Why's TC so cheap?

[tfer]

There was an episode of That Pedal Show, where Tore (the face of TCE) was interviewed for over an hour.

During it, he discussed the buyout and the new line of pedals.

I’m paraphrasing, but essentially the Music Group buyout has allowed TCE to hire more engineers. He was very honest in stating that some of the employees weren’t happy about it, but aside from the optics, nothing at TCE had changed.

As for the new line of budget pedals, they ARE reboxed/rebuilt Behringer pedals, but he had the ones that he liked revoiced in some case, while others got trashed completely. The project was left up to the engineers at TCE with which ones stayed in the lineup. The ones that stayed, got rebuilt eliminating the plastic components.

I like Tore. He seems honest, sometimes to a fault, when it comes to TCE and other pedal designers.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I mean...ya'll do realize that Disney and Nestle own half the world right? Does a Coke taste like a candy bar? In fact, it wouldn't surprise me one bit to find out that Disney also owns Yamaha.

 

[pcake]

I was going to make a joke and say, "even your groceries?" - but then I realized that yeah, it could apply to that, too.

i don't really buy a lot of individual grocery items that cost $60 - do you?

 

[basscapes]

Yamaha wouldn't still be around and profitable for as long as they have been if they made stupid decisions like trashing the most iconic name in bass amplifiers.

True that!

In the past, Yamaha have made a a lot of value-based products that performed highly above their dollar amount.

Two cases in point that make me take notice of what and where things might head (for better or worse)-

1. Regarding instruments- My Yamaha BBN4 bass (the original first models, not the II). A great sounding instrument for a relatively low cost of entry (even when bought new in the 90's). Their new BB-series instruments (which seem to have a price range for everyone) may well be the next "desirable BB-series". Time will tell.

2. With the acquisition of Ampeg under its wing, Yamaha must realize what pedigree they have signed up for with the Ampeg name (hopefully). I also hope that Ampeg under this parent doesn't become as some of Yamaha's better electronics did- case in point; the DG1000 preamp and DG-based guitar amps. Incredible sounding solid state right at the time that others (Line 6, defunkt Johnson amplifiers, even early Behringer) had the "new-ish" market in the 80's/90's of what we now call "amp modelling". The DG didn't last all that long, and I thin could have been a GREAT contender if left to hang around (and/or improve and stay competitive in the market). It almost appeared that Yamaha might have bailed on it prematurely.

I hope they don't bail on certain products under Ampeg, but rather, FIX issues (listen to customers, perhaps?) while hearkening back to some of Ampeg's earlier stuff and give it a fair shake this time (remember the SVT-based preamps, with all their goodness AND faults?).

Nonetheless, while I think it is AWESOME that Yamaha now has a hold of the Ampeg name. But I'm also cautious to see what happens next...

 

[DanGroove]

I think that's exactly what happened. Behringer is a huge company that I think invested more lately in TC than in its own brand in terms of pedals and amps (probably due to its own reputation). I have Behringer monitors in my practice room (small ones) and bigger ones in my rehearsal room, so I think not everything they do is crap.

Talking about TC, I think they have some serious and good pedals right now. I only use 5 pedals regularly and 3 are made by TC (Hypergravity, Corona and Tuner)

I've always been pretty impressed with Behringer from a sound/cost perspective. Quality control seems to be where they hurt their rep. Quite a few years back I had one of their 400W Bass heads that actually sounded really good until July got here and I played a show outdoors and the thing started cutting out. Fortunately I was able to correct the poor ventilation problem with a hole saw. It never gave me any problems again other than explaining the big holes on either side of it to potential buyers when I went to sell it.

 

[DanGroove]

Yes, that is true.

One only hopes that the SVT remains an SVT, and not a YTV! LOL

When did Yamaha aquire Ampeg? I think this could be a very good thing considering some of the previous owners of the brand. I've never had a Yamaha product that didn't feel/sound/perform well above its price point. I recently found out they also own LINE6 now. Having tried in store, tried other peoples, and owned an old Line6 Toneport interface I avoided them like the plague, until I tried Helix. (I know they had a couple of stomps some people really liked and I can't say I ever tried those). I wonder if Yamaha ownership had something to do with them finally releasing a product that I feel good about using.

 

[MojoPenguin]

Chinese owned -Thailand made. Danish Tech. I do like TC especially the sentry and the Reverb.

 

[pcake]

When did Yamaha aquire Ampeg? I think this could be a very good thing considering some of the previous owners of the brand. I've never had a Yamaha product that didn't feel/sound/perform well above its price point. I recently found out they also own LINE6 now. Having tried in store, tried other peoples, and owned an old Line6 Toneport interface I avoided them like the plague, until I tried Helix. (I know they had a couple of stomps some people really liked and I can't say I ever tried those). I wonder if Yamaha ownership had something to do with them finally releasing a product that I feel good about using.

Yamaha Announces Acquisition of Ampeg

 

[basscapes]

When did Yamaha aquire Ampeg? I think this could be a very good thing considering some of the previous owners of the brand. I've never had a Yamaha product that didn't feel/sound/perform well above its price point. I recently found out they also own LINE6 now. Having tried in store, tried other peoples, and owned an old Line6 Toneport interface I avoided them like the plague, until I tried Helix. (I know they had a couple of stomps some people really liked and I can't say I ever tried those). I wonder if Yamaha ownership had something to do with them finally releasing a product that I feel good about using.

