What is Your Ultimate Amp Setup?

[Racerxrated]

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?

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.

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.

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.



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.

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

Zach has more gear knowledge and experience playing out with complex rigs than most everyone on this forum. Lol. OP-you mentioned dream rig..right? Well, Zach has his. Clearly. I have a Monomyth modded Marshall, along with a 2C+ Coliseum both slaved to an HH power amp(400w) with 2 Roland SDE 3000s, out to 6 cabs (2 dry). Only 'want' I have at this point is an old Fender Blackface Bassman. One will be coming soon. That is my dream rig. I may throw a few different FX units in to spice things up a bit, but I want for nothing at the moment. All good on this end.

I've asked Zach on more than one occasion for advice with gear...he has and is a very helpful RTer.

 

[Zachman]

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?

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.

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.

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.



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.

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

Zach has more gear knowledge and experience playing out with complex rigs than most everyone on this forum. Lol. OP-you mentioned dream rig..right? Well, Zach has his. Clearly. I have a Monomyth modded Marshall, along with a 2C+ Coliseum both slaved to an HH power amp(400w) with 2 Roland SDE 3000s, out to 6 cabs (2 dry). Only 'want' I have at this point is an old Fender Blackface Bassman. One will be coming soon. That is my dream rig. I may throw a few different FX units in to spice things up a bit, but I want for nothing at the moment. All good on this end.

I've asked Zach on more than one occasion for advice with gear...he has and is a very helpful RTer.

LONG time no see/hear!

I hope your New Year is GREAT!!!

Thank you for the kind words

 

[errrrrl]

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

Thats a good list! From the amps listed seems like you would be a good candidate for a Synergy. For myself the only amp that I think would complete dream rig status would be to add a Wizard MTL to my collection (Butterslax, Dirty Shirley, Fryette Ultralead, Fortin Cali). I honestly don't see that happening any time soon though

 

[skullfxr]

I am good where I am at pretty much. I am looking at adding one more head this fall. Probably a BE-100.

I just ordeded my last Gotoh Floyd for the fifth upgraded Jackson Dinky. I am good there. They are amazing guitars for the money with once they have a good trem. They are guitars that are killer beaters.

I will get a few more delay and modulation pedals, I recently built myself a bunch of OD's and fuzzes for myself.

I think I am moving in a different direction than most but I am perfectly fine with that.

I am also going to wrap up my modded bandmaster and bassman this year but I have not had a lot of drive tbh. Lol.

I MAY pick up a used USA strat and MAYBE a two notes captor X. But not really sure.

I don't see the point of owning a bunch of low wattage amps. Been there done that. The only high gain low watt I have is my Splawn SS 6V6. Which I do love, but big boys just do it better for me.

 

[EXPcustom]

This setup ended up sounding amazing, it was just thrown together spur of the moment Mark and I just grabbed whatever was in front of us:

Mesa DRG head with NOS tubes and Mark Cameron prototype boosted pedal, delay and reverb run through a power station and 2 4x12 cabs. Fully loaded long head.

As for Zachman's rig, yeah lots of older members here have seen his rig but it's cool that he posts it so newer members can see it. Also Zachman has the experience and knowledge that if you had any questions setting up your dream rig he would more than readily answer your questions. Zach has been nothing but cool to me and my friends when we talked via PM or over phone.

I don't understand what the OP is getting at, post your cheap ghetto rig of lunchbox amps you haven't built yet?

 

[MistaGuitah]

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

Thats a good list! From the amps listed seems like you would be a good candidate for a Synergy. For myself the only amp that I think would complete dream rig status would be to add a Wizard MTL to my collection (Butterslax, Dirty Shirley, Fryette Ultralead, Fortin Cali). I honestly don't see that happening any time soon though

I had a couple of Syn1 preamps and a few modules for a while but couldn't get them to sound as good without a tube preamp, so I sold them thinking I'd get one of their modular heads but drifted away from that. Since then, my Suhr IR has been working out great with tube amps so as much as I like the Synergy stuff, it's not certain how it would work into my mini amp plan. Who knows though because they've been a bit slow to introduce new modules, but the Engl module is a good enough reason alone to get one. It sounds great.

 

[skullfxr]

I don't understand what the OP is getting at, post your cheap ghetto rig of lunchbox amps you haven't built yet?

Totally lol'd.

While no means ghetto, but you get a shadow of what the big amps are for two-thirds the price?

 

[MistaGuitah]

I don't understand what the OP is getting at, post your cheap ghetto rig of lunchbox amps you haven't built yet?

Actually, I already own 2 of the amps listed and am in the process of acquiring the rest of my rig. If you think it's a "cheap ghetto rig" then by all means show everyone on the forum what a proper rig looks like. I'll be nice enough to inform you that your low-quality commentary essentially pisses on everyone who has bought a lunchbox amp. There's really nothing confusing about anything I said, but perhaps all the confusion you seem to share with your buddy Zachman stems from your proclivity to ask rude, absurd, dumb-ass questions.

