Soldano Hot Rod and Hot Rod Plus...

[Shreddy Mercury]

Other than the Plus being a 2 channel, what are some real world differences as far as features and being able to dial in tones between the 2 lines of amps?

 

[rstites]

The HR+ is basically the SLO with standard parts, so it's a crunch channel and a lead channel in one amp. The HR is a single channel amp that's Mikes Marshall mods right into a home built amp: basically, it was cheaper for him to build them from scratch rather than moding new amps.

I've played the HR+. They're really good, and in fact the difference to the SLO is fairly small (though noticeable). I haven't played the HR, but understand them to be a bit more Marshall-esque in sound.

 

[Shreddy Mercury]

Are all 8 knob amps the Plus? I came across a HR100 without the Plus designation but there are 8 knobs, but unfortunately no rear shot to see if it says Plus or not. Also, I don't see a footswitch in the picture.

 

[glpg80]

Are all 8 knob amps the Plus? I came across a HR100 without the Plus designation but there are 8 knobs, but unfortunately no rear shot to see if it says Plus or not. Also, I don't see a footswitch in the picture.

HR100 is just the lead channel of the SLO
HR+ is crunch and lead of the SLO
SLO has clean, crunch, and lead

 

[rstites]

Are all 8 knob amps the Plus? I came across a HR100 without the Plus designation but there are 8 knobs, but unfortunately no rear shot to see if it says Plus or not. Also, I don't see a footswitch in the picture.

The HR100 has two inputs, like a Marshall 2203. The low input skips the first stage, just like the Marshall. They have six controls. The HR100+ has one input and 8 controls.

What you describe sounds like the plus.

 

[rstites]

I found an image of an HR50:

 

[Searay]

I've had one 50 and two 50+. I found the regular 50 to be a great no frills amp. I thought I wanted to switch channels, so I got a plus. Didn't like it as much as the regular 50. Then I got a purple 50+. It had the X mod in it and I sent it to Soldano and Mike put it to stock for me. These amps set the bar pretty high. I really thought the regular non-Plus version hi gain channel was the best (from memory), but it's a toss up. They used Mercury Magnetics transformers in the Hot Rods and for many amp lines that is an upgrade rather than a cost reduction.