Off Topic Am I crazy? - amp content.

[B2D]

My main amp is a Bogner Ecstasy 101b - those of you familiar with this amp know what the business is on it... very powerful, three great channels, tons of flexibility.

Yet I find myself being somewhat disillusioned by it lately.

As good as it sounds, there's a couple things about it that don't sit quite well with me. I've never been able to get the midrange to sound completely right to me. I'm told that upper-mids thing is just something that amp does and it's characteristic of the sound of that amp. I can't really dial it out, but I live with it.

Plus, for all the options on this amp - gain boosts, parallel effects loop, Plexi mode, three channels, damping switches, treble range switches... etc. I never really use them. I just set 'em and forget 'em. And I feel somewhat bad about not using the amp to it's maximum potential.

This is NOT a complaint about the amp at all - it's just my relationship with it and the sound it has. And it leaves 95% of all tube heads out there in the dust. The other 5% is just personal preference. Its the closest thing I had heard to the sound in my head.

Enter that other 5% - The Naked Amp by Dave Friedman.

I stopped in to a local boutique hop to talk tone with the owner (Tone Merchants - Rob Navarette, great guy btw) and discussed my issues with the Bogner with him. After listening to me, he led me over to this amp that basically looked like a new JMP, or a modded Marshall type. I wouldn't have looked at it otherwise, but when i plugged into this amp it absolutely floored me. I couldn't believe the sound out of this thing. Fat, smooth, dark, defined overdrive, and crystalline cleans in a simple, straightforward, no nonsense package. It was my main sound out of the Bogner but a little less compressed and more percussive, with a more even, smoother midrange that was a delight to play. The great thing about it was that it didn't fatigue your ears too fast like some Marshalls do, and it even sounded great at levels that would normally stop the soundman from complaining but leave you disappointed!

Bottom line that amp has haunted me since I played it, and that was two months ago.

I just got a Mesa/Boogie Tremoverb as a backup head and it sounds fantastic in it's own right, but for that hopped-up Marshall based sound I love, the Naked really hit the spot. I'm all but certain that I'm going to sell my Bogner and get a JMP modded to Naked specs (which Dave said he will do, as it's much cheaper than buying a new Naked). I just need to wait for the shop's Naked to come back in (it's currently at Premier Guitar's offices) and give it another test run before I make up my mind, as I want to be absolutely, 100% sure.

is it bad that I'm very seriously considering parting with one of the best tube heads of all time for something much simpler? I suppose not if it's an improvement and more satisfying.

I've been told I'll miss the versatility of the Bogner - but I was in a full-time cover band with a Carvin Legacy before (2-ch head) and coupled up with an overdrive pedal and working my guitar right I got all the sounds I needed for covers. I think versatility is in the player first before it's in the gear. If I really needed that kind of versatility for session gigs or something I'd probably just get an Axe-FX.

I suppose I'm just sounding off on you guys to make sure I'm of sound mind and judgement here.

 

[DaPatrooch]

Go with whatever sounds best to you! Jerry Cantrell has been using the Dave Friedman Marsha recently, one that I think is custom to his specs, but still, it sounds amazing. His tone was just pure awesomeness when I saw Alice in Chains back in March. So Dave Friedman does some good stuff.

 

[B2D]

Go with whatever sounds best to you! Jerry Cantrell has been using the Dave Friedman Marsha recently, one that I think is custom to his specs, but still, it sounds amazing. His tone was just pure awesomeness when I saw Alice in Chains back in March. So Dave Friedman does some good stuff.

Man... I saw AIC live in February and at the time Jerry was using an Uberschall and a Marsha. Holy CRAP that was loud but man his guitar sounded amazing. Word on the street is he's using 4 Marsha's now.

 

[mojomkr]

Yep your F'ing nuts......some days you just have to walk away.

Not that I ever have any of those days

I think maybe you should get Thicker strings, Change the P/ups,

Adjust the truss rod, Get a rosewood neck, Or a Maple neck if you

have Rosewood already, Put up wood paneling, Then use egg cartons,

Foam. If all that doesn't work. Call Customer service Then get

a new amp......Repeat each step every 2 months

 

[patpark]

Sometimes your ears get tired of the same amp. Nothing wrong with your Bogner. But you just need something different. The Friedman stuff is insanely good.
Rob is now sharing space with Friedman at the new Tone Merchants location in Hollywood.