 

[skullfxr]

I don't understand what the OP is getting at, post your cheap ghetto rig of lunchbox amps you haven't built yet?

Actually, I already own 2 of the amps listed and am in the process of acquiring the rest of my rig. If you think it's a "cheap ghetto rig" then by all means show everyone on the forum what a proper rig looks like. I'll be nice enough to inform you that your low-quality commentary essentially pisses on everyone who has bought a lunchbox amp. There's really nothing confusing about anything I said, but perhaps all the confusion you seem to share with your buddy Zachman stems from your proclivity to ask rude, absurd, dumb-ass questions.

Chill bro. No need to be so uptight.

 

[Zachman]

I don't understand what the OP is getting at, post your cheap ghetto rig of lunchbox amps you haven't built yet?

Actually, I already own 2 of the amps listed and am in the process of acquiring the rest of my rig. If you think it's a "cheap ghetto rig" then by all means show everyone on the forum what a proper rig looks like. I'll be nice enough to inform you that your low-quality commentary essentially pisses on everyone who has bought a lunchbox amp. There's really nothing confusing about anything I said, but perhaps all the confusion you seem to share with your buddy Zachman stems from your proclivity to ask rude, absurd, dumb-ass questions.

Chill bro. No need to be so uptight.

Agree

The premise, "Being that this is the year of the ultimate lower wattage amps, I am currently replacing my entire setup"-- seems strangely disconnected to me because of-- 'So what does that have to do with anything at all', that would make him, me, or anyone else reconsider replacing his, mine, or their entire rig, is the mystery.

 

[Zachman]

I don't understand what the OP is getting at, post your cheap ghetto rig of lunchbox amps you haven't built yet?

Actually, I already own 2 of the amps listed and am in the process of acquiring the rest of my rig. If you think it's a "cheap ghetto rig" then by all means show everyone on the forum what a proper rig looks like. I'll be nice enough to inform you that your low-quality commentary essentially pisses on everyone who has bought a lunchbox amp. There's really nothing confusing about anything I said, but perhaps all the confusion you seem to share with your buddy Zachman stems from your proclivity to ask rude, absurd, dumb-ass questions.

Lighten up Francis...

You said, "Being that this is the year of the ultimate lower wattage amps, I am currently replacing my entire setup."

Why the need to replace your entire rig, because of a current market trend?

Just curious, since I don't see the need, as my 100-180 watt amps sound awesome at whisper volumes, but are not limited to low listening levels, so was just wondering about your thought process/reasoning on what the possible upside would/could be.

Perhaps you are looking for a way to achieve maximum depreciation on your investment, to offset your music income taxes.

Your rational just seems strange

 

[skullfxr]

I have gone through the small amp thing. There is no massive benefit. Most of my 100 watt heads do perfectly fine at bedroom levels and sound better than the little ones do at that volume than the small ones.

I have no idea why somebody would pay $2k+ for a 20 watt amp that is a shadow of its big brother and has less features. The used big Brothers tend to be the same price.

TBH I would not even have my Supersport if I didn't pay $900 for it WITH a Splawn 2x12" cab. It's great for me but I would not pay $1400 for a new one. AND with Splawn the money goes pretty far compared to other names.

 

[Zachman]

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.

Why not switch to acoustic?

Keep it simple, just not simpler than necessary * (the key)

 

[Zachman]

I have gone through the small amp thing. There is no massive benefit. Most of my 100 watt heads do perfectly fine at bedroom levels and sound better than the little ones do at that volume than the small ones.

I have no idea why somebody would pay $2k+ for a 20 watt amp that is a shadow of its big brother and has less features. The used big Brothers tend to be the same price.

TBH I would not even have my Supersport if I didn't pay $900 for it WITH a Splawn 2x12" cab. It's great for me but I would not pay $1400 for a new one. AND with Splawn the money goes pretty far compared to other names.

E X A C T L Y ! ! !

 

[MistaGuitah]

I don't understand what the OP is getting at, post your cheap ghetto rig of lunchbox amps you haven't built yet?

Actually, I already own 2 of the amps listed and am in the process of acquiring the rest of my rig. If you think it's a "cheap ghetto rig" then by all means show everyone on the forum what a proper rig looks like. I'll be nice enough to inform you that your low-quality commentary essentially pisses on everyone who has bought a lunchbox amp. There's really nothing confusing about anything I said, but perhaps all the confusion you seem to share with your buddy Zachman stems from your proclivity to ask rude, absurd, dumb-ass questions.

Lighten up Francis...

You said, "Being that this is the year of the ultimate lower wattage amps, I am currently replacing my entire setup."

Why the need to replace your entire rig, because of a current market trend?

Is that what you got out of my statement? You think that I am "replacing my entire rig because of a current market trend?" Wow! That's just... The answer is no - not even remotely within the context of what I said. No, I am not some trendy moron who goes off and decides to change his entire rig because that's what's on the market right now. It means that because the amps I'm particularly interested in are now available on the market, it allows me to build a rig that works best for my use.

