You gotta quote the rest
We were talking about the US stuff compared to the Chinese stuff earlier.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Acoustic USA News
- Thread starter ZiggyDude
- Start date
You gotta quote the rest
We were talking about the US stuff compared to the Chinese stuff earlier.
If what he's saying is that I "gotta" locate and post all his previous "sounds farty," "sounds papery," riffing, I don't gotta nothin'.
Anybody who pays attention to Acoustic threads has heard those riffs way too many times already.
If what he's saying is that I "gotta" locate and post all his previous "sounds farty," "sounds papery," riffing, I don't gotta nothin'.
Anybody who pays attention to Acoustic threads has heard those riffs way too many times already.
Report it to a mod then. Seriously. I am just posting facts and opinions. I have played them, more than once. Just because it's an Acoustic thread doesn't mean someone can't post an opinion whether it be negative or postitive.
I don't post "Acoustic for teh SuXoRs!" or anything blatant, but with anything if someone reads all of these Acoustic "Praise" threads without having negative opinions they might purchase something they don't like.
Calling me a Troll for posting a negative opinion on something is like calling yourself a troll for constant praise.
It's really just facts, comparisons, and opinions I am putting in here. Like anyone else.
Opinions I'll buy, I really don't see any facts and comparisons in any of you posts -- except that "fact" that you don't like Acoustics (which I'll guess you auditioned in GC for a half hour) and that by "comparision" you probably like something else better.
You stated yourself that you're turned off when a lot of TBers get hot on what you term "flavor of the month" gear, so you've come out and stated you have a prejudgment at work.
Maybe "provocateur" is a better descriptor than "troll." That's French for "s**t stirrer."
Hi Nellie48 - there is a legal connection of sorts between the two. I am not sure of all the details - but GC owns the name but people have contracts against it in some way. Think of Acoustic USA as being the "Custom Shop" if that helps. Otherwise - there is no cross over between the lines. They also look very different. You will immedialtely know if someone has a USA version. There is one picture of the USA 2x10 at the Unofficial Acoustic website. That is for them to release - I am not comfortable posting pics. I will send a link to the released pic shortly.
Back to the story.
Even though I have been describing the cabinets one at a time – this was not the way that I was testing them. The reality was that I was going back and forth between them. Try one for a while and compare it to some of the others. Listen to one for a while, try one or two of the others, cycle back. At this time I really want to thank George and Joe for the time they gave me for this. I especially have to congratulate George for his patience! You see, I am not one of those people that have a bunch of practiced riffs and routines for showing off at music stores. You know, the types that come in and do a bunch o amazing things that sound impressive but have no real place in bass playing for a band. I guess it makes sense for those that work at the stores, but not for me if I am trying out gear. I tend to methodically just run scales up and across the neck hearing the tonal range of the rig. Do the same scales over and over with varying degrees of string attack or different basses. Same riffs and attacks over and over with the different gear. It must be extremely maddening for others to listen to over an hour or so as – well – it is as downright boring as true bass playing is when you are not being accompanied by a band! :-> But in my humble opinion – I am not the one being auditioned – the gear is. If someone wants to know if I am any good or not, then come and see me in one of the bands I am in. It is time for the gear to show off – not me. So, George, you must have the patience of a saint to have survived all that.
For prototypes, the cabinets are impressive and bound to improve. As a quick recap of the units that got most of my attention. In no special order:
- 4x10 was very bright with a decent bottom end, a bit “Scooped” in tone making it clear. It had excellent throw and dispersion of the sound and the taller cab is nice for gigging.
- 2x10 was deep and surprisingly loud for its size. It also had a good throw, excellent power handling, and a lower range thickness.
- 2x12 was an aggressive unit with a punchy attack and presence – but a bit challenged in the low end response.
