What's the point in big 100 watt heads?

Re: What's the point in big 100 watt heads?

Well, before the internet, there was a lot of deceptive advertising, too. But then "user reviews" happened with tons of real-world experience. If an amp didn't cut it live, people knew about it. I think that's one of the reasons why I am thankful for the era we live in. We don't have to go by magazine 'reviews' or advertising to buy an amp anymore, not to mention that we don't have to rely on only what is in the local store.
 
Re: What's the point in big 100 watt heads?

At a venue I worked in, we had a pair of Marshall half stacks, which I think was purely because of that's what the promoter had available left over from a previous, larger venue. The difficulty was getting across to those using them on stage, that the majority of the output was going under them, and focused somewhere in the 2nd - 3rd row. Not ideal at all, but I wonder how many went away thinking it's necessary to have lots of output power on hand, rather than being able to work with others to get an overall good result. Etc.

I had to use whatever a rehearsal studio had for a while once, and the only thing I struggled with (up against the drumkit), was a 25W Marshall.
 
Re: What's the point in big 100 watt heads?

I've heard some people suggest that a live music gig is an elaborate puzzle requiring just the right blend of stage volume for the band and house system for the crowd, so that the musicians can all hear themselves while every member of the audience can hear without anyone being uncomfortable.

Then, there is the real answer: Think about concession workers trying to hear orders, and think about patrons in the restrooms. Now turn it up so loud you'll pound every note into their DNA.

Thanks, enjoy the show.
 
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Re: What's the point in big 100 watt heads?

^^
I now greatly understand the use of in ear monitors. I hate when the guitarist dials in a sound that sounds good to him on stage, knowing that it sounds like crap out front.

Sent from my MotoE2(4G-LTE) using Tapatalk
 
Re: What's the point in big 100 watt heads?

I've heard some people suggest that a live music gig is an elaborate puzzle requiring just the right blend of stage volume for the band and house system for the crowd, so that the musicians can all hear themselves while every member of the audience can hear without anyone being uncomfortable.

Then, there is the real answer: Think about concession workers trying to hear orders, and think about patrons in the restrooms. Now turn it up so loud you'll pound every note into their DNA.

Thanks, enjoy the show.

I still reflect on the number of guitarists that progressively turned their amps up to the point that monitors did little but take up stage floor space :-S
 
Re: What's the point in big 100 watt heads?

I've heard some people suggest that a live music gig is an elaborate puzzle requiring just the right blend of stage volume for the band and house system for the crowd, so that the musicians can all hear themselves while every member of the audience can hear without anyone being uncomfortable.

Then, there is the real answer: Think about concession workers trying to hear orders, and think about patrons in the restrooms. Now turn it up so loud you'll pound every note into their DNA.

Thanks, enjoy the show.

Black Sabbath style.
 
Re: What's the point in big 100 watt heads?

^^
I now greatly understand the use of in ear monitors. I hate when the guitarist dials in a sound that sounds good to him on stage, knowing that it sounds like crap out front.

Sent from my MotoE2(4G-LTE) using Tapatalk

I believe in consistency. I dial it in so it's crap on stage and crap out front. I use in ears to ensure every nuance of that crap is present.
 
Re: What's the point in big 100 watt heads?

One of the reasons I use a wireless is that I roam around the crowd during setup so I can hear what they hear.
 
Re: What's the point in big 100 watt heads?

ive actually thought about buying a wireless just for that reason but i havent owned one in years and didnt care for the ones ive owned previously
 
Re: What's the point in big 100 watt heads?

One of the reasons I use a wireless is that I roam around the crowd during setup so I can hear what they hear.

I'll usually have a trusty friend who knows tone/band member do that walk of tone for me.
But a wireless unit would be much better.
 
Re: What's the point in big 100 watt heads?

I don't play metal. I play harp. But I've never seen a happier guitarist than a shredder with the volume on 8. And that's the whole point for me.Here, Sheryl Crow has got it right Crank it up. Does it put a smile on your face? I practice WAY too loud sometimes, but damn, it sounds good. Someday me, my harp, and my TonePrint are going to do some serious meddling in metal ...all 100 watts worth
 
Re: What's the point in big 100 watt heads?

Can you play big 100 watt heads without it sounding like a can of bees at low volumes or do you need attentuators/load boxes for such applications
 
Re: What's the point in big 100 watt heads?

Can you play big 100 watt heads without it sounding like a can of bees at low volumes or do you need attentuators/load boxes for such applications

Some amps do much better than others for this,,,,,,,but yeah it is possible. EQing is usually quite different at low volumes vs moderate volume.
 
Re: What's the point in big 100 watt heads?

Can you play big 100 watt heads without it sounding like a can of bees at low volumes or do you need attentuators/load boxes for such applications

I've played my 5153 at bedroom volume. Granted, the change in tonal characteristics from cranking it to drown out the drummer is apparent, but its not bad at all - quite the opposite, in fact.
 
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Re: What's the point in big 100 watt heads?

Can you play big 100 watt heads without it sounding like a can of bees at low volumes or do you need attentuators/load boxes for such applications

My amp sounds like a can of bees at all volumes.
 
Re: What's the point in big 100 watt heads?

Interesting question.
There is a point to any amp made depending on how your going to use it.
If you have 100 watt amp and want to play it at home, you might want to invest in a volume pedal to put into the effects loop so you can retain your tone and play it lower.
For playing out, your cool, you will not need more power for most places. You don't have to worry about running out of head room.

Not to mention when you want to crank it up, you got ALL KINDS OF POWER!!!!.

It's like saying whats the point of having 400+HP in your vehicle.
 
Re: What's the point in big 100 watt heads?

Can you play big 100 watt heads without it sounding like a can of bees at low volumes or do you need attentuators/load boxes for such applications


I think attenuators are ridiculous unless you need a DI or you play a NMV 67 Superbass.
 
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