Time to look for the lighter amp setup

[ErikH]

It has to come to this. After this past weekend's gig, I pulled my back a little again on loadout. Granted, I use a wheel truck to move my amp back and forth but the lifting and adjusting and all that did it. Before I really mess things up, I've got to get a lighter amp setup. Been using my Vox Valvetronix AD50VT 1x12 combo for nearly 10 years now. Crazy enough, it's easier to move my Avatar 2x12 cabinet around than that amp. So, I'm eyeing the Quilter Labs ToneBlock 200 and Tech21 FlyRig RK5. A lot of positive reviews out there on both from pros and amateurs. My current pedalboard can still be utilized for the modulation effects.

Anyone else here in this boat? What do you use for a lightweight rig?

 

[jeremy]

Re: Time to look for the lighter amp setup

just get a quilter amp. i tried the flyrig and at least through an amp, i wouldnt use it unless i had to. the quilter stuff is great for what it is but im still not giving up my tube amps

 

[ErikH]

Re: Time to look for the lighter amp setup

I just saw that Quilter has the Pro Block 200, the Tone Block with some added features (reverb being one of them). Oh boy.

I'm not getting rid of my Marshall any time soon. I'll still pull that out for the occasional outdoor festival where I can let it roar. It's complete overkill for most of the places we gig.

I'll most likely get the Quilter, see how it works with my current board (OCD for OD in it now) and evaluate from there.

The Richie Kotzen FlyRig is slightly different from the FlyRig5. The OMG distortion sounds better than the Plexi, IMO anyway. The Sansamp has a slightly different voicing too.

 

[crusty philtrum]

Re: Time to look for the lighter amp setup

Anyone else here in this boat? What do you use for a lightweight rig?

I have a bad back, and gave serious thought to ways in which I could continue to transport tube amps and suitable speakers. Previously, my speakers had usually been a 2 x 12 cab or a 2 x 12 combo.

I bought a pair of Celestion 10" Greenbacks, and a pair of Celestion 10" Alnicos. I have each pair in their own cabinet, thus two 2 x 10 cabs, and of course I can use either one, or both.

I am currently building a head shell for the chasis from my 40 watt, 2 x 12 tube combo, so that it can be used as a head with the cab(s) just mentioned. My homebrew Matchless DC30-based head was built using torroidal transformers with an offset handle .. it is light and well-balanced for carrying. I also have a pair of Laney VC15 combos, which can be used with either their internal 10" speaker or into the 2 x 10 cabs.

The 10" speakers are great ... they sit my sound beautifully into every playing situation, and the cabs are easy to transport. The Laney combos are tiny and not particularly heavy. Once both of the larger amps are both in head format, I will have every combination available in manageable, compact form, still with a very high standard of sound and feel at any volume level.

I also purchased a lightweight, foldable trolley that folds flat and can carry up to 70 Kg's, and an amp stand.

So it is possible to still use a decent tube amp and speakers and cover most playing situations with a little thought and perhaps a little work (I built one of the 2 x 12 cabs, and the headshells). Yes, I invested money buying the 10" speakers, but it was with the long-term in mind, and it has paid off superbly. I don't feel I've compromised one little bit, in fact I think I've set myself up very well to be able to continue using the kind of amps I enjoy using into the forseeable future.

(perhaps the general lesson has been 'let some brainwork take care of some of the heavy lifting' or something like that. I suppose in my case, I have the advantage of being able to make cabs and headshells easily and without great expense, but such things are not hard for anyone to do.)

 

[Dave Locher]

Re: Time to look for the lighter amp setup

I haven't literally injured myself yet, but I replaced my two 12" Celestions recently with one 12" Eminence to make it lighter and added side handles to my speaker cabinet to make it much easier to lift and move, and I'm in the process of building a smaller, lighter housing for my head for the same reason. The other guitar player has a 4x12 with a hardshell road case. Takes up half a van and weights 8,000 pounds (rough estimate), and when we play they mic exactly one of those speakers, just like my 1x12 cabinet. He's 10 years younger than me - I'm guessing he'll downsize sooner or later.
I only had my 4x12 for a couple months and that was when I was in my 20s! One trip up and down narrow concrete steps was enough to make me search for a light 2x12. At this rate I'll be playing through one 6" speaker in another 20 or 30 years.
I seriously considered going to some plug-in amp simulator thingy but now and then I play somewhere without a proper PA. (Punk band - basements are not considered a bad venue!)

