• 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.

SWR/Fender

G

gotmule?

Apr 24, 2008
223
2
#1
I currently have a Fender Rumble 60 and I am looking to upgrade in the future. I really like the sound of the amp, and will probably stick with Fender. If I am correct, Fender owns SWR or they have some kind or partnership? If so, I'm interested in the SWR amps, but they are not sold anywhere close to me, so I would be unable to try one out. Do they have a similar sound to the Fender amps? Thanks!
 
#2
Fender does own SWR, but they're different amps. I liked my SM-500, although there are newer amps I like better. The SWR can rock out, but it seems to be voiced more for smooth jazz. It's a very even sounding amp with a warm bottom, a slight scoop in the mids, and their cabs have a tendency to be extremely bright like Marcus Miller. Never liked the cabs but I I liked the head because at the time I thought it had the tubiest sound of a solid state or hybrid, but I sold it recently because I think the newer smaller amps like Markbass sound better and even more tubey. If you want to stick with the Fender family, I'd take a look at Genz Benz. Their new little Shuttle amps are finding a lot of favor on here.
 
#6
JimmyM said:
...The SWR can rock out, but it seems to be voiced more for smooth jazz. It's a very even sounding amp with a warm bottom, a slight scoop in the mids, and their cabs have a tendency to be extremely bright like Marcus Miller. Never liked the cabs but I liked the head because at the time I thought it had the tubiest sound of a solid state or hybrid...
Click to expand...

I agree about the mid scoop, and think it is probably the SWR Pre, which I sometimes by-pass on my pre-Fender silverface 350 (great little amp). The mid scoop disappears if I use my Tube Channel Pre with the EQ defeated.

However, I don't find the golliath II bright, unless I crank the tweeter and ask it to bite HARD with the EQ the instrument, and my thumb. Then it positively KLANKS!!!, especially with a BBE pre.

I know you hate tweeters, but on the goliath II, one can shut the dang thing off, which I often do. Really, to me the old Eden-made back-ported goliath II is richly mid-punchy, with plenty of low end when asked, even with a 5er. All IMHO. :cool:
 
#8
not to be nit picky but:
FMIC bought Kaman Music from Kaman Aerospace. All of the Kaman Music brands, including Genz Benz, came along with teh deal.

Still though, FMIC nor SWR have anything to do with Genz Benz product, design, marketing etc. The Kaman Music brands continue to operate as separate business entities.
 
#9
hasbeen said:
not to be nit picky but:
FMIC bought Kaman Music from Kaman Aerospace. All of the Kaman Music brands, including Genz Benz, came along with teh deal.

Still though, FMIC nor SWR have anything to do with Genz Benz product, design, marketing etc. The Kaman Music brands continue to operate as separate business entities.
Click to expand...
Yeah, but the OP sees Fender involvement as a selling point, so I was helping you milk it ;)
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back