RE; Ampeg acquisition- old-ish news now. Maybe about 4 5 months ago, or even less.

RE; your feelings about Yamaha items. YMMV. Some think they are the crowning glory of affordable. Others not so much. I'm in the middle on that (especially with regards to my bass)- certainly BETTER than some comparable instruments, and certainly better value than some of the same type-style of instruments. In my case, said instrument was a good building base for my own customizations. It is a good "prototype" for my future custom instrument.

Never have been a fan of MOST Line 6 stuff either (pre or post Yamaha). Their DG preamp was great sounding, however- VERY tubey without a hint of solid state-ness, IMHO (and guitarist that used it back in the day).

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

I enjoy my tc pedals, doesn’t bother me one bit who owns them.

 

[rodak]

I know Behringer has taken a lot of heat in the past about cheap or poorly performing products and poor service, but things may be changing. Apparently Uli Behringer has always had a passion for producing repros of classic analog synths, and he now has the facilities and manpower to achieve that dream. They released their "Model D" not long ago, which is functionally identical to a Minimoog, but in a Eurorack form factor. I have one and it looks feels and behaves almost exactly like a Minimoog - the controls are smaller, but are not difficult to manipulate. Synth enthusiasts almost uniformly are amazed with the little beast, which retails for $300 - less than 1/10 what you'd pay for an actual Minimoog. They've also released the DeepMind poly synths, which, while not clones, are very much like the Roland Juno 106, and have received similar accolades from the synth community. They also showed Odyssey and Pro-1 clones at 2018 NAMM, and have produced their own non-clone synth, the Neutron, which is similarly receiving rave reviews. Price points for all of these are WAY below what other synth clones and repros are going for. In addition, Uli regularly participates in the Gearslutz forums and interacts with folks there, taking suggestions, explaining technical issues and such. Not many large companies have their president participate in end-user discussion forums like that. The synths all come with a 3-year warranty (which may be standard across the Behringer line, I don't know). Actual support and durability remain to be seen, but I'm optimistic (and eagerly anticipating the release of the Odyssey, to add to my collection).

 

[higain617]

The old TC pedals were really cool, but needed specific power supplies. The old TC Line Booster/Distortion into a JCM 800 was something to behold.

 

[micguy]

It seems to me that the prevailing attitude on TB is that nothing is as good as it used to be. Except possibly carrots.

Well, I'd like to state that my attitude differs from what you say is prevailing. We got some pretty bland tasting carrots last trip to the grocery store, I love the basses I put together with Warmoth wood, Hipshot hardware, and Nordstrand pickups (I wouldn't trade them for a bunch of old Fenders, as heretical as that might sound) and I certainly wouldn't voluntarily go back to the days before I had my TC pedals.

Aside from the carrots (hopefully that was a one time issue) things are getting better as far as I'm concerned.

 

[br1qbat]

It seems to me that the prevailing attitude on TB is that nothing is as good as it used to be. Except possibly carrots.

Only if they're pre-CBS carrots.

 

[CapnSev]

My main amp is an 8-ish year old TC and I really, really like it. The only reason that one was cheap is because it was discontinued. The newer TC stuff (stuff since the whole wattage-gate) hasn’t impressed me much.

They’ve certainly done a fine job at innovation and price point though. Kinda reminds me of an Apple brand for bass gear, although on the cheap, as stated.

 

[Space Pickle]

Bea Arthur's mulchbox

what does this even mean

 

[smeet]

I used to think of TC as a great effects company. I really can't think of them the same since I learned how misleading they were (are?) about their amp wattage numbers.

 

[bass151]

Not a pedal question but have been looking for new cabs and have been considering the TC K212 and K210. Have not pulled the trigger because I'm concerned about how good they are as they are so inexpensive and don't have a volume control for the tweeter.

 

[Gizmot]

But what IS «soul» exactly? Like the word «mojo», which is bandied about here on TB a good deal, it’s difficult to get a handle on what it really means, since no two people seem to mean exactly the same thing. It generally seems to have connotations of something being either both old and good, or old and fiddly, but worth the effort.

Now, I personally don’t recognize the existence of mojo at all, and I don’t really believe in soul when it comes to products either. Whether it’s old or new, or whether it comes from a factory that turns out millions, or has been lovingly crafted by artisans, has little bearing on the product itself, as far as I’m concerned. It’s either good or it isn’t, I either like it or I don’t. I don’t think it needs to be more complicated than that.

Some products are simply more conducive to making music and help in the process of doing it - those have soul. Some products (like people) have heart. There is a tangible difference between an instrument that has soul and another that is simply wood with some metal parts. Electronic products inherently have less soul, but whether they put life in music is audible and noticeable.

 

[Systolic]

FWIW:
+ Music Group is now called Music Tribe
+ Behringer stuff usually sounds pretty good for the price.
+ Behringer has horrible reliability.
+ Behringer did indeed buy out TC/Tannoy. Much of their operations are kept separate though.
+ Music Tribe has atrocious support.
+ I've still been pretty happy with TC products.
+ The company I work for is one of the few that is willing to work with them to get service parts for Behringer and all MT's other brands....it's a giant pain in the a$$. PM me if you need anything.

+ I'm in the thick of all this crap with my purchasing dept as well as the Ampeg acquisition crap. Fun times.