel for leads. The problem I had with the PT was a top end fizziness that I could never quite dial out. I thought the clean channel was the best I've had in a channel switcher but the OD channels were fairly blah and uninspired. I eventually went back to the SLO because I had forgotten how much the loop sucked! FWIW, both amps are long gone.

What is your replacement that kills both the PT and SLO?

 

[LukeCurd]

Yea man, I can't thank you enough for pointing me to that amp!!! Funny reading some of the negatives about mid range and all that because it is the exact opposite of what my amp is all about. Not doubting anyone's personal experience with the amp but this one has as much punch and mids as I would ever need. I actually turn the mids down more on this amp because of their strong presence. I don't use the whomp(s) or any depth type of knob on any amp because I'm such a modded Marshall, old school metal, hard rock type of guy and I find that sort of thing takes away from that character...

The other Pt-100 I played sounded like a lil bitch compared to your amp. I don't know what is so special about yours but it is not to be confused to the rest of the Pt-100's IMHO. Your amp is a freak!

That why I was talking to the OP about maybe a different option. I am a fan of the PT-100 when it comes to your amp. Otherwise I refer to the other posters as that is kinda how other PT-100 sounds.

There is also a lot to be said about speakers and guitar when demoing the amp. That's why I was so in depth with my org. review since I wanted it to be representative. I guess I got a accurate description across which is exactly what I wanted.

IMHO you cant go wrong with a Suhr product for quality and tone. There just might be other amps that fit the bill for the OP.

It also looks like some folks have played better SLO's than I have. Its hit or mis in the amp world. You got a monster on your hands.

 

[billm408]

What is your replacement that kills both the PT and SLO?

After the PT100 and SLO were gone, I went back to my trusty 101B, then to a 20th Anni XTC. Eventually I gigged a Friedman modded Reinhardt for a while, but have a Splawn QR now as my main gigging amp. Was never a question of what "kills the PT and SLO", just a matter of what best fits the needs. The OD channel on the SLO still haunts me but I've owned the amp twice now and just could never make it work for me live.

 

[LukeCurd]

What is your replacement that kills both the PT and SLO?

After the PT100 and SLO were gone, I went back to my trusty 101B, then to a 20th Anni XTC. Eventually I gigged a Friedman modded Reinhardt for a while, but have a Splawn QR now as my main gigging amp. Was never a question of what "kills the PT and SLO", just a matter of what best fits the needs. The OD channel on the SLO still haunts me but I've owned the amp twice now and just could never make it work for me live.

I have found that myself, Some amps sound better in other peoples hands than my own.

This is really getting my hot.

 

[amp maniac]

Wow, that´s a lot of different opinions Thanks for all your contributions!!
I will have to go and try the PT100 again, but I´m not really sure if it´s the right amp for me anymore. Maybe there is a better alternative for me if you know what I like and dislike about my current amps.

SLO
pro: organic, does react to the guitars tone control well, great lead amp, had it for many years with matching cab so I´m kind of attached to it, great clean, mid gain and high gain tones, doesn´t take pedals well as it doesn´t let the pedals character come through (probably because the clean channel is no real clean channel)
con: loop sucks, only two sounds available (clean/lead or crunch/lead), sometimes too refined and "slow" sounding, can´t sound really aggressive, clean bleeds into the od channel

Ultralead
pro: versatile with the onboard eq, makes you a better player as there is basically no compression, great metal tone (which I don´t need often, it´s just nice to have from time to time), very fast response, takes pedals well
con: sterile and hifi cleans, second channel not organic enough for mid gain tones, you can´t really dial that stiffness out of all three channels

So what´s missing is an amp that is tighter, faster and more aggressive than the SLO without being as stiff as the Ultralead, with a good clean channel that takes pedals well and great loop, so a modded Marshall came to mind. Maybe one of the other CAA amps? Or a Quickrod?

Satriani JVM. That's my pick. IMO it smokes the PT at less $$$$$

Thanks, will look into that as well!