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Old school sound?

#22
Vries125 said:
Hi there, I could use some amp advice.

Here's the thing: I play in a cross-over rap/rock band and do a lot of
live shows. Now I'm looking for a nice fat and gritty sound (guess you could say I like it 'old school') that is suitable for mid to large size stages, but does not require a grand budget (say max EUR1000,- or $1400,-). My main instrument is Sandberg PM5, which I run through a Hartke Bass Attack, MRX Envelope Filter and Boss octaver.

I fell in love with the sound of a second hand (pre-fender) SWR Super Redhead, but I'm afraid it won't push the db's enough on stage (even with an extention cab). My bandmembers suggest I look at 4x10 cabs fitted with a decent head, but all the (affordable) new stuff I tried so far couldn't
do it for me. Most were loud, but sounded to clean/flat to my ears. Where did all that gritty goodness go?

Any suggestions or similar experiences? I would appreciate to read about them!

Greetings,

Erik
Deventer, The Netherlands
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I suggest you look at a Genz Benz Streamliner 900 coupled to an Uber 4x10 but then I have been labled a fanboy on TB so what do I know?:D

Seriously the Streamliner will give you the old school gritty semi scopped vibe and will cost less as well as weigh way lighter than a classic tube amp.
 
#26
They're the same exact amp in a different box. Confirmed by Ampeg.
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That's nice... Maybe I thought that way because I've played the in different situations, different cabs etc. So according to this experience, the B2RE sounded better with non-Ampeg cabs. I was sure that the 450H sounded more harsh in the high mid area.. Turns out it was the cab.

Do you know why they put the B2RE in an SVT style head and gave it a different name??
 
#27
shtik said:
That's nice... Maybe I thought that way because I've played the in different situations, different cabs etc. So according to this experience, the B2RE sounded better with non-Ampeg cabs. I was sure that the 450H sounded more harsh in the high mid area.. Turns out it was the cab.

Do you know why they put the B2RE in an SVT style head and gave it a different name??
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To sell to people who wanted an SVT but couldn't afford a real one ;)
 
#28
I came across a nice second hand stack today (Crate BT-350+BE410H+B15). It sounded very good, with great
lows and plenty of growl. Only thing I didn't like was the built-in chorus. The complete setup cost the same as just the SWR combo alone (EUR900,- or $1278,-). It may not be as high end as say Ampeg (fanboys forgive me), but IMHO I think this could be a good deal for me; lots of amp for the money.
 
#29
JimmyM said:
I can't say I ever had much of a problem getting any sound I wanted out of my old SWR SM-500, including a vintage sound. Or any amp, for that matter, even amps I hate. Anyone tells you that you can't get a certain sound out of an amp, and you can bet that they either never tried it or they're just parroting something they heard on the internet. Even the 450H, which I really don't care for, can do anything you need if you play with it long enough. Besides, "vintage" tones come more from turning off the tweeter in your cab.

Anyway, to explain what I mean by "real" SVT, they have tube preamps and a tube power amp. The current models Ampeg makes that fit that bill are the SVT-VR, SVT-CL, and SVT 2 Pro. They have other models labeled SVT, such as the SVT 3 Pro, 4 Pro, 7 Pro and 8 Pro, but they're tube preamps paired with a solid state power amp (hybrids). They're really good amps and I'd love a 7 Pro, but they don't have tube power amps. And the 450H has no tubes at all, and is really the B2RE in an SVT housing. I like every amp Ampeg makes these days but that one. I would check into the Ampeg PF500 before the 450H. For $400, it's unbeatable.

Don't get too wrapped in the gear, though. It can drive you crazy with so many options. Play a few amps in your price range, then decide which one you like best and get it and get to work.
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This, +1
 
#30
Vries125 said:
I came across a nice second hand stack today (Crate BT-350+BE410H+B15). It sounded very good, with great
lows and plenty of growl. Only thing I didn't like was the built-in chorus. The complete setup cost the same as just the SWR combo alone (EUR900,- or $1278,-). It may not be as high end as say Ampeg (fanboys forgive me), but IMHO I think this could be a good deal for me; lots of amp for the money.
Click to expand...

I know you are in europe but that seems real expensive for a Crate setup. :eek: Is gear that expensive over there?
 
#31
Randall said:
I know you are in europe but that seems real expensive for a Crate setup. :eek: Is gear that expensive over there?
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This is the cheapest rig I've come across so far. A decent head alone (by example a Genz Benz Streamliner) will cost EUR800,- or $1140,- I actually compared that to the bt-350. The Crate sounded better to me. How are the exchange rates these days... is the EUR still that strong?
 
#34
JimmyM said:
I can't say I ever had much of a problem getting any sound I wanted out of my old SWR SM-500, including a vintage sound. Or any amp, for that matter, even amps I hate. Anyone tells you that you can't get a certain sound out of an amp, and you can bet that they either never tried it or they're just parroting something they heard on the internet.
Click to expand...

The voice of reason and experience. Like a breath of fresh air.
 
#36
JimmyM said:
My kids might disagree but neither of them play an instrument ;)

Thanks coyote!
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May I say with the greatest of respect and admiration that you have twice spoken in a very open and respectful manner. Not saying you haven't in the past, but as an example of effective discourse it's exemplary.
Your comment about what works was broad and inclusive and also contained your selection of what you choose to use. You also stated that it's myth etc. that one couldn't get their sound out of most commercially available rigs. Again the voice of reason and wisdom.

Thank you, Jimmy!
(Can my post be used for Metal?)
 
#37
IMHO
#1 would be a Peavey TB Raxx in to a SWR Working Pro 700
in to A Peavey 2x15 or a Mesa 2x15
#2 is bassed on a students sound, he runs a
Trace Elliot GP7sm Pre into a Crown Poweramp into a pair of Marshall 8X10s

I came across a nice second hand stack today (Crate BT-350+BE410H+B15). It sounded very good, with great
lows and plenty of growl.

I have a Crate 350, I always thought it was a very underrated head,
 
#39
chadds said:
May I say with the greatest of respect and admiration that you have twice spoken in a very open and respectful manner. Not saying you haven't in the past, but as an example of effective discourse it's exemplary.
Your comment about what works was broad and inclusive and also contained your selection of what you choose to use. You also stated that it's myth etc. that one couldn't get their sound out of most commercially available rigs. Again the voice of reason and wisdom.

Thank you, Jimmy!
(Can my post be used for Metal?)
Click to expand...
Hey, screw you, pal!

:D

Sorry, had to do it. Thanks chadds! I'm trying to be a little nicer these days. Maybe it's turning 50. Then again, maybe not, as many angry folks on here are 50 or older. I guess you either mellow out or get angrier. Glad I'm going the mellowed out way ;)
 
#40
Vries125 said:
I went back to the store today, had one more look&listen and decided to buy the Crate stack. Very pleased with it! Thanx for the help!
Click to expand...


Kewl I think Its your best bet for now, I'd try to pick up a
2nd B15 cab



side note, I've just been told that Amy Winehouse was found dead at her home....RIP , such a good voice(the rest well, i will miss her voice)
 

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