- 15 W bin was full range – surprisingly bright, and a portable way to get 75% of the firepower of a 301 cabinet. Possibly nice to get two as a contribution to the PA, put in the band van, and drive your Hugo to a gig. (Or put both behind you and get knocked senseless)
OK – I have described the separate units – now time for combinations. As I mentioned, we were wandering between the cabinets, and after a while it was a bit easy to forget which one was which if you were just listening. Everyone was just listening to the tonal differences between the cabs and relaxing. Not trying to decide what “Best” was but just digging the ride. At one point there was a sound that was loud, thick, and deep. Someone asked, “Which one was that!”. I answered the 6x10, “Wow, oh wait – we don’t make a 6x10”. Folks, in a good prize fight between good fighters even the loser gets a few licks in and the Ampeg had just drawn blood. There is no shame in this to the Acoustics – I have been in more than one store where the sales people thought the 6x10HLF was the best rock cab in the store – even over the venerable SVT 8x10 – and it represents some of the best development St. Louis Music did with Ampeg before they got bought. I have been to a lot of gigs that people loved its tone. It may not be everyone’s first choice – but it is a top player.
Quickly recovering, George goes “Compare that to our 2x10 and 4x10 together”. So we did and “Wow”! The room erupted in sound. You had the brilliance of the 4x10 with the thickness of the 2x10. Sound was everywhere – the throw was exceptional. Granted – it is two enclosures vs. one, but the number of speakers is the same and they could be stacked. This would add the advantage that you could always take just one or the other for smaller venues.
I like the ability to “Go Modular” when possible and mix and match cabs. It allows more versatility in the long run and greater reuse of your investment. If I was to place an order today it would be for one each of the 2 and 4 by 10 cabs.
Another combination I did not think of at the time would be the combination of the 2x10 and 2x12. The Ampeg SVT4-Pro is twin powered and has a built in cross over and blend. So, instead of going bridged I could stack the two and let the 2x10 do the low end and the punch from the 2x12 – maybe cross about 250 to 500. Or – run both together bridged and change the EQ and volume. Only experimentation will tell.
Next release is the wrap-up!
- Ziggy -
Back to the story.
Even though I have been describing the cabinets one at a time – this was not the way that I was testing them. The reality was that I was going back and forth between them. Try one for a while and compare it to some of the others. Listen to one for a while, try one or two of the others, cycle back. At this time I really want to thank George and Joe for the time they gave me for this. I especially have to congratulate George for his patience! You see, I am not one of those people that have a bunch of practiced riffs and routines for showing off at music stores. You know, the types that come in and do a bunch o amazing things that sound impressive but have no real place in bass playing for a band. I guess it makes sense for those that work at the stores, but not for me if I am trying out gear. I tend to methodically just run scales up and across the neck hearing the tonal range of the rig. Do the same scales over and over with varying degrees of string attack or different basses. Same riffs and attacks over and over with the different gear. It must be extremely maddening for others to listen to over an hour or so as – well – it is as downright boring as true bass playing is when you are not being accompanied by a band! :-> But in my humble opinion – I am not the one being auditioned – the gear is. If someone wants to know if I am any good or not, then come and see me in one of the bands I am in. It is time for the gear to show off – not me. So, George, you must have the patience of a saint to have survived all that.
For prototypes, the cabinets are impressive and bound to improve. As a quick recap of the units that got most of my attention. In no special order:
- 4x10 was very bright with a decent bottom end, a bit “Scooped” in tone making it clear. It had excellent throw and dispersion of the sound and the taller cab is nice for gigging.
- 2x10 was deep and surprisingly loud for its size. It also had a good throw, excellent power handling, and a lower range thickness.
- 2x12 was an aggressive unit with a punchy attack and presence – but a bit challenged in the low end response.
- 15 W bin was full range – surprisingly bright, and a portable way to get 75% of the firepower of a 301 cabinet. Possibly nice to get two as a contribution to the PA, put in the band van, and drive your Hugo to a gig. (Or put both behind you and get knocked senseless)
OK – I have described the separate units – now time for combinations. As I mentioned, we were wandering between the cabinets, and after a while it was a bit easy to forget which one was which if you were just listening. Everyone was just listening to the tonal differences between the cabs and relaxing. Not trying to decide what “Best” was but just digging the ride. At one point there was a sound that was loud, thick, and deep. Someone asked, “Which one was that!”. I answered the 6x10, “Wow, oh wait – we don’t make a 6x10”. Folks, in a good prize fight between good fighters even the loser gets a few licks in and the Ampeg had just drawn blood. There is no shame in this to the Acoustics – I have been in more than one store where the sales people thought the 6x10HLF was the best rock cab in the store – even over the venerable SVT 8x10 – and it represents some of the best development St. Louis Music did with Ampeg before they got bought. I have been to a lot of gigs that people loved its tone. It may not be everyone’s first choice – but it is a top player.
