Tell me about those ENGL amps

Johtosotku

Johtosotku

New member
I'm getting tired of my Koch... ENGLs are pretty readily available here and don't really cost that much either. I could probably snatch one up in a trade.

Care to tell me the ins and outs of the different models and the brand in general? I've mostly been looking at the Thunder, Screamer, Fireball and the Blackmore model.

Thanks!
 
Re: Tell me about those ENGL amps

I have played with the Fireball in a few rehearsals. I liked it very much as it's very tight and aggressive. Serious tube heavy metal tones.

I'm thinking about the Powerball with that different mid settings and the stuff, that I could find much use for.

But the Framus Cobra and the VHT Ultralead keep running around by mind too.
 
Re: Tell me about those ENGL amps

When it comes to Engl distoted tones there are three words that pretty much fit for all of their models(except maybe for the classic which i haven't played so far):
Tight, aggressive and clear! That's what Engl distortion is all about. They are rather bright amps in general. Four-channel is the most common configuration in Engl's product line but there are exceptions with only two.
What's really interresting is that all the four channels actually have great tones in them. it's not like a 5150 where the distortion slays but cleans suck. Somehow their designs give great results from all channels.

Different models:

Screamer: great allround combo(or head) going from fender-like cleans to nice thrash metal tones. Will need a boost for anything more extreme and does blues incredibly well when set right. Great sounding spring reverb.

Thunder: A bit like the screamer but it's only 2 channels giving it a clean and high gain channel. Nice amp but imo darker,fizzyer and not as tight as the Screamer. Still a good amp. there's a version with two deidcated gain knobs or a version with gain+reverb.

Fireball: Another two channel model. Clean and high gain. The gain channel will bring you well into Death metal and beyond. Very brutal and raw sounding amp. A bit like the powerball but less processed.Nice cleans by the way.

Blackmore: It's the screamer's big daddy. the two are really similar imo, sharing same characteristics, gain levels and so on. if you like either of the two you'll also like the other one.
 
Re: Tell me about those ENGL amps

Thanks for your help. I've been mostly eyeing the Thunder and the Screamer... I don't need that much gain and I like the versatility. So I guess the Fireball isn't really my cup of tea.

What's the difference between the Screamer and the Blackmore? Also, is the Screamer just a more versatile Thunder with a bit more gain on top?

And what about tubes? What tubes do you use in your Engls? What have you found suitable and what not?
 
Re: Tell me about those ENGL amps

My faves are the screamer and blackmore models. Some nice, organic sounds to be had from them.
 
Re: Tell me about those ENGL amps

Blackmore is a very organic sounding amp..A bit Darker than any other Engl there ,but no other Engl (except the special edition) is capable of that organic nice rock sound...
If you don't need ultra tight agressive crunch ,go for it!
 
Re: Tell me about those ENGL amps

OK, I really guess I should consider the Blackmore a bit more! Luckily there's one to test right in my local shop.

I'm not really that much into the ultra tight aggressive crunch... Are all the Engl amps really that aggressive then? I hear it mentioned a lot, but when I listen to the sound clips StrangeSound and Marinblues post, aggressive is rarely the word that comes to mind. They really do have a metal reputation around here in Finland, but I wonder how much about it is true.

No love for the Thunder from anyone? Or is it just that everybody goes straight for the Screamer, Blackmore and Powerball so that nobody even gives that little fellow a shot?
 
Re: Tell me about those ENGL amps

I've played most ENGL's and am a big fan, and I actually compared the Thunder directly to the Screamer the other day and I liked the Thunder heaps more! They were both very very tight and clear, and both had great cleans, but the Thunder just seemed to be more of a classic high gain sound than the Screamer. The Screamer leaned a little more towards the metal spectrum...not to say that both amps couldn't do anything really if you set them up right, but personally I'd go the Thunder because it had a bit more of a classic grit kind of vibe.

And just to clarify, the Thunder has 3 channels not 2.

I used to own a Savage 120 and it was great, I had JJ KT88's in it and they sounded huge, but all the stock ENGL tubes sound fantastic too so I really woulnd't worry about what tubes to put in an amp...just get one that sounds good and practice more...getting better at playing and technique will make tonnes more difference to your tone than any amount of tubes could ever do ;)
 
Re: Tell me about those ENGL amps

Young Angus said:
I've played most ENGL's and am a big fan, and I actually compared the Thunder directly to the Screamer the other day and I liked the Thunder heaps more! They were both very very tight and clear, and both had great cleans, but the Thunder just seemed to be more of a classic high gain sound than the Screamer. The Screamer leaned a little more towards the metal spectrum...not to say that both amps couldn't do anything really if you set them up right, but personally I'd go the Thunder because it had a bit more of a classic grit kind of vibe.

And just to clarify, the Thunder has 3 channels not 2.

