played a few twins today

[Scott_F]

Re: played a few twins today

Scott: How's the Mission Amps 2x10 "Super" working out for you? What did you decide on for speakers? Thanks! Lew

Your brother's kit is killer. I think the problem I had with the "thin" tone wasn't hte speakers. It was the power tubes. I put in some kT66HP's, then some old mismatched RCA 6L6GC's and a new set of Groove Tubes 6L6GE's. All sounded vastly more full than the TAD's. Bruce thinks I had a bad tube.

In fact, when I was tracking down a bit of a hum, I accidently dropped a glob of solder down into one of the power tube sockets and eventually, two of the pins shorted out and the resistor on pins 5-6 literally caught fire! Ahaha. I killed the tube I think. Bruce is actually sending me a new set, although he really didn't have to.

My favorite power tube in it was the GT 6L6GE's. The 2x10's I'm using are the new Eminence Copperheads. They now sound very full and killer.

I'm still thinking of trying a 1x15, because I love those speakers, but I'm unsure of spending the extra bucks.

 

[Jonny R]

Re: played a few twins today

Man, if that was the 57 you were playing then we get heavily ripped off in NZ. It's selling here for US$4,200

Yeah. It was a hand wired 57 re-issue. I guess Fender might not exporting them. So whoever has one overseas can jack up the price. Still a great amp if you can affort the extra premium on an already expensive amp.

The guy at guitar center said the only reason he had one is because he sold four to a Japanese tourist on a special order. So Guitar Center management sent him another one to sell. I'll bet that guy is taking them back to Japan to mark up and sell. By the way their on this site for $2,099 US.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7...e_id=0020583305

Not sure if they ship internationally. If I remember correctly, the one in the strore was $1,800.

Yeah, we do have an official Fender importer, of which the shop I saw the amp in is one of the major customers, so I don't think they're importing on the side. We just get ripped on American musical products down here.

I've seen a few things on Musician's Friend that are incredibly well priced compared to what they cost us here in NZ. They don't ship internationally but I may look at acquiring some gear from the USA next year.

 

[Hot _Grits]

Re: played a few twins today

well, its not that simple

see, my deluxe isn't getting good tones at gigging volume
but i play with it (with the band) when the volume's at like 5 or so, but the knobs go to 12 and it's 40 watts

yet the twin knobs go to 10, and it's 100 watts, so it's hard to mirror the volume setting

(Slowly...)

Here's what you do. Go to the shop. Fire up a hot rod deluxe to 5 (ie, your current gig level). Then fire up the other amps and compare tone and headroom. This way you can compare the tone you currently have to others at the volume you actually use it at.

Don't worry about what numbers have been screenprinted on the facing of the other amps. Use your ears. The shop HRD may not sound exactly like yours, but it will be close enough to compare to the other amps.

 

[drew_half_empty]

Re: played a few twins today

haha, well, that was my first idea, but, my plan was to be in & out as quickly as possible, last time i cranked an amp i had people standing over me saying things like 'yanno we're only supposed to let serious buyers play this loud'. Very awkward situation

 

[JeffB]

Re: played a few twins today

Yep..unfortunately that's the prob with higher wattage tube amps. And the reason I'm looking for something else for medium and low volume..my 1987 NEEDs to be cranked to get "the sound". It sounds thin and grainy otherwise.

I don't know if it's possible or a good idea on a Fender tube amp (I've only owned 2 Fender tube amps, both were low wattage), but have you thought about using a power soak? With the amp cranked and the power soak taking the volume down a few notches you may be able to get the better low end you are looking for.

And I can't stand music stores that say things like this:

'yanno we're only supposed to let serious buyers play this loud'

It's one thing if as someone said, the people can't talk on the phone cos it's cranked and they politely ask you to turn it down, but chances are the sales guy just blew a sale with the smarta$$ comment you got. I know I'd walk out and buy somewhere else with better service. This is why I'm taking the majority of my purchases to the online vendors with lengthy trial/return policies since I got back into playing. You eat a little on shipping if you don't like something, but being able to try the equipment out on your own terms is worth it, IMO.

 

[Thames]

Re: played a few twins today

The HotRod is a wholly different design. It's got a master volume on it to push the tubes to a certain point at which on a Twin will take your head off at 100 yards out.

You're comparing PREAMP tubes with POWER tubes... nononotgood :nono:
A MV pushes preamp tubes, but power tubes stay quiet. Pushing preamp tubes has nothing to do with pushing power tubes... You have to HEAR IT TO BELIEVE IT. :smokin:

Drew..., have you tried the amp in the same room as you HRDX ?

 

[Skarekrough]

Re: played a few twins today

You're comparing PREAMP tubes with POWER tubes...

What I meant to infer was that there's a significant design difference between the two styles of amps. I just referred to Master Volume because it's one of the most outwardly noticable differences.

 

[drew_half_empty]

Re: played a few twins today

You're comparing PREAMP tubes with POWER tubes... nononotgood :nono:
A MV pushes preamp tubes, but power tubes stay quiet. Pushing preamp tubes has nothing to do with pushing power tubes... You have to HEAR IT TO BELIEVE IT. :smokin:

Drew..., have you tried the amp in the same room as you HRDX ?

yeah, they carry both. Pretty much every fender tube amp in there sounded grainy at the volumes i was trying besides the hot rod. even a special edition hot rod sounded grainy, so it must be a volume issue


and it's not a real master volume on the hot rod, it's just a volume for the distortion channel, seriously

 

[Hot _Grits]

Re: played a few twins today

haha, well, that was my first idea, but, my plan was to be in & out as quickly as possible, last time i cranked an amp i had people standing over me saying things like 'yanno we're only supposed to let serious buyers play this loud'. Very awkward situation

Ah, the old 'serious buyer' thing. You could always suggest that if you can't try them out briefly at the volume you need that you would seriously consider another outlet.

Let them know you won't be long, and suggest a private room. It'll indicate you're serious AND aware that they must get pretty fatigued after listening to all and sundry wank away on cranked amps all day, something they'll appreciate.