...what should I be looking for? I'm trying one out tonight, a Carvin combo, and I was wondering if there was anything specific I should be looking for. Hopefully someone can give me some quick tips on what to look for? Thanks!
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When trying out an amp...
- Thread starter Joeymarshmallow
- Start date
Ditto on bringing all the gear you might ever use with it. Also bring an extra long cord, hook 2 cords together or borrow a wireless or at the very least, bring a friend who's ears you trust and get out in front of your band to hear how it sounds mixed. Hear what your audience will hear from it, that'll tell you if it's a good amp for what you're doing. Also see what it'll do before clipping, make sure it's loud enough, you shouldn't have to give it all it's got to get what you need. Carvin does a 10 day trial thing so if you don't have a live gig, schedule a practice in a large room, someone's back patio or something, take it to a blues jam, anything to get an idea of the live sound sometime this week.
Always check how "smoke on the water" plays on any amp. Perform this test under a variety of volume and tone settings.
I prefer to set everything 'flat' on an amp to start ... then see how far you need to start turning to add whatever flavoring you are after ... granted, 12:00 may not actually be 'flat' on some equipment, but it gives you a good idea as to anything that may be inherent to that particular piece ... also, it may sound stupid, but if you like the way it sounds, pick it up and carry it around the store fo awhile ... then picture yourself dragging it in and out at all hours of the night, loading into vehicle, etc ... I had not done that in the past ... thats why I am now extremely portable and modular ... I am too old to lug around heavy gear ...
fdeck said:
You left out the very critical point that the "smoke on the water test" (or the SOTW test as it is known in the 'biz) is only effective if you are in a music store or other such public arena. Furthermore there should be as many other people in the immediate vincinity as possible. To simulate the effects of a crowd soaking up other frequencies of course.
It also helps to bring a couple small kids, and leave them in the play area (called the "drum room" in the biz) while you try out gear.
