SPLAWN AMP has arrived!

TwilightOdyssey

Darkness on the edge of Tone
My Splawn Quick Rod arrived via FedEx today! I didn't have a guitar at work today, strangely enough, so I will be bringing one in tomorrow. I also didn't have time to even put the valves into the amp or even turn it on. Tomorrow I will get around to doing the most basic assessment and will report back.

What can I tell you about the amp?

First of all, it was packed magnificently. The amp itself was wrapped in shrinkwrap with all the corners and edges protected by styrafoam or thick cardboard. This was placed in a thick cardboard box. That entire box was floated inside another outer box. The entire thing arrived in mint condition however, without even a scuff mark on the outer box.

The amp itself looks A M A Z I N G!!! Build quality is phenomenal!

This is a stock photo of the amp:

quickrod05rsun.jpg


The front panel, from left to right has the power and standby switches, which are these industrial toggles like you would see on a Roccaforte, not rocker switches. Next to that are all the controls for the gain channel: EQ, gain, channel volume, and boost. (More on the boost in a moment) All of the knobs are black vintage against white plexiglass. Next comes the 3 position voicing switch, labeled First Gear, Second Gear and Third Gear. The clean channel has it's own EQ. On the far right are the master volume and single input.

The fit and finish on the amp are INSANE! The tolex is beautifully wrapped, accented with white piping. The grille area is a large piece of white plexiglass with the Rising Sun graphic. The chasis is topped off with a leather strap handle with chrome (or stainless steel) ends. Class!

The back of the chasis has a wire mesh over the top portion where you can see the valves and the massive transformers. (The amp weighs about 60 lbs). The valves are packed seperately inside the tube cage. The rear panel has two inputs for the footswitch, two outputs for loudspeaker attachments, a DI out, FX loop, 1/2 power switch, and IEC mains jack.

Packed seperately is the metal footwitch, which has an elegant curved top, which is then covered with a white plate that matches the panel on the amp. Again: CLASS! There are 3 switches on it: Clean, OD, and Boost.

The boost is a pure volume boost for the OD channel, not another gain stage. So, all you do is set your rhythm volume, dial in the amount of boost you want for your solos, and voila! You are done! No more running a boost pedal through the FX loop!

Scott Splawn promised me the amp in 4 weeks, and he delivered it in 4 weeks to the day. Everything about the amp just screams quality and attention to detail.

Tomorrow: Pics and the first run through! Watch this space for details!
 
Re: SPLAWN AMP has arrived!

Mr. Splawn builds a top shelf rock machine. No expense is spared in the construction process. I got a tour of his woodworking shop, and the quality of the plywood he uses is so good that you could stain it and clear coat it...and it would look like top shelf solid wood. The stuff is that good. Exacting details in every step.

I know it will sound as good as it looks. If you are looking for "THE" hotrodded Marshall sound....the way it should have sounded all along...Splawn does a hell of a job.

Can't wait until you give us a review!
 
Re: SPLAWN AMP has arrived!

I LOVE that rising sun graphic. so cool. I want a charvel rising sun graphic guitar so bad.
 
Re: SPLAWN AMP has arrived!

That kicks ass TO. Could he build one with a graphic of the Bat signal piercing a foggy night?
 
Re: SPLAWN AMP has arrived!

What type of amp is this model based on? Is it a Marshall type?, a Boogie? a 5150?..... what is the closest stock amp that this amp would sound like... ?
 
Re: SPLAWN AMP has arrived!

I think you're turning Japanese, I think you're turning Japanese, I really think so!
:laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2:

That's an awesome amp. I think you'll probably find little use for the Rivera and Marshall at this point. That thing will kick ass through a couple 4-12's! :beerchug:
 
Re: SPLAWN AMP has arrived!

60lbs huh??? that's light enough for you to take on the train out here to LI so we can plug it into my splawn cab and run my charvel bullseye through it hehehehe. man i seriously need to stop buying guitars and pick up a quick rod!! congrats man, very cool amp!

-Mike
 
Re: SPLAWN AMP has arrived!

Looks most excellent, Ben. I'm really looking forward to hearing clips and seeing more pictures! Enjoy!
 
Re: SPLAWN AMP has arrived!

Glad to hear it finally arrived mate!

I want a full review asap :D

Gearjoneser said:
I think you'll probably find little use for the Rivera and Marshall at this point.

That's ok then, because they already been sold :D :laugh2:
 
Re: SPLAWN AMP has arrived!

yeah i think everyone wants a full review, pics and of course sound clips!
 
Re: SPLAWN AMP has arrived!

WhoFan said:
What type of amp is this model based on? Is it a Marshall type?, a Boogie? a 5150?..... what is the closest stock amp that this amp would sound like... ?
The Quick Rod is a modded Marshall type amplifier. There are 3 ways you can voice the amp, using the Gear switch.
1st gear = modded Plexi
2nd gear = JCM800
3rd gear = modded JCM800
 
Re: SPLAWN AMP has arrived!

tone? said:
yeah i think everyone wants a full review, pics and of course sound clips!
When I get to my office this morning I'll snap a bunch more pics. Hopefully sound clips will follow this weekend. :)
 
Re: SPLAWN AMP has arrived!

Gearjoneser said:
I think you're turning Japanese, I think you're turning Japanese, I really think so!
:laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2:
LOL!

That's an awesome amp. I think you'll probably find little use for the Rivera and Marshall at this point.
Agreed. It was a really really tough decision to sell off the Rivera and Marshall, but as soon as I opened the box, I knew that I had made the right decision.

That thing will kick ass through a couple 4-12's! :beerchug:
Absolutely!
 
Re: SPLAWN AMP has arrived!

Awsome, TO. 4 weeks? Do they build to order?

I really wish I had a use for 100 all tube watts. I would love to have one of those things with the quilted maple front panel (byed black, of course)!
 
Re: SPLAWN AMP has arrived!

WITH FULL DISTORTION said:
****inghails ben
I´MHAPPY that you enjoying the amp
CAN IT DO EXTREME METAL Like Death/Blackmetal?
Thanx, JP!! \m/

I will be playing it all w/e, and will let you know how over the top it can get.
 
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