 

[JeffB]

Re: Time to look for the lighter amp setup

Neodymium speaker for the valvetronix

 

[ErikH]

Re: Time to look for the lighter amp setup

Neodymium speaker for the valvetronix

50 oz. magnet - Classic Lead 80
4 oz. magnet - Eminence Tonkerlite

Celestion Neo Creamback - unit weight 4.2 lbs.
Celestion G12 Century Vintage - unit weight 3.7 lbs.
Eminence Tonkerlite - unit weight 4.1 lbs.
Celestion Classic Lead 80 - unit weight 10.4 lbs.

Wow. I had no idea about those neo speakers. That's a pretty drastic difference in weight. One of those could put the Valvetronix under 40 lbs. That thing is 46 lbs. with the stock speaker.

 

[JeffB]

Re: Time to look for the lighter amp setup

It won't help on the bulk obviously, but may be the least expensive moderate solution .

I don't the creamback neo are shipping yet. Check Sweetwater.

If.you are just going through a PA, a micro terror and 1x12 might also do what you need. I'm assuming you still just dial in a gain tone, and roll off for cleans. Pedals in front.

 

[Wattage]

Re: Time to look for the lighter amp setup

50 oz. magnet - Classic Lead 80
4 oz. magnet - Eminence Tonkerlite

Celestion Neo Creamback - unit weight 4.2 lbs.
Celestion G12 Century Vintage - unit weight 3.7 lbs.
Eminence Tonkerlite - unit weight 4.1 lbs.
Celestion Classic Lead 80 - unit weight 10.4 lbs.

Wow. I had no idea about those neo speakers. That's a pretty drastic difference in weight. One of those could put the Valvetronix under 40 lbs. That thing is 46 lbs. with the stock speaker.

Mmm try some Neo speakers before you buy, my experience was disappointing. The Vintage isn't too bad it tames some of the spikey nature of the mag, can't speak to the others except the original Celestion Neo which sounds like crap IME

 

[Wattage]

Re: Time to look for the lighter amp setup

I ditched my 4x12 for gigging unless it's a BIG room and even then I'll usually use my 4x10 if there's no backline. I got rid of the big XXX head for an Orange DT though I have the AD30 as well now which is a bit larger and heavier.

I'd like to get a nice 1x12 again, I didn't really think thru getting rid of my last one.....

I can use the Micro Terror with my covers gig but it doesn't compete when were flat out with the Devils.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Time to look for the lighter amp setup

It won't help on the bulk obviously, but may be the least expensive moderate solution .

I don't the creamback neo are shipping yet. Check Sweetwater.

If.you are just going through a PA, a micro terror and 1x12 might also do what you need. I'm assuming you still just dial in a gain tone, and roll off for cleans. Pedals in front.

I do mic up to the PA but also set up next to the bass player and need to be able to hear myself. We keep the guitars to a min in the floor monitors. Some venues just have too much of a bouncy back wall. I've been using a cleaner tone lately with the OCD out front but still roll back as well if I'm not at the pedalboard to make the switch.

I don't mind using a lightweight head with my 2x12. It may be because the 2x12 has the outside handles and isn't that cheap heavy wood. If I yanked the CL80's out of it, it would be crazy light.

Mmm try some Neo speakers before you buy, my experience was disappointing. The Vintage isn't too bad it tames some of the spikey nature of the mag, can't speak to the others except the original Celestion Neo which sounds like crap IME

How does one try them before buying? I haven't seen any shops with speaker demo's setup around here. If I go this route, it would be going in a modeling amp box so it may be better suited than the CL80 in there now. Weight-wise for sure.

 

[crusty philtrum]

Re: Time to look for the lighter amp setup

Mmm try some Neo speakers before you buy, my experience was disappointing. The Vintage isn't too bad it tames some of the spikey nature of the mag, can't speak to the others except the original Celestion Neo which sounds like crap IME

Neo speakers were something I considered when I decided to do something about creating more easily transported versions of my gear. My tastes lie in vintage-style speakers (and sounds in general I suppose), but all the descriptions I read, even of 'vintage' style Neo's, made them sound like they were more suited to modern hard rock and metal ... 'fast and fearsome' was the impression i got. I wasn't prepared to take the financial chance on 12" Neo's, so that's when I began considering using traditional 10" speakers instead.

Maybe at some point some truly 'vintage-sounding' Neo's will emerge, or maybe it's just not achieveable with Neodyms. But I certainly didn't sense that they're close yet, despite using the term 'vintage' on some models.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Time to look for the lighter amp setup

My tc electronic RS210 bass cab has Eminence drivers with neodymium magnets. Recessed side handles mean that it can be shifted with one hand.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Time to look for the lighter amp setup

You could always get a Zakk Wylde 4x12 cabinet loaded with EVs...

In all honesty, the neodymium speakers are amazingly light. If you can go SS head and neo cab, it'll be amazingly light!

