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Topic: First review: Tonic / TC Furlong 15" SPLIT combo amp |
Ray DeVoe
From:
Hudson, FL
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Posted 31 May 2008 11:41 am |
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Hey forumites.
I just wanted to post a note on here as to the quality and sound of this new combo amp setup.
This is the exact amp setup that TC had pictured on the forum as his new 15" SPLIT with cabinet space on top for a Brad Sarno / Tonic tube preamp.
I ordered the Tonic with Reverb from Brad, and TC installed it in the split and set everything up as this was the first one available for sale.
I installed one of my own used 1501 - 4 ohm BW speakers in it as the NEO's are on back order.
This split setup is superior to any combo amp I have ever owned. The reverb works great and the tone is outstanding. The Tonic, just like it's big brother the Revelation stereo model, can give a player just about any tone setting that they might want.
The power is endless as this unit is putting a full 500 watts out into a 4 ohm load. Clean sound to the max !!!
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My setup is as follows.
Mullen SD 12 ext. G2 with stock pickup.
Standard 3 cord hookup with a standard pot pedal with Dunlop pot, in the loop.
Tonic / 15" split combo with a TC M300 running through the rear loop.
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The above is one fine setup. It just does not get any better !! The sound is "even" from the bottom to the top frets with unbelievable sustain and clarity. Harmonics were effortless.!!!
It's all up to the players hands after plugging in this setup. The size of the amp is close to that of a Peavey Nashville 1000 as I had a new Peavey cover sitting around that fits pretty well. I will be ordering a D2F for it when I get back.
I personally like this new 15" open back split combo so much that I have ordered a standard 15" open back split to use with one of my Revelations as a second setup. This cabinet does not have the provision on top for the Tonic. It's smaller than the combo version and I will be checking it out as soon as I get back from vacation.
TC has several different cabinet models on the drawing board and its great to see people like Brad and TC developing new equipment technologies for steel players. Players just need to decide if they want a preamp and effects unit sitting in a rack at thier side, or a complete hybrid combo amp.
I can only suggest that you try out one of these units as they become available in the field and at the shows. I think you will be quite impressed. The 15" Tonic / Furlong SPLIT is in a league of its own.
Ray DeVoe
_________________
Zum SD 10 Hybrid, Zum D 10 Hybrid, Emmons SD 10 P.P.
SMS: Revelation & Classic Preamps: Furlong 12" Splits.
Webb 15" Splits: Telonics 500 C: Head and 12" cabinet:
Last edited by Ray DeVoe on 11 Mar 2009 12:37 am; edited 9 times in total |
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Tom Mossburg
From:
AZ,
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Posted 31 May 2008 9:44 pm
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| Ray thanks for this info. I've been considering a smaller lighter setup. It is good to see people pushing the envelope and developing new stuff for steel players. Anybody in the Phoenix area have one of these systems Yet? |
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Ray DeVoe
From:
Hudson, FL
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Posted 1 Jun 2008 4:28 am Tonic / Split
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Hi Tom
TC needs to jump on here and answer that.
I know that he had several 15" models on order.
I just happened to get the first one out as I changed my mind and ordered a 15" Tonic / SPLIT verses his standard closed back 12" powered cabinet.
Every player has his own ear and likes and I have always preferred 15" speakers and open back cabinets.
TC can put together just about any combination of cabinet that you might want. If I remember right, I think he mentioned once here on the forum that he had a 12" version of what I purchased on the drawing board.??
Just give TC a ring and he can give you the exact details of what's available.
www.tcfurlongcustom.com/
www.sarnomusicsolutions.com
Ray DeVoe
_________________
Zum SD 10 Hybrid, Zum D 10 Hybrid, Emmons SD 10 P.P.
SMS: Revelation & Classic Preamps: Furlong 12" Splits.