 

[MistaGuitah]

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.

Why not switch to acoustic?

Keep it simple, just not simpler than necessary * (the key)

Maybe YOU should switch to acoustic because judging by your Youtube videos, it seems like you'd be better off just strumming chords and not trying to play leads.

 

[Zachman]

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.

Why not switch to acoustic?

Keep it simple, just not simpler than necessary * (the key)

Maybe YOU should switch to acoustic because judging by your Youtube videos, it seems like you'd be better off just strumming chords and not trying to play leads.

Well, you know what they say about opinions...

Opinions are like assholes... Everybody has one and...

I say, 'They're like orgasms... Mine is more important than yours, and I don't care if you have one or not.

 

[MistaGuitah]

I have gone through the small amp thing. There is no massive benefit. Most of my 100 watt heads do perfectly fine at bedroom levels and sound better than the little ones do at that volume than the small ones.

I have no idea why somebody would pay $2k+ for a 20 watt amp that is a shadow of its big brother and has less features. The used big Brothers tend to be the same price.

TBH I would not even have my Supersport if I didn't pay $900 for it WITH a Splawn 2x12" cab. It's great for me but I would not pay $1400 for a new one. AND with Splawn the money goes pretty far compared to other names.

LOL! Look, I'm just going to quote what you said so you can rethink it later:

"Most of my 100 watt heads do perfectly fine at bedroom levels and sound better than the little ones do at that volume than the small ones."

"I have no idea why somebody would pay $2k+ for a 20 watt amp that is a shadow of its big brother and has less features."

"I would not even have my Supersport if I didn't pay $900 for it WITH a Splawn 2x12" cab. It's great for me but I would not pay $1400 for a new one."

All I have to say in response is:

1. Good luck arguing the whole 100w vs 10w bedroom volume thing. I have no interest in pursuing that discussion.

2. The Bogner Ecstasy 3534 isn't a "shadow of it's big brother." In fact, it has its own specific design. If you want to contest that, go contest it with Bogner. Hey, why don't you go tell Friedman, Bogner, EVH, Mesa Boogie, Diezel, Splawn, and all the other amp manufacturers that they are morons for producing smaller, lower wattage amplifiers and that their pricing is total shit because you're not willing to pay their prices.

3. Maybe you should reconsider valuing amps based on what YOU are willing to pay for them. If I were to disagree with the cost of an amp, I would at least try to qualify it with some facts instead of a vague, subjective statement.

 

[Zachman]

Is that what you got out of my statement? You think that I am "replacing my entire rig because of a current market trend?"

Yes, I literally quoted what you wrote, and as I explained it-- seemed odd-- and I specified why.

Wow! That's just... The answer is no - not even remotely within the context of what I said. No, I am not some trendy moron who goes off and decides to change his entire rig because that's what's on the market right now.

That is E X A C T L Y what you said/wrote, in context.

It means that because the amps I'm particularly interested in are now available on the market, it allows me to build a rig that works best for my use.

Go on

 

[Zachman]

I have gone through the small amp thing. There is no massive benefit. Most of my 100 watt heads do perfectly fine at bedroom levels and sound better than the little ones do at that volume than the small ones.

I have no idea why somebody would pay $2k+ for a 20 watt amp that is a shadow of its big brother and has less features. The used big Brothers tend to be the same price.

TBH I would not even have my Supersport if I didn't pay $900 for it WITH a Splawn 2x12" cab. It's great for me but I would not pay $1400 for a new one. AND with Splawn the money goes pretty far compared to other names.

LOL! Look, I'm just going to quote what you said so you can rethink it later:

"Most of my 100 watt heads do perfectly fine at bedroom levels and sound better than the little ones do at that volume than the small ones."

"I have no idea why somebody would pay $2k+ for a 20 watt amp that is a shadow of its big brother and has less features."

"I would not even have my Supersport if I didn't pay $900 for it WITH a Splawn 2x12" cab. It's great for me but I would not pay $1400 for a new one."

All I have to say in response is:

1. Good luck arguing the whole 100w vs 10w bedroom volume thing. I have no interest in pursuing that discussion. There is ZERO argument regarding that debunked nonsense. It's pilot error if someone doesn't understand how to utilize a 100 watt amp in a low volume setting

2. The Bogner Ecstasy 3534 isn't a "shadow of it's big brother." In fact, it has its own specific design. If you want to contest that, go contest it with Bogner. Hey, why don't you go tell Friedman, Bogner, EVH, Mesa Boogie, Diezel, Splawn, and all the other amp manufacturers that they are morons for producing smaller, lower wattage amplifiers and that their pricing is total shit because you're not willing to pay their prices.

3. Maybe you should reconsider valuing amps based on what YOU are willing to pay for them. If I were to disagree with the cost of an amp, I would at least try to qualify it with some facts instead of a vague, subjective statement.

I value amps from a few points of view.

1. Does it do what I want
2. Did it pay for itself gigging
3. Depreciation and ROI (Return on Investment)