Splawn newbie questions

[chumbucket]

I've never gotten to play a Splawn before but hopefully will be soon. I was hoping to get some questions answered from some experienced Splawners.





-Is the Quickrod the most "Marshally" of the Splawn line? I like the tone of modded Super Leads but would like to have a swicthable clean channel as well.


- How is the clean channel tone? Can I get the tone of say a non-MV Marshall set to low volumes?


- How does the effects loop sound? Probably just using a Flashback X4 and a reverb pedal


-Would it be possible with a newer Quickrod with the 4 button footswitch to switch between say a sparkling clean tone, a Zep/ AC/DC level of gain tone, and a VH level of gain? Then maybe I could just use a boost pedal to push it a little further into metal territory.


- What are the tonal differences between the regular and the Drop B+ Quickrod? Is the Drop B+ more vintage sounding?

 

[stompboxfreak72]

1. The QR is the most Marshally of the Splawns. The Nitro is awesome but sounds like no Marshall I have ever heard. The QR has an emphasis on the upper mids and the Nitro has a more prominent lower mid sound.

2. Clean tone is serviceable. Dont expect Fender clean. I have had no issue getting along with the cleans on QR or Nitro but the amps are not purchased for the clean channel.

3. The fx loop takes to delay pedals great IMO. Ive not used a reverb pedal with one so no opinion there.
4. Absolutely ! This is where the gears come in. Gear one is chalked full of vintage jcm800 goodness. Fantastic for Zeppelin or Ac DC. Gear one on the QR is where a lot of the magic is. Gear 2 is a hot rodded jcm800 feel and perfect for Van Halen or any 80s style hard rock. Gear three has even more hair and is a jcm800 on steroids. Its more gain than most will ever need. A boost makes the QR even more versatile.
5. The B+ sounds just like a QR ie you cannot tell the difference as a listener. The B+ has a noticeable feel change from the player standpoint. Its a more squishy and forgiving feel than a straight up QR.

Email Scott for clarification on anything. I have ordered 4 amps ( 2 Nitros, QR and B+). I also have a Splawn SS2 guitar. Scott's build quality and customer service skills are unmatched.

I hope this helped.

 

[Marshallman]

I purchased my first Splawn last March and I've gigged with it since regularly. I agree with everything the post above stated. The cleans are not like Fender but work real well in a live setting. At no point did I think during a live performance that I would need a different amp for cleans. The dirty side is really where the mojo is. I use primarly Gear 2 and love the tone. Can get some nice controllable feedback and the amp cuts right through the mix. I use a Flashback, and MXR Black Label chorus and an EP booster. In front of the amp I run an AIC wha, MXR EVH Phaser and an MXR Carbon Copy delay set differently than the flashback.

Bottom line, I thought about it for years before pulling the trigger on the QR. Have not regretted my purchase since.

 

[chumbucket]

So would the cleans be akin to a non-MV Marshall? I'm just wondering if I play a guitar with hot pickups if the clean is going to start breaking up or not? I don't need Fender cleans but Marshall cleans would be cool.

 

[chumbucket]

Oh yeah, I'm also a little unclear on the 4 button switch. Each gear has an OD1 and OD2 mode? I'm counting 5 different gain/tone possibilities plus the solo boost.

So you can switch between :
1) Clean/OD
2) OD Rhythm/Lead - Is this a gain boost?
3) Mode - switches between gears 1-2 or 2-3
4) Solo - Must be a volume boost

 

[stompboxfreak72]

Oh yeah, I'm also a little unclear on the 4 button switch. Each gear has an OD1 and OD2 mode? I'm counting 5 different gain/tone possibilities plus the solo boost.

So you can switch between :
1) Clean/OD
2) OD Rhythm/Lead - Is this a gain boost?
3) Mode - switches between gears 1-2 or 2-3
4) Solo - Must be a volume boost

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes
4. Yes

 

[chumbucket]

Oh yeah, I'm also a little unclear on the 4 button switch. Each gear has an OD1 and OD2 mode? I'm counting 5 different gain/tone possibilities plus the solo boost.

So you can switch between :
1) Clean/OD
2) OD Rhythm/Lead - Is this a gain boost?
3) Mode - switches between gears 1-2 or 2-3
4) Solo - Must be a volume boost

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes
4. Yes

Gotta check one of these things out. Stat.

 

[stompboxfreak72]

Visit the Splawn forum and if at all possible you need to go play a Splawn at gig volume to really get a feel for it. There are some used Quickrods on the forums going for steals at 1k.

Good luck.

 

[Lord Toneking]

I have an 06 Quickrod that has been gigged extensively for the past 7 yrs and I've never had any issues other than a tube fail...only twice!

