What is Your Ultimate Amp Setup?

MistaGuitah

Well-known member
Being that this is the year of the ultimate lower wattage amps, I am currently replacing my entire setup. No more Kemper, which I still love and adore though. Now it's Mini Amp + Suhr IR. This is the setup I'm starting to build.

Bogner 3534
Soldano SLO 30
Diezel VH Mini
Friedman JJ Jr.
EVH Stealth 50w

What about you guys, anyone else building towards a dream rig? If so, what is it? Some of you lucky bastards have it already so let's make sure this doesn't become a porn page for the more privileged :)
 
Im trying to get there. I have a modded 2204 and a KSR Orthos so far. I want to add a Mesa Mark IV, a 5150, and an Orange. After that I believe I have all my favorite tones covered without getting another kemper or other modeler
 
Since I don't have to schlep it around and keep it parked in MSB, I've put together a W/D/W setup. I can use any of my amps (see sig below) and put it into the rig.

Kind of the opposite of you MG. I went bigger! :rock:

I still need to upgrade my rack effects tho.
 
My dream rig currently is a Wizard MTL. Already have the best cab but kind of want to try a Friedman 4x12.
 
sleewell2":23wl8ce4 said:
my current live rig is a helix LT into 2 quilter tone blocks each going to its own cab.

i love it.

I respect people who keep things simple, don't need much, and do a great job with what they have.
 
This is my monster. It utilizes up to 4 amps (1 at a time, through the same middle Dry Speaker cabinet), so I choose the amps I want and voila.

 

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Zachman":1zhkcbth said:
This is my monster. It utilizes up to 4 amps (1 at a time, through the same middle Dry Speaker cabinet), so I choose the amps I want and voila.


You win as usual for the coolest rigs. End of thread. :)

I do like variety, so a 4 amp rig sounds sweet. Kind of building that with preamp tube pedals. Have a Blackface and have a plexi on order. Would like to get a Vox top boost and a dumble to round it out.
 
blackba":1u8kpcdq said:
Zachman":1u8kpcdq said:
This is my monster. It utilizes up to 4 amps (1 at a time, through the same middle Dry Speaker cabinet), so I choose the amps I want and voila.


You win as usual for the coolest rigs. End of thread. :)

I do like variety, so a 4 amp rig sounds sweet. Kind of building that with preamp tube pedals. Have a Blackface and have a plexi on order. Would like to get a Vox top boost and a dumble to round it out.

Thanks brother!

The rig hasn't changed much in the last 10 years. Swapped some pedals but that's about it really.

Eventually, I plan to ad a Kemper and it's own mono power amp (to act as a single head) as 1 of the 4 amps-- to the rig, and then use the stereo outboard gear for fx, with it.

Normally I have a Super Reverb head (swapped 2 Ohm OT for one with a 16, 8, and 4 Ohm tap), Mesa/Boogie MKIII Coliseum Simul-Class, Cameron Atomica, and then (it depends on the gig. I have used VOX, Fuchs, Modded Marshalls etc.)
 
blackba":cdyhjwlk said:
Zachman":cdyhjwlk said:
This is my monster. It utilizes up to 4 amps (1 at a time, through the same middle Dry Speaker cabinet), so I choose the amps I want and voila.


You win as usual for the coolest rigs. End of thread. :)

I do like variety, so a 4 amp rig sounds sweet. Kind of building that with preamp tube pedals. Have a Blackface and have a plexi on order. Would like to get a Vox top boost and a dumble to round it out.

Someone didn't read the thread.
 
MistaGuitah":3ux9sout said:
blackba":3ux9sout said:
Zachman":3ux9sout said:
This is my monster. It utilizes up to 4 amps (1 at a time, through the same middle Dry Speaker cabinet), so I choose the amps I want and voila.


You win as usual for the coolest rigs. End of thread. :)

I do like variety, so a 4 amp rig sounds sweet. Kind of building that with preamp tube pedals. Have a Blackface and have a plexi on order. Would like to get a Vox top boost and a dumble to round it out.

