Nice EBMM encounters today

[Roubster]

Hiiiii everybooody . So I had a little trip to some local music stores today, and at both I had a nice EBMM encounter. First of all I went to Manny's Music in Times Square NYC, and I was testing out a Line6 Flextone III, and they started playing an instructional video with the all mighty Albert Lee . The guy was so cool, and his style is awesome as well. I can see Steve Morse getting influenced by him. The next stop was Guitar Center, where they actually had 3 EBMMs!!!! And they were NOT SUB guitars. There was a all Rosewood ASS which looked real cool, a Black LUKE 2, and a fully loaded Saphire Black JP6. I tried the JP, which was atually the first time I have plugged in a JP. It sounded great of course and played very nicely and it looked great in that finish. The next on the list is either a Y2D or a JP6 . But the next aquisition will be that Line6 Flextone III XL. I'm gonna trade in the Spider2 I have, because the Flex3 sounds really awesome and it is simple and I dont need to deal with buying heads and cabs and pedals and rack stuff, etc, etc........... After that I''ll just get the FBV shortboard and a EB Volume Pedal. This thing even has FX loop for other stuff if I want, and I can get extension cabs if I need. Well anyway, that was my little EBMM encounter for today lol.

 

[PugNinjas]

I was testing out a Line6 Flextone III.

How did you like that amp?

I've been waiting to try one out but have been holding out until my Albert Lee arrives.



Pug

 

[Roubster]

The amp is pretty awesome I tell you. Now I see why some of the guys on here love Line6. I have started to develop a dislike for Line6 stuff based on my Spider2, which was a great mistake. The Spider2 is crap compared to the Flex3. Like some peopl said before it takes some time to get the sound you want, but I only played with it for like 10 mins and I loved the sounds that were coming out of it. The only thing I could not figure out was how to turn on the effects (lol), but other than that the distortions sounded great for lead and rhythm, and there were really nice clean tones on there was well. MUCH more versetile than a crappy Spider2 and it did not have that sterile digital sound like it either which I really started to hate. I still preffer my Spider2 over many amps out there, but it's really not as versetile as it may seem. The Flex3 will do just fine for me probably for a LONG time. Earlier I plugged the JP6 into a B52 head with the full stack, and I really did not like the sounds coming out of that. Just try it out and you'll see .
By the way, when did you order that Albert???? It seems like FOREVER dude .

 

[blackspy]

I actually bought that amp a few weeks back. Took it home, it only lasted for me all of two hours. I just didn't like it once I had it home. Down low, it sounded pretty darn good. Up loud it truly did not cut it.... to MY ears anyway. I returned it later that day, and the sales guy told me then, that I was the third person to buy that same amp and return it.

 

[Roubster]

Well, at least I'm sure that it will be better than the Spider2. This one already I had for like 2 years, and it did pretty good in the studio recently. So I doubt that the Flex3 sux at loud volumes, especially in the 2x12 version. We shall see soon enough I guess .

 

[SubMariner61]

I've owned at least eight or nine digital modeling amps, all purchased within the last few years and I've finally discovered why they never stick around. They sound good for about 30 minutes and then my ears grow tired from the lack of character. They remind me of active pickups...of which I keep trying to like but again...never seem to retain.
I've bought digital amps that were test-drove at the guitar shop for awhile, returned home with 'em and three days later, brought 'em back. Even after spending hours creating presets, in the end...the sounds never seem to have any breath to them. I've tried ART, Line 6, Peavey....name it...I've either played 'em or owned 'em.
I hope your experience does not parallel mine. There are a lot of tone choices with the Flextone III. Oh....before I forget...there have been two modeling amps I've been impressed with. The Fender Cyber Twin SE (with two 12AX7's) and the Yamaha DG-series.
As always, in the end...it's YOUR ears that matter, certainly not mine. Good luck!

 

[Eilif]

I am so completely with you on this one.

Whenever I take out my Luke, I have a lot of fun with it because it is just so different. The pickups are so responsive; it's almost like driving a sports car. But after a while, I discover that the sound just doesn't do a whole lot for me, so the Luke gets put away, and out comes the Axis SS.

(I hope no one minds this off topic excursion.)

Iactive pickups...of which I keep trying to like but again...never seem to retain.

 

[brettlingle]

I would try any of the VOX Valvetronix amps. I am not a big fan of modeling technology either but I played one at Guitar Center and the thing smoked my old Line 6 POD XT Pro. I do believe they have tubes in them though so I guess it is actually a modeling amp with tubes.
Brett Lingle

 

[Jonny Dubai]

I have to agree with the Vox. I found a Fextone here in dubai yesterday and gave it a try. I have to say the the Vox blew i away. (IMO)

I dont know what it is, the vox just has so much more feel, responce and better options. I have played marshalls, boogies, 5150, and I am not changing this amp.


I love my set up at the moment. ASS straight into the vox set on the Dumble Super overdrive with the tube screamer pedal option.

Roubster try the one that looks loke a real vox with the neodog speakers. I have the version before it, but the VTX 60 with neodog is meant to be great.

Anyway that is my 2p woth.

Good luck,

Jonny.

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

As a long time Line 6 combo owner, there are a few 'rules'. Firstly turn off any speaker simulation that are on the presets. I think the Flex III has this set as default. There is a way of making this happen globally on the amp. Secondly get yourself an overdrive pedal. The drive sounds on the whole are not that good when its wound up to gigging volume. But with a pedal it works just fine!

Let me know how you get on!

 

[nad]

Another main problem with Line 6 amps is that they're guilty of the fletcher-munson effect. Anyone whos played one live will know how infuriating setting levels with the thing can get!