Splawn Quickrod question

[Fret-Shredder]

For those that know about Quickrods. I have a chance to pick up a mint 2010 QUICKROD with foot switch. Here is the sellers description:
"Great condition Splawn Quickrod with latest circuit. 4 preamp tube model with improved cleans. Has a half power switch and outstanding effects loop"

My question is being its an older 2010 model am I going to be missing out on any features the later models offer? Thanks in advance.

 

[GtarLover]

Yes, the 2017 models have a new/old switch that changes the voicing. GREAT feature IMO.
I like the 4 button footswitch as well so you can switch gears(mode switch) as well as clean/dirty and solo boost.
The newest models are superior for live use. Although I still own my 2006 because it’s just an frickin’ BEAST of an amp.
Good luck, Scott is awesome and the Quickrod is a fabulous amp!!

 

[RedPlated]

I'm the seller of the amp in question.

2010 is the newest 4 preamp tube circuit. Prior to that, they used 3 preamp tubes. There are additional features like the new/old switch available on some of the newer amps. However, the general circuit has been similar for quite a few years.

Additionally, the 2010 has Heyboer transformers. Newer amps have Classic Tone, which to my understanding are less expensive and tonally less desirable. In the end it's all subjective. But if you want the Heyboers, you won't get them on newer versions.

 

[Chris6870]

Does it have the volume control in the effects loop? Not sure what year that was added but That is a must have for me.Splawns are loud as hell and that feature Makes low volume playing possible. I had a 2009 with the Heyboer and now have a 2012 with the Classic Tone. The 2012 sounds much better, meatier and more gain so I wouldn't worry to much about the transformer. Unless you specifically want the earlier 3 preamp tube tone, newer is better IMO.

 

[RedPlated]

Yes, mine has the volume for the effects loop.

 

[peckhart]

There is no right answer here. I prefer the slightly older ones, meaning the ones when they first went to the 4 preamp design but before the circuit change for more gain. I also am going to say that I am not a fan of Classic Tone transformers until some amp with them proves otherwise.
I had an '09 and then a '15 with all the options. I didn't find the extra options all the useful and preferred the tone of the '09 by quite a bit. It had plenty of gain for me and while the 4 button switch seemed like a great idea, I just never found myself switching modes. So I am fine with a 3 button, but keep in mind either work with any QR and you can buy the 4 button switches if you end up with a QR that comes with a 3 and you think you really need mode switching.
I also don't play my tube amps much at home and controlling volume isn't an issue for me. That said, both of mine had the loop volume and I never used it. Even when I ran something in the loop I had the volume up full as I found that did not impact tone, but as soon as you try to bring overall volume down with that the attack was effected. It seemed to kind of smooth things out and impact that aggressive bite I liked so much.

 

[crwnedblasphemy]

There is no right answer here. I prefer the slightly older ones, meaning the ones when they first went to the 4 preamp design but before the circuit change for more gain. I also am going to say that I am not a fan of Classic Tone transformers until some amp with them proves otherwise.
I had an '09 and then a '15 with all the options. I didn't find the extra options all the useful and preferred the tone of the '09 by quite a bit. It had plenty of gain for me and while the 4 button switch seemed like a great idea, I just never found myself switching modes. So I am fine with a 3 button, but keep in mind either work with any QR and you can buy the 4 button switches if you end up with a QR that comes with a 3 and you think you really need mode switching.
I also don't play my tube amps much at home and controlling volume isn't an issue for me. That said, both of mine had the loop volume and I never used it. Even when I ran something in the loop I had the volume up full as I found that did not impact tone, but as soon as you try to bring overall volume down with that the attack was effected. It seemed to kind of smooth things out and impact that aggressive bite I liked so much.

Bingo. I agree. I’ve had 4. Much preferred my 2006’s over my 2012.

 

[Metlupass2]

I've got a 2011 and it sounds great. Yours will too

 

[napalmdeath]

I wouldn't put in a whole lot of wondering and worrying here. It's a beast of an amp, any way you slice it. I, personally, would be happy either way. Had a 2005 Quick Rod, and later version Competition. Jump on it, and enjoy it. You certainty won't be disappointed.

 

[Crunchity]

That loop volume knob is an underrated feature - I thought it worked incredibly well as the QR can get amazing tones at house friendly volumes. Great amp, I wouldn't hesitate.

 

[Chris6870]

Yea do it. I've been through a dozen or more heads and the Quick Rod is the only one that's stayed.

 

[Nitrobattery]

Go for it. I have a 2011 QR and it's probably my favorite amp that I've ever played in the 30+ heads I've owned over the years.

 

[Badronald]

I have a 4 button QR with loop volume and Heyboers.

I've been playing 35 years, had a lot of amps and have played many more. This might be my favorite amp ever. The cleans could be better, but the crunch couldn't be better.

I've used many multi channel amps and the ones with great cleans never quite had the gain tones I'm looking for. So it's a give and take. Well, I'll take the top quality gain tones and deal with the cleans.

It's really the perfect rock / heavy rock amp. The low gain tones I get are very Malcolm. Killer amp.

 

[napalmdeath]

That loop volume knob is an underrated feature - I thought it worked incredibly well as the QR can get amazing tones at house friendly volumes. Great amp, I wouldn't hesitate.

I sold the Quick Rod because it was too frickin' loud! I kept pissing off the neighbors!

The Competition had the loop level knob, and it was a very useable feature. I wouldn't buy another without it.

That 100 watt Quick Rod was way too much amp for me, at the time. To this day, (and probably 50+ amps later), its still in the top 2 or 3 amps I've ever heard. That, and a Laney GH100L I had. STUPID loud!

 

[splawner]

i Just got a 2018 Splawn QR and had a few others throughout the last 5 years....killer amps...priced very well for the quality of the amp...Plus Scott is a great guy to deal with.... out of all the amps I owned Splawn is always the favorite....

 

[GtarLover]

The OP asked about features and the newest models DO have more features.

That said, Splawn Quickrods are frickin GREAT amps

If you’re buying used, you are likely getting a good deal on a FABULOUS amp. Regardless of the year.
Although, personally for live use I like having the adjustable loop, better clean, and 4 button footswitch of the “later” models.

Just get it and try it. You’ll most likely dig it, and if you need “more” features you can always sell it and get another...you would be able to see if the Quickrod is “your” kind of amp. It’s not the most forgiving amp, so it will also likely encourage you to be a better playe as well.

IMO, these are just great amps, with quite a bit of versatility.

Good Luck