Someone didn't read the thread.

I read it. I just don't buy into the narrative or the hype that a low watt amp is a necessary condition, for a Full-bodied tone solution, for higher powered amp's being too loud. Not at all.

Small wattage be damned. I was playing at whisper volumes w/ NO need (CLEARLY), for smaller watt solutions. If you listen closely, you can hear me strumming the strings acoustically, and you can hear me stepping on the foot switch buttons.

That said, My 'Ultimate Rig', allows me to plug in whatever amps I want, regardless of power rating. Looks more like YOU didn't read.

I can plug in 1-5 watt heads into the rig if I want to as well, so... That's why I posted 'My' 'Ultimate Amp Setup'. I wanted to illustrate that the rig (The Outboard gear and the MIDI Controller gear to control everything, isn't limited by the Amp Selection), so I wouldn't be limited, when it comes to adding or utilizing 'Other' Amps to suit the occasion. I designed it that way intentionally to assist in eliminating obscolecense.

I hope that clears it up for you. ;)

What was your point/issue? To illustrate that the real issue is-- players not knowing how to utilize 'whatever gear they prefer' to suit the situation? :confused: :scared:

:thumbsup:
 
Zachman":2u5in4fq said:
MistaGuitah":2u5in4fq said:
blackba":2u5in4fq said:
Zachman":2u5in4fq said:
This is my monster. It utilizes up to 4 amps (1 at a time, through the same middle Dry Speaker cabinet), so I choose the amps I want and voila.


You win as usual for the coolest rigs. End of thread. :)

I do like variety, so a 4 amp rig sounds sweet. Kind of building that with preamp tube pedals. Have a Blackface and have a plexi on order. Would like to get a Vox top boost and a dumble to round it out.

Someone didn't read the thread.

I read it.

Small wattage be damned. I was playing at whisper volumes w/ NO need (CLEARLY), for smaller watt solutions. If you listen closely, you can hear me strumming the strings acoustically, and you can hear me stepping on the foot switch buttons.

That said, My 'Ultimate Rig', allows me to plug in whatever amps I want, regardless of power rating. Looks more like YOU didn't read.

I can plug in 1-5 watt heads into the rig if I want to as well, so... That's why I posted 'My' 'Ultimate Amp Setup'. I wanted to illustrate that the rig (The Outboard gear and the MIDI Controller gear to control everything, isn't limited by the Amp Selection), so I wouldn't be limited, when it comes to adding or utilizing 'Other' Amps to suit the occasion. I designed it that way intentionally to assist in eliminating obscolecense.

I hope that clears it up for you. ;)

What was your point/issue? To illustrate that the real issue is-- players not knowing how to utilize 'whatever gear they prefer' to suit the situation? :confused: :scared:

:thumbsup:

LOL! I think you meant to spell "obsolescence," not "obsconlescence." First of all, I wasn't suggesting a hard rule to this thread so there was no need to get triggered. It's not my intention to embarrass you but should point out that you must be the object of clarification since you totally missed the fact this thread is about rigs in process, being worked towards, not already complete rigs. It's great that you have a superior rig and all, and congratulations on your accomplishment, but I solicited people who have a dream rig in mind and are trying to build it.

As for your supposition that my "point/issue" had something to do with "players not knowing how to utilize 'whatever gear they prefer' to suit the situation," or whatever you were trying to impute, I said nothing like that. This is exactly what I said:

"I respect people who keep things simple, don't need much, and do a great job with what they have."

Therefore, I don't know how you formulated the fatuity of your inquiry but it didn't come from anything I said. I think you should check the source of your single quoted statement.

Lastly, since you somehow translated your reading into a baffling dig at "players who don't know how to utilize" gear, it might be a good idea to do some self-reflection and figure out whatever insecurity, sensitivity, or technical inadequacy prompts you to conjure up those kinds of perceptions. Nevertheless, you are welcome to post your rig and brag about it all you want because I was not trying to prevent you from posting. My goal was to give people a chance to discuss their prospective rigs without getting overshadowed by high-dollar gear porn.
 
