Rhodes Colossus vs Diezel Hagen

[RG955TT]

Anyone able to compare these two killer amps? Thanks

 

[colimofsmoke]

I cant compare because i havent played a hagen but the colossus is one of the best amps ive ever played

 

[Ventura]

Maybe a bit off-side to compare the two?? They're pretty different amps offering different things, no?

I say this because, in my HUMBLEST of opinions, the Hagen is an amp offering a "flavor" of Diezel that's a bit different than the rest... It's just a different cat amongst the several. The flagship Diezel amp, and the one found in the most studios worldwide is the VH4, and this isn't because it's necessarily better than the others in the line-up, I think it's because it's the most versatile. It also takes FX both front and back exceptionally well - it's MIDI controllable - it's tube swappable - 4 channels and completely preamp-able - and built like a fkn tank. The Hagen takes the signature Diezel tone and greases it up a bit, it's not as loud as the VH4, but it's a beautiful beast once you get "IN to" the Diezel family.

The Rhodes Colossus strikes me as Rhodes' flagship amp, offering the 4 channels, the MIDI, the blah blah blah... And it's a beauty amp no doubt. I just have this gut instinct that the Colossus would be better compared to the VH4, than the Hagen.

Uncle Mo

 

[cardinal]

I've never had the pleasure of playing the Colossus r the Hagen, but I've heard it's more like the Herbert than the VH4 (number of channels notwithstanding). Since the Hagen is somewhere between the Herbet and VH4, the comparison might make sense.

 

[colimofsmoke]

I dont think it sounds a damn thing like a herbert. At least on the high gain channel.

 

[racerevlon]

Both are awesome amps, just different. If someone forced me to choose, I'd pick the Rhodes Colossus. I think there's a little more flexibility of tone in there. Plus the "blinder" channel just kills!

 

[RG955TT]

Thanks V, but no one really seems to be able to describe the Hagen, is it modern, is it vintage, somewhere in the middle? How does it compare sound wise to the Einstein (which I have)? Is it marshally a bit like VH4 or more scooped?

I am very interested in the Colossus and Kyle and I have been emailing, BTW< what is the "blinder" channel? How vintage can it get, what are the mids like for older school rock? Most of the vids are metal which all sound great but its not what I do. I need to go play one i guess!!! Cant find a hagen around here to compare if its even close to what i want which I dont know because no one can seem to put into words what they sound like

 

[pstar]

Hagen more compressed with hair, almost as if a compressor/ limiter is Always on, or u r listening to a mixdown on studio monitors . Colossus more open and in your face. Both r good, different flavour of ice cream. Have Hagen and will be adding colossus as w/d rig, lots of fun, lol.

 

[carlygtr]

Just watched a few Rhodes demos I probably shouldn't have! What a great sounding amp

 

[Mizati20]

I haven't played the Rhodes... but I'm going to be fairly blunt and tell you straight up (as a Diezel FREAK)... the Hagen is a huge disappointment... and of story... every clip I've heard of the Rhodes is incredible....

I'm pretty sure at this point Mo is the only one that has held on to his Hagen... I couldn't get rid of mine fast enough... for the price is doesn't offer enough of that signature Diezel sound.... and then you are in the territory of there being many other amps that do what the Hagen does better for half the price...

....flame suit on.. but most people are here will probably agree with me, and as mentioned, I'm a HUGE Diezel fanboy... can't sit here and pretend the Hagen is something more than it is though... IMO it shouldn't even bare the Diezel logo...

 

[Joeytpg]

I haven't played the Rhodes... but I'm going to be fairly blunt and tell you straight up (as a Diezel FREAK)... the Hagen is a huge disappointment... and of story... every clip I've heard of the Rhodes is incredible....

I'm pretty sure at this point Mo is the only one that has held on to his Hagen... I couldn't get rid of mine fast enough... for the price is doesn't offer enough of that signature Diezel sound.... and then you are in the territory of there being many other amps that do what the Hagen does better for half the price...

....flame suit on.. but most people are here will probably agree with me, and as mentioned, I'm a HUGE Diezel fanboy... can't sit here and pretend the Hagen is something more than it is though... IMO it shouldn't even bare the Diezel logo...

wow man, you were really blunt here, but I appreciate it, sometimes (as a diesel freak also) diezel lovers tend to be a bit biased and not ourspoken enough about what they DON'T like.

I respect and admire Peter, and I love the brand and the tone, but when it's not there (for someone in a subjective way of course) it's just not there.

 

[RG955TT]

Thanks for the blunt opinion Mizati, appreciate it. But what DID it sound like, I know you didnt dig it but I'm still just trying to find anyone that can say what it really sounds like, what its close to, or any real specifics. I'm not a metal guy, rock and hard rock is my thing and I am needing a super versitile head that do a lot of tones I want so thats why I want something with 4 channels. I use all 3 of the channels on my Bogner with and without the boosts all gig long (5 tone/gain levels) Turning down my guitar doesnt work as well for me for several reasons so i want it in the amp. Yes the Colossus may be the one, still wondering about Hagen and what the real deal is about that amp. Like I said I have an Einstein and dig the tones but cant live with the shared controls for the first 3 channels (yes I know they arent really channels, you know what i mean) Thanks, Bob

 

[DoomBuggi]

I've yet to play either, but would love to. I've been quite happy with things Fortin.