Quickly recovering, George goes “Compare that to our 2x10 and 4x10 together”. So we did and “Wow”! The room erupted in sound. You had the brilliance of the 4x10 with the thickness of the 2x10. Sound was everywhere – the throw was exceptional. Granted – it is two enclosures vs. one, but the number of speakers is the same and they could be stacked. This would add the advantage that you could always take just one or the other for smaller venues.
I like the ability to “Go Modular” when possible and mix and match cabs. It allows more versatility in the long run and greater reuse of your investment. If I was to place an order today it would be for one each of the 2 and 4 by 10 cabs.
Another combination I did not think of at the time would be the combination of the 2x10 and 2x12. The Ampeg SVT4-Pro is twin powered and has a built in cross over and blend. So, instead of going bridged I could stack the two and let the 2x10 do the low end and the punch from the 2x12 – maybe cross about 250 to 500. Or – run both together bridged and change the EQ and volume. Only experimentation will tell.
Next release is the wrap-up!
- Ziggy -
Ziggy,
Thanks once again for the awesome update on the Acoustic USA cabs. I'm looking forward to your cab "conclusion" on your next installment. I can't wait until they eventually make their way out to stores so we can all hear them in person. I'm hoping that sometime in the near future you will perhaps continue with your Acoustic USA Update series and I guess perhaps be A/B ing the New Acoustic USA 360 Head with the Ampeg SVT4...? Regardless of your selected approach, I'll be looking forward to it.
Many Thanks Again,
Bassmore
Thanks once again for the awesome update on the Acoustic USA cabs. I'm looking forward to your cab "conclusion" on your next installment. I can't wait until they eventually make their way out to stores so we can all hear them in person. I'm hoping that sometime in the near future you will perhaps continue with your Acoustic USA Update series and I guess perhaps be A/B ing the New Acoustic USA 360 Head with the Ampeg SVT4...? Regardless of your selected approach, I'll be looking forward to it.
Many Thanks Again,
Bassmore
Ziggy-thanks for the comprehensive update-I was wondering though if you have any idea from George when the 360 version might be ready and if you had a chance to try the new 600 watt head? Peace...DAcat 
The new 600W head is going to be coming from Acoustic Amplification, not George's outfit.Ziggy-thanks for the comprehensive update-I was wondering though if you have any idea from George when the 360 version might be ready and if you had a chance to try the new 600 watt head? Peace...DAcat
and George's typical time line is "three months"...I'd be willing to bet that Ziggy got a similar response.
Acoustic USA will be bringing out a 400 watt at 4 ohm rack mount. The amp is being designed from ground up by Russ and the Acoustic USA team.
The new 360 was not there when I visited - I am sad that I missed it. I did get to play a mint vintage 360 though!
The last I heard the products will start being available in December.
The new 360 was not there when I visited - I am sad that I missed it. I did get to play a mint vintage 360 though!
The last I heard the products will start being available in December.
I had promised a link to the one picture I know that has been released of the new USA stuff. This is the 2x10 cab and was posted at the unofficial Acoustic site.
http://unofficialacousticcontrolcorpmessageboard.yuku.com/topic/1724
http://unofficialacousticcontrolcorpmessageboard.yuku.com/topic/1724
After reading the entire thread, the only problem the USA guys may see is when a value acoustic is on stage sounding like junk. People will wonder what brand and then not buy that brand because, it sounded like junk. Which un fortunately may be user error and not the fault of the amp.
I can't say what the value brand provides sound wise, I am actually thinking about picking up one of the cabs....just speculating about the biggest possible problem with product confusion.
On a side note, I have the best sounding Squier bass I have ever heard with my MIM Squier Jazz. My drummer was like Wow, thats a squier? They always sounded like crap to me. I said, well, now you know better. The point is, just because its a budget product, you can't allow that to cloud your judgements. There is a diamond in every rough. (even Behr*****)
I can't say what the value brand provides sound wise, I am actually thinking about picking up one of the cabs....just speculating about the biggest possible problem with product confusion.