When I move to my cabin I will def need to downsize so I'm thinking Splawn SS mini and 1x12. Or fukitall and go kemper/helix/axefx floor
 
311splawndude":e4jax0r3 said:
When I move to my cabin I will def need to downsize so I'm thinking Splawn SS mini and 1x12. Or fukitall and go kemper/helix/axefx floor

Speaking of Splawn, I'd love to get a Nitro SS. Ever play one? I once (regrettably) sold a Nitro with EL34s and liked it more than the QR in retrospect. I wonder how the SS would compare.
 
MistaGuitah":18457ns5 said:
311splawndude":18457ns5 said:
When I move to my cabin I will def need to downsize so I'm thinking Splawn SS mini and 1x12. Or fukitall and go kemper/helix/axefx floor

Speaking of Splawn, I'd love to get a Nitro SS. Ever play one? I once (regrettably) sold a Nitro with EL34s and liked it more than the QR in retrospect. I wonder how the SS would compare.
No. The only Splawn I've played in the wild is mine. I'd love to try a Nitro though - the opinions on which is better taunt me. When I got the QR I was pretty certain I wanted 'the Gears' and the flexibility and such. Now I just seem to only really want to play really heavy stuff and never play in Gear 1 or Gear 3 so who knows...I may completely fall in love with a Nitro.

You've got a great list there though in your OP - I'd be happy with either one of those.
 
MistaGuitah":2j0gd7d5 said:
Zachman":2j0gd7d5 said:
MistaGuitah":2j0gd7d5 said:
blackba":2j0gd7d5 said:
Zachman":2j0gd7d5 said:
This is my monster. It utilizes up to 4 amps (1 at a time, through the same middle Dry Speaker cabinet), so I choose the amps I want and voila.


You win as usual for the coolest rigs. End of thread. :)

I do like variety, so a 4 amp rig sounds sweet. Kind of building that with preamp tube pedals. Have a Blackface and have a plexi on order. Would like to get a Vox top boost and a dumble to round it out.

Someone didn't read the thread.

I read it.

Small wattage be damned. I was playing at whisper volumes w/ NO need (CLEARLY), for smaller watt solutions. If you listen closely, you can hear me strumming the strings acoustically, and you can hear me stepping on the foot switch buttons.

That said, My 'Ultimate Rig', allows me to plug in whatever amps I want, regardless of power rating. Looks more like YOU didn't read.

I can plug in 1-5 watt heads into the rig if I want to as well, so... That's why I posted 'My' 'Ultimate Amp Setup'. I wanted to illustrate that the rig (The Outboard gear and the MIDI Controller gear to control everything, isn't limited by the Amp Selection), so I wouldn't be limited, when it comes to adding or utilizing 'Other' Amps to suit the occasion. I designed it that way intentionally to assist in eliminating obscolecense.

I hope that clears it up for you. ;)

What was your point/issue? To illustrate that the real issue is-- players not knowing how to utilize 'whatever gear they prefer' to suit the situation? :confused: :scared:

:thumbsup:

MistaGuitah":2j0gd7d5 said:
LOL! I think you meant to spell "obsolescence," not "obsconlescence." First of all, I wasn't suggesting a hard rule to this thread so there was no need to get triggered. It's not my intention to embarrass you but should point out that you must be the object of clarification since you totally missed the fact this thread is about rigs in process, being worked towards, not already complete rigs. It's great that you have a superior rig and all, and congratulations on your accomplishment, but I solicited people who have a dream rig in mind and are trying to build it.

Not triggered, and no embarrassment here. I figure ALL gear are mere tools, and most people's challenges come from not understanding how to maximize their results with given tools.

MistaGuitah":2j0gd7d5 said:
As for your supposition that my "point/issue" had something to do with "players not knowing how to utilize 'whatever gear they prefer' to suit the situation," or whatever you were trying to impute, I said nothing like that. This is exactly what I said:

"I respect people who keep things simple, don't need much, and do a great job with what they have."

