#Tube Amps
5 messages in this thread
Dave,
Totally agree! Nothing like real tube distortion. I myself finally
settled for a Boogie Mark IV for it's great tonal variety and setability.
The bass though is kind of out of proportion – I keep the bass in all
channels at around 2, and all is marvey.
But the Champ is a great sounding little amp. If I recall correctly,
Clapton used a Champ to record Derek and the Dominos, to Duane Alman's
vast amazement.
DJ
On AP from Queens, the thrill and excitement of the Big Apple
Where a little paranoia keeps you healthy and sane …
I don't think there's anything that can match a mid-60s Twin. I've been thru
Marshall stacks, Mega Boogies, Peavys (total trash), but keep coming back to
the old Twins and Deluxe Reverbs.
-sja
The Boogie Mark IV with 6V6s can sound VERY sweet, but you have to watch
the EQ, or gets flabby on you. I found the Sovtek tubes an improvement
over the Mesa and Groove Tube valves. It's fun being able to change an
amp's personality by changing the output tubes and configuration. The
great thing about the Mark IV is that you can change from pentode to
triode, from Class A to A-B, harmonic emphasis, and even lower the PS
voltage for Variac emulation. It does take some tweeking to get what
you're looking for, but it's there. Not that I'm about to argue about the
sound of an old Twin or Deluxe Reverb <g>.
DJ
On AP from Queens, the thrill and excitement of the Big Apple
Where a little paranoia keeps you healthy and sane …
Yep, Clapton and Duane Allman both used Champs on the LAYLA album. You can hear
the Champ on lots of blues and rock 'n' roll recordings from the '50s and early
'60s. It's a great little amp for bedroom practice or recording…you can
really drive the output tube without destroying your hearing. With the amp
turned all the way up I use the guitar's volume pot to get everything from warm
clean to distort-o-rama.
-Dave-
Yep, nothing like having the controls in the middle of the sweet spot –
Dial-a-Sound B-)
DJ
On AP from Queens, the thrill and excitement of the Big Apple
Where a little paranoia keeps you healthy and sane …