• 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.

Trace Elliot Quatra valve head????

#21
tombowlus said:
Interesting. I wonder if Geddy had these custom made at some point?
Click to expand...
For him that wouldn't be a stretch at all, however when you consider that the preamp section (GP12xv I think?) was available separately then they may have simply been available if requested but not shown in the general catalog.

The folks at the old Trace shop were so easy to work with that when I ordered my AH600SMX they built a spare RAH-style front panel and just shipped it along because I called them to ask about the possibility. Too cool.
 
#22
alexgeddy said:
if u think geddy will give up his gear selection and sound uh no wayyyyy...... if you like the trace sound go for it...if u need something different then look for that sound. geddy uses a sans amp rbi plus many basses and amps to get all of his sounds, so trying to duplicate his tone is a waste of time. the easiest tone to reproduce is from moving pictures!!
does any body know he used an ashley bp41 in the 8
Click to expand...
Not to be harsh but I don't recall anyone wanting to sound like Geddy Lee in this thread, especially not me! ;)
 
#24
Back in the day of the the twin/quattra/hex valve trace head they also did a normal graphic front end (I think it may have been a GP11 mark5 or possibly a GP12 series 6, i can't remember) which had a 350-400 watt all valve powerstage. They looked much like the old AH300. The difference being they had a second input which, without any EQ was fed pretty much straight to the powerstage. The painting and marks are in red for this input whereas all the graphic sections were green. I don't remember the model number, VA400, VH350, something like that. I only ever saw one once... It was supposedly designed by the guy who designed the SVT II ?
 
#27
VtypeV4 said:
Very nice. The one i saw i never got to play through as it was quite ill, requiring new valves and the like. I'm frimly footed in the V-Type camp as you're probably aware but i guess they absolutley kick ass? Like the idea of some extra power too! Whats in them 6 X 6550s?
Click to expand...

They have a 6 x 6550 power section. Mine has old style Sovtek KT88's which are now sold as Tungsol 6550's. BTW, the VA350 has green colored graphics for both sections. The VA400 is the one with the partial red graphics.
 
#28
Psycho Bass Guy said:
That would be the VA350, my current mainstay.
Click to expand...

Or VA400. I just picked up my second. :D

Here are some pics of it (and the flight case it came in:cool: ) sent by the seller:

VA400.jpg


VA400c.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ethix4
#30
Psycho Bass Guy said:
That's awesome! :hyper:
Click to expand...

Thanks! :) It's in great shape (always used with the case) and has a fresh UV light in it. I have played it at practice and it sounds just as good as my other VA400 (which is functionally perfect, but not as nice, cosmetically).
 
#36
ibz said:
Power output, and weight.
Click to expand...

The Valve input on the VA400 is also a noteworthy distinction. I actually like the aesthetics of the Valve series a bit better, but if I could keep only a Hexa or a VA400, I'd go with the VA400. The tone from the Valve Input is just that much more clear, articulate, and open, plus the volume from the VA400 is downright scary!

Tom.
 
#37
I think we wandered away from the original question but that's the fun of these threads.

My only negative thought would be that the original Trace who made these amps no longer exists and any special parts, like X'formers, you might need to repair these could be hard to find. I know that there is a 'new' Trace but they might not be carrying any parts for the older models. I seem to remember the Quatro series used toroids thus the lighter weight but I could be wrong.
 
#38
BassmanPaul said:
My only negative thought would be that the original Trace who made these amps no longer exists and any special parts, like X'formers, you might need to repair these could be hard to find. I know that there is a 'new' Trace but they might not be carrying any parts for the older models. I seem to remember the Quatro series used toroids thus the lighter weight but I could be wrong.
Click to expand...
No problem friend. That's why we have British Audio Service and GM Audio. :cool:
 
#40
Gosh, I started this thread and didn't really expect it to still be going. FWIW in the end I didn't buy the amp as a great opportunity to buy a Boogie Diesel (EV speakers) Road Ready 215 cab turned up and I got that instead at a gift price. I figured that I would still end up using my Mesa 400+ so buying the Quattro could start me on the path to becoming an antipodean Tombowlus (sorry Tom - I so envy your collection). Anyway, love the 215 cab so all's well that ends well but after all the favorable comments here on the Quattro I can't help wondering what if??.... Does this search for aural perfection ever end?? What is the meaning of bass life???? Sorry....carried away... just got back from band practice.... must...buy...more.......gear
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back