Therefore, I don't know how you formulated the fatuity of your inquiry but it didn't come from anything I said. I think you should check the source of your single quoted statement.

Lastly, since you somehow translated your reading into a baffling dig at "players who don't know how to utilize" gear, it might be a good idea to do some self-reflection and figure out whatever insecurity, sensitivity, or technical inadequacy prompts you to conjure up those kinds of perceptions. Nevertheless, you are welcome to post your rig and brag about it all you want because I was not trying to prevent you from posting. My goal was to give people a chance to discuss their prospective rigs without getting overshadowed by high-dollar gear porn.

Being here on this forum for 14 years, as someone who has designed, built and programmed MANY rigs for myself and others since the 80's (From small travel rigs to rather complex and Large rigs), I figure--those who are seeking solutions could/should start 1st, with those who have actually done what they're attempting to do, and who don't have gear or tone challenges and continue to do what they do without issue. I have enjoyed MANY MANY conversations here assisting others, as well as enjoying what others do, and learning about why their approach works for them-- and I hope to continue

Those who would like to ask questions about rig design and discuss design and gear selection & considerations are most welcome to ask, and need not fear 'getting over-shadowed by high-dollar gear porn'.

To suggest that I have some sort of technical inadequacy is HILARIOUS. :hys:

Guys w/ that issue don't design, build, program and utilize this stuff, and other people's gear or opinions about mine are a non-issue as well, so no insecurity or sensitivity to speak of either. :dunno:

;)

As for current rigs being utilized: I put together rigs for myself, as needed and select amps for gigs or projects on a case by case basis. When taking the Big rig presents a logistical issue, such as a small stage or merely simple uncomplicated tone-scapes or switching multiple amps etc. isn't needed, I use 'Other' stuff (I have a LOT of choices) ;). Some times an acoustic guitar or a mono setup w/ a combo and a tuner is all that's 'needed', but sometimes that just doesn't cut it-- so I hope that clarifies a bit. :cheers:

This is me using a 100 watt head (Cameron Atomica) and a small cab (EVH 1X12) w/ a Boss tuner, CE2, and a DD2 delay--at whisper quiet volume. That's it. https://www.reverbnation.com/evilgeniusatributetopatbenatar/songs

So-- Gear porn narrative not withstanding

Feel free to un-knot your thong and take a deep breath, and relax. No need to feel upset over 'Rig porn'-- It's a 'Gear' Forum :poke: :2thumbsup: :cheers:
 
311splawndude":116adz2h said:
MistaGuitah":116adz2h said:
311splawndude":116adz2h said:
When I move to my cabin I will def need to downsize so I'm thinking Splawn SS mini and 1x12. Or fukitall and go kemper/helix/axefx floor

Speaking of Splawn, I'd love to get a Nitro SS. Ever play one? I once (regrettably) sold a Nitro with EL34s and liked it more than the QR in retrospect. I wonder how the SS would compare.
No. The only Splawn I've played in the wild is mine. I'd love to try a Nitro though - the opinions on which is better taunt me. When I got the QR I was pretty certain I wanted 'the Gears' and the flexibility and such. Now I just seem to only really want to play really heavy stuff and never play in Gear 1 or Gear 3 so who knows...I may completely fall in love with a Nitro.

You've got a great list there though in your OP - I'd be happy with either one of those.

Yeah the Nitro is a seriously overlooked amp. I love the QR, and it has a certain sound but relatively Marshall. The Nitro, on the other hand, has a pretty unique sound sort of like the Bogner Uberschall compared to the Goldfinger 90 and Helios for example. Not that it sounds like the Uberschall, just that compared to the QR and Competition, it's got a more unique character. The clean channel is also terribly overlooked as I think it's up there with other hi-fi type amps like Diezel. It has massive low end but all part of the overall sound. You can play at lower gain or saturated and it maintained a great response and harmonics either way. It's really an amp that let's you craft your own sound and doesn't pigeonhole you into a Marshall sound or something. Reminiscing about it arouses my desire to have one again. If the Stealth 50 doesn't do it then the Nitro SS is definitely the first choice.
 
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