100 watt amps
- Thread starter richard parker
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Red_Label
New member
Re: 100 watt amps
Guys... I had a very long, detailed response all typed-up and my internet connection took a dump and I lost it all. Friggin HATE it when that happens!
In the interest of not having to retype all of my thoughts (and the fact that I'm short 5 people today who are usually here to help me at work) suffice it to say that I'm an "all-in" kind of guy, and when my direction shifts, I shift my gear accordingly. The XT Classic is a MONSTER amp for country, classic rock, and even classic metal. But it doesn't hold together in terms of tightness for the more modern stuff. And I have little interest in using OD pedals and EQs to get it there. The VHT does that all on its own.
My favorite newer band of the past decade is probably Alter Bridge. Mark uses a Shiva for his lead tones, but he uses Rectos and/or Uberschalls for his rhythem tones. That's a bit closer to what I'm looking for right now in terms of tones, and the VHT does it. So I could just keep the VHT for that stuff, and keep the XTC for other stuff. But I just don't know if I want a $2K+ amp sitting around for the possibility that down the road I'll swing back its way. I'm more of a "sieze the day" person where I roll with that I'm feeling at the moment. For a long time it's been the Bogner stuff... but it appears that my musical journey is not finished yet.
As far as gigs go... yes, these are the first two gigs that I've played since last November. I quit my last band back then, and just got started gigging with my current band. I happened to pickup the XTC last December, so this was the first opportunity for me to really push it. Although I do push my amps at home more than most, as I live in my own home and I wear earplugs every day. So I get my gear at roughly 50-75% of gigging volume on a daily basis.
Anyways... right now I'm looking into Diezel, Engl, Mesa (Mark V), and maybe the Bogner Uberschall, 101B, or 20th XTC or 20th Shiva. We'll see where it ends-up. I've been in a state of upheaval for not just guitar gear, but also been selling some of my guns lately. What used to be more important to me I find no longer is. In the end, this is all just "STUFF" to acquire, enjoy, and sell, because my wife and kids are all that really matters to me...
Also, been hanging-out at Rig-Talk more and more lately and those guys and their Diezels have been a bad influence on me...
Guys... I had a very long, detailed response all typed-up and my internet connection took a dump and I lost it all. Friggin HATE it when that happens!
In the interest of not having to retype all of my thoughts (and the fact that I'm short 5 people today who are usually here to help me at work) suffice it to say that I'm an "all-in" kind of guy, and when my direction shifts, I shift my gear accordingly. The XT Classic is a MONSTER amp for country, classic rock, and even classic metal. But it doesn't hold together in terms of tightness for the more modern stuff. And I have little interest in using OD pedals and EQs to get it there. The VHT does that all on its own.
My favorite newer band of the past decade is probably Alter Bridge. Mark uses a Shiva for his lead tones, but he uses Rectos and/or Uberschalls for his rhythem tones. That's a bit closer to what I'm looking for right now in terms of tones, and the VHT does it. So I could just keep the VHT for that stuff, and keep the XTC for other stuff. But I just don't know if I want a $2K+ amp sitting around for the possibility that down the road I'll swing back its way. I'm more of a "sieze the day" person where I roll with that I'm feeling at the moment. For a long time it's been the Bogner stuff... but it appears that my musical journey is not finished yet.
As far as gigs go... yes, these are the first two gigs that I've played since last November. I quit my last band back then, and just got started gigging with my current band. I happened to pickup the XTC last December, so this was the first opportunity for me to really push it. Although I do push my amps at home more than most, as I live in my own home and I wear earplugs every day. So I get my gear at roughly 50-75% of gigging volume on a daily basis.
Anyways... right now I'm looking into Diezel, Engl, Mesa (Mark V), and maybe the Bogner Uberschall, 101B, or 20th XTC or 20th Shiva. We'll see where it ends-up. I've been in a state of upheaval for not just guitar gear, but also been selling some of my guns lately. What used to be more important to me I find no longer is. In the end, this is all just "STUFF" to acquire, enjoy, and sell, because my wife and kids are all that really matters to me...
Also, been hanging-out at Rig-Talk more and more lately and those guys and their Diezels have been a bad influence on me...
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blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: 100 watt amps
I haven't needed a 100 watt amp for gigs, although I like having extra headroom. I don't want the volume knob, or tubes, maxed out. Amps last longer that way. If you need more volume, adding speakers will do that better, as they get more air moving and increase dispersion.
In a big venue or outdoors, yeah, extra volume is usually needed, but I've heard plenty of guys at small venues that just blast the crowd, where no one can communicate other than screaming directly into someone's ear. That's just inconsiderate; people come there to socialize, and especially when you consider that the average local band isn't particularly good enough to justify playing that loud. For the average bar gig, a 30 or 40 watt amp and one 12" speaker is enough for you to be heard clearly over the drums and other instruments. Bring more horsepower if you want, but don't feel obligated to crank it way up.
