I just dont like them. I know its hip to say that tube amps are better. I dont believe that. But in my experience, they just feel better to me. I know modding has come a long way with a lot of amps but it all feels very...detached for me.
A tube amp keeps reminding me how fucking awful I am at guitar. And i love it.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Sun February 23, 2020 3:37 am
by Self
You can find your sound anywhere. That's what the knobs are for. You should always be able to sound like you.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Sun February 23, 2020 4:00 am
by Birds in Hell
verb_to_trust wrote:If you're looking at a 35w or 20w there seem to be a ton of solid state models that can fit the bill. The only reason I bought a 100w amp in the first place was because I assumed if you wanted to have a tube amp, you needed to be able to crank it to get the benefits.
If you're going headlong into this, solid state isn't necessarily the same as modelling (which is what many non-tube amps are these days).
Something like a Roland JC-120 is an analog solid state amp without any digital modelling, for instance (though the in-built chorus is now digital).
Feeling like I may sell everything (which is only the Bluesbreaker and the '66 Jaguar) and start over soon, I think. Had a few difficult months last year and sold all my pedals and all my guitars, I think a fresh start would be kind of nice.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Sun February 23, 2020 4:49 am
by verb_to_trust
Birds in Hell wrote:
verb_to_trust wrote:If you're looking at a 35w or 20w there seem to be a ton of solid state models that can fit the bill. The only reason I bought a 100w amp in the first place was because I assumed if you wanted to have a tube amp, you needed to be able to crank it to get the benefits.
If you're going headlong into this, solid state isn't necessarily the same as modelling (which is what many non-tube amps are these days).
Something like a Roland JC-120 is an analog solid state amp without any digital modelling, for instance (though the in-built chorus is now digital).
Feeling like I may sell everything (which is only the Bluesbreaker and the '66 Jaguar) and start over soon, I think. Had a few difficult months last year and sold all my pedals and all my guitars, I think a fresh start would be kind of nice.
Yeah everyone seems to have a modeling amp now and I know the tech has come a long way since the line 6 pedal days. Fender Mustang, the Vox version of that, Peavey Vypyr. When I mentioned Orange though, it was because they specifically seem to work on the other end of that spectrum and I think that's cool. There is such thing as choice paralysis and I think I'm the type of person that thrives more with simplicity.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Sun February 23, 2020 4:55 am
by Birds in Hell
verb_to_trust wrote:There is such thing as choice paralysis and I think I'm the type of person that thrives more with simplicity.
Yeah, absolutely, me too.
I find the less distractions I have (including endless tone fiddling), the more I can focus on and enjoy playing music.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Sun February 23, 2020 5:02 am
by verb_to_trust
Plus part of the fun of effects is stomping on that box.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Sun February 23, 2020 1:41 pm
by Oh, Jimmy
If you want to crank, go lower watts. Tons of <20w amps that can blow your hair back. I’ve got a Z M12 and it sounds great in my house and can hang with a caveman drummer. Doesn’t get too dirty on its own but room in every direction(speakers, pedals) to supplement the flexibility.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Mon February 24, 2020 1:28 pm
by mf
verb_to_trust wrote:
Birds in Hell wrote:
verb_to_trust wrote:If you're looking at a 35w or 20w there seem to be a ton of solid state models that can fit the bill. The only reason I bought a 100w amp in the first place was because I assumed if you wanted to have a tube amp, you needed to be able to crank it to get the benefits.
If you're going headlong into this, solid state isn't necessarily the same as modelling (which is what many non-tube amps are these days).
Something like a Roland JC-120 is an analog solid state amp without any digital modelling, for instance (though the in-built chorus is now digital).
Feeling like I may sell everything (which is only the Bluesbreaker and the '66 Jaguar) and start over soon, I think. Had a few difficult months last year and sold all my pedals and all my guitars, I think a fresh start would be kind of nice.
Yeah everyone seems to have a modeling amp now and I know the tech has come a long way since the line 6 pedal days. Fender Mustang, the Vox version of that, Peavey Vypyr. When I mentioned Orange though, it was because they specifically seem to work on the other end of that spectrum and I think that's cool. There is such thing as choice paralysis and I think I'm the type of person that thrives more with simplicity.
Orange makes the Crush Pro 60 and 120, which are both analog solid state. Both get great reviews and are as dead simple as all the other Orange amps. Folks that also own Orange tube heads rave about them. I've been debating picking up a 120 myself cause they are super cheap. Then again i probably want different things tonewise so ymmv.
But yeah mini heads ftw. Thing about mini heads though is you need a quality cab to run em through. Ideally a 212 imo. Not for volume but for bass response. 112 always feel kind of weak to me.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Mon February 24, 2020 5:22 pm
by wease
Strat wrote:
Self wrote:I'm done selling gear. I regret dumping about 85% of the shit I sold off. It's not exactly a logical position to take, but falling in love with a piece of wood isn't either.
Been trying to convince myself to get a 20w mini head. Most of the time, the 60w is too much. Most can switch down to 5w, some even 1w. The Marshall SV20H Studio Vintage has my eye, but good christ, $1300? The Marshall ORI20H is way affordable. Guess I'd have to try them to see. The Peavey classic is on the radar too.
ive been with my Twin Reverb II for nearly 20 years. I can't imagine playing through another amp or even selling this thing. But its just too fucking heavy. its too fucking loud. It has to be at a high enough volume to really hit the sweet spot no matter how many boost pedals or breakers i try.
But it sounds so fucking good clean.
Anyone have any suggestions on something similar at a more manageable 20 watt? I wouldnt sell this twin reverb....cause like you.....i regret selling the stuff I have.
But....
What's the wattage of your Twin? My Super Reverb is a 40-watt and about the highest I can go on volume is a four. At least if I don't want to blow out my windows. It's got the sweetest fucking sound at that level, but I would like to just go somewhere and crank it up for a little while.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Mon February 24, 2020 5:34 pm
by surfndestroy
mf wrote:Thing about mini heads though is you need a quality cab to run em through. Ideally a 2x12 imo. Not for volume but for bass response.
This. I have a Hughes & Kettner that can run 1, 5 or 20 watt through Traynor dark horse 2x12. It has two greenbacks. Personally I love it to death. Can't vouch for how my neighbours feel about it.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Mon February 24, 2020 5:41 pm
by verb_to_trust
Now would be a great time for strat to upload that video of him shredding at a house party. Seeing it was when I dropped all animosity towards him. I don't even really troll him anymore. He just looked so cool.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Mon February 24, 2020 5:41 pm
by tragabigzanda
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Wed February 26, 2020 1:08 am
by Superblood Wolfmoon
Wasn’t sure where to post this but figured this thread was appropriate.
How long would you give to getting an all-original band off the ground before bailing? Ive been playing with these guys for over a year, we have maybe 10 originals to show for it, and no gigs played or even scheduled at this point. I’m basically done, but want to make sure I’m not off base.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Wed February 26, 2020 1:43 am
by surfndestroy
Superblood Wolfmoon wrote:How long would you give to getting an all-original band off the ground before bailing?.
How strong you do you feel about the originals? If you have faith in the songs, get it together to play live and figure out if the band and songs connect with people.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Wed February 26, 2020 2:18 am
by Strat
Superblood Wolfmoon wrote:Wasn’t sure where to post this but figured this thread was appropriate.
How long would you give to getting an all-original band off the ground before bailing? Ive been playing with these guys for over a year, we have maybe 10 originals to show for it, and no gigs played or even scheduled at this point. I’m basically done, but want to make sure I’m not off base.
I was much younger when i started my band. BUt shit, isn't it about getting out and laying in front of people? If the rest of the guys dont have the energy or excitement for that, then bail.
Go play! Thats the fun part.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Wed February 26, 2020 3:14 am
by Superblood Wolfmoon
The songs are OK. But I also don’t have a lot of faith in the singer/guitarist’s ability to really own it as the frontman.
I’m with you Strat. I’m not getting any younger and I want to be onstage. I’m working with a buddy of mine on the side to try and put some materials together that’s more my thing. We have similar tastes and I think we can put some good shit together. I’d play bass and sing.
One of the big rock cover bands in the area invited me to sing “Aerials” a couple weeks back and it was awesome. So much fun and everyone really dug it.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Wed February 26, 2020 3:35 am
by tragabigzanda
tragabigzanda wrote:
tragabigzanda wrote:Top 10 maybe?
Hello Morning
Close Captioned
The Kill
Place/Position
Do You Like Me?
Latest Disgrace
Recap Modotti
Nightshop
Break
Life & Limb
I'd maybe bump Life & Limb for Epic Problem
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Wed February 26, 2020 3:58 am
by Strat
tragabigzanda wrote:Gigging mostly blows. I’d be content to make cool records with my buds forever even if no one else ever heard them.
For some reason this doesn’t surprise me with you.
For me? I don’t care what it sounds like or looks like. Being up in a stage with a full hand and the noise and people in the room while I get to play my guitar? There’s not much better.
I also love tinkering and writing. But just playing music around people is ... special.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Wed February 26, 2020 4:04 am
by wease
Strat wrote:
tragabigzanda wrote:Gigging mostly blows. I’d be content to make cool records with my buds forever even if no one else ever heard them.
For some reason this doesn’t surprise me with you.
For me? I don’t care what it sounds like or looks like. Being up in a stage with a full hand and the noise and people in the room while I get to play my guitar? There’s not much better.
I also love tinkering and writing. But just playing music around people is ... special.