Framus Cobra..

[IcedEarth112]

i noticed theres no topics about this amp on here.. has anyone played one? im thinking about either getting one of these or a laney vh100r next to replace my JSX, but i have yet to try out the cobra. how would you guys compare it to the jsx? i heard someone say that framus is basically an eastern version of peavey, is this true?

i wanna hear pros and cons if you can

 

[Virtual Kevorkian]

Re: Framus Cobra..

It's a very darkly voiced amp... cool tone, but IMO, my JSX is better for what I'm doing.

I'd recommend upgrading other gear before jumping on a 2500 dollar head.

 

[IcedEarth112]

Re: Framus Cobra..

yeah i got loads of money with my new job and i can get a wicked deal on this head (2000 CND hardly used). im gonna get a genz benz g-flex for my next cab probably and im gonna get an esp horizon nt-II down the road.

the stuff i play isnt extremely heavy, i play metal.. but its power metal, the tone is way different than death metal and i have a feeling that this amp might be a bit too much.

anyone else try it?

 

[Virtual Kevorkian]

Re: Framus Cobra..

I'd stay away from the G-Flex cabinets - not tight enough for what I was doing, at all, when I tried em.

I'd say the Cobra is a bit much for a powermetal amp... Do yourself a favor and check out ENGL - the Savage 120 is the be-all-end-all powermetal amp, as far as I'm concerned.

 

[IcedEarth112]

Re: Framus Cobra..

hmm, i have no where to try an engl, i'd love to though.. its a total letdown for me.

ive heard really good things about the g-flex, only thing ive heard people dislike about it is the looks.. i'll try one out myself when my dealer get em in

 

[IcedEarth112]

Re: Framus Cobra..

btw the cobra got sold last night i guess it'll be the laney unless some miracle happens and i get to try an engl

 

[eric_kv2]

Re: Framus Cobra..

I've owned a cobra and own an engl savage 120. I play all kinds of metal and think the Savage 120 can do all kinds very well. Here's a site that has tons of clips and the owner is the best salesman I have ever met. He goes out of his way for his customers. I've done plenty of business here and was happy with every purchase.

www.rocksolidamps.com

 

[Virtual Kevorkian]

Re: Framus Cobra..

While I think Derek's a great guy and appreciate him being one of the only ENGL dealers in the US, his clips kinda suck.

That said, the Savage 120 is one of the best amps I've heard.

When you've got the kind of cash you need to buy a Cobra, you have a lot of options.

 

[BG00]

Re: Framus Cobra..

I debated for a while about getting a Framus versus a Laney and chose to go with the VH100r mainly because it is so much more versatile. It has much better cleans and overdrive channels than the ENGL's do. If you get an ENGL its for one channel. I love my VH100r, it is perfect for powermetal, just ask dragonforce, they use them. The gain is super smooth and sounds great in any tuning but I've noticed that playing in standard really brings out the best from the Laney.

 

[ksmith63]

Re: Framus Cobra..

if you have that good of a job, save your $$$ and figure out THE ULTIMATE AMP that will suit you. you already have a jsx (a good amp already) so it wont hurt to spend a little more time saving up for a bogner or vht

 

[Loserchief]

Re: Framus Cobra..

The cobra imo is way to dark for my tastes and sounds kinda steril compared to other tube amps. it does great death metal imo but it lacks a bit of soul.
Before buying Laney you really need to check the Engl Savage 120. it's pretty much the pure voice of european power- and thrash metal and just a kick as amp. You'll have more gain if needed and much more tonal options compared to the laney. Only thing the Laney might win is the cleans, but not by much.

 

[IcedEarth112]

Re: Framus Cobra..

i wish i could try a savage so much, but there isnt one dealer in Canada and i never go to the states and if i do it would be in washington and i doubt theres any engl dealers there

 

[IcedEarth112]

Re: Framus Cobra..

by the way, whats the deal with only 2 power tubes in the savage? wouldnt this be a disadvantage?

 

[IcedEarth112]

Re: Framus Cobra..

also about the savage im wondering if the optional midi interface comes with the amp when you buy it, or do you have to buy it seperate? how much does it cost?

 

[Virtual Kevorkian]

Re: Framus Cobra..

The Savage 60 has two powertubes... the 120 has four.

Shoot Derek at RockSolidAmps.com an e-mail about the footswitch - I'm honestly not sure.

 

[Loserchief]

Re: Framus Cobra..

Actually i don't think you'll need the midi very much on a Savage 120. I'd say get the Z-10 six-button footswitch and be happy. Four channel knobs plus master a/b and volume, is imo enough for most things and if you really need midi afterwards you can still get it. But going for the Z-10 would be easier at first and cheaper.

 

[eric_kv2]

Re: Framus Cobra..

by the way, whats the deal with only 2 power tubes in the savage? wouldnt this be a disadvantage?

The savage 120 uses 2 6550s or 2 KT88s. Its not really 120 watts from what I've been told but closer to 90 watts. The 6550s are monsters since the tubes break up when the volume is cranked just about to the max giving you a lot of headroom. Basically you get great cleans at high volumes and the distortion is mainly from the preamp tubes. Your palm mutes will stay tight and the amp will track you picking so shredding isn't a problem. It likes passive pickups more than actives, but if you decide to use actives, use an EMG 85 in the bridge. The 81 will sound too thin and sterile. This amp is sort bright if you eq it that way so using a mesa traditional cab or some sort of darker sounding cab will match up with it the best.

http://forum.lordriffenstein.com/

This is an unofficial engl forum that has a lot about engl amps.

Any questions, let me know.

 

[OlinMusic]

Re: Framus Cobra..

The darkness of Framus amps can be a reallllly bad problem. It can be hell to sit well in a band mix.

I think the Mesa MArk IV and Triple Rec might be just as viable if not looking into the Uberschall or VH4.

I am a huge fan of VHT's for metal, but I like a more brown metal sound.

 

[BG00]

Re: Framus Cobra..

The VHT deliverance is the best metal amp I've heard thus far in my guitar journies, however it is a single channel amp without a true clean tone so it has its drawbacks for having my favorite high gain tone.