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Post subject: dsp amps- your experience
Posted: Thu Sep 09, 2010 8:30 am
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i have noticed that there is a love em or hate em feelings toward dsp amps. since this is a fender forum, ill stick with them.

i have been looking for a small amp to play on the occasional gig, or for just playing with friends. i don't play much music where distortion is needed. 99% of what i play is clean.

that being said, i do use reverb, tremolo, and maybe a few other effects. it would be nice to have them built in. i see many deals on used amps such as the stage dsp models, or the deluxe 90's, and the frontman 6 dsp's.

some of these amps have a 4-way switch for channel, drive, reverb, and effects. it would make my life a lot easier not to have to deal with pedals. i know i'll probably not get that great sound that individual pedals would have, but at this point in my life, simpler is better.

your input is welcome!


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Posted: Thu Sep 09, 2010 8:44 am
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I own this Stage 100 DSP and it's a pretty versatile rig......

Image

This amp is one of the last "Dyna-Touch" platforms with the complete palette of digital effects. Most of them sound convincing though the chorus isn't quite up to the level of a stand-alone stomp-box. They're certainly cheap enough now -- I paid $220 for the amp and $100 for the extension cab (both Ebay purchases). I've played several gigs with it where the venue's stage was small and I didn't feel like wrestling a Twin Reverb or a Dual Showman into my 4x4. For a small grab-and-go rig I'd recommend these amps.

HTH

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Posted: Thu Sep 09, 2010 9:22 am
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thanks arjay. how long have you owned it? any issues? i would like something dependable that doesn't sit on a shelf waiting for a hard-to-get part.


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Posted: Thu Sep 09, 2010 9:46 am
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I've owned it about three years now. No issues -- yet.

But I know full well that this is an older amp and that many of the DSP components will be difficult if not impossible to source if and when it ever crashes and replacement parts are necessary. Thus......a crap-shoot.

But if you find one of these DSPs that works and treat it respectfully, you'll get some mileage out of it. Have a back-up plan in place though -- just in case.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Posted: Thu Sep 09, 2010 10:43 pm
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i had the stage 100's as well, but i thought the best sounding stage 100's were the pre DSP ones. i bought them because i got pretty fed up with my tube gear reliability, weight, and up-keep cost. while the stages weren't as good as the tube, they were pretty respectable. then i switched to the cyber twins.

the cyber twins (or the JC-120) are the best DSP amps out there. The line 6 gear is impressive, but the cyber twins beat them out.

i believe the Cyber twins beat out or match any tube amp. then toss in cost of ownership, reliability, versatility, weight, and i think you'll come around to a cyber twin. best amp i've ever had and continue to have.

ciao,
johnny.


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Posted: Thu Sep 09, 2010 10:50 pm
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In 42 years of professional playing, no Fender tube amp of mine has EVER let me down.

Which means you're in luck......that'll be one less gitt-picker groveling to buy a Cyber Twin (thus, more for you).

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2010 9:04 pm
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lucky you. my tube gear let me down. cause seemed to have been trasportation. final straw, i got tired using a one trick pony(ies).

i have several CTs and SEs... can't say i feel the need to grovel, the suffering musician isn't my gig...

ciao,
johnny.


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Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2010 9:48 pm
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As you prefer.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2010 6:00 am
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I have a Line6 Spider iii, 75W. About 20 months old.
Lots of effects. I have a lot of fun with it.

Having said that, I'm looking to buy a Fender Deluxe Reverb or Egnater Rebel 20 in the Christmas timeframe. Would like to have a "clean" amp to play through.

You can find a used Spider iii in the $250-300 range.

-T

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"You can't spend what you ain't got, you can't lose what you ain't never had" ~ McKinley Morganfield


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Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 7:36 pm
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I have an Acoustasonic Junior DSP and I love it. For doing smaller rooms, especially
shorter shows where the full PA seems like overkill, the amp is terrific. Being able to
put the guitar and the vocal into the same amp seemed unlikely to be successful, but
the first time I did it the results were amazing. The audience was shocked at the
quantity and quality of the sound coming from such a small package. The guitar I use
most often these days is a lower priced Yamaha (hope it doesn't get damaged, but
stuff happens) and the Acoustasonic makes it sound as good as guitars costing
thousands. After the show, one amp to pack up. I'm not up on other similar offerings
by Fender or other manufacturers, but no doubt about this one. Great amp! Thanks
Fender! Thanks Leo!


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Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 10:51 pm
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Well, my 2 cents: First is to determine the wattage of your amp to fit your needs. Keep in mind that amp wattage ratings vary between manufactures. A Line6 75 watt model is no louder than a Fender 40 watt. In fact, the Fender will be heard over the Line6 everytime.

IMHO, the best situation is to purchase a clean amp with enough power in case you need headroom. If you can, get a 100 watt or no less than a 60 watt. That will cover you for outdoor gigs and any indoor ones. If you go solid state, in about 5 years, the amp looses about 3% of it's power. If you like tubes, keep in mind that tube amps sound great new, but with the heat factor, they wear out slowly and that amp will not sound like it did new in about 6 months or less depending on usage.

Pedals are great to have but a hassle to set up and break down. A pedal board can be bulky and heavy. Some people like having a lot of stuff on the floor. I know a guy that has 13 pedals on the floor! Personally, I use a Boss ME-70 for small gigs which is one box that has 4 stomps on it, wah pedal, a preamp with EQ, and a looper!

Most DSP amps are limited as you do not have total control over effects.
There is no best DSP amp. It all depends on your needs and wants. Just know the limitations of an all in one amp. Do your research. Better yet, try before you buy. Good luck


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