On a side note, I have the best sounding Squier bass I have ever heard with my MIM Squier Jazz. My drummer was like Wow, thats a squier? They always sounded like crap to me. I said, well, now you know better. The point is, just because its a budget product, you can't allow that to cloud your judgements. There is a diamond in every rough. (even Behr*****)
Unfortunately this happens whether the brand is "quality" (expensive) or not. I truly believe that the majority of equipment on the market can achieve usable tones in the right hands. A few years ago my band played with another band that brought in $3000 or so of guitar gear and turned it up way to loud for the venue. I've always heard that Bogner is supposed to be a top notch guitar amp brand, but these two stacks sounded absolutely terrible.After reading the entire thread, the only problem the USA guys may see is when a value acoustic is on stage sounding like junk. People will wonder what brand and then not buy that brand because, it sounded like junk. Which un fortunately may be user error and not the fault of the amp.
I can't say what the value brand provides sound wise, I am actually thinking about picking up one of the cabs....just speculating about the biggest possible problem with product confusion.
On a side note, I have the best sounding Squier bass I have ever heard with my MIM Squier Jazz. My drummer was like Wow, thats a squier? They always sounded like crap to me. I said, well, now you know better. The point is, just because its a budget product, you can't allow that to cloud your judgements. There is a diamond in every rough. (even Behr*****)
It's just my opinion but Yawn.
30 years out of the business and this is what they come up with? Seriously?
Could they take a look at Markbass, Tecamp, Genz Benz, Gallien Krueger, Warwick, many others, and get the hint that not everyone want's to buy their grandfather's amp?
Well maybe they'll get a small nitch market.
30 years out of the business and this is what they come up with? Seriously?
Could they take a look at Markbass, Tecamp, Genz Benz, Gallien Krueger, Warwick, many others, and get the hint that not everyone want's to buy their grandfather's amp?
Well maybe they'll get a small nitch market.
From what I've read, Acoustic USA's primary concept is to offer products similar to what made Acoustic Control famous, with some modern appointments, hence the inclusion of the 2x10 and 4x10 along with the folded 1x15.It's just my opinion but Yawn.
30 years out of the business and this is what they come up with? Seriously?
Could they take a look at Markbass, Tecamp, Genz Benz, Gallien Krueger, Warwick, many others, and get the hint that not everyone want's to buy their grandfather's amp?
Well maybe they'll get a small nitch market.
Are they going for a niche market? Sure. There's a segment of the population that swears by vintage gear and I think that segment will see the classic Acoustic name at high-end prices and expect gear in the same vein as the Acoustic of the 1970s.
I wouldn't be surprised to also see some more innovative gear to come out of GPG/Acoustic eventually that would be of more interest to the general population, but for now they seem to be targeting their niche to solidify their position in the amp industry.
I'd like to hear/see an improved Acoustic design. The old ones were nothing special except for the speaker cabs and the amps were VERY unreliable in my neck of the woods.
I for one love the look of the cabinet but I sure would like to see a recessed handle instead of a strap type handle. Those strap handles always seem to break at the worst time. You know, either while lifting in or out of the truck or hauling up or down the stairs. It's just so much fun to watch your cab bounce away while you stand there yelling "LOOK OUT" holding a piece of handle in your hand.
Granted we are talking about just a 210 cabinet here so it's not that heavy and a prototype at that but handles are a top priority part on any cabinet. Maybe the production model will have a different handle.
I'd wager that Acoustic USA is being revived specifically for those people who DO want an updated version of their grandfather's amp!
That surprises me about the reliability issues. Except for the 360's tendency to shake the cabinet mounted power amps to bits, my experience with the 370 and 400 series amps I owned was always very good.
I beat the crap out of my 370 head and 301 cab and it never failed me in the 5 to 8 years I used it and that was at mostly outdoor gigs at high volumes. I also had an early (I think it was a 150 series) guitar amp with a 610 cab that I slaved off of the 370 to add some highs. I just turned the bass on the guitar head all the way down and ran the highs way up. Sometimes it blew speakers, but Acoustic always replaced them with no hassle. Even after they asked why I was blowing speakers and I told them what I was doing, they still replaced them. Later on I had a 400 series head with If I remember right was a 408 cab. It was a soild rig for the year or two I used it.
That was back in the "dino" days before x-overs and bi-amp rigs. We did whatever we needed to do.
Back then, the thought of ever using a 410 cab for bass
............ LOL
