• 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.

Jad Freer Sisma Mega Thread.

#61
Comparison, this is hard for me. You can see all the specs on the manufacturer’s websites. I really like the Sisma, but I really like my Mesa WD800 and 800+. I’m fortunate to have them all and be able to keep them all. I’ve always gotten compliments on my sound no matter what I’ve played through so maybe it’s my playing and knowing how to work with a given amp to achieve what I’m going after. I’m not meaning to sound like an ass but I don’t know how to explain it otherwise. The Mesa gear sounds big and punchy, to use your term, but so does the Sisma head. I guess I don’t think in terms of all the catch phrases here on TB. They are both great products made very well. I recently had dealings with Mesa about a repair and it was handled professionally and to my satisfaction. I’ve been dealing with Jad Freer Audio for about 6 months now and recently more closer with the purchase of Sisma. They too are very professional and I’m very happy with them also. I can’t say one is better than the other. It’s up to the individual to like what they are hearing and if the whichever amp has the right controls and feature set that one is looking for. Bottom line for the three heads, they all sound different, they are all well made and I like and am keeping them all. All three have plenty of power for me. I can get a great sound out of them all. You can’t go wrong with the Mesa Subway series and from the short time I’ve had my Capo and Sisma you can’t go wrong with Jad Freer Audio. I’m happy and done chasing the “tone”. This ramble may not answer the questions asked but it’s the best I could do and I hope it helps.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jeff Scott, 5StringPocket and gtirard
#62
Danny C said:
Comparison, this is hard for me. You can see all the specs on the manufacturer’s websites. I really like the Sisma, but I really like my Mesa WD800 and 800+. I’m fortunate to have them all and be able to keep them all. I’ve always gotten compliments on my sound no matter what I’ve played through so maybe it’s my playing and knowing how to work with a given amp to achieve what I’m going after. I’m not meaning to sound like an ass but I don’t know how to explain it otherwise. The Mesa gear sounds big and punchy, to use your term, but so does the Sisma head. I guess I don’t think in terms of all the catch phrases here on TB. They are both great products made very well. I recently had dealings with Mesa about a repair and it was handled professionally and to my satisfaction. I’ve been dealing with Jad Freer Audio for about 6 months now and recently more closer with the purchase of Sisma. They too are very professional and I’m very happy with them also. I can’t say one is better than the other. It’s up to the individual to like what they are hearing and if the whichever amp has the right controls and feature set that one is looking for. Bottom line for the three heads, they all sound different, they are all well made and I like and am keeping them all. All three have plenty of power for me. I can get a great sound out of them all. You can’t go wrong with the Mesa Subway series and from the short time I’ve had my Capo and Sisma you can’t go wrong with Jad Freer Audio. I’m happy and done chasing the “tone”. This ramble may not answer the questions asked but it’s the best I could do and I hope it helps.
Click to expand...
Thanks a lot. I'm not surprised *at all* by your answer, it's exactly what I was expecting.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Danny C
#63
Just asked one of the guitarists from last nights gig what he thought of the new head as opposed to the Mesa heads as I use both of them. His answer.... "Your sh*t always sounds amazing". The other guitarist told me last night that it sounds like a record. I don't know what that means but that was his response when asked about how it sounds. I play with both local and famous musicians and everyone seems to be happy with the playing and sound that I bring. I work with at least a dozen different groups with a wide variety of music. So again this will not answer the questions asked but there are no negative comments at all about the gear. Figure out what you need, want, can afford and jump in. I have no buyers remorse with any of these heads and will be using them all. I could rattle on but won't. If anyone wants to pm me with certain questions or talk directly with me and chat about these amps I'm fine with that. Good luck and enjoy!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jeff Scott, HaphAsSard and gtirard
#64
gtirard said:
Thanks a lot. I'm not surprised *at all* by your answer, it's exactly what I was expecting.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry if I was vague. I don't have ways of measuring this and that as far as tech stuff is concerned and I must go on what I feel works for me. We're all different with different needs for the styles and music that we play and what we think is the sound that we are trying to achieve. With the equipment that I use I have no problems with my purchases or the pricing. I do see over priced gear out there that some people buy and some of it in my opinion is priced with the name you're paying for as part of it. Mesa and Jad Freer gear pricing is totally worth the money to me. Both companies make quality gear. If you're looking at these particular heads both sound fabulous. Others may not think that. I believe both can be purchased with a return option if you are not happy so that is very cool. Carry on...
 
  • Like
Reactions: gtirard
#65
Danny C said:
Comparison, this is hard for me. You can see all the specs on the manufacturer’s websites. I really like the Sisma, but I really like my Mesa WD800 and 800+. I’m fortunate to have them all and be able to keep them all. I’ve always gotten compliments on my sound no matter what I’ve played through so maybe it’s my playing and knowing how to work with a given amp to achieve what I’m going after. I’m not meaning to sound like an ass but I don’t know how to explain it otherwise. The Mesa gear sounds big and punchy, to use your term, but so does the Sisma head. I guess I don’t think in terms of all the catch phrases here on TB. They are both great products made very well.
Click to expand...

Thanks for sharing your experience.

