Eric West
From:
Portland, Oregon, USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 11 Apr 2010 3:24 pm |
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UNLESS there is a reliability issue...
I haven't seen or used another amp with the bang for the buck. OR one that's a 65watt SS with as much power.
I bought one on my way out of GC after trying a couple Vox modelling amps, and some other junk. I wanted a CLEAN, SIMPLE, POWERFUL SMALL SS amp.
I immediately bought one. Two Bills, and I got the 2 yr warrantee un case I destroy it.
I've had everything from the first Session 500 to be shipped to Portland OR in 79 through Nvl400-112.
I actually think the Nv112 is a little more powerful, (15 watts SS) and the compression is smoother. BUT, they cost at LEAST twice as much. The knobs stick out the same as the FM65rs. The reverb sucks like most Peavey Reverb.
My duplex rig is the FM65r with a "Weber Silver Bell" >(( Yeah, I know, a hundred dollar speaker in a two hundred dollar amp...) Actually the stock speaker wasn't bad enough to warrant the replacement, but I'm just partial to Webers.) I use a Blues JR with a Weber Blue Dog to handle the high end. Stereo through a Podxt.
People say the FM65s are too "bitey".
I haven't found anything that either cutting most all the highs and leaving the bass open, OR a little cutting of highs on my Podxt EQ wouldn't solve. I typically use my Podxt as a tube preamp and zero the "boost cut" and use the amp EQ on the FM65r.
UNLESS they won't hold up under hard gigs, which I have done probably two dozen of since I got it. Most miked, but a couple really pushed it. No problem with two amps.
I haven't seen a better amp for not just 200$, but probably even twice that.
My Blues Jr has been refitted with NOS sockets, an OLD preamp tube, and a Weber Blue Dog. Total cost, about 700 bucks. IT is a better sounding amp. Just shy of the low end clarity.
WHat I ended up doing during an (theft caused) absence of my BJr and The first FM5r was to buy 2 FM65rs to replace them.
OK. Then I got my BJ and The firs FM65r back from the cops.
Now, I have two extra FM65rs, the one with the Silver Bell Weber, and two more that I CAN use if i need a total of say 200watts Solid State plus my Blues Jr at 15Tubewatts. They are MUCH easier to carry, and even hand truck as they are narrower than my Nvl400 or Session500( which is floor mounted anyhow at home..) Two of them fit behind the seats in a car, and in general I doubt I'll be using my Nvl400 much in the future..( My Nvl112 broke the circuit board from getting the preamp knob hit. I knew it would happen..)
Again, RELIABILITY is the key.
If they turn out to be unreliable junk like the Steel Kings.....
Also to repeat, I really didn't need the Silver Bell in the FM65r. It's actually only a 50 watt speaker vs the stock Emminence 80 watt. I just did it.
They do not compress softly like the Peavey 112s, but then the Peavey 112s squish everything once they compress. That's why I always handle the high end through a separate amp, and I prefer a Tube amp for that..
YMMV/
The only thing I've seen that's comparable are the new AC15VR and AC30VR Vox tube/solid state amps. They DON'T have modelling junk on them, and are SUPPOSED to be power wise comparable to the AC15s and AC30s in their respective sizes. (I think they'd be as loud as 80/200 watt solid state rating amps) Look them up on MF... They are sposed to have greenback speakers... BUT. They cost LOTS more...
So far I give mine an A for any gig I have IF I mike and use the Pod for the effects delay and reverb. (Tube Preamp is the ONLY modelling I use)
EJL |
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