 

[ScoobySteve]

Sometimes your ears get tired of the same amp. Nothing wrong with your Bogner. But you just need something different. The Friedman stuff is insanely good.
Rob is now sharing space with Friedman at the new Tone Merchants location in Hollywood.

This This is how GAS begins IMO. (Not to say that GAS is bad ) I love my blackstar when I first got it, but now I'm screaming for something else. I think every guitar player face this with his gear, but my advice to you (considering that I'm even hitting close to home) is to focus your attention elsewhere.

When I get stuck in a rut with gear I always try to divert my focus to improving my chops and catching back up on my theory and just practicing in general. I really try hard not to think about my tone, my set up, or any of my gear. Then once I get get tired of that, I spoil myself with something, like a pedal, or the occasional amp. Works for me, just my .02.

You could always just try taking a break too. If that's an option.

 

[B2D]

Yep your F'ing nuts......some days you just have to walk away.

Not that I ever have any of those days

Yeah thats the best I can do some days...

I think maybe you should get Thicker strings, Change the P/ups,

Adjust the truss rod, Get a rosewood neck, Or a Maple neck if you

have Rosewood already, Put up wood paneling, Then use egg cartons,

Foam. If all that doesn't work. Call Customer service Then get

a new amp......Repeat each step every 2 months

HA! Yep. It's a vicious cycle.

 

[B2D]

Sometimes your ears get tired of the same amp. Nothing wrong with your Bogner. But you just need something different. The Friedman stuff is insanely good.
Rob is now sharing space with Friedman at the new Tone Merchants location in Hollywood.

I agree... nothing is wrong with the Bogner. But I do think I need something different, for both tonal and practical purposes.

As far as my ears needing something fresh, i will agree that every now and then a different peice of gear in the lineup can be inspiring... be it a guitar or amp or effect. The difference in sound injects a fresh vibe and inspires something we may not have played otherwise. However, when I find something that works... and I mean really WORKS for me, I tend to let it be. Such is the case with my EBMM, and a few pedals I have, and the speakers I like.

So TM is now totally up in North Hollyweird? Not in Orange at all anymore?

This This is how GAS begins IMO. (Not to say that GAS is bad ) I love my blackstar when I first got it, but now I'm screaming for something else. I think every guitar player face this with his gear, but my advice to you (considering that I'm even hitting close to home) is to focus your attention elsewhere.

When I get stuck in a rut with gear I always try to divert my focus to improving my chops and catching back up on my theory and just practicing in general. I really try hard not to think about my tone, my set up, or any of my gear. Then once I get get tired of that, I spoil myself with something, like a pedal, or the occasional amp. Works for me, just my .02.

You could always just try taking a break too. If that's an option.

I do see what you're saying. I practice at least an hour a day on my own just to keep in shape and rehearse twice a week. At this point I can be honest with myself and know if I'm the cause of whatever I feel I'm falling short in or not. I play my Bogner the same way I played that Friedman - hard and like I meant it. The Friedman yielded a slightly better sound that didn't involve any of the tweaking and adjustment and such that came with the Bogner. I think that in itself says something.

Taking a break really isn't an option, but I keep things fresh by learning new songs, trying to write and compose and listen to music as much as I can, and not sticking to a strict routine and keeping it mixed as far as the regimen goes. Plus my ADD works well with that, haha.

 

[beej]

Hey man, nothing wrong with switching up amps once in a while.

Friedman does great work ... haven't played a Naked but the Marsha is fantastic. I actually just got a Jet City 20W modded by Dave (the Brown Eye preamp mod + Saturation), it's like a little Marsha in a 20W'er.

If you like the amp ... get it.

 

[hbucker]

I identify with a couple of the points you've made.

1. I think that amps can have too many options and try to be too many things to too many people. I've had amps like this and either I set it and forget it as you described. Or I have to carry around a notebook of settings in order to remember how I got certain tones at any given time. These are the kinds of features, IMO, that look good on paper and help sell the amp. But in practicality, many of them go unused which means I paid more than I should have for the amp.

2. I just got rid of an amp, not because anything was wrong with it, but because I'd used it for 9 years and was ready to move on to something else. Seems like you're describing this phenomenon a little bit.

They both make sense to me because I've dealt with both of them recently too. I DON'T think that just because you have a Bogner that you should just shut up and be satisfied with what you have. That is certainly a nice amp. If you're donating it to charity I'll certainly take it. But it's just an amp with a certain range of tones. You want a different range of tones??? You need to get a different amp.

