El Dunco
Sock Supplier to RHCP
Rev C maybe. It’s been described as the brightest of the early 2ch rectifiers (and having the worst clean channel). Mine is a 2 channel from the 90s also and it’s also one of ny favourite amps. Incredibly versatile.
Your favorite amp
- Thread starter Robert S.
- Start date
Rev C maybe. It’s been described as the brightest of the early 2ch rectifiers (and having the worst clean channel). Mine is a 2 channel from the 90s also and it’s also one of ny favourite amps. Incredibly versatile.
donaldr
New member
My favorite amp is a Rocktron Voodu Valve preamp and a Peavey Classic 60/60 tube power amp with a 4x12" cab. It can push some air but it sounds also very good at bedroom level (as quiet as my Katana at 0.5w).
Nothing boutique, nothing high class, but when I'm shopping to replace it I'm always coming to the conclusion that it will be too expensive and I will have to make some compromises. It's an hard to dial preamp (because of the 2-band pre-eq and the 4-band parametric post-eq) but you can dial any tone you want (clean, blues, pop, classic rock, hard rock, '80s metal), and all recallable with midi. Probably a Synergy rig could replace it but it's freaking expensive.
Based on the amp models I play with, I would really like to have a Cornford MK50.
Nothing boutique, nothing high class, but when I'm shopping to replace it I'm always coming to the conclusion that it will be too expensive and I will have to make some compromises. It's an hard to dial preamp (because of the 2-band pre-eq and the 4-band parametric post-eq) but you can dial any tone you want (clean, blues, pop, classic rock, hard rock, '80s metal), and all recallable with midi. Probably a Synergy rig could replace it but it's freaking expensive.
Based on the amp models I play with, I would really like to have a Cornford MK50.
El Dunco
Sock Supplier to RHCP
You mentioned it when we were talking pre-EQ right? I’d love to hear the sounds you get from the Voodu.
donaldr
New member
I'd loved to show you but I don't have any mic to record it right now.
Yes pre-eq where I cut the bass and boost/cut the mids a bit depending of the "channel". That's how I can raise the bass without sounding muddy.
I'm also dialling the input gain level depending if I'm using a Les Paul or a Strat, just to push the input tube a bit more for single-coils.
I created 4 "channels" plus each one has a solo variation (adding a bit of gain, some bass and some mid for single notes and some delay).
1- Clean "channel" is based on class A topology. It sounds a bit like a mix between a Fender clean and a Mesa clean.
2- Crunch "channel" is based on class A topology, It sounds a bit like a JTM-45.
3- Drive "channel" is based on a low-tube high-gain class B topology without variac. It sounds a bit like a modded Plexi (think brown sound).
4- Metal "channel" is based on a high-tube high-gain class B topology with some variac. I based the eq from the Mesa 5-band graphic eq frequencies (the Q might not be the same). It sounds a bit like a 5150 (maybe as I never had such a high gain amp).
I think part of the sound is the Peavey tube power amp, it has four 6L6 and three 12AX7 valves in it. But I don't drive it that much because it's very loud.
It doesn't sound fizzy at all as I can fine-tune the parametric eq to remove it.
It also reacts very well to guitar volume, I can go from high-gain to almost clean (edge of breaking up) on the drive "channel" no problem. A the flick of the switch on the Les Paul.
I will try to record the Voodoo Valve by itself some day, adding power amp simulation and IR in the daw, or from my Atomic Firebox.
Yes pre-eq where I cut the bass and boost/cut the mids a bit depending of the "channel". That's how I can raise the bass without sounding muddy.
I'm also dialling the input gain level depending if I'm using a Les Paul or a Strat, just to push the input tube a bit more for single-coils.
I created 4 "channels" plus each one has a solo variation (adding a bit of gain, some bass and some mid for single notes and some delay).
1- Clean "channel" is based on class A topology. It sounds a bit like a mix between a Fender clean and a Mesa clean.
2- Crunch "channel" is based on class A topology, It sounds a bit like a JTM-45.
3- Drive "channel" is based on a low-tube high-gain class B topology without variac. It sounds a bit like a modded Plexi (think brown sound).
4- Metal "channel" is based on a high-tube high-gain class B topology with some variac. I based the eq from the Mesa 5-band graphic eq frequencies (the Q might not be the same). It sounds a bit like a 5150 (maybe as I never had such a high gain amp).
I think part of the sound is the Peavey tube power amp, it has four 6L6 and three 12AX7 valves in it. But I don't drive it that much because it's very loud.
It doesn't sound fizzy at all as I can fine-tune the parametric eq to remove it.
It also reacts very well to guitar volume, I can go from high-gain to almost clean (edge of breaking up) on the drive "channel" no problem. A the flick of the switch on the Les Paul.
I will try to record the Voodoo Valve by itself some day, adding power amp simulation and IR in the daw, or from my Atomic Firebox.
El Dunco
Sock Supplier to RHCP
I look forward to it. Great description! Very cool.
