SWR SM900 vs. Trace Elliot AH1000-12

[Pedulla-Player]

I'm in the process of purchasing a SWR SM900 head , and I just bought a Trace Elliot AH1000-12 head (should arrive in a few days). I know two heads may be overkill , but I live in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and if my main head needs to be repaired it could take a while to get it fixed and get it back. I'm not sure which one is going to be my main head yet until I get to try them out and see which one gives me the tone that I'm looking for. I'm trading in my Genz Benz GBE1200 because I just could never find the sound that I was looking for with that head. Don't get me wrong - it's a good head and it's loud as heck , but it just wasn't what I was looking for. If any of you have any expereince using a SM900 and / or a AH1000-12 amp head , I'd appreciate your opinion on what you think of them. Thanks , Pedull-Player

 

[4-string]

For backup, I would look no further than to one of the many micro amps available. A light weight setup is also a great second rig.

 

[RedLeg]

classic 90's argument!!! I am an SWR Engineering man myself.

 

[hasbeen]

hmm....

you can get an SWR tone with the GBE1200. In the 80's, I was a full-on SWR endorser and I helped voice the GBE1200. Please let me know if you need help EQ'ing her.

With that being said, if you are really looking for a different tone than what you have, go with the Trace. If you have the opportunity, play all thre side by side.

 

[Jim C]

If the SM900 sounds like a SM400 (which I've owned for years) and,
if a Trace AH1000 sounds like a Trace AH350 (which I also own),

The Trace has a more musical and adjustable tone IMO
Try large boosts and cuts with the SWR (especialy between 200 Hz and 2K) and see if the EQ sounds a like a car horn. The Trace allows you to swing the graphic sliders in a big way without the harshness. Trace can be very clean but can get kinda close to an SVT; SWR has massive puch and is great for slapping.
Of course, many here LOVE the SWR.
DISCLAIMER: Your results may very; this is purely my opinion; try them both before you buy; excessive volume for long periods of time can cause permanent hearing loss ....

 

[123fun]

SWR all the way...

 

[Count Bassie]

They're different sounds, for sure. I'd maybe want my backup head to be a good bit similar to my main head.