I used to own a Savage 120 and it was great, I had JJ KT88's in it and they sounded huge, but all the stock ENGL tubes sound fantastic too so I really woulnd't worry about what tubes to put in an amp...just get one that sounds good and practice more...getting better at playing and technique will make tonnes more difference to your tone than any amount of tubes could ever do ;)
Click to expand...

I'd really like if it was a bit more "classic" sounding... But I've heard some very classic sounds coming out of the screamer too. I guess that I just can't pick a wrong one.

And I don't mean to start the tube swap craze right away. Just asked it in advance, you can never know when a tube goes bad so it's good to know beforehand.
 
Re: Tell me about those ENGL amps

Johtosotku said:
I'd really like if it was a bit more "classic" sounding... But I've heard some very classic sounds coming out of the screamer too. I guess that I just can't pick a wrong one.

And I don't mean to start the tube swap craze right away. Just asked it in advance, you can never know when a tube goes bad so it's good to know beforehand.
Click to expand...

Well I'd recommend JJ's then, especially if you're buying a second hand one you might want to retube the whole thing and JJ's would be the way I'd go...perhaps with a few different 12ax7's just to swap around in V1 to try.
 
Re: Tell me about those ENGL amps

I can make some clips with the Screamer..I used almost always the MI Audio Tube Zone...but the pedal is becoming too smooth..the Screamer has some nice mids and clear sound I miss when using the TZ.

I will post some clips, don't expect good playing :) I will try to play in many different styles.
 
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Re: Tell me about those ENGL amps

Young Angus said:
Well I'd recommend JJ's then, especially if you're buying a second hand one you might want to retube the whole thing and JJ's would be the way I'd go...perhaps with a few different 12ax7's just to swap around in V1 to try.
Click to expand...

Ok, thanks! I'll keep that in mind if go for the Engl.

StrangeSound said:
I can make some clips with the Screamer..I used almost always the MI Audio Tube Zone...but the pedal is becoming too smooth..the Screamer has some nice mids and clear sound I miss when using the TZ.

I will post some clips, don't expect good playing :) I will try to play in many different styles.
Click to expand...

I've already listened to lots of your clips. They're really quite impressive. But if you feel like making extra ones, be my guest. I'd really appreciate it.
 
Re: Tell me about those ENGL amps

****... I had a bit of bad luck, the shop didn't have any ENGL amps to try except the Invader, which really isn't for me. Luckily they'll have at least the Blackmore to try soon, although I'd have prefered the Thunder and the Screamer.

Anyone know when Blackmore started to use his engl signature amp? What albums can it be heard on?
 
Re: Tell me about those ENGL amps

Johtosotku said:
****... I had a bit of bad luck, the shop didn't have any ENGL amps to try except the Invader, which really isn't for me. Luckily they'll have at least the Blackmore to try soon, although I'd have prefered the Thunder and the Screamer.

Anyone know when Blackmore started to use his engl signature amp? What albums can it be heard on?
Click to expand...
The last Raibow album. 1996 i think, really great tone, check out the leads on "black masquarade" awesome stuff.
 
Re: Tell me about those ENGL amps

Johtosotku said:
****... I had a bit of bad luck, the shop didn't have any ENGL amps to try except the Invader, which really isn't for me. Luckily they'll have at least the Blackmore to try soon, although I'd have prefered the Thunder and the Screamer.

Anyone know when Blackmore started to use his engl signature amp? What albums can it be heard on?
Click to expand...

Screamer is a great amp.I giged yesterday (as a drummer) ,and one of the guitar guys had one ,with the vinatge 2x12" Engl Cabinet..He sounded really descent ,and it wasn't a hi-gain sound.His MIA Strat just great...Nice sustain and a really musical tone...

But Blackmore amp sounds better IMHO...And i think it's built better...
 
Re: Tell me about those ENGL amps

daemon barbeque said:
Screamer is a great amp.I giged yesterday (as a drummer) ,and one of the guitar guys had one ,with the vinatge 2x12" Engl Cabinet..He sounded really descent ,and it wasn't a hi-gain sound.His MIA Strat just great...Nice sustain and a really musical tone...

But Blackmore amp sounds better IMHO...And i think it's built better...
Click to expand...

How would you compare the screamer and the blackmore? The blackmore is darker, looser and more organic? Is the Blackmore worth the +50% in price?
 
Re: Tell me about those ENGL amps

Johtosotku said:
How would you compare the screamer and the blackmore? The blackmore is darker, looser and more organic? Is the Blackmore worth the +50% in price?
Click to expand...

Blackmore sounds more "different" than a standart Engl voicing...Screamer is a Classic Engl..You can play any kind of music with it..Blackmore is a Hard-Rock Amp.It' too loose to play fast ,but if you play hard-rock or just rock like Blackmore himself ,it will be pleasing!It sounds unprocessed ,raw...It reminds me the Fireball ,but more organic and transpaernt tone ,less gain on the top ,a tad darker and looser...

Screamer is a great amp as i said ,but no match to the Blackmore...But those are my own experiences ,i don't know your gear ,your style ,and your "tone" on your fingers...
 
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