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Topic: Are we using effects to try to get a tube sound? |
George Kimery
From:
Limestone, TN, USA
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Posted 9 Jul 2014 8:45 pm |
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I started playing steel in 1968 using a Twin Reverb amp with no effects. Since then, I have had all sorts of solid state amps. A week ago, I got a PV Valve King 112 combo tube amp. I feel that I have come full circle. I don't need any effects with the Valve King. I am running just a little reverb with a Wet Reverb because I do like it better than the spring reverb in the amp.
I have been using a black box, a DD-3 delay, a wet reverb, and a Lil Izzy. Before this, I used an RV-3 for many years, until I got the wet reverb, then I couldn't stand the RV-3 reverb. I used to have a Lexicon MPX-1 with Hughey and Sasser programs in it. I had an Ibanez analog effects unit with the floor controlled foot pedal I have had a Session 500, Session 400, Nashville 112,Nashville 400, Nashville 1000, Webb 614 , Evans FET 500, and a Steel King. Always having to run effects with all of them to get a sound I liked. Before you ask, I don't want to deal with the size and weight of a Twin. The Valve King is the size of a 112 and weighs 42.5 LB, even less when I get the Eminence neo EPS 12C installed.
All the amps sounded good, but always a little thin and sterile for me. The Valve King is the first amp I have had since the Twin in 1968 that I am happy with the sound without any effects. I am having Eminence custom shop make me a 16 ohm EPS-12C speaker for it. I don't think the stock speaker is cutting it in the low range. I am hoping that a speaker designed for steel will give it a kick in the pants.
Now I am wondering if I have (without realizing it) been trying to get that tube sound that is in my head by getting different amps and depending on effects instead of just getting another tube amp.Would it be fair to say "Solid state amps need help with effects, tube amps don't" Like always, I guess the answer is go with your ears. What works for one does not work for another.
BTW, 50 watts in the Valve King is LOUD.
Last edited by George Kimery on 12 Jul 2014 10:47 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Michael Stephens
From:
South Hadley, MA
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Posted 12 Jul 2014 6:23 am PV Valve King 112 for Pedal Steel
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| George - thanks for sharing this experience. Please give an update once you swap out the speaker. Very curious to hear your (and others') experience with using this amp for pedal steel. |
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Brett Lanier
From:
Hermitage, TN
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Posted 12 Jul 2014 1:00 pm
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I have a solid state standel that sounds better than any tube amp I've tried. Even the overdrive sound (with a pedal) sounds better than any of my old fenders.
I think solid state amps went downhill when they switched to using silicon transistors and then IC chips. The trend of having more power that came in the 70's and 80's may have stifled the progress of solid state technology and how good it can actually sound. Seems like Gerry Walker and Pat Quilter have the right idea though, making amps that have a really sweet tone at any volume. |
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Bud Angelotti
From:
Larryville, NJ, USA
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Posted 12 Jul 2014 1:27 pm
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Are we using effects to get a tube sound -
Absolutely - As far as those Standel amp, well, I've never played thru one, but according to Mike Cass, they are super special and in a class of their own.
_________________
Just 'cause I look stupid, don't mean I'm not. |
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George Kimery
From:
Limestone, TN, USA
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Posted 13 Jul 2014 3:19 am Are we using effects to get a tube sound?
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| Michael, I can't believe this, but I am selling the amp, even though it was really a great sounding amp for steel, in my opinion. You can read the details in the for sale amps and accessories section. I found out that although it worked great in the first two gigs, the 3rd gig with a loud band was a deal killer. At 50 watts, it just could not handle the loud volume without breaking up. Otherwise, I would never have parted with this amp. I think it is a great amp for steel if you do not play in a loud band. |
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Tim Marcus
From:
San Francisco, CA
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Posted 13 Jul 2014 10:00 am
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| Brett Lanier wrote: |
I think solid state amps went downhill when they switched to using silicon transistors and then IC chips. The trend of having more power that came in the 70's and 80's may have stifled the progress of solid state technology |
ever heard a leslie solid state amplifier? 
they sound amazing - Don Leslie definitely knew how to make a discrete transistor amplifier. However, they are just as big and heavy as their tube counterparts
_________________
Milkmansound.com |
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Kevin Raymer
From:
Chalybeate, Kentucky, USA
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Posted 13 Jul 2014 10:29 am
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George,
Get a 112 extension cabinet and a tube power amp.
Drive that straight from the line out on the valve king.
It's more gear to haul but it's also scalable.
If you don't need to get loud then leave it at home.
If you do BAM!!! You got more SPL and the tone you have found...
_________________
Kevin Raymer
Zum / Knaggs / Breedlove
Fractal Audio |
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George Kimery
From:
Limestone, TN, USA
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Posted 15 Jul 2014 5:39 am Are we using effects to try to get a tube sound?
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Kevin, you had a very good idea that I had not thought of, BUT...there is a couple of problems. First, the Valve King 112 does not have a line out jack. And 2nd, if I had another piece to carry, it would not fit into my brother's SUV that we take to our gigs. It is full to the max with no room for anything else at all.
This is something that I will keep in mind though for future applications. I like the idea. I have used this method in PA systems to run monitors, so I know what you are talking about.
Thanks. |
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Tommy Shown
From:
Denham Springs, La.
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Posted 19 Jul 2014 6:57 pm
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I use a Walker stereo steel with a Black Box, and a Peavey Pro Fex.I like the tone with the Black box. I can make it as Bright or warm as I want it to be. Because the Black Box has a tube in it. I just couldn't get that good of sound out of the Nashville 400's, that I had. Plus it helps when you have a friend, who knows how to set up your amp for the best sound, for your steel that isn't thin or tinny, or muddy and flat. Who knows where that "sweet spot" is.
Tommy Shown |
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Kevin Raymer
From:
Chalybeate, Kentucky, USA
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Posted 21 Jul 2014 1:02 pm
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George,
Get one of those cargo carriers that slides up in the trailer hitch receiver on the SUV.
Let the bass player ride back there and put your extension cab where he usually sit.
Viola, problem solved..
LOL...
_________________
Kevin Raymer
Zum / Knaggs / Breedlove
Fractal Audio |
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George Kimery
From:
Limestone, TN, USA
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Posted 21 Jul 2014 2:15 pm Are we using effects to try to get a tube sound?
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Kevin, the SUV has a receiver for the cargo carrier. You may have come up with a solution. But wait a minute, it is my brother's SUV and he drives. Not only that, he is the bass player and is on crutches. I don't think I can sell him on the idea. The fiddle player is 80 years old and nods off. I am afraid he might fall asleep and fall out. So there is no body to sit in the cargo holder...WAIT A MINUTE NOW.....I'M NOT GETTING IN THAT CONTRAPTION. I have a back condition....yellow streak all the way up it.
I have come up with a simpler solution: I have the amp listed on eBay. The 50 watts just wasn't enough for my loud band. I still want to get a tube combo amp later. Just got to get something with some horse power to it. |
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