My 'new' Quilter TT-12!

Steel guitar amplifiers, effects, etc.

Moderator: Shoshanah Marohn

Post Reply
User avatar
Roger Rettig
Posts: 10548
Joined: 4 Aug 2000 12:01 am
Location: Naples, FL
Contact:

My 'new' Quilter TT-12!

Post by Roger Rettig »

I've been playing for the last few years through Roland 80xl amps and had become reasonably content with their performance.

This week, though, having heard so much about the TT-12, I bought one. It arrived today and, despite only having had 20 minutes to try it, I know I have found my ideal steel amp.

The increased power and headroom blew me away. I'm especially pleased with the clarity and separation on the C6 bottom strings! The Roland used to just rumble a bit in that area.

It's compact and lightweight - I couldn't be more pleased!
User avatar
Jack Stoner
Posts: 22087
Joined: 3 Dec 1999 1:01 am
Location: Kansas City, MO

Post by Jack Stoner »

LOL. I Knew you would like it!
GFI Ultra Keyless S-10 with pad (Black of course) TB202 amp, Hilton VP, Steelers Choice sidekick seat, SIT Strings (all for sale as package)
Cakewalk by Bandlab and Studio One V4.6 pro DAWs, MOTU Ultralite MK5 recording interface unit
User avatar
Michael Sawyer
Posts: 223
Joined: 15 Jun 2019 8:32 am
Location: North Carolina, USA

Post by Michael Sawyer »

Sound great and easy on the back.
Bobby D. Jones
Posts: 2235
Joined: 17 May 2010 9:27 am
Location: West Virginia, USA

Post by Bobby D. Jones »

Roger, "A Tone Block 202 can be habit forming".

I had a Tone Block 202 on back order from August 2021 till March 4th, 2022 when it finally arrived.
I set it up with a 15 inch Eminence EPS-15C, In a Birch cabinet. A true 25 pounds of Sound Machine.
I play a S 12U, The 8-9-10-11-12 are separate and sound great through the TB 202.
May your back and ears enjoy the TB 202.
User avatar
Roger Rettig
Posts: 10548
Joined: 4 Aug 2000 12:01 am
Location: Naples, FL
Contact:

Post by Roger Rettig »

Bobby - you're right!

I've been tweaking things this morning but, in all honesty, I've yet to find a setting that didn't sound good.

I suppose I've lived so long with the trusty Roland 80XLs that I've become accustomed to their almost built-in compression and, I have to say, bottom-end muddiness.

If there's a downside to the splendid Quilter TT-12, it's the fact that it's clarity is exposing some acquired laziness in my right hand. I'm going to have to sharpen up. I must admit to finding the same thing when I was required to use a Twin-Reverb on a show. At first it was unpleasant to my ear but eventually I came to relish the tone of the bigger amp.

The TT-12 is a winner in my book.
Dave Falk
Posts: 24
Joined: 14 Sep 2020 10:37 am
Location: Michigan, USA

Post by Dave Falk »

Roger, new to the PSG and looking for my first amp......but only have $5-600 in budget. Was looking at the Quilter Avaitor Cub.........any suggestions or thoughts would be great.
User avatar
Roger Rettig
Posts: 10548
Joined: 4 Aug 2000 12:01 am
Location: Naples, FL
Contact:

Post by Roger Rettig »

I can't speak for the Aviator, I'm afraid.

Here's the mystery: I had the Quilter Steelaire combo amp and found it not to my taste; a touch too thin, somehow. Yet, here I am, enthusing unreservedly (so far) about the TT12.

With your budget, I would wholeheartedly recommend a used Peavey Nashville 400 or similar. They're heavy!!! But they were designed specifically to handle the PSG frequencies and they're reliable. They come up all the time at less than your upper limit.

Look also at the Peavey Nashville 112. I was a reluctant purchaser (on Bobbe Seymour's recommendation) and I came to like it very much. Again, $350-$500 would get you one.

Peaveys are taken for granted a bit but they made their mark with good design and terrific after sales service. I'd look no further than Peavey.
User avatar
Jack Stoner
Posts: 22087
Joined: 3 Dec 1999 1:01 am
Location: Kansas City, MO

Post by Jack Stoner »

I had a Steelaire and was too bright for me. The person I sold it to is happy with it.

My TT12 combo EQ settings with a Hilton or Telonics VP is Bass 12 O'clock, Mid and Treble 2 clicks left of 12 O'clock. Voice FullQ. If you use Vint you get into Fender Territory.

I'm still working trying to find a setting I like with a pot pedal.
GFI Ultra Keyless S-10 with pad (Black of course) TB202 amp, Hilton VP, Steelers Choice sidekick seat, SIT Strings (all for sale as package)
Cakewalk by Bandlab and Studio One V4.6 pro DAWs, MOTU Ultralite MK5 recording interface unit
Dave Falk
Posts: 24
Joined: 14 Sep 2020 10:37 am
Location: Michigan, USA

Post by Dave Falk »

Thank you Roger.
User avatar
Chuck Blake
Posts: 918
Joined: 8 Aug 2011 8:49 am
Location: West Virginia, USA

Post by Chuck Blake »

I too played Steelaire amps but always thought they sound sterile...

I play Rains SD10 guitars thru the Eminence 15 EPS-15c and sometimes a Sica 15 speakers in pine cabs, semi-open back covered in speaker carpet with the TB 202. Bottom line.

The Tone Block 202 with these cabs sounds great....very lush tonal quality.
2010 Rains 3x5 SD10, 2006 Rains 3x5 SD10 Powered by Quilter Tone Block 202 and 15' and 12' Custom Speaker cabs
User avatar
Michael Sawyer
Posts: 223
Joined: 15 Jun 2019 8:32 am
Location: North Carolina, USA

Post by Michael Sawyer »

With the TT12, i can tame the highs on an early 60's Fender 400,with no mud on the low side.
User avatar
Dale Rottacker
Posts: 3513
Joined: 3 Aug 2010 6:49 pm
Location: Walla Walla Washington, USA
Contact:

Post by Dale Rottacker »

As Roger alluded, there doesn't seem to be a setting on this amp that won't work. I've stayed in the ballpark and swung for the fences with "outta here" settings and it doesn't seem to matter, this amp just sounds good.
Dale Rottacker, Steelinatune™
*2021 MSA Legend, "Jolly Rancher" D10 10x9
*2021 Rittenberry, "The Concord" D10 9x9
*1977 Blue Sho-Bud Pro 3 Custom 8x6
https://msapedalsteels.com
http://rittenberrysteelguitars.com
https://www.telonics.com/index.php
https://www.p2pamps.com
https://www.quilterlabs.com
User avatar
Damir Besic
Posts: 12261
Joined: 30 Oct 2000 1:01 am
Location: Nashville,TN.
Contact:

Post by Damir Besic »

fantastic amp
User avatar
Steve Rosko
Posts: 181
Joined: 11 May 2014 4:31 pm
Location: Georgetown, Texas

Post by Steve Rosko »

I have a like new TT-12 available in the For Sale section if anyone is interested 😉
84 Emmons D10 PP, MSA D10, Hilton, Little Walter PF89, PF-350 cabs, blueSky, BJS
Post Reply