I haven't needed a 100 watt amp for gigs, although I like having extra headroom. I don't want the volume knob, or tubes, maxed out. Amps last longer that way. If you need more volume, adding speakers will do that better, as they get more air moving and increase dispersion.
In a big venue or outdoors, yeah, extra volume is usually needed, but I've heard plenty of guys at small venues that just blast the crowd, where no one can communicate other than screaming directly into someone's ear. That's just inconsiderate; people come there to socialize, and especially when you consider that the average local band isn't particularly good enough to justify playing that loud. For the average bar gig, a 30 or 40 watt amp and one 12" speaker is enough for you to be heard clearly over the drums and other instruments. Bring more horsepower if you want, but don't feel obligated to crank it way up.
Agileguy_101
Master of his Domain
Re: 100 watt amps
Good points. I just want to add that while 30-40W might be enough to be heard, it might not sound at all like you need it to. Like I said earlier, some guys need the power amp clean because of the massive amounts of preamp gain they're using. Somehow, I don't think sosomething would get much mileage out of a 40W 1x12 combo.
It's really just situational. For a blues or blues rock situation, 30W is more than enough. For a hard rock/metal show, you need more watts and more speakers.
Good points. I just want to add that while 30-40W might be enough to be heard, it might not sound at all like you need it to. Like I said earlier, some guys need the power amp clean because of the massive amounts of preamp gain they're using. Somehow, I don't think sosomething would get much mileage out of a 40W 1x12 combo.
It's really just situational. For a blues or blues rock situation, 30W is more than enough. For a hard rock/metal show, you need more watts and more speakers.
sosomething
Seymour Duncan Customer Support
Re: 100 watt amps
In a word, yes.
In a word, yes.
King IzzO)))
Ultimate Kitten Puncher
Re: 100 watt amps
Well, last time I was playing guitar with a band I tried using my Mig60 and it was *barely* loud enough with the pre at 3/4 up and the master dimed. And that wasn't even a loud band by my standards.
When I'm playing drums anyone playing with me needs to have at least close to 100 watts or I will drown them out. I got used to practicing with 2 dudes playing 2 120 watt amps at 8 for years, so I have a hard time toning it down now. Yes, I know that means I'm probably a sh!tty drummer, and yes, I ALWAYS wear earplugs.
Well, last time I was playing guitar with a band I tried using my Mig60 and it was *barely* loud enough with the pre at 3/4 up and the master dimed. And that wasn't even a loud band by my standards.
When I'm playing drums anyone playing with me needs to have at least close to 100 watts or I will drown them out. I got used to practicing with 2 dudes playing 2 120 watt amps at 8 for years, so I have a hard time toning it down now. Yes, I know that means I'm probably a sh!tty drummer, and yes, I ALWAYS wear earplugs.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: 100 watt amps
And in some venues that's fine. If you're playing in a small bar with seats for a couple dozen, playing that loud is inconsiderate and will get you banned from some places (I know, I've played with a friend that did that, and he was not allowed back in half the places he played). The band may be wearing earplugs, but people in the audience rarely do, and the amps and speakers are pointed at them. They're there to talk and have fun, and hear some music. When they can't hear what anyone else is saying, conversations are out, then it gets boring, and let's face it, most local bands aren't as good as they think they are. The crowd is not going to spend hours mesmerized by your band. A so-so band at mega-volume sounds that much worse. All the mistakes and timing errors are amplified too.
And in some venues that's fine. If you're playing in a small bar with seats for a couple dozen, playing that loud is inconsiderate and will get you banned from some places (I know, I've played with a friend that did that, and he was not allowed back in half the places he played). The band may be wearing earplugs, but people in the audience rarely do, and the amps and speakers are pointed at them. They're there to talk and have fun, and hear some music. When they can't hear what anyone else is saying, conversations are out, then it gets boring, and let's face it, most local bands aren't as good as they think they are. The crowd is not going to spend hours mesmerized by your band. A so-so band at mega-volume sounds that much worse. All the mistakes and timing errors are amplified too.
ErikH
Well-known member
Re: 100 watt amps
A big +1 here. In my band, we are very conscious of the FOH levels. After the first set, we usually ask the bar manager and even the bartenders how the levels are. If the bartenders can't hear to take orders, the band is too loud and they lose money. We are there providing live music and entertainment. They could very well be plenty happy with just the juke box playing but these places like live music and their patrons do too while socializing. Get butts on the dance floor, keep the people in the place and the drinks pouring. That's how you get invited back.... in addition to not being too loud.