Phantasmagoria
watch where you point that sabre
Can't pick one. I have'nt found an amp that "ticks all the boxes" for me and if I had, I'd have just the one amp not the 10+ that I have.. :lmao:
Variety is my thing :bigthumb:
Variety is my thing :bigthumb:
Phantasmagoria
watch where you point that sabre
I also tend to get really different sounding amps (from each other), again cuz what's the point of having 10 amps that all sound the same..
Although I have been toying lately with the idea of another Laney Ironheart (either 60W or 120W) for backup...maybe w/ one running EL34's & 6L6's in the other..
Ironheart's are definitely my most popular amps. I have three (120W, 15W Studio & 60W IRF/SS) and might soon have four if I do get another 60/120W tube head.
Laney started making them in the UK since the beginning of this year (Black Country Custom's) which basically just gives them an excuse to knock the price up & makes it a great time to scoop up the Chinese ones being phased out cuz they're the exact same thing.
And as with all modern high gain heads Ironheart's are 100 percent mass-manufactured/pcb based amps like your TV, Washing Machine & iPhone (all pretty well/reliably made in Chinese factory's :laugh2
..so I don't forsee a huge leap up in quality/tone shifting manufacturing from China to the UK.
It will get a bunch of previously reticent moron's to start queuing up for them now though :lmao:
Although I have been toying lately with the idea of another Laney Ironheart (either 60W or 120W) for backup...maybe w/ one running EL34's & 6L6's in the other..
Ironheart's are definitely my most popular amps. I have three (120W, 15W Studio & 60W IRF/SS) and might soon have four if I do get another 60/120W tube head.
Laney started making them in the UK since the beginning of this year (Black Country Custom's) which basically just gives them an excuse to knock the price up & makes it a great time to scoop up the Chinese ones being phased out cuz they're the exact same thing.
And as with all modern high gain heads Ironheart's are 100 percent mass-manufactured/pcb based amps like your TV, Washing Machine & iPhone (all pretty well/reliably made in Chinese factory's :laugh2
..so I don't forsee a huge leap up in quality/tone shifting manufacturing from China to the UK.It will get a bunch of previously reticent moron's to start queuing up for them now though :lmao:
Chistopher
malapterurus electricus tonewood instigator
And as with all modern high gain heads Ironheart's are 100 percent mass-manufactured/pcb based amps like your TV, Washing Machine & iPhone (all pretty well/reliably made in Chinese factory's :laugh2
It will get a bunch of previously reticent moron's to start queuing up for them now though :lmao:
I ain't never seen a Washing Machine [sic] with tubes nor an iPhone with through hole components. That being said I haven't noticed a quality difference between Chinese and UK. My guess is they wanted to market a few of their products away from the lower brackets (more prestige) as well as support the UK economy. They didn't end up charging too much more for them either. When I was looking at Ironhearts a few years back was right about when they made the change. I didn't end up getting one though, although they were all pretty great amps. Ended up needing the money elsewhere.
Phantasmagoria
watch where you point that sabre
Did'nt say that had tubes (?) just that they were mass produced like washing machines, TV's etc and PCB based. So I did'nt forsee much of a difference in anything really by shifting manufacture to the UK.
I'm pretty sure the PCB boards, tranny's etc will still be MiC. In fact I'll be surprised if anything inside (or outside) changes except fot the plaque that says "Black country Custom - Made in UK" which is what will make all the difference to a lot of idiots.
Its marketing ...pure and simple and yeah the prices is just a couple of 100 USD higher now ( for EXACTLY the same thing -plus the all-important BCC plaque) but I'm betting it will start creeping upwards pretty quick if sales increase (and they will). Certainly an Ironheart Mk II will be close to twice the price now...
Which is why I think this will be a great time to scoop up another MiC Ironheart before they're all gone. (I do love the Ironheart by the way...imo it produces some of the best lead tones I've ever heard out of anything @ any price & is no slouch in the rhythm dept. either)
I'm pretty sure the PCB boards, tranny's etc will still be MiC. In fact I'll be surprised if anything inside (or outside) changes except fot the plaque that says "Black country Custom - Made in UK" which is what will make all the difference to a lot of idiots.
Its marketing ...pure and simple and yeah the prices is just a couple of 100 USD higher now ( for EXACTLY the same thing -plus the all-important BCC plaque) but I'm betting it will start creeping upwards pretty quick if sales increase (and they will). Certainly an Ironheart Mk II will be close to twice the price now...
Which is why I think this will be a great time to scoop up another MiC Ironheart before they're all gone. (I do love the Ironheart by the way...imo it produces some of the best lead tones I've ever heard out of anything @ any price & is no slouch in the rhythm dept. either)
Sirion
New member
It has to be the one that I have four and counting of, here in a pretty simple setup:
I own several other amps, including some rather coveted ones, and even though I some days think it has to be the Soldano that is my favourite, there just isn't anything that quite captures the ADA MP-1 – and it is the sound that still feels most like my own.
I own several other amps, including some rather coveted ones, and even though I some days think it has to be the Soldano that is my favourite, there just isn't anything that quite captures the ADA MP-1 – and it is the sound that still feels most like my own.
