NeedForPower
New member
Re: What do you guys use for gigging amps?
Would you post a link to a schematic and layout of your most bullet proof design?
Would you post a link to a schematic and layout of your most bullet proof design?
What do you guys use for gigging amps?
- Thread starter NeedForPower
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2ndhandband
New member
Re: What do you guys use for gigging amps?
I'm just gonna throw out there that building a high-end amp for the purpose you described is way more trouble and money than it is worth. I'm telling you, your best option here is a few used 100 watt JCM 900s with cabs to match. You can use them for the backup rig you need, and also rent them out for backline. When you're buying stuff for this kind of use you have to think about what you are going to see in riders. I use a Fender Supersonic live, but I wouldn't recommend it for what you're doing.
I'm just gonna throw out there that building a high-end amp for the purpose you described is way more trouble and money than it is worth. I'm telling you, your best option here is a few used 100 watt JCM 900s with cabs to match. You can use them for the backup rig you need, and also rent them out for backline. When you're buying stuff for this kind of use you have to think about what you are going to see in riders. I use a Fender Supersonic live, but I wouldn't recommend it for what you're doing.
crusty philtrum
Vintageologist
Re: What do you guys use for gigging amps?
No. In my case, it's not that simple.
Besides, reliability is more about construction methods.
No. In my case, it's not that simple.
Besides, reliability is more about construction methods.
Last edited:
NeedForPower
New member
Re: What do you guys use for gigging amps?
Why no? A simple, hardy example of an amp you designed to withstand the rigors of travel. Schematic and layout, just so I can see an example.
Why no? A simple, hardy example of an amp you designed to withstand the rigors of travel. Schematic and layout, just so I can see an example.
2ndhandband
New member
Re: What do you guys use for gigging amps?
Dude, most good heads will do all right on the road if you put them in flight cases and don't play football with them.
Dude, most good heads will do all right on the road if you put them in flight cases and don't play football with them.
NeedForPower
New member
Re: What do you guys use for gigging amps?
All as I can do is speak from is experience and ***t happens, always does. Even in a flight case one jolt to many over time or a guy tripping over a cable and you have a brick. Too many times panic during sound check as a loud buzz, intermittent output, nothing...Easy fix if I have a backup deep kimchi if not. Looking into your Marshall recommendation, thanks, probably just the head speakers we have plenty and they don't go bad too often. It all started because I thought a PowerStage in a well padded briefcase would be a good solution, still waiting to get a couple of them out to the guys and get some feedback.
All as I can do is speak from is experience and ***t happens, always does. Even in a flight case one jolt to many over time or a guy tripping over a cable and you have a brick. Too many times panic during sound check as a loud buzz, intermittent output, nothing...Easy fix if I have a backup deep kimchi if not. Looking into your Marshall recommendation, thanks, probably just the head speakers we have plenty and they don't go bad too often. It all started because I thought a PowerStage in a well padded briefcase would be a good solution, still waiting to get a couple of them out to the guys and get some feedback.
2ndhandband
New member
Re: What do you guys use for gigging amps?
I really think for your purposes the JCM 900 is the best option... they're always in riders. They don't sound as good as a nice JCM 800 but they're more consistent, they're reliable, and any guitar player can plug whatever he has into it and dial in usable sounds in 60 seconds or less. If you already have cabs so much the better. Make sure you get the 100 watt models. Nothing wrong with the 50 watt version but more often than not contract riders will specify a 100 watt head.
I really think for your purposes the JCM 900 is the best option... they're always in riders. They don't sound as good as a nice JCM 800 but they're more consistent, they're reliable, and any guitar player can plug whatever he has into it and dial in usable sounds in 60 seconds or less. If you already have cabs so much the better. Make sure you get the 100 watt models. Nothing wrong with the 50 watt version but more often than not contract riders will specify a 100 watt head.
NeedForPower
New member
Re: What do you guys use for gigging amps?
Think I found the amp. Look at post 24:
https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/what-do-you-guys-use-for-gigging-amps.1826535/page-2
Super Reverb in a school bus hit by a semi, did 5/4 rolls and came out rocking.
Think I found the amp. Look at post 24:
https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/what-do-you-guys-use-for-gigging-amps.1826535/page-2
Super Reverb in a school bus hit by a semi, did 5/4 rolls and came out rocking.