 

[nobozos]

Before you get rid of the Bogner, try it through some different speaker/cabinet combinations. You may be suprised how much it will change the sound. Try 2x12s, 4x12s, closed back, open back, and partially open back cabinets.

 

[B2D]

Hey man, nothing wrong with switching up amps once in a while.

Friedman does great work ... haven't played a Naked but the Marsha is fantastic. I actually just got a Jet City 20W modded by Dave (the Brown Eye preamp mod + Saturation), it's like a little Marsha in a 20W'er.

If you like the amp ... get it.

A 20W Marsha? Ha! That's awesome. I haven't played the Marshas but they do sound great from all the sources I've heard. The Naked is darker and smoother with less of that glassy sound on the top. Not that I don't like that, it's just not what I go for.

I identify with a couple of the points you've made.

1. I think that amps can have too many options and try to be too many things to too many people. I've had amps like this and either I set it and forget it as you described. Or I have to carry around a notebook of settings in order to remember how I got certain tones at any given time. These are the kinds of features, IMO, that look good on paper and help sell the amp. But in practicality, many of them go unused which means I paid more than I should have for the amp.

2. I just got rid of an amp, not because anything was wrong with it, but because I'd used it for 9 years and was ready to move on to something else. Seems like you're describing this phenomenon a little bit.

They both make sense to me because I've dealt with both of them recently too. I DON'T think that just because you have a Bogner that you should just shut up and be satisfied with what you have. That is certainly a nice amp. If you're donating it to charity I'll certainly take it. But it's just an amp with a certain range of tones. You want a different range of tones??? You need to get a different amp.

You sound like you understand where I'm at.

I have a strip of blue painter's tape across the top of the amp with my settings marked so i don't forget them.

Before you get rid of the Bogner, try it through some different speaker/cabinet combinations. You may be suprised how much it will change the sound. Try 2x12s, 4x12s, closed back, open back, and partially open back cabinets.

Done all that, actually. I have a Carvin V3 cab loaded with Eminence Governors and Man-O-Wars in an X pattern and I love it. Huge, fat tone with a wide range of sound. I try other things but I always keep coming back to a 4x12 in some form or another.

 

[custom53]

I think it is just the onset of GAS. "Gear Aquire Syndrom". If you do look and find another amp that you like, and you play thru it for a while, and you like it, you will eventually go back to your original. And like it again. Until you see, hear, feel something else.

 

[yan12]

I think we all get a little bored with our tone from time to time. Switching up some gear sounds fresh and new, and the process of chasing tone becomes exciting again.
That being said, once I played a Roccaforte amp, it was all over. A simple design, 2 channels with b,m,t gain and master for each channel. Global presence. Set it and forget it. People always tell me how awesome I sound and cannot believe I plug straight in.
The newest trend is the Axe Fx unit. My friend has had the Ultra model for about 6 months now. Awesome unit, great effects, very good tone. He raved up and down, and I must say, it is a great design...just not for me. I don't like all the midi tap dancing for presets, etc.
Like the others have said, go with what you like and what your ears tell YOU.
And check out a Roccaforte sometime.
Yan

 

[guitfiddle]

You should also try a different set of tubes whenever you are looking for a slightly different flavour in a tube amp. Sometimes folks forgot about that. A lot of tweaking can be done just by trying different brands/specs of tubes (pre and power).

 

[aleclee]

Different strokes for different folks. For me, the AxeFX was the end of GAS...at least as far as amps & effects go. I only use about five patches regularly but when I get an itch for a new sound, I can scratch it without spending a penny.

 

[B2D]

I think it is just the onset of GAS. "Gear Aquire Syndrom". If you do look and find another amp that you like, and you play thru it for a while, and you like it, you will eventually go back to your original. And like it again. Until you see, hear, feel something else.

I do this with pedals and pickups the most. I like to not change out amps unless there's a good reason for it.... it has to be about something more than the tone.

I think we all get a little bored with our tone from time to time. Switching up some gear sounds fresh and new, and the process of chasing tone becomes exciting again.
That being said, once I played a Roccaforte amp, it was all over. A simple design, 2 channels with b,m,t gain and master for each channel. Global presence. Set it and forget it. People always tell me how awesome I sound and cannot believe I plug straight in.

I've heard great things about those Roccafortes but I've never gotten my mitts on one in person. Do you recall the model of the amp you're referring to?

You should also try a different set of tubes whenever you are looking for a slightly different flavour in a tube amp. Sometimes folks forgot about that. A lot of tweaking can be done just by trying different brands/specs of tubes (pre and power).