EmiAba
New member
I played for years a marshall valvestate 40w. I know it is not the best amp on earth but its sound still ringing in my ears. It was just perfect in mid 90s. With the guitar straight in it or driven by an Ada mp-1 it was my amp of choice for more than 15 years. Nowadays, at home, as a bedroom amp, my fav is orange crush 20. The prs mt15 for small gigs and evh 5150 with el34 valves for larger venues are the right match with my playing
Butch Snyder
ObsoleteChickenPickingologist
My favorite that I own is my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe v4. All stock. I would love to try a PRS DGT 15,
Rex_Rocker
Well-known member
Last edited:
eclecticsynergy
New member
Favorite amp? My old Boogie head - a Mark II, one of the very first. Randy Smith made it for me when he was still building them at home.
Little monster is at its best through Celestions. For many, many years I gigged it through a 1980 Marshall 4x12 loaded with G12-65s.
Retired it from active duty in the mid-90s when I switched to a rack system for my touring rig. But it's still the amp I know best.
At that point we'd done over 3,000 sets & sessions together. Great sounding and built like a tank, bulletproof reliable on the road.
It remains my benchmark for great feel at volume, and is still the amp I use to evaluate my guitar acquisitions.
I learned long ago not to try out guitars through the Triaxis preamp in my rack, since that makes everything sound fabulous.
The Mk II is less forgiving, an unvarnished picture that points up the strengths and weaknesses of any axe.
My favorite sound, though? That's the Mesa Triaxis that's been the heart of my tone for decades.
Incredibly good sounding and very versatile. It's everything I could want tonewise, a universe unto itself.
With a Mesa power amp, through Celestions, it's killer. Wattage and cabs have varied, but not that basic formula.
A lot of gear has come and gone in my rack over the years. But the Tri has never left, not since the day it went in.
To be honest, my touring days are pretty much in the past. The rack rig seldom leaves the house anymore.
I love having world class tone on tap at home, though. Puts a smile on my face every time I plug in.
Acquired a modest stable of amps over the years, ranging from a '55 Magnatone combo to a 2014 Friedman head.
Mostly taking the Friedman with me these days; it does hot-British better than any Marshall I ever owned.
When something vintagey is called for, I've got a blackface Bassman that Billy Zoom modded to blonde 6G6-B specs.
Also have a vintage Fender tiltback 2x12 to go with it, part of a great pawnshop score back around 2015.
The guy had a '66 Bandmaster he said was fried, selling for parts. I paid $300 for it, including the cab.
The only problem turned out to be a blown speaker. Probably my second-best used-gear deal ever.
Little monster is at its best through Celestions. For many, many years I gigged it through a 1980 Marshall 4x12 loaded with G12-65s.
Retired it from active duty in the mid-90s when I switched to a rack system for my touring rig. But it's still the amp I know best.
At that point we'd done over 3,000 sets & sessions together. Great sounding and built like a tank, bulletproof reliable on the road.
It remains my benchmark for great feel at volume, and is still the amp I use to evaluate my guitar acquisitions.
I learned long ago not to try out guitars through the Triaxis preamp in my rack, since that makes everything sound fabulous.
The Mk II is less forgiving, an unvarnished picture that points up the strengths and weaknesses of any axe.
My favorite sound, though? That's the Mesa Triaxis that's been the heart of my tone for decades.
Incredibly good sounding and very versatile. It's everything I could want tonewise, a universe unto itself.
With a Mesa power amp, through Celestions, it's killer. Wattage and cabs have varied, but not that basic formula.
A lot of gear has come and gone in my rack over the years. But the Tri has never left, not since the day it went in.
To be honest, my touring days are pretty much in the past. The rack rig seldom leaves the house anymore.
I love having world class tone on tap at home, though. Puts a smile on my face every time I plug in.
Acquired a modest stable of amps over the years, ranging from a '55 Magnatone combo to a 2014 Friedman head.
Mostly taking the Friedman with me these days; it does hot-British better than any Marshall I ever owned.
When something vintagey is called for, I've got a blackface Bassman that Billy Zoom modded to blonde 6G6-B specs.
Also have a vintage Fender tiltback 2x12 to go with it, part of a great pawnshop score back around 2015.
The guy had a '66 Bandmaster he said was fried, selling for parts. I paid $300 for it, including the cab.
The only problem turned out to be a blown speaker. Probably my second-best used-gear deal ever.
beaubrummels
Well-known member
There's no way I can remember the mode from 30 years ago. But the matching cab was probably more than half the sound.
NotDemanic
Active member
I'd say that my Picovalve with the KT-77 has been getting the most use of late. It's the easiest for me to haul outside when the weather is decent. Then my Line 6 Spidervalve head. It's probably the best amp I have. Finally, my Randall RH-200 head, it's loud, it sounds good and it's reliable. Honorable mention to my Microcube, Kustom KB-16 and Peavy TNT-130.
Rex_Rocker
Well-known member
Yeah, I bet a Recto (in Pushed mode, maybe?) through a cab with Greenbacks would get freakishly Marshall-y.
Still not the sound I'd get a Recto for, though, personally.