I used to not like the clean channel (mine is an early model before the 'updated' clean version) but I must say that I actually like the clean channel now. It's got a some hair on it but with volume control and pickup selection it gets clean enough for performing live

Can't say enough about Splawn. They're the best bang for the buck amp out there hands down! In the right hands they'll hang with other amps that cost twice as much

Also their cabinets are friggin' awesome as well. Built solid and sound great!

 

[Gadzz]

I use a 2012 Street Rod head, sounds Great through a 4x12!! Cleans are better than my 2010 Quick Rod and the dirty is just Great!! lots of compliments from sound guys and other players!! And you will not find better service than Scott Splawn! Give him a call he answers all questions cordially!

 

[Drkorey]

I'll be putting my QR B+ up for sale for around $1300 when I get back from vacation in 11 days.
I wouldn't call it squishy as above, just more forgiving, more in the Marshall style.

 

[BMoore77]

I have an 06 Quickrod that has been gigged extensively for the past 7 yrs and I've never had any issues other than a tube fail...only twice!

I used to not like the clean channel (mine is an early model before the 'updated' clean version) but I must say that I actually like the clean channel now. It's got a some hair on it but with volume control and pickup selection it gets clean enough for performing live

Can't say enough about Splawn. They're the best bang for the buck amp out there hands down! In the right hands they'll hang with other amps that cost twice as much

Also their cabinets are friggin' awesome as well. Built solid and sound great!

Agree with everything you said. Please dont be the guy that wastes 3 grand or more solely based on the hype of forums. And half the guys that buy and posts clips with the overpriced flavor of the week amp would be better served if they spent that money on getting some lessons... because most if them sound like garbage regardless. Money does not equal talent. Get a Splawn.

 

[JerEvil]

Had my Quick Rod for 2 years now. i have gigged the heck out of it and it is a keeper for sure. Great tones and very pedal friendly. I have 3 OD's and 2 fuzzes I run up front for tones from Hendrix to Entombed.

I live in Gear 2. The loop is great. I run delay, chorus and verb on mine and it sounds awesome. They also have THE best customer service I have ever encountered.

 

[1meanplexi]

Yup!!!! Had a 2012 Quickrod without the B+ option. If the amp Genie came and said I could have one wish to get one of my former amps back, the splawn would be the one. The other thing that I miss, is that Friggin awesome Splawn cab. It had 55watt small blocks and whew....that thing pushed.

Big +1 on the customer service. My first call to them and guess who picked up the phone. Scott Splawn.

 

[Dale B]

If you like modded Super Leads, you definitely want the Low B+ Quickrod. I've had one for over a year.

 

[311boogieman]

I have an 06 Quickrod that has been gigged extensively for the past 7 yrs and I've never had any issues other than a tube fail...only twice!

I used to not like the clean channel (mine is an early model before the 'updated' clean version) but I must say that I actually like the clean channel now. It's got a some hair on it but with volume control and pickup selection it gets clean enough for performing live

Can't say enough about Splawn. They're the best bang for the buck amp out there hands down! In the right hands they'll hang with other amps that cost twice as much

Also their cabinets are friggin' awesome as well. Built solid and sound great!

Agreed on all points. I have an '08. There is quite a bit of hair available on the clean channel if you goose it right. I've never tried a B+ version but the available clean channel distortion takes you right up to Gear 1. And if all you need is a clean tone at gigging volume - you've got it. And yeah the construction and attention to detail is stellar. I'd say they are just as good as amp that cost 3 or 4 times as much used.

I use a 2012 Street Rod head, sounds Great through a 4x12!! Cleans are better than my 2010 Quick Rod and the dirty is just Great!! lots of compliments from sound guys and other players!! And you will not find better service than Scott Splawn! Give him a call he answers all questions cordially!

Customer service is almost unparalleld.

Had my Quick Rod for 2 years now. i have gigged the heck out of it and it is a keeper for sure. Great tones and very pedal friendly. I have 3 OD's and 2 fuzzes I run up front for tones from Hendrix to Entombed.

I live in Gear 2. The loop is great. I run delay, chorus and verb on mine and it sounds awesome. They also have THE best customer service I have ever encountered.

I live in Gear 2 as well and play mostly metalcore type stuff. Super heavy in Drop C. I also like to dabble with my delay, chorus and reverb in the loop. Great loop.

Yup!!!! Had a 2012 Quickrod without the B+ option. If the amp Genie came and said I could have one wish to get one of my former amps back, the splawn would be the one. The other thing that I miss, is that Friggin awesome Splawn cab. It had 55watt small blocks and whew....that thing pushed.

Big +1 on the customer service. My first call to them and guess who picked up the phone. Scott Splawn.

I also have a Splawn cab with 55w Small Blocks. It kills.



Here is a clean clip my buddy did on my amp. With the RV-7 pedal.