Polytone Amp

Francis Chamberlain · Post by **Francis Chamberlain** » 8 Jul 2002 6:40 am

Has anyone tried a Polytone Amp for the steel? They make a model called the Brute IV. It has 110 watts with a 15" speaker and a hammons 3 spring reverb. I think it only weighs 36 pounds. I tried on one for size and was very impressed.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 8 Jul 2002 9:14 am

Yes, I have one. Winnie Winston got me started on them years ago, cuz he sounded so good thru them. My experience has been more variable. Some nights I can get "my tone" on it, and some nights I just can't seem to get it. Lately, it's been working better for me and I've used it for small gigs where portability has been an issue. Your mileage may vary!

Chuck Norris · Post by **Chuck Norris** » 11 Jul 2002 5:10 am

Francis, this subject has come up several times on the forum. There a great sounding amp, but depending on your style of playing they generally wont make it power wise. Even the jazz guitar market has shifted strongly in favor of Evan`s amp`s wich have the warm tone but a lot more power. Mike Brown of Peavey said it, and I agree 200 watts is mininum overall for the needed headroom for steel. That is subject to your playing style though. But all the hupla about small steel amp`s I beleive is gonna pass in the short run.But one day they`ll figure that one out too.I steal believe you can stay with company`s that design amp`s for steel,Peavey, Evan`s, Webb are the biggie`s they got it going.
Chuck Norris NFM

Susan Alcorn · Post by **Susan Alcorn** » 11 Jul 2002 10:26 am

Chuck, I love my Peavy Session 500, but my concern is growing old with my left arm three inches longer than my left arm. For me, the great sounding lightweight amp is a kind of holy grail, but the sound it the most important.

Gary Walker · Post by **Gary Walker** » 12 Jul 2002 7:49 pm

Susan, I agree about the 500. I am spoiled on it's tone but toting it is almost impossible. If we had a good lifting jack like a transmission lift that was practical, taking it along would be a snap and we could get "our sound" where ever we play.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 12 Jul 2002 8:09 pm

I know someone that has a Polytone amp...has replaced the spkr. w/a JBL.. still doesn't do it for me...not for steel...

Chuck Norris · Post by **Chuck Norris** » 14 Jul 2002 11:06 pm

Susan, I know your problem. I just sold a 500 last week. There are a lot lighter amps than that out there though. The new 1000 is not near as heavy even though its a large 300 watts of power. I believe it`s about the same weight as the 400 but spreading it out in the bigger cab seems to make it feel lighter plus a lot more spacious bass reponse. Ive heard a lot about you but I don`t believe Ive heard you play, as Ive said so often how much amp you need is subject to your style and tone. A E9th player sometime`s doesnt need as much amp or as stout a speaker as a C6th player, but again depending on how loud the band play`s. both PEAVEY and Evan`s have lighter guitar amp`s and of coarse Peavey has tube amp`s[ the Classic`s kick] that can sound good with E9th California style`s or even Nashville commercial style`s but once you`ve had steak peanut butter is just a snack. I think if you haven`t tried a 1000 you should. Headroom a plenty, great round sound and a lot lighter. And if you play C6th it`s a must.
Chuck Norris NFM

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 15 Jul 2002 9:30 am

Herb Remington plays through a Polytone.....and sounds awesome.
Ricky

Chuck Norris · Post by **Chuck Norris** » 16 Jul 2002 4:12 am

Ricky, I believe Herb got the Polytone amp Idea from Playboy guitarist Walter Lyon`s. Herb is a perfect example of what equipment you can use is subject to your playing style.
Chuck Norris NFM

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 16 Jul 2002 7:40 am

Amen to that Chuck.
Yes the swing band Herb plays in (when I saw him last).is something like "rivercity boys"....??? or something like that; but anyway; they are "NOT" a loud band.....so I believe that Polytone compliments that situation.
Ricky

Al Marcus · Post by **Al Marcus** » 16 Jul 2002 6:24 pm

Chuck-I don't doubt that the Peavey 1000 is a very good amp for steel.

However at 57 lbs it is still too heavy for me.

Now if it was 36 lbs.......al