Webb 15" Splits: Telonics 500 C: Head and 12" cabinet: |
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T. C. Furlong
From:
Lake County, Illinois, USA
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Posted 1 Jun 2008 1:48 pm
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Ray,
I am so pleased that you are satisfied with your new amp and thanks for the great review! The 15" combo amp is in production as well as the self powered 15" open back cabinet. I have not put them on my site yet but I will soon. I've just been too busy keeping up with orders. By the way, D2F has a stock cover for the SpliTonic Custom 15 model STC-15OB (what you have)and the SPLIT CB12.
Tom,
There is a player in Phoenix who has a CB12. Please email me and I'll ask him if he wouldn't mind getting in touch.
TC |
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Danny Naccarato
From:
Burleson, Texas
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Posted 1 Mar 2009 9:42 am
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Anything new on this? Saw where Brad mentioned his new single rack pre and wondering how or if it can be installed in the SPLIT 15" ? TC, do you have any pics of the 15" self powered cabinet? Also, can it accept the Kappalite with the longer screw requirement?
Thanks.. |
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David Higginbotham
From:
Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA
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Posted 1 Mar 2009 12:52 pm
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Ray, don't tease everyone! Put up some pics of this setup my friend.  |
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Paddy Long
From:
Christchurch, New Zealand
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Posted 2 Mar 2009 5:04 pm
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TC will you have any of the 15" Open backed amps at the Dallas show for us to try out ??
_________________
14'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
08'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
94' Franklin Stereo D10 9+8
Telonics, Peterson, Steelers Choice, Benado, Lexicon, Red Dirt Cases. |
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Brad Sarno
From:
St. Louis, MO USA
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Posted 2 Mar 2009 5:44 pm
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It's real.
The brand new preamps are about to be born. Literally tomorrow or Wednesday I expect to be able to pick up the new chassis from my metal work company here in town. The circuits are already here, up, and running. They sound great. These things are pure and simple classic tube preamp tone with reverb. Kind of like a Revelation or Tonic without the loops and frills, but with all that tube tone.
TC is planning to have a working combo down in Dallas to check out. The new combos will house this new preamp up top, and also include his ultra light, ultra powerful power amp all in his combo cabinet. These preamps will also be available from me as a simple, single space stand-alone preamp.
Stay posted.
Brad |
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Eric Philippsen
From:
Central Florida USA
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Posted 9 Mar 2009 8:45 am
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Regarding D2F covers for TC's Split cabinets....
I have two CB12 Split cabinets. I ordered covers for them from D2F, only I asked if they could put a full sized zippered pouch on the side to hold the power and any hook-up cords, too. They did that for an extra $15 each. I love it. Incredibly convenient and I never have to carry the power cord separate from the speaker. |
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Danny Naccarato
From:
Burleson, Texas
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Posted 9 Mar 2009 8:52 am
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| Can't you drop the chord in the back of the cabinet just like on any other "combo" amp, or is there no room? |
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Eric Philippsen
From:
Central Florida USA
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Posted 9 Mar 2009 9:45 am
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Danny,
I should clarify what I wrote about the D2F covers for TC Furlong's CB12 cabinets.
My two powered CB12 cabinets are closed back and they do not have an upper "combo" section where a preamp could slide in. From the looks of the pictures of TC's combo and open-back designs there appears to be space to store power cords. However, the non-combo, closed back speakers that I use do not have that. Truth be told, that's really not a problem even if someone didn't get a side zippered pouch added to a D2F cover like I did.
Finally, IMHO, I have to say that a Furlong powered speaker with a Sarno preamp is the ticket. I used to use NV400's for decades. Not any more, even for quick "in-and-out" gigs. The tone of the Sarno/Furlong combination is, well, let me put it this way. I just don't want to use or hear anything else. |
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Danny Naccarato
From:
Burleson, Texas
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Posted 9 Mar 2009 9:54 am
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Duh.... I forgot about the closed back cabs. Makes all kinds of sense  |
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