 

[Mizati20]

Joey and RG - it is of course just MY OPINION... and that's not to say it won't work for other people... but I have owned SO many Diezels over the years... and I think you nailed it Joey about Diezel owners being biased and not being able to openly admit when something is less than amazing...

 

[Red_Label]

Joey and RG - it is of course just MY OPINION... and that's not to say it won't work for other people... but I have owned SO many Diezels over the years... and I think you nailed it Joey about Diezel owners being biased and not being able to openly admit when something is less than amazing...

Tends to happen the more money people spend on things.


I was REALLY gassing for a Hagen last year and was very close to trying to sell my XTC to pick one up (or maybe the Herbert). Still have never played through one and it sounds like I may have been disappointed. Even though I'm very happily living in Engl-land these days... I still can't help but want to plug into a Diezel to satisfy my curiousity (again, probably the Herbert or maybe the VH4). But I wasn't all that enamored of my VHT Pittbull UL, so I wonder how much I'd dig the supposed dry, immediate attack of Diezel amps?

 

[Mizati20]

Joey and RG - it is of course just MY OPINION... and that's not to say it won't work for other people... but I have owned SO many Diezels over the years... and I think you nailed it Joey about Diezel owners being biased and not being able to openly admit when something is less than amazing...

Tends to happen the more money people spend on things.


I was REALLY gassing for a Hagen last year and was very close to trying to sell my XTC to pick one up (or maybe the Herbert). Still have never played through one and it sounds like I may have been disappointed. Even though I'm very happily living in Engl-land these days... I still can't help but want to plug into a Diezel to satisfy my curiousity (again, probably the Herbert or maybe the VH4). But I wasn't all that enamored of my VHT Pittbull UL, so I wonder how much I'd dig the supposed dry, immediate attack of Diezel amps?

Immediate YES... but "dry" isn't a term I would associate with Diezel amps... of course those "tone words" are so subjective... but when I think dry I think VHT/Fryette stuff... in which case the Diezel amps couldn't be more different... others have already mentioned this in the thread, but I also have to chime in on Diezels sounds like a mixed and mastered guitar tone is coming straight out of the cab... it's honestly the best way to describe a Diezel, super hi-fi and polished tone live in the room...

 

[Ventura]

Thanks V, but no one really seems to be able to describe the Hagen, is it modern, is it vintage, somewhere in the middle? How does it compare sound wise to the Einstein (which I have)? Is it marshally a bit like VH4 or more scooped?

I am very interested in the Colossus and Kyle and I have been emailing, BTW< what is the "blinder" channel? How vintage can it get, what are the mids like for older school rock? Most of the vids are metal which all sound great but its not what I do. I need to go play one i guess!!! Cant find a hagen around here to compare if its even close to what i want which I dont know because no one can seem to put into words what they sound like

I've got the Hagen.

It's a tough thing to compare... But lemme see if I can dig up my initial review:

Ola: viewtopic.php?f=14&t=116074&p=1356509&hilit=hagen#p1356509

Something I wrote in the Diezel subforum: Hagen: The newest amp in the Diezel repertoire. Also my favorite but that's neither here nor there... It's a 4 channel amp with gobs of power and a very refined level of feel and engineering. it can be super tight, and it can be loose and musical. Also has a brand new clean channel that is outrageously awesome (Ch.1) Overall, I find this amp to be a masterpiece. All 4 channels are incredible and highly usable. And while the Einstein has its thing (very versatile as well) and the VH4 and Herbert have their signature channels, I'd say the Hagen has signature written all over all 4 channels - which is pretty awesome.

And the bigger review: viewtopic.php?f=14&t=100283&p=1183958&hilit=hagen#p1183958

Cheers,
Mo

 

[Ventura]

I haven't played the Rhodes... but I'm going to be fairly blunt and tell you straight up (as a Diezel FREAK)... the Hagen is a huge disappointment... and of story... every clip I've heard of the Rhodes is incredible....

I'm pretty sure at this point Mo is the only one that has held on to his Hagen... I couldn't get rid of mine fast enough... for the price is doesn't offer enough of that signature Diezel sound.... and then you are in the territory of there being many other amps that do what the Hagen does better for half the price...

....flame suit on.. but most people are here will probably agree with me, and as mentioned, I'm a HUGE Diezel fanboy... can't sit here and pretend the Hagen is something more than it is though... IMO it shouldn't even bare the Diezel logo...

Interesting and I applaud your honesty and upfrontness. No need for flame-suits, personal preference is personal preference. And that's why we're all buying and playing different amps out there.

Coolio!!
Uncle Mo

 

[geetar_geek79]

I have both a Herbert and Colossus if it matters. Different feel and voicing but both are awesome amps!

I'll just compare the fature set that isn't too subjective:
Effects loop: Herb wins. 3 efx loops vs one on Colossus
Midi: Colossus wins. Responds to CC and PC. Herb can respond to CC only with 3rd party hardware.
Aesthetics: I actually like both! Colossus has very nice lighting options while Herb has that classic but mean look (to me at least).
Support: Kyle's the best! Hit him up!

bottom line: i can't live without either amp

again this is between a herb and colossus so i probably didn't help at all

 

[Heritage Softail]

Why are there no Hagen clips?