It is currently Tue Mar 17, 2020 4:51 am

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 12 posts ] 
Author Message
Post subject: Amp Dilemma - Input appreciated
Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 8:25 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Sun May 29, 2011 8:17 pm
Posts: 5
I'm looking for a new amp. We are mainly a jam band and do small pubs. Up until now I had been using my old solid state princeton chorus. I am now moving up to what I always wanted, that is an all tube amp.

We do mainly small bars and pubs. Our rehersal space is quite large..... the top floor of an industrial unit roughly 50x 30 feet wide.

I use pedals a lot for my effects but want the ability to have that tube break-up natural warmth sound.

I was looking at the Custom Vibrolux 50 ... found it way too noisy. Returned it in a week.

Then I saw the SuperSonic 100 twin. It has a club setting that cuts the wattage down to 25 but during my test run I found it hard to get the amp to stay very clean on that setting during our latest pub gig. I have 20 days left on my return period for that amp.
Also, the amp is a tank!

Can anyone help an amateur out here? Looking for an amp that is powerful eonough to handle a pub or outdoor patio gig that won't kill me if I have to move it regularly. Keep in mind we don't mike our gear, nor our drums. We never play venues THAT big.

Thanks in advance. I am open to all suggestions....dare I say ... even non-fender amps. However, I have found some of the cleanest "cleans" in the Fenders I tried at the guitar shop.

Will 30 watts of tube do a pub and outdoor gig un-Miked? (Because the Vox AC30 was also a consideration for me)

I appreciate all help and feedback.


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: Amp Dilemma - Input appreciated
Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 9:14 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:20 pm
Posts: 9640
Location: Indiana
Hi DrFever,

You can also pull two of the four output tubes to cut the power of the amp in half to approx 50 watts. If you then use the 1/4 power switch with only two output tubes installed, the amp would be at approx 12.5 watts. So, the amp can be configured for 12.5, 25, 50 or 100 watts and 50 watts might be closer to what you need. Just be sure to pull one output tube from each of the two sides, not two on the same side, with the amp turned off before removing tubes of course.

I have been waiting for GC to get a SS 100 head in the store so I can check one out, the specs and description seems very promising. For me, a head and ext cab would be easier to move around. :!:

_________________
---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Amp Dilemma - Input appreciated
Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 9:20 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Sun May 29, 2011 8:17 pm
Posts: 5
shimmilou

Now that is a great idea. Coming over from solidstate I'm not to bright on tube talk but I think your idea might work and give me the wattage I'm looking for. If I go 50 watts then by pulling the two output tubes then I will get the break up of the tubes without having to crack everyone's skull open with a wall of sound. :o

Thanks for that tip I was thinking I could do something with the tubes but didn't want to risk messing with the amp.

Thanks for that. I will give it a shot.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Amp Dilemma - Input appreciated
Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 9:40 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:20 pm
Posts: 9640
Location: Indiana
No problem, just let us know how it works for you if you try it. These amps are new and there is not a lot of user feedback available for them yet. Your input might be useful for someone else. :)

BTW, did your amp come with a copy of the schematics, or do you know of a link to them? I would like to get a copy. :idea:

_________________
---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Amp Dilemma - Input appreciated
Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 9:45 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Sun May 29, 2011 8:17 pm
Posts: 5
Yes I have the schematics.

The amp has 4 output tubes. I take it they would be easy to identify?

Let me know how you would like me to get you the schematics.

I'm thinking this amp will give me tons of versatility for years to come....that tube trick if it works might just be my savior.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Amp Dilemma - Input appreciated
Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 10:24 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:20 pm
Posts: 9640
Location: Indiana
Some schematics will have a circuit board layout showing the tube locations. If not, typically the four output tubes are in a row, and you would pull either the two inside or the two outside, but I would have to look at the layout or look inside the amp to be sure as the tubes may not be arranged that way, I haven't examined one yet.

The best way to send the schematics might be a PDF file if you have the capability (Adobe). It may be easier for me to just email Fender and ask for a copy if you can't do a PDF. :idea:

_________________
---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Amp Dilemma - Input appreciated
Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 10:35 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Wed Mar 31, 2010 12:48 am
Posts: 26417
Location: Tombstone Territory
As someone who has "been there - done that" I'll tell you flat out that an un-miked combo (any combo) played outdoors will fall flat on its face regardless of how much power is available. Fully half of the amp's volume is piddled away behind the amp due to the inefficiency of the infinite-baffle (ie: open-back) design of the cab. It's why PA and SR loudspeaker systems are always bass-reflex or folded-horn types. If you anticipate playing outdoor venues, better to buy the SS100 head and mate it to a sealed-back 2 x 12 or 4 x 12 enclosure. Use the quarter-power switch and/or yank a couple of bottles to tone things down for smaller indoor gigs. I routinely gig with a Twin Reverb and whenever it's an outdoor date I bring along a Dual Showman enclosure to keep the amp in the game.