Re: What do you guys use for gigging amps?
Not that they weren't well built, but that was a good bit of luck. There are two things I wouldn't bank on. First, one is the luck I mentioned. Second thing is the modern version of the amp being as rugged.
Not that they weren't well built, but that was a good bit of luck. There are two things I wouldn't bank on. First, one is the luck I mentioned. Second thing is the modern version of the amp being as rugged.
NeedForPower
New member
Re: What do you guys use for gigging amps?
Here is an example: Acoustic B300H power amp blew, power supply section and control/preamp board in tact. Put a 300W class D amp in and it rattles windows at 1/4. Sound quality is fair enough for a bass but guitar sounds marginal at best. Will remove the Power amp, clean things up a bit and emergency backup.
Here is an example: Acoustic B300H power amp blew, power supply section and control/preamp board in tact. Put a 300W class D amp in and it rattles windows at 1/4. Sound quality is fair enough for a bass but guitar sounds marginal at best. Will remove the Power amp, clean things up a bit and emergency backup.
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
Re: What do you guys use for gigging amps?
This is not an easy question, and it is a logistics issue.
#1 Are the groups using PA's or not?
- If no, the backup has to be "house filling capable"
- If yes then we need to know Monitors or amps as monitors?
#2 If amps as monitors, they then need to be stage volume capable
If no, then #3
We can use anything we can get into the PA! At which point I start coming up with all kinds of solutions: Roland Cube, Crate Powerblock, POD, we can go on all day...
As mentioned, the point here is backup. The show must go on! And this brings us back to my on going debate of "But my tone sucked so I didn't want to play" vs "The audience wants a show and your gear-snob tone b!tch doesn't mean damn thing"
If you are in it for the gear, go be in the bedroom
If you are in it for the MUSIC, get on board with whatever the situation is and make the best damn music you can
This is not an easy question, and it is a logistics issue.
#1 Are the groups using PA's or not?
- If no, the backup has to be "house filling capable"
- If yes then we need to know Monitors or amps as monitors?
#2 If amps as monitors, they then need to be stage volume capable
If no, then #3
We can use anything we can get into the PA! At which point I start coming up with all kinds of solutions: Roland Cube, Crate Powerblock, POD, we can go on all day...
As mentioned, the point here is backup. The show must go on! And this brings us back to my on going debate of "But my tone sucked so I didn't want to play" vs "The audience wants a show and your gear-snob tone b!tch doesn't mean damn thing"
If you are in it for the gear, go be in the bedroom
If you are in it for the MUSIC, get on board with whatever the situation is and make the best damn music you can
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
Re: What do you guys use for gigging amps?
And my personal answer:
I have gigged with large heavy Peavey tube combos
Peavey Solid State
Marshall Hybrid
And played backlines with Splawns to Licklighters, Marshall 800s to DIMEs.
I'm going to use a Mesa Stiletto next time out.
I carry my own gear.
I bring a micro board of Mooer pedals as my backup for whatever.
And my personal answer:
I have gigged with large heavy Peavey tube combos
Peavey Solid State
Marshall Hybrid
And played backlines with Splawns to Licklighters, Marshall 800s to DIMEs.
I'm going to use a Mesa Stiletto next time out.
I carry my own gear.
I bring a micro board of Mooer pedals as my backup for whatever.
ehdwuld
A Ficus
Re: What do you guys use for gigging amps?
Insurance covers accidents
Despondent employees can't replace the gear in the moments leading up to the show
A good fall back plan, Plans B & C are how to make the show happen
Insurance covers accidents
Despondent employees can't replace the gear in the moments leading up to the show
A good fall back plan, Plans B & C are how to make the show happen
emilio
New member
Re: What do you guys use for gigging amps?
I use a Peavey MX VTX as a power amp for my AMT SS11B. I've used it for a couple of months now and no problems. I love that I can switch from 130w to 1/4th power so I can use it as a monitor or a full blow amp in case they can't mic it.
I use a Peavey MX VTX as a power amp for my AMT SS11B. I've used it for a couple of months now and no problems. I love that I can switch from 130w to 1/4th power so I can use it as a monitor or a full blow amp in case they can't mic it.
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