BBQ'd my Stewart 1.6: replace, or rethink rackmounted rig?

mindwell · #1 09-19-2010, 07:22 PM

I'm not very smart. After spending $300 to rehab my 2000 Stewart 1.6, you'd think I would have known better than to do what I did; which was, when the singer who was sitting in with us kicked the power cord out, to plug it back the amp back into my cab without bothering to power down. While running in bridged mono. It smoked a lot and made scary noises.

Fortunately, no one was injured, and everything else in the signal chain (particularly my 1975 SVT cab) was fine. Indeed, the cab sounded totally unfazed when we plugged in a newer SVT 450 belonging to the band! Everybody was very kind, seeing my ashen face and evident numbness. More fortunately, my wife didn't smite me on returning home.

She did, however, wonder whether I wouldn't be better off going to something newer, simpler to get serviced, and lighter, given some carpal tunnel issues and the bodily changes that are happening to me at age 42. In other words, expenditures seem to have been approved.

So now I'm wondering not merely whether to fix this power amp or get different one, but to downsize in a big way. I love how my rig sounds, but it's heavy, bulky, and a fairly complicated modular setup. Six-space rack houses an SWR Electric Blue used as preamp, a DBX160x compressor, and the Stewart. All told, it's probably close to 50 pounds.

I interested to hear what other folks have done when arriving at such a crossroads. Who has stayed with the rack, and why, and who has taken the plunge and gone small and modern? And if you've gone to one of these mini-heads, which ones have the kind of whump that can compare with what I'm used to? In particular, I've been eyeing the TC Electronics Staccato '51, but I just wonder whether 450 watts really is enough.

Any thoughts will be welcome. While I'd appreciate being spared the ridicule, I'm man enough to take my lumps.

Monkey · #2 09-19-2010, 08:38 PM

I have recently made the change you described and I'm thrilled with it so far.

I had a similar rackmount rig that weighed about the same as yours. For the past few years, I have been using a Sansamp RBI pre, a compressor (either a JBL or a DBX160x), and a Carvin power amp driving 2 Aguilar GS112s. I play mostly roots reggae, along with funk, blues, rock and R&B. The rig sounded good, but I'm approaching my 49th birthday and was looking to make load-ins easier while getting a different sound.

After doing some research, I bought a Markbass Little Mark III. I have played two gigs so far, one in a medium-sized club with only a small PA for vocals, and the other in a bigger club with a very nice sound system. I have been amazed at the difference in sound, and my bandmates and some audience members have commented on the improvement.

Needless to say, loading in and setting up is much easier. I'm thinking about selling the old rig and enjoying the benefits of the Markbass.

mindwell · #3 09-20-2010, 07:22 PM

Thanks for the reply! I really am leaning small, at least where the head is concerned. I'll always keep my blueline SVT head and 70's 810, but after eight years of racked heads, it may be time for a change. Glad to hear it worked out so well for you.

projectMalamute · #4 09-20-2010, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mindwell

I'm not very smart. After spending $300 to rehab my 2000 Stewart 1.6, you'd think I would have known better than to do what I did; which was, when the singer who was sitting in with us kicked the power cord out, to plug it back the amp back into my cab without bothering to power down. While running in bridged mono.

I'm having some trouble parsing that sentence.

In any event: no combination of unplugging or plugging in power cords or speaker cords, while an amp is either on or off, in bridged mode or not; should damage a decent power amplifier. Worst case scenario it should go in to protect or blow a fuse/breaker.

It was my understanding that the Stewart stuff was not Toys R Us caliber gear.

I'd take it back to whoever you payed that 300 bucks to and tell them it isn't working properly.

Jim Carr · #5 09-20-2010, 07:40 PM

My big rig has been a Crest CA6 in a 4-space rack with 2 pre-amps, a BBE BMax, and an ART Tube Channel strip (the discontinued 1U model with two 12AXs). It weights 74 lbs. with all the connectors, etc., stowed in the back. Oceans of power—600 watts into 4 ohms per side, 1500 watts into 4 ohms bridged—plus it can do 2 ohms per side at 750 watts. Headroom and "bottom-room," too!

I have recently gotten a 600 watt into 4 ohm Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0. 3.75 lbs, IIRC. It's like I am not even bringing a head. I put it in my briefcase with the cables, music, and bass stand. Hard not to love. Sound is very good indeed, and can get gritty when needed. Well-designed, it really can sound plump or lean. I love using it with an EBS multi-comp and a Sadowsky or a Fender Jazz.

However, it is, as we know, no Mesa Carbine M9, which is what I got to replace the CA6. It went into thermal shutdown and is now being fixed by Mesa. It weighs about 28 lbs, and has a clearer and cleaner low end than anything, ever.

IMHO, one can lose a lot of weight and still get heft.

BassmanPaul · #6 09-21-2010, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mindwell

to plug it back the amp back into my cab without bothering to power down. While running in bridged mono. It smoked a lot and made scary noises.

I am sorry for your loss but doing things without thinking is part of being human. Sadly we all make mistakes.

What happened to you is the big reason never ever to use a phone plug cable when running in bridge. The short you created was between the hot output of both amps. It could just as easily happened if the sleeve of the phone plug had come in contact with any grounded object such as dropping your guitar cable over your amp.

Paul

Mo'Phat · #7 09-21-2010, 11:09 AM

For similar power in a smaller package, I suggest looking at the Carvin B2000.

http://www.carvinguitars.com/product...?product=B2000

The bonus is that it's pretty cheap for what you get, so is easier on the spouse/budget, weighs just 14 lbs and puts 1,300 watts into 4 ohms.

Fretlessboy · #8 09-21-2010, 01:11 PM

I am a wuss when it comes to hauling heavy any more. For me a Shuttle 9.0 gets it done. A lot of tone,500 watts to 8 ohms and 900 to 4. And it's under 4 pounds

jackcheez · #9 09-21-2010, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mindwell

In particular, I've been eyeing the TC Electronics Staccato '51, but I just wonder whether 450 watts really is enough.

Interesting. I just saw Tower of Power Friday night. Never heard of that amp until I looked it up after the show. Rocco was using 2 2 X 12 cabs and a 4 X 10. Looked impressive, but I couldn't tell it from the mains.