A big +1 here. In my band, we are very conscious of the FOH levels. After the first set, we usually ask the bar manager and even the bartenders how the levels are. If the bartenders can't hear to take orders, the band is too loud and they lose money. We are there providing live music and entertainment. They could very well be plenty happy with just the juke box playing but these places like live music and their patrons do too while socializing. Get butts on the dance floor, keep the people in the place and the drinks pouring. That's how you get invited back.... in addition to not being too loud.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: 100 watt amps
Which is exactly what a local band is supposed to do, provide entertainment, but not dominate the room so that nothing else can take place there. People can talk and laugh, meet friends and make new ones, and listen to some live music in between, and not go home with their ears ringing for several days. If you're a national act and on tour, sure, turn it up a little, people will come just to see you. But if you're a local band, most people are there for other reasons. Respect that and you'll get more gigs.
Which is exactly what a local band is supposed to do, provide entertainment, but not dominate the room so that nothing else can take place there. People can talk and laugh, meet friends and make new ones, and listen to some live music in between, and not go home with their ears ringing for several days. If you're a national act and on tour, sure, turn it up a little, people will come just to see you. But if you're a local band, most people are there for other reasons. Respect that and you'll get more gigs.
King IzzO)))
Ultimate Kitten Puncher
Re: 100 watt amps
Different worlds we live in. I want people remember they were at a show 2 days later.
And the kind of gigs you're talking about pretty much don't interest me at all, unfortunately for my bank account.
Different worlds we live in. I want people remember they were at a show 2 days later.
And the kind of gigs you're talking about pretty much don't interest me at all, unfortunately for my bank account.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
ImmortalSix
John Mayer's Mankini
Re: 100 watt amps
I don't like big wattage amps for their volume, I like them because of their headroom.
I am mostly a clean(ish) player, and I do not prefer amps that distort when you really crank down on the strings or hit them with some hot pickups.
I want the amp to shut up and do what I tell it to. If I want gain, I will command thee. If I don't, just reproduce the sound I give you as loud and clear as you can.
Thank you.
I don't like big wattage amps for their volume, I like them because of their headroom.
I am mostly a clean(ish) player, and I do not prefer amps that distort when you really crank down on the strings or hit them with some hot pickups.
I want the amp to shut up and do what I tell it to. If I want gain, I will command thee. If I don't, just reproduce the sound I give you as loud and clear as you can.
Thank you.
Red_Label
New member
Re: 100 watt amps
Here here!
After many years of gigging in a band where I needed clean tones, nothing shut me down faster than digging-in and getting OD when I wanted clean tones. Even on my XTC, which has high clean headroom... the difference in headroom between 60 watt mode and 120 watt mode is tremendous.
Here here!
After many years of gigging in a band where I needed clean tones, nothing shut me down faster than digging-in and getting OD when I wanted clean tones. Even on my XTC, which has high clean headroom... the difference in headroom between 60 watt mode and 120 watt mode is tremendous.
ErikH
Well-known member
Re: 100 watt amps
Give them something to remember the show then. It doesn't take mega-decibels to do that. Add something to the stage presence that'll make them remember the band. It doesn't matter whether you're in a bar or on a big outdoor stage. The same rules apply.
Give them something to remember the show then. It doesn't take mega-decibels to do that. Add something to the stage presence that'll make them remember the band. It doesn't matter whether you're in a bar or on a big outdoor stage. The same rules apply.
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everdrone
New member
King IzzO)))
Ultimate Kitten Puncher
Re: 100 watt amps
Oh man, you don't even know...
Oh man, you don't even know...
ErikH
Well-known member
Re: 100 watt amps
What types of venues do you play at and how often? Just curious. :beerchug:
What types of venues do you play at and how often? Just curious. :beerchug:
SteveAlysis
Active member
Re: 100 watt amps
Lol... I think it all applies to the style of music you play or enjoy listening to. Some music is meant to be loud, and if you enjoy that said music im sure you're not gonna mind your head ringing a few days later.
Lol... I think it all applies to the style of music you play or enjoy listening to. Some music is meant to be loud, and if you enjoy that said music im sure you're not gonna mind your head ringing a few days later.
King IzzO)))
Ultimate Kitten Puncher
Re: 100 watt amps
Not much for a while, too many excuses but mostly due to getting older and priorities changing. Mostly bars that catered to aggressive music (when there used to be some around here) and all ages DIY scene shows. Usually at an eagles lodge, or a VFW, or community center... or some kids basement.
You can laugh, but this is how I like it. I saw Coliseum in a living room and they were using something akin to a Motorhead rig, and I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. Like I said, different worlds.
Not much for a while, too many excuses but mostly due to getting older and priorities changing. Mostly bars that catered to aggressive music (when there used to be some around here) and all ages DIY scene shows. Usually at an eagles lodge, or a VFW, or community center... or some kids basement.
You can laugh, but this is how I like it. I saw Coliseum in a living room and they were using something akin to a Motorhead rig, and I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. Like I said, different worlds.
