Splawn Competition head

[B2D]

I was looking at the Splawn Competition head online, looked pretty cool and it looks like it might fit my needs. I do like the 1/2 power option for going down to 25W too.

All I ever hear about it the Quick Rod and the Pro Mod... can anyone tell me more about this amp or provide a review?

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Splawn Competition head

All I can tell you is that it's literally brand new, it's Splawn's take on higher gain (than the QR/PM) and there are videos available online on You tube I think, go through the Splawn Fan Board.

 

[sosomething]

Re: Splawn Competition head

PFDarkside - the amp you're referring to is the Splawn Nitro, not the Competition.

The Competition is basically a 50 watt Quick Rod with fewer channel switching options. Great sounding amps, judging by the clips I've heard.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Splawn Competition head

Oh man, I need to stop posting right when I wake up! At least get some coffee in the system first.

The half power switch works in different ways for the 100W amps and the 50W amps, right? On the 100 the switch goes from 4 to 2 power tubes where on the 50W it changes the 2 power tubes from Pentode to Triode mode, right? So there should be more of a difference in the two tones on the 50W if that's the case.

If you don't need a clean channel, the Competition looks like a cool way to get the gain channel at a lower cost. Also, the Splawn cleans up nicely by rolling back the volume if you don't need pristene cleans.

 

[JammerMatt]

Re: Splawn Competition head

B2D,

PFD summed it up pretty well. I have a Competition, but have never played a Quickrod. Even Scott Splawn himself says that the Comp is just a 50watt version of the Quickrod, but without a dedicated clean channel. The Comp has the same gear setuip as the QR, same OD setup and has basically the same dirty circuit as the QR. Like PFD said, the 50watt/25watt switch is through triode/pentode operation. In my opinion, the 25watt mode seems a little "mellower" while the 50watt mode has more bite and is more present. I like both modes and they both have their place as far as I'm concerned. The difference is very subtle, to me at least, playing at home.

Also, one other thing PFD mentioned is that it cleans up surprisingly well with the guitar volume knob. It is very responsive to pick attack. Even in 3rd gear I can roll back and get a decent "rock" clean - clean with just a little hair on it.

I sometimes wish I'd picked up the QR for the clean channel, but for my situation 50/25watts is a nice thing.

I wish I had some clips, but I don't have a mic at this time.

That Nitro is friggin' amazing sounding from what I have heard. Darker, more modern tone, a little spongier and forgiving so I understand - but just a little.

Here was my review after I first got it. Pretty much agree with it still except I do not use a Tubescreamer anymore - it's simply not necessary. Also, now I have a Splawn 2x12.

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?t=96601&page=3

 

[B2D]

Re: Splawn Competition head

I saw a demo of it on Youtube and it wasn't really that great... half the video was the guy unpacking the thing and the other half was him playing Yngwie licks without even adjusting the controls... he even said in the comments he didn't really learn how to dial the thing in until well after the video was shot. So really didn't get to hear ti at it's best I guess.

I'd prefer a clean channel but if it cleans up REAL well then it might work for me. I've heard some good clips of the Quickrod that sound awesome, like this one: http://youtube.com/watch?v=J50Tl6j9jhA

I'm trying to find a good dual-channel amp in the 50W range that will handle hard rock and replace my Carvin Legacy. I'd like to not have to use an attenuator but if I must then so be it I guess.

Thanks for the advice, guys! Keep it comin if ya got it.