I've got it sounding it's best with Chinese pre's and JJ power tubes. I usually prefer JJ power tubes but the pre tubes depend on the amp. I like Sovteks only in Marshall's, for example. JJ pre's sound great in Carvins but a little bright in most other amps...

Different strokes for different folks. For me, the AxeFX was the end of GAS...at least as far as amps & effects go. I only use about five patches regularly but when I get an itch for a new sound, I can scratch it without spending a penny.

I tried one of those and was extremely impressed. Next time I have $2000 to burn I'd like to pick one up and use it to record... maybe more!

 

[yan12]

Sorry it took me a day to get back here but I have been very busy...the model Roccaforte that I play is a Jenelle. Custom 80/Hi Gain 100 in one amp. It is close to the most treasured thing I own. As soon as my solos are done on our new record I'll post some tones, as well as post a clip of a score I am working on for a movie...I'll be back in town from location around June 25th so it won't be until then!
Yan

 

[blkcloud1313]

OK, my 2 cents. From personal experience, I will never find a better amp than the Ecstasy 101B. I have had 5 of them (yes, 5), and I am done trying to find anything better. I had gotten past the honeymoon phase with them, then decided there had to be something better, so each time I have sold my Ecstasy and bought something else (you name it, I have tried it). To me the Ecstasy is where the bar is set; you can get so many tones out of it, it is so flexible. To me, there is nothing better. I get a completely different sound out of it with different guitars; my Axis gives me a totally different sound than my LPs, than a strat and so on, I mean a really huge difference.

Really, don't go back and forth 5 times like I did before pulling your head out; stay with the Ecstasy. BTW, Dave's amps are great; I thought they were a little noisy and one dimensional, but great amps no doubt.

Good luck.

 

[B2D]

Sorry it took me a day to get back here but I have been very busy...the model Roccaforte that I play is a Jenelle. Custom 80/Hi Gain 100 in one amp. It is close to the most treasured thing I own. As soon as my solos are done on our new record I'll post some tones, as well as post a clip of a score I am working on for a movie...I'll be back in town from location around June 25th so it won't be until then!
Yan

It's so funny you mentioned this... I went into a local Guitar Center today and there were about 6 or 7 Roccafortes in there, a Jenelle among them! I didn't get to play one because I was on limited time, but at least I know where one is now.

OK, my 2 cents. From personal experience, I will never find a better amp than the Ecstasy 101B. I have had 5 of them (yes, 5), and I am done trying to find anything better. I had gotten past the honeymoon phase with them, then decided there had to be something better, so each time I have sold my Ecstasy and bought something else (you name it, I have tried it). To me the Ecstasy is where the bar is set; you can get so many tones out of it, it is so flexible. To me, there is nothing better. I get a completely different sound out of it with different guitars; my Axis give me a totally different sound the my LPs, then a strat and so on, I mean a really definitive difference.

Really, don't go back and forth 5 times like I did before pulling your head out; stay with the Ecstasy. BTW, Dave's amps are great; I thought they were a little noisy and one dimensional, but great amps no doubt.

Good luck.

You know, I know a guy in LA who basically shares your exact same feelings for the 101b. He's had three of them, I think. I'm glad that amp has worked out so well for you... it's a great feeling to find something that fits you perfectly, and keeps on giving up the goods like that, and stays so versatile to boot. Unfortunately, I'm not him or you, I'm me, and only I can know what I like the best. I like this amp a lot, but not so much that I keep looking looking at other stuff.

As it happens, I traded an Axis Super Sport for a Mesa Dual Rec Tremoverb with EL34s with the intention of using the Mesa as a backup amp. These amps are out of production - NOT the same as a 3-ch Dual Rectifier Solo head. I used it in a rehearsal studio right next to my 101b at rehearsal today, and I almost hate to say it but that particular Mesa might be a better fit for me. I was able to adapt it to my needs and get it to "fall into place" tonally so quickly and easily it was a little frightening. Played side by side with an a/b switch and identical cabs I found myself being totally happy with the Mesa and my overdrive pedal to get the sounds I needed. Even my drummer, who is a very observant individual, commented that the Mesa seemed to be working a little more for me.

Hmmm...

Wanna buy another Ecstasy? Hahah

I'm gonna head up to Friedman's shop in NoHo next weekend and give the Naked a shootout with my Ecstasy. Whichever one I like more is coming home with me.