mwalluk
New member
I wanted to formulate a discussion on boutique amps. Red Label's thread discussed how sometimes you don't need a BOGNER to find the tone you're after, rather a "lowly" DSL maybe all that you need. That thread is a great starting point for this discussion.
I want to know your thoughts on the pros and cons of boutique amps (Bogner, VHT/Fryette, Splawn, Engl, Herbert, Framus, Soldano, Hiwatt, etc) vs the readily available/mass produced amps in terms of (Marshall, Mesa, Fender, Orange, Vox, Riveria, Randall, carvin, Peavey etc) and vice versa.
I think this can turn into a really cool, multiple page discussion with a lot of back n forth debates.
I'll start....
More times than not "boutique" amps usually are of better quality (in terms of build) than mass produced amps.
I enjoy the fact that not many musicians and people either have, heard of/know or have played my amp. It's a great moment when they turn their head at my amp, then turn it right back around when they hear it for the first time.
I find that it's easier to dial in your own signature tone with a boutique than it is with a mass produced amp. I say this because since not many people own/play through said amp (vs mass produced) it's easier to obtain a more unique, identity. Due to the lack of familiarity, it's in essence a "new" sound.
With that comes a new perspective and less stereotypes. A gibson les paul into a Marshall you get the since that that player's style is all kinds of rock (classic, hard/metal, 90s, etc) a prs into a mesa (nu metal, modern) a fender strat into a fender/vox.... you get the picture.
That being said.....
I like the security of "mass produced" amps in terms of the wealth of knowledge out there to said amp. Problems? MOds? Tubes? Speaker combos? Pedals react with... etc.
Some of the classic tones I grew up listening to and revering have all come from said amps.
They are more readily available on the new/used market. Usually cost less.
Your turn go....
I want to know your thoughts on the pros and cons of boutique amps (Bogner, VHT/Fryette, Splawn, Engl, Herbert, Framus, Soldano, Hiwatt, etc) vs the readily available/mass produced amps in terms of (Marshall, Mesa, Fender, Orange, Vox, Riveria, Randall, carvin, Peavey etc) and vice versa.
I think this can turn into a really cool, multiple page discussion with a lot of back n forth debates.
I'll start....
More times than not "boutique" amps usually are of better quality (in terms of build) than mass produced amps.
I enjoy the fact that not many musicians and people either have, heard of/know or have played my amp. It's a great moment when they turn their head at my amp, then turn it right back around when they hear it for the first time.
I find that it's easier to dial in your own signature tone with a boutique than it is with a mass produced amp. I say this because since not many people own/play through said amp (vs mass produced) it's easier to obtain a more unique, identity. Due to the lack of familiarity, it's in essence a "new" sound.
With that comes a new perspective and less stereotypes. A gibson les paul into a Marshall you get the since that that player's style is all kinds of rock (classic, hard/metal, 90s, etc) a prs into a mesa (nu metal, modern) a fender strat into a fender/vox.... you get the picture.
That being said.....
I like the security of "mass produced" amps in terms of the wealth of knowledge out there to said amp. Problems? MOds? Tubes? Speaker combos? Pedals react with... etc.
Some of the classic tones I grew up listening to and revering have all come from said amps.
They are more readily available on the new/used market. Usually cost less.
Your turn go....