What I was hoping for was some sort of comparison of the basic tonality of the Sisma and WD-800, as in how do they compare in terms of general EQ voicing, sound quality when overdriven, etc...? Most amps are intentionally voiced. It would be nice to know if these two are in similar ballparks or rather different. On a side note, I can say from listening to clips of the WD-800 and D-800/+, I've always preferred the tone of the WD-800, so that speaks to a preference for the WD's general voicing.

And speaking of that... it would be great if you or anyone else with both amps would put up some comparison clips. That would probably demonstrate the differences better than words.
 
#66
I have to open with I suck at putting words together and I'm not the right person to do a tech review.
The Mesa WD has been my main head and I have no issues with it. The sound is very pleasing to me and the groups I worked with and sound companies I worked with. But so is the Mesa 800+. Same company, different feature set, great build. These two amps sound slightly different to me but I can work with both and I have extensively. The Sisma sounds slightly different and is also very workable to me. I'm not knowledgeable in the tech department so I just can't spew words without meaning. When I moved to Mesa years ago I found what I was looking for in terms of my tone, what I wanted in the features and quality. The same for Sisma. I'm not changing what I use, I'm adding to it. I've had many different popular means of amplification prior to Mesa and was never quite happy or struggled to get what I wanted. Not so anymore. I can go to a gig with any of the three and walk away smiling. As far as the list of makers that didn't do it for me I really don't want to bash in any way because the other companies are selling their gear and many players here are happy with them. Sound quality is exceptional out of all three. You'll have to search elsewhere for drive as I go for clean. I just don't know how to explain these things. When I bought each of these amps it was a leap of faith on the amps offering what I felt was needed and knowing they could be returned if not happy. Jad Freer is the same way with Sisma. But I'm happy times three. If you were around the corner I would say come over and play. I can't make the sound samples. I can't explain tech. I'm extremely happy with all three heads and they do all I need. It's a shame that there isn't a place to try all heads, cabs, basses etc but that doesn't exist anymore. I had to trust them, buy them and try them. I got lucky, no returns. Yeah I know....I'm not really of any help in your purchase and I was in the same situation before I jumped in. Close your eyes and use the force.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jeff Scott, 12bass and gtirard
#67
For all interested in a fair review or comparisons tests: I've shipped a SISMA and 112 Minerva cab to @GeeBass who I believe owns a Demeter VTBP-M-800D an several other pieces of gear. He will evaluate and test the gear then ship it to another fellow TBer for the same purpose so anyone interested in doing his own tests just DM me and I'll add him/her/them to the list.
 
  • Like
Reactions: kengleason, Jeff Scott, Jim C and 7 others
#68
Andrea Lo said:
For all interested in a fair review or comparisons tests: I've shipped a SISMA and 112 Minerva cab to @GeeBass who I believe owns a Demeter VTBP-M-800D an several other pieces of gear. He will evaluate and test the gear then ship it to another fellow TBer for the same purpose so anyone interested in doing his own tests just DM me and I'll add him/her/them to the list.
Click to expand...

It's a smart way of compensating for the fact that it's impossible to test it in physical stores!
Unfortunately, there's a chance that @GeeBass wants to keep it, and break the chain :roflmao:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jeff Scott and Danny C
#69
That's very cool of you to send out your gear to try. It will help get the word out in the states. You guys and gals at Jad Freer definitely know what you're doing. Capo and Sisma are very well designed, thought out and built exceptionally well. And they both sound amazing to me. I'm extremely happy with both so thanks to all involved! I wish ya'll much success with your company and products. I'm a forever user and fan.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jeff Scott, GeeBass, gtirard and 1 other person
#70
Actually just posted on another page about this head and now seeing this thread. Heard a guy playing thru it last night with a J bass and the sound was absolutely fantastic. Through a 2x10 Mesa cab the bass filled up a large indoor / outdoor space very nicely. I had never heard of this amp manufacturer till I went to check out the bass players gear and thats when I noticed this little amp putting out all that power.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Andrea Lo, Danny C and gtirard
#73
Andrea Lo said:
For all interested in a fair review or comparisons tests: I've shipped a SISMA and 112 Minerva cab to @GeeBass who I believe owns a Demeter VTBP-M-800D an several other pieces of gear. He will evaluate and test the gear then ship it to another fellow TBer for the same purpose so anyone interested in doing his own tests just DM me and I'll add him/her/them to the list.
Click to expand...
How about a legit user and unbiased tech review? If truly competent and confident, contact @tombowlus : )
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: WG Plum
#77
"Burrito" it is and yes it was you! My new favorite bass player. Danny, you were on fire! If you are local to the shore area we gotta get together!! I haven't been playing much and could use some inspiration. When I went up to see your gear (as we bass players do) I was surprised to see an amp I had never heard of. I searched for it which of course brought me here. See ya man!
Jay
 
  • Like
Reactions: Marko 1, kengleason, S-Bigbottom and 1 other person
#78
Hey Jay, that's a wild coincidence. At first I thought this was Kevin posting. He came up and played a song. Next time say hey so we can chat. And yes I consider myself in your area. And thank you so much for the compliments on the sound and playing. The fire as you mentioned came from the drummer setting me on fire. When you play with a cat like Lee Finkelstein that happens. I love the Sisma amp!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Marko 1, kengleason, CAILLOUX and 1 other person

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back