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Topic: Totally indecisive - need amp advice! |
Ian Finlay
From:
Kenton, UK
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Posted 26 Mar 2006 3:04 pm |
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Hi all. I need help. Really.
As I said in another thread, I have a killer '59 Bassman that I don't want to take out to gigs anymore. I don't have a huge amount of spare cash at the moment, and I'm in the UK so I don't have access to a lot of used Steel amps.
I play a Fender 1000 for Hilbilly, Western Swing, Hank Williams kind of stuff. The Bassman does tend to break up a little too early at gig volume - even though I'm mic'ed, the onstage volume can get a bit loud when we're cookin'.
So I see my choices are:
1. An acoustic amp like the AER 60 range. Small, light, hopefully loud enough (I can mount it on a mic stand for better monitoring) and a DI output.
2. Wait (probably for ages) to find a cosmetically challenged Twin, put it in a head cabinet and add a 1x15 with a neodymium magnet to keep the weight down. Manageable weight, some effort and time to make it happen, and will I ever find a cheap Twin over here?
3. Bassfex/tubefex into a power amp into a 1x15 cab. Will this work? Will I get the sound I want - vintage-ish but cleaner and louder?
4. Something else?
HELP!
Ian |
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Herb Steiner
From:
Briarcliff TX 78669, pop. 2,064
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Tim Whitlock
From:
Colorado, USA
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Posted 26 Mar 2006 5:08 pm
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| I agree with Herb. For your type of music tubes are a must. The Twin Reverb and the Fender 1000 are a match made in heaven. |
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David Doggett
From:
Bawl'mer, MD (formerly of MS, Nawluns, Gnashville, Knocksville, Lost Angeles, Bahsten. and Philly)
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Posted 26 Mar 2006 7:48 pm
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Ian, I agree there is nothing like an all tube Fender Twin for steel. However, don't sell your own country's products short. I have been amazed at the new Vox Valvetronix amps. They use a hybrid of amp modeling along with a single real tube into a light but powerful power amp section. The result is small, light, inexpensive amps with huge tube sound, both clean and dirty. The 100w combo doesn't weigh any more than your bassman, maybe less. And there is a head that can go with a single speaker or half stack, or a speaker of your choice. The pricier VTX series have neodymium speakers. Alternatively, you could use a Vox ToneLabe modeler-multieffects unit (same hybrid tube technology) with the light solid-state combo or power amp of your choice. Either way, you will get a great clean channel, several very convincing American clean tube and Brit dirty tube models. Plus you get a bunch of very good effects. Vox has the best models I have heard, partly because there is a real tube involved. I believe you will be amazed at the tone, weight and price of these Vox products. The only drawback is that they are mass produced Asian-made (European designed) products with the usual quality control issues. But at these prices, you can get an extra one for backup. Try them and let us know what you think.
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Student of the Steel: Zum uni, Fender tube amps, squareneck and roundneck resos, tenor sax, keyboards
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Jim Sliff
From:
Lawndale California, USA
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Posted 26 Mar 2006 10:48 pm
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Also look for a showman reverb - it's the same amp as a Twin in head form.
Also think about bass amps. My 1000 works really well with SWR and Eden bass combos, which have tons of power, can be dialed in to sound very warm, and are not overly expensive. |
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John Davis
From:
Cambridge, U.K.
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Posted 27 Mar 2006 12:23 am
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Ian, I can let you have a Dual Showman (1970`s) for 350 + a small donation to the forum its rated 100 watt but I don`t think you get a line out with that old model.
John
really enjoyed your show at letchworth  |
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Ian Finlay
From:
Kenton, UK
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Posted 27 Mar 2006 2:38 am
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Thanks to all who responded here and by email. You guys are great!
Jim - I play bass too, and have a new-ish Ashdown combo. I tried it over the weekend, but it's all wrong somehow. No "life". It's killer for bass - tight, punchy, huge sound, but I couldn't get the mids and highs right. I'll try again, but I'm not hopeful.
John, I've lost your number. Could you email me? Glad you liked the show - I thought I sucked, but that's usual!
I'll let you guys know what I come up with - it may help someone else down the line.
Ian |
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James Morehead
From:
Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.
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Posted 27 Mar 2006 5:47 am
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| That Dual Showman deal sounds like a great answer----virtually the same as a twin in a head cab. John is a generous man! |
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Alan Cook
From:
Kent,England
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Posted 27 Mar 2006 7:14 am
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I would go for a Peavey 112 for small gigs and a Fender Vibrosonic or a twin for the bigger gigs. The AER is great but if the PA is not very good your front of house sound will suffer. The British Steelies Society site has a Trading Post with lots of amps for sale.
Alan |
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Ian Finlay
From:
Kenton, UK
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Posted 27 Mar 2006 8:15 am
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Cheers, I hadn't thought about the BSS. Too much choice now - there's a session 400 for £350.... Still, I suspect the Fender may be closer to what I want!
JD - call me!
Ian |
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John Davis
From:
Cambridge, U.K.
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Posted 31 Mar 2006 11:52 am
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| Ian I did call you!you can reach me on 07860 666820 or 01480 393900 or my website WWW.pedalsteelguitar.co.uk Why don`t you come and take the amp for a week and then either pay me for it or bring it back.....either way would be ok with me |
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