 

[johnthomas]

Re: Time to look for the lighter amp setup

It has to come to this. After this past weekend's gig, I pulled my back a little again on loadout. Granted, I use a wheel truck to move my amp back and forth but the lifting and adjusting and all that did it. Before I really mess things up, I've got to get a lighter amp setup. Been using my Vox Valvetronix AD50VT 1x12 combo for nearly 10 years now. Crazy enough, it's easier to move my Avatar 2x12 cabinet around than that amp. So, I'm eyeing the Quilter Labs ToneBlock 200 and Tech21 FlyRig RK5. A lot of positive reviews out there on both from pros and amateurs. My current pedalboard can still be utilized for the modulation effects.

Anyone else here in this boat? What do you use for a lightweight rig?

Hi Erik,
I like all your choices and certainly understand your reasons...but...a caveat...
I also use a Tech21 FlyRig...and it is so useful and useable it took a while to remember that having reverb and delay on the single pedal pretty much precludes using other mod fx after the Tech21...You may need a second delay pedal and possibly a standalone reverb to get full use out of the rig. That said, I still am loving my Tech21. Compressor and wah before the rest.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[johnthomas]

Re: Time to look for the lighter amp setup

Forgot to mention, my tech21 works fine into the front end of a Fender Blues Jr though you might seriously consider one of the Tech21 powered speaker solutions. Also works well direct to P.A. mixer + whatever pa rig you use.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[MetalManiac]

Re: Time to look for the lighter amp setup

DR. Celestion once told me that the original Celestion Neos were pointedly touch sensitive.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Time to look for the lighter amp setup

I have always wanted one of those ZT 200 watt ss lunchbox heads. Pair that with some sort of hi watt neo 2X12 and I think that you'd be good.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Time to look for the lighter amp setup

I'm 65, and I do struggle with the weight of the amps. The Mark IV with the EVM is around 80 lbs., and it seems to gain about 25 lbs. right before load-out! In addition, I carry far too much weight around my middle.

I have the small Rock 'n Roller cart, but that doesn't lift the gear into the van, so....

I've made the commitment to lose weight and to strengthen my legs and back. I still have a LONG way to go and I will never be able to wear Spandex or have Jagger's stamina, but it has definitely made things easier, more enjoyable and less painful. And I'm better about taking care of myself, stretching to help recovery and using ice or Ben-Gay to manage pain. (Learned a long time ago to not use ETOH to deal with pain.)

So yes you can use a lighter amp. But my heartfelt advice is to take better care of your body. Diet and exercise, simple as that.

Best wishes.

Bill

 

[ErikH]

Re: Time to look for the lighter amp setup

Hi Erik,
I like all your choices and certainly understand your reasons...but...a caveat...
I also use a Tech21 FlyRig...and it is so useful and useable it took a while to remember that having reverb and delay on the single pedal pretty much precludes using other mod fx after the Tech21...You may need a second delay pedal and possibly a standalone reverb to get full use out of the rig. That said, I still am loving my Tech21. Compressor and wah before the rest.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Forgot to mention, my tech21 works fine into the front end of a Fender Blues Jr though you might seriously consider one of the Tech21 powered speaker solutions. Also works well direct to P.A. mixer + whatever pa rig you use.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Thanks for the info. I do have a delay pedal that I use only with my big Marshall when we play outdoor gigs but that is rare right now unless we get a festival. I'm cool with the way the RK FlyRig is configured. I don't need much but reverb really and I like to run my modulation (phaser, flanger and tremolo) before the overdrive anyway. I'm really impressed with what I hear from it.

I'm 65, and I do struggle with the weight of the amps. The Mark IV with the EVM is around 80 lbs., and it seems to gain about 25 lbs. right before load-out! In addition, I carry far too much weight around my middle.

I have the small Rock 'n Roller cart, but that doesn't lift the gear into the van, so....

I've made the commitment to lose weight and to strengthen my legs and back. I still have a LONG way to go and I will never be able to wear Spandex or have Jagger's stamina, but it has definitely made things easier, more enjoyable and less painful. And I'm better about taking care of myself, stretching to help recovery and using ice or Ben-Gay to manage pain. (Learned a long time ago to not use ETOH to deal with pain.)

So yes you can use a lighter amp. But my heartfelt advice is to take better care of your body. Diet and exercise, simple as that.

Best wishes.

Bill

I hear ya. I'm 6'3", 200 lbs and could stand to lose a little around the waistline. I'm still slim though but my doctor wants me to drop 15 lbs. This back issue goes back 12-13 years when I stupidly tried to carry my little air compressor to the garage by stepping over the baby gate rather than moving the gate. Ever since then, I would have issues here and there if I over do it. I could definitely use more exercise and am working on that plan. Good advice that I've also been telling myself.