Arjay

_________________
"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


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Amp Dilemma - Input appreciated
Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 10:40 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Sun May 29, 2011 8:17 pm
Posts: 5
shimmilou wrote:
Some schematics will have a circuit board layout showing the tube locations. If not, typically the four output tubes are in a row, and you would pull either the two inside or the two outside, but I would have to look at the layout or look inside the amp to be sure as the tubes may not be arranged that way, I haven't examined one yet.

The best way to send the schematics might be a PDF file if you have the capability (Adobe). It may be easier for me to just email Fender and ask for a copy if you can't do a PDF. :idea:



I can do the pdf thing but the sheets are too big for my home scanner. Will bring to work tomorrow and see if I can fit them into the office scanner. Thanks again.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Amp Dilemma - Input appreciated
Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 6:34 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Sat Dec 13, 2008 11:49 am
Posts: 1153
Location: South Bay, CA
If you're playing in pubs and clubs mostly, you need a Deluxe Reverb - the Super Sonic is way too much amp. Takes pedals very well, and in most pubs/clubs, you won't need to mic it, although a mic on it to the PA will do fine in larger venues. PAtio gigs you're still fine; anything larger and a mic through the PA (I like the Sennheiser e906) will get you loud enough. This will also help you and the band control your overall level vs. trying to play "who can be the loudest."

Don't be swayed by 100 watters and then trying to figure out how to get it to work for smaller venues - it wont. Get the right amp for the job. Your back will also thank you.

_________________
Image
'59? Bogen Challenger CHA-33, '65 Bandmaster, '65 Tremolux, 65 Showman;
'74 SF Princeton; '77 SF Princeton Reverb; Dr. Z Mini Z

Our band: http://www.facebook.com/thetoysband


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Amp Dilemma - Input appreciated
Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 8:16 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Sun May 29, 2011 8:17 pm
Posts: 5
The more I think about it and the more I play it, I'm starting to think that it is really too much amp ...

We did a gig this weekend. I made the band rehearse two days straight because I wanted to familiarize myself with the amp....lucky the rehersal space is big so we could crank it. I found to get the amp muddy I had to flick the switch to 25W and back to 100w to go to clean. I love the tone of the amp and I love the fact it is quiet even when jacked up. One regret is the weight. I might be over-reacting to the volume....I get 30-60 W as the average reply when talking to other giggers as good pub venue amps .... then again, I can really push the amp clean on the 100W setting and use my effects to give me the rest.

I tried the custom vibrolux reverb ... thing was noisy as heck!

Then I heard the other band at the gig and the guy ran a Blues Deluxe Reissue ... the amp sounded sweet.

So can someone help me out here....what are we really gaining with 2X12' vs. 1x12 with the same wattage?

Sorry for all the questions....I just don't want to buy the wrong amp.

Thanks


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Amp Dilemma - Input appreciated
Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2011 4:37 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2007 2:19 pm
Posts: 8827
nedorama wrote:
If you're playing in pubs and clubs mostly, you need a Deluxe Reverb - the Super Sonic is way too much amp. Takes pedals very well, and in most pubs/clubs, you won't need to mic it, although a mic on it to the PA will do fine in larger venues. PAtio gigs you're still fine; anything larger and a mic through the PA (I like the Sennheiser e906) will get you loud enough. This will also help you and the band control your overall level vs. trying to play "who can be the loudest."

Don't be swayed by 100 watters and then trying to figure out how to get it to work for smaller venues - it wont. Get the right amp for the job. Your back will also thank you.


+1 Pulling power tubes isn't the answer either. I tried it on my 100 watt Twin years ago and it sounded like arse and was still too loud. Most places, 20-25 watts is plenty of power. Get your grit with a good pedal or just crank the amp and use the volume control on the guitar. My Twin was way too much amp for most places I play today. Incredible amp, but it needed to go. I had mine for over 30 years.

_________________
Life...... It's sexually transmitted and always fatal


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Amp Dilemma - Input appreciated
Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2011 9:23 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Sat May 22, 2010 10:53 pm
Posts: 1467
Location: deep down in Florida...
nedorama wrote:
If you're playing in pubs and clubs mostly, you need a Deluxe Reverb

+1 the perfect club amp!

If you need more horsepower you can build you a Spankmaster :) with a 15" in there it does a good job outdoors as well...

Image


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 12 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: