Amp Setup w/Your Ibanez Electric Archtop Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Edit Profile

Ibanez Collectors World » Hollow & Semi-Hollow Body Guitars » Amp Setup w/Your Ibanez Electric Archtop « Previous Next »

Author Message
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield

Registered: 05-2005
Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 11:39 am:   

Curious to know what amp setups folks are using with their Ibanez electric archtops.

Recently ordered a Clarus 2R (amp head) and will be shopping for a 1 x 12" speaker cab soon. Looking for an alternative to a RE Stealth 12. Any suggestions?
Funkle
Username: Funkle

Registered: 12-2001
Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 12:08 pm:   

The clarus/RE combo is regarded as the state of the art. I've yet to try it out.

with all things audio, I tend to take the experimentation rout rather than jumping on the bandwagon. You could order a 112 enclosure and experiment with different drivers, based on their sonic characteristics. Places like http://www.jenkinssoundshop.com/ and http://www.avatarspeakers.com/ are helpful in recommending speakers based on your needs.

I have ordered a 12" Eminance Cannabis-Rex driver for my Yamaha DG80-112. Yes, the cone is made of cannabis. It is supposed to be particularly warm and midrangey, while still retaining clarity and definition. I'll post a review.

-Sven
Johns
Username: Johns

Registered: 02-2001
Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 12:27 pm:   

Funkle:

Re that cannabis cone: just don't overheat the cab or you might find your audience nodding off.
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield

Registered: 05-2005
Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 12:35 pm:   

"The clarus/RE combo is regarded as the state of the art. I've yet to try it out." - Sven

I was planning on jumping on the band wagon, but with the recent tragedy at Raezer’s Edge, I am assuming speaker cabinets from RE will not be available in the near future. In fact, I saw one sell for over $1,100 recently on e-Bay.

Thank you for your speaker comments and for letting me know your current setup. I think I’ll try to get as many recommendations as possible, and the start looking for shops that might have some speaker cabs that I can try out.
Bigmike
Username: Bigmike

Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 12:55 pm:   

Well my setup is not very state of the art. I have a late 60's Fender Deluxe Reverb amp that has been totally reconditioned and "blackfaced" by one of Californias better amp techs... When I play out (which is not much) it is at a Convalescent Home and I play with people from my Church. Over the years I have tried just about every new and vintage amp and guitar combination at the gigs... If I listed the stuff it would read like a who's who of cool vintage gear... But for me, at the home we play at, with the band I am in, I sound best using the Deluxe Reverb and my '81 Ibanez George Benson GB10... It always gets rave comments from the residents or people in the group I play in. That little rig is it...
Johns
Username: Johns

Registered: 02-2001
Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 1:22 pm:   

Wildfield:

Can you elaborate on the tragedy at Raezer's Edge?
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield

Registered: 05-2005
Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 1:43 pm:   

Rich Raezer passed away earlier this month. He was tragically murdered. You can find some discussion and information on his death on the Google jazz guitar news group by doing a search. Here's a link to the news group http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&group=rec.music.makers.guitar .jazz

It's really a sad and tragic story. He seemed like such a nice guy and I know he will be greatly missed by the jazz guitar community.
Tidou
Username: Tidou

Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 2:40 pm:   

I have Fender Blues deluxe and gb10
Verry good song this amp=)
Arney
Username: Arney

Registered: 10-2004
Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 3:55 pm:   

Gentlemen,

What about a Roland Jazz Chorus, JC-120? I have not tried one of these amps.

What are your opinions on this amp and it's sound?
Ddubuzz
Username: Ddubuzz

Registered: 07-2005
Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 4:12 pm:   

good sound but heavy
some say its a bit noisy
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim

Registered: 04-2001
Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 5:23 pm:   

BEST results for me with archtops: Mesa MK IV (mucho eq choices, so it proves very versatile), plus adding ext. speakers is nice for bigger venues; (Lee Ritenour uses the highly complex big brother, Mesa Road King for his style of jazz)

GOOD results for small venues and recording: Fender Blues Jr. (just keep that stupid 'fat' switch off!)

And bringing up the rear with a sweet tone is an SWR Strawberry Blonde (solid state, but a great sounding little acoustic amp that loves archtops too).
Eastmongo
Username: Eastmongo

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 6:32 pm:   

I use Polytone Mini Brute II with PM.
Funkle
Username: Funkle

Registered: 12-2001
Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 10:26 pm:   

JohnS,

I do have a few friends that would probably roll it up and try to smoke it if they knew :-)

-Sven
Johns
Username: Johns

Registered: 02-2001
Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 12:24 pm:   

Funkle:

Gives a new meaning to the term "conehead", huh? :-)
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim

Registered: 04-2001
Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 2:46 pm:   

Gives a new meaning to the term "conehead", huh?


Wildfield
Username: Wildfield

Registered: 05-2005
Posted on Friday, July 29, 2005 - 3:51 pm:   

Thanks for the feedback on amps and speakers. As it turns out, I got a call from the shop that ordered the AI amp for me. After waiting almost 3 months for the amp, they now advise that AI cancelled my order. I guess they're tooling up for a new model that replaces the Clarus amps.

Oh well. The search goes on...thanks again for your information.
Shakeysgone
Username: Shakeysgone

Registered: 06-2005
Posted on Monday, August 01, 2005 - 3:06 am:   

Ibanez 2616cs and Musicman hd 130 reverb 212.
Oh baby
Ibaniod
Username: Ibaniod

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Monday, August 01, 2005 - 2:20 pm:   

A Reverend Kingsnake amp will do a Fender Deluxe, a Marshall JTM, and a Supro very well. The Blackface setting and the Supro(Valco) are the most convincing and all are good.All tube with real reverb, "as it was always meant to be". I can get clean jazz to overdrive, but still good note dispersion(sp)so it gets my vote.
Funkle
Username: Funkle

Registered: 12-2001
Posted on Monday, August 01, 2005 - 2:24 pm:   

Well, I pulled the Cannabis-Rex about 2 hours after installing it. Maybe it would be good for smoothing out a harsh amp, but it sounded like dog-doodie in my DG80. Luckily the seller has a 2 week return policy.

-Sven
Arney
Username: Arney

Registered: 10-2004
Posted on Tuesday, August 02, 2005 - 12:27 am:   

I mentioned the Fender Blues Jr to a friend of mine. He said a Line 6 Spider amp would play rings around the Fender; with all the options available, a guitarist could get any sound he wanted from the Line 6.

So allow me to ask you guys, is his faith in the Line 6 Spider amp justified?
Eastmongo
Username: Eastmongo

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Tuesday, August 02, 2005 - 9:04 am:   

I hate Line 6 spider.
For me,it's a piece of junk.

Blues Jr is much much better.
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield

Registered: 05-2005
Posted on Tuesday, August 02, 2005 - 10:27 am:   

To each his own, but I have not yet heard an amp simulator that sounds like that amps they are attempting to simulate. Maybe I have not spent enough time fiddling with them but I have found that those I have tried have a very digital sound. I have a/b'd the Line 6 Spider and the Behringer V-Amp next to my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe and my friends Fender Deluxe Reverb. Not even close. But, to each his own. I see a lot of folks buying these amp emulators and have a blast with them.
Funkle
Username: Funkle

Registered: 12-2001
Posted on Tuesday, August 02, 2005 - 11:02 am:   

Wildfield,

have you tried the Yamaha DG series? I had no use for modeling amps until I got my Yamaha DG80-112 80 watt combo. It takes a slightly different approach, it is not trying to copy specific amps, but rather produce several unique, and usable sounds - 8 to be exact. And it has - get this - actual knobs! Yes, you can set all the tone parameters with individual knobs, no parameter wheel. I like this amp so much that I have bought a second DG - the stand alone pre amp version. It was after I got mine that I discovered it is used by (or has been used by) Allan Holdsworth, Frank Gambale, Richie Kotzen and Greg Howe.

You'll have to come up and give it a try sometime.

-Sven


dg80
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield

Registered: 05-2005
Posted on Tuesday, August 02, 2005 - 1:01 pm:   

"Wildfield...have you tried the Yamaha DG series?" - Funkle

Thanks for the heads-up. Haven't heard of that amp before - I'll have to check it out. Oh God! One more piece of equipment to buy. When will the madness end??? :-)
Eastmongo
Username: Eastmongo

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Tuesday, August 02, 2005 - 4:52 pm:   

I guess I was too quick to judge on spider.(sorry)
I have tried enough times on spider and Flextone II?(2X 12), because I had some reharsals that I had to use them.
I know some people like them. I guess I just don't get it because I am an old tech head.
But I do interested in Yamaha DG80-112 amp.
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield

Registered: 05-2005
Posted on Tuesday, August 02, 2005 - 5:16 pm:   

"I guess I was too quick to judge on spider.(sorry) I have tried enough times on spider and Flextone II?(2X 12), because I had some reharsals that I had to use them..." - Eastmongo

Hey man, to each his own. At least you know what you like and don't like. I'm sure your opinion will not keep those who like the Spider from using it.

I wish I knew what I liked an disliked - would make finding and amp and cab much easier. :-)

Actually going to a shop tonight to check out another Clarus. Let's see what happens.
Eastmongo
Username: Eastmongo

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Tuesday, August 02, 2005 - 6:22 pm:   

Wildfield!
I think you know this...
Have you try Clarus SL-R?

Seems to me, a lot of acoustic image lover use this one thesedays rather than other clarus models.

Pat Martino---SL-R with Mesa boogie 4X12cab.
My teacher John Pisano-SL-R with raezor's edge( different speaker size,with power or without--He is still experimenting,..)
Hope it'll help
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield

Registered: 05-2005
Posted on Tuesday, August 02, 2005 - 11:04 pm:   

I've heard of the SL-R but it's a little more than I want to spend. I just got back from the store. Ended up buying the Clarus 1R. Now to find a speaker cabinet.

Wow, John Pisano is your teacher? He seems like a great guy. I dig that new Eastman John Pisano model too.
Eastmongo
Username: Eastmongo

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Tuesday, August 02, 2005 - 11:57 pm:   

John's signature guitar came out to be really good.
wildfield.
Let us know your experimentation with speakers.

when I saw Pat Martino using Mesa cabinet, I suprised a lot. I mean everybody use the raezor's edge for Acoustic image amps and it is like commonsence.
Of course it is not always the case.
Acoustic image might sound good with many different speakers. It has more than enough power for clean sound.

PS.personally,I thought Pat Martino sounded better with Roland JC120 than SL-R with mesa cabinet.
His basic tonal character were same over those two different set ups.
SL-R with Mesa cabinet sounded a little rough than JC120, at least when I saw him playing.
Man!
guitar,amp,speaker,pick up,string,pick...endless serch.
What string do you use?
Joevocht
Username: Joevocht

Registered: 08-2005
Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 12:51 am:   

I use a Kustom 30 watt acoustic amp with my AF75D for jazz and pop and a vox valvtronic 30 watter for rock, blues and latin.
Stugotts
Username: Stugotts

Registered: 07-2005
Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 8:51 am:   

I have an old "63" Fender Twin Reverb that I bought new. How does that compare to the new amps of today? I have stopped in at GC and Sam Ash and tried to listen to some of the new models, but there where so many kids banging away on overdrive that I had no way of judging what an amp sounded like. I too would like the best fat jazz tone from my AF85 Thanks, Stu
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield

Registered: 05-2005
Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 10:29 am:   

"...guitar,amp,speaker,pick up,string,pick...endless serch.
What string do you use?" - Eastmongo


Yep, you got that right. Guitarists more than any other musicians are constantly looking for the "right" equipment. I hate getting hung up on that, especially when an ounce of improvement in my playing would be more meaningful than 100 pounds of equipment. Nonetheless, it's like a shark drawn to blood - when I get my sights set on something I become a man possessed.

What strings do I use? I've just switched from D'Addario 12-52 to La Bella 13-52. What I like about the La Bella set is that the E and B strings are heavier - 13 and 17 respectively. Then, the remainging G, D, A and E are almost the same as the D'Addario set - i.e. lighter gauge. I like the heavier, darker sounding E and B. I find however, that if you use heavier gauge on the wound strings, the sound gets too dark.

One extra bonus of the La Bella, for some reason they pack 8 strings in the set. They give you and extra E and B string. That means that in a pinch, if I can't find La Bella at a store, I can just buy the D'Addario Chromes 12-52 and sub out the E and B strings with the extra La Bellas.
Funkle
Username: Funkle

Registered: 12-2001
Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 11:59 am:   

I hate getting hung up on that, especially when an ounce of improvement in my playing would be more meaningful than 100 pounds of equipment.

I'm guilty as charged as well. I'm sure that the guy who just had one guitar and amp, who practiced all the time would sound better in the end. I play and practice every day. But If I took all the time I spent shopping and researching and used it to practice, I'd be phenomenal :-) I have recognized that while I love music and playing guitar, I also get a lot of joy out of the equipment itself.

-Sven
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield

Registered: 05-2005
Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 12:19 pm:   

"I have recognized that while I love music and playing guitar, I also get a lot of joy out of the equipment itself." - Sven

Amen brother!!!
Stugotts
Username: Stugotts

Registered: 07-2005
Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 4:14 pm:   

Did I ask the wrong question or ask it in the wrong way? If so I'm sorry. I was just wondering if I am getting the best sound with an old amp or if I should be looking at these newer models I see you writing about. It has been a very long time since I have bought a new amp. Thanks Stu
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield

Registered: 05-2005
Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 4:40 pm:   

"Did I ask the wrong question or ask it in the wrong way? If so I'm sorry. I was just wondering if I am getting the best sound with an old amp or if I should be looking at these newer models I see you writing about. It has been a very long time since I have bought a new amp. Thanks Stu" - Stugotts

Hey Stu,

Sorry - not trying to ignore your question at all. I haven't replied because I am the least knowledgeable of anyone I know when it comes to amps. I'm especially ignorant when it comes to tube amps. In fact, I just recently purchased my first tube amp ever - a Fender Hotrod Deluxe. Nice amp for rock and blues.

Anyway, I have never played through a Fender Twin Reverb though I have heard that it is a favorite of many guitarists including Kenny Burrell and Bruce Forman.

It seems most of the tube amps found in shops today are geared towards rock. For instance, when I was shopping for an amp to go with my Strat, I found the Hotrod to produce a nice throaty, rock & roll sound. Marshall and Mesa Boogie also produced a nice rock sounds as well. Not very well suited for jazz perhaps.

I did see that Anthony Wilson is playing through a Clark tube amp - I believe it's a signature model. Whatever he is using, I sure like his sound a lot. I also see that Heritage (the guitar maker) came out with a line of tube amps for jazz. I have heard that the Mesa Boogie Subway Blue makes a good jazz amp too, but I've never seen or heard one.

It seems like whenever you read comments about a tube amp for jazz, the Twin Reverb is always the benchmark to which modern tube amps are compared. Anyway, as I have mentioned, I'm not terribly knowledgeable on tube amps (or solid state for that matter). Good luck and it seems like you already have the cat's meow in terms of an amp.
Stugotts
Username: Stugotts

Registered: 07-2005
Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 5:02 pm:   

Hey Wildfield, Thanks, it is good to hear that old tube amps are maybe as good for jazz as the new stuff. You cannot do better than Anthony Wilson, I have a Diana Krull DVD with Wilson and I can't get enough of his style. Thanks again, Stu
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield

Registered: 05-2005
Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 5:22 pm:   

"...it is good to hear that old tube amps are maybe as good for jazz as the new stuff." - Stugotts

Actually, from what I have read, I think it's the other way around. Some of the new, expensive, boutique amps almost sound as good as your '63 Twin Reverb. I'd be interested to hear from others who know more about tube amps, but this has been my impression just from what I have read.

Anthony Wilson is off the charts in my book. I saw him in Santa Cruz earlier this year. He had 5 horns, and a rhythm section. The horn arrangements were fantastic and his soloing was phenomenal. His sound was awesome too. It looked like he was playing through a small tweed amp that was mic'd. I thought it must be some reconditioned Fender or maybe a Blues Jr. but after checking out his website, it is possible it was a custom amp of some sort. Wow - what a player. I also like his contributions to Diana Krall's band. I've been watching her DVD filmed in Montreal a lot lately. Wish I could take some lessons from him.

Darryl
Acetan
Username: Acetan

Registered: 09-2003
Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 6:11 pm:   

I think it is because guitars and amps are modern instruments and therefore still selling at "reasonable" prices that we can afford to experiment. My sister bought her daughter a violin when my niece made Concert Master. That instrument was made in Italy in 1675 and cost "a hair under $200,000", the bow was not included and was another $10,000. It was very hard to look at that bow and try to hang a 10k price tag on it. Sure put everything in perspective and it gives me a great answer every time when my wife eyes my new acqusition.

Ace
Funkle
Username: Funkle

Registered: 12-2001
Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 7:19 pm:   

"That instrument was made in Italy in 1675 and cost "a hair under $200,000" Holy $#!+ Batman! I hope she had it insured.

Stugotts, I'm a bad one to ask about amps too. I've been playing happily with the amps that I like, but I haven't owned or experienced many of the classic amps. I do think I hit on something great with my Yamaha. I'm sort of in a state of ignorant bliss: I love the Yami, but I haven't been seduced by a truly great tube amp yet. I agree with Wildfield that the older tube amps are the most sought after, and they are what all the new amps are trying to copy. Just like old Fenders, there are good ones and there are bad ones. And there's a lot you can to to tweak the sound with mods and tubes.

My opinion is that if you want to experiment, or try something different, go with a modeling amp or processor. They are inexpensive and fun. They're a good way to try out several different sounds and see if there's something you like. The consensus is that they can do lots of different things adequately, but they don't really excel at any of them (jack of all trades, master of none). While the simpler Tube amps can do 1 or 2 sounds really well, but not much else (one trick pony).

I know I keep talking about my Yamaha, but it is one of the few new amps that has good clean tones, and it does a very nice jazz tone, several in fact. And it does some great lead tones too. It's probably 90% authentic, as far as tube feel goes. It may lack a few nuances, but is has several advantages. for instance, you don't have to crank it up to 11 to get great tone out of it. It sounds just as good on 2.

-Sven
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield

Registered: 05-2005
Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 7:25 pm:   

Hey, speaking of fake tube amps, anyone ever try the Peavey Transtube series? I think the Bandit w/12" speaker is the most popular. I have the Envoy which has a 10" speaker. I would call it the poor man's Polytone. Very nice sound with decent headroom. And the best part, they're really inexpensive.
Funkle
Username: Funkle

Registered: 12-2001
Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 7:52 pm:   

Polytones are pretty cheap, aren't they? I see lots of Minibrutes on ebay for less than $400.
Joevocht
Username: Joevocht

Registered: 08-2005
Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 10:26 pm:   

Well, I have been playing guitar (all kinds) for over 52 years and have used many different amps. I used to have a mom and pop store "MusicMaker" om Long Island and so have had much experience. My last favorite amp before I bought the Kustom and the Vox was a 65 fender deluxe reverb with 1 12" speaker. I used to play a Gretsch Tennesean also '65 through it. Now I have a gibson reissue 335 , a Takamine nylon electric and a Ibanez af75D . I have found, through the years, that too much is made of the equipment (although it would be unwise to play crappy instruments) and more energy should be extended finding the instruments and amps with sounds that suit you. You needn't copy others because many have done it before, keep searching for your sound, make new sounds and enjoy the magical world of MUSIC.
By the way, I also used to own an Ibanez Joe Pass model...thats how I came to get the 335 and the AF75D.
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 11:58 pm:   

Wildfield, Peavey has been using the "transtube" idea since the early 80's on the Bandit line. It just had a different name back then. I had a Bandit Speacial in 1981 with the Scorpion speaker, and 2 years ago I bought a used Bandit 112 that is 120 watts with the transtube circiuit. I like it a lot.
Also I use an old Tubeworks amp that I salvaged from a trash can that kicks. That has the old 12AX7 preamp tube that drives its distortion channel. This one has a 10 inch Jenson that I installed because the original Emminence was blown when I found it. I find that the Tubeworks sounds better with the AF85 and the Peavey is my favorite for solid body guitars.
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield

Registered: 05-2005
Posted on Saturday, August 06, 2005 - 12:23 am:   

I don't know much about the history of Peavey and the transtube - thanks for the info. I think Peavey has improved it over the years, from what I have heard. Anyway, I think at $239 new with free shipping (Peavey Envoy w/10" speaker) and no sales tax constitutes this as a very a reasonably priced amp. Polytones Minibrute II's sell regularly for around $400 (give or take $50) used on e-Bay. That is why I refer to the Peavey Transtube as the poor man's Polytone.
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Saturday, August 06, 2005 - 9:06 am:   

I paid $425.00 for my 112 used but in brand new condition with a vinyl dust cover to protect it. This amp can be used with an external cabinet. I am in the process of rebuilding a early 60's Ampeg cab that holds 2 12" speakers. I got some Ibanez Power Jam speakers for it. Pics in a little bit. This thread has motivated me to finish the soldering this morning and hook it up.
Aroee
Username: Aroee

Registered: 10-2004
Posted on Saturday, August 06, 2005 - 10:32 am:   

I've been using a Fender Hot Rod deluxe and sometimes a Prosonic. I also have a Gibson ga15rv which sounds good, but I like the Fender sound better.
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Saturday, August 06, 2005 - 5:23 pm:   

Some pics of my amps and speaker that I just fixed up.

my picture
my picture
my picture
my picture
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield

Registered: 05-2005
Posted on Monday, August 08, 2005 - 10:16 am:   

Had a chance to play my AG195 through my new Acoustic Image Clarus 1R this weekend, albeit briefly and only at a moderate volume. I have not picked out a speaker cabinet for this amp yet, so I was playing it through 2 Yamaha AS108 (smallish) PA speakers (mono). Man, it sounded fantastic. I was pretty shocked to get such a warm, moderately full sound out of these small (8" + tweeter) PA speakers. Digital reverb sounds decent - I was mainly using the "spring" setting. I also tried my acoustic flat top through this setup. Sounded extremely nice - warm yet sparkly. I think I have finally found amp that I can use with both electric archtop and acoustic flat top. Just need to find a speaker cab now.
Zhen
Username: Zhen

Registered: 01-2005
Posted on Sunday, August 21, 2005 - 9:35 am:   

got my 23 (older than me) year old Roland Jazz Chorus JC-50 (1x12) for $300 today... it's sounds pretty dead, but it's so freakin rare in my country (Russia) that I just couldn't pass this bargain... the speaker's alive though... I'll take the baby to some amp-master and hopefully he'll fix chorus, reverb, vibrato, kill the noise and all that stuff...
the amp sounds killer at high volumes, but my neighbours will surely die in a few days if I keep practicing THIS loud :-)
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Sunday, August 21, 2005 - 3:28 pm:   

Had a JC-70 with 2 10's back in the mid 80's. That was a decent amp. Stereo it was!
Zhen
Username: Zhen

Registered: 01-2005
Posted on Sunday, August 21, 2005 - 7:25 pm:   

I guess it was a JC-77 ?
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Sunday, August 21, 2005 - 10:06 pm:   

Yeah Zhen JC77 it was. The old memory is fading!
Funkle
Username: Funkle

Registered: 12-2001
Posted on Saturday, August 27, 2005 - 12:04 pm:   

A few of you mentioned the Line-6 Spider. I tried one out yesterday, and I can say in my humble opinion that it sounded terrible! When I heard the synthetic squawking and farting that was coming from that amp, I can see why modeling amps get a bad rap!

-Sven
Aaron
Username: Aaron

Registered: 01-2004
Posted on Saturday, August 27, 2005 - 10:26 pm:   

Sven - l agree on the Line 6 spider...terrible amp for archtops, plus they're not really loud enough for gigs without being miked.
Modelling amps aren't all bad though. l've managed to get great sounds from the Tech 21's "Trademark 60/120. Particularly with an Ibanez GB10 and Gibson HR Fusion where you can coax some really singing sounds along with great articulate clean(Jazz) sound. Again my gripe is they have to be miked.
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 8:21 am:   

There are other ways of amplifing the low watt amp.

1 - line output if it has one
2 - Direct box (guitar in High Z in, and High Z out to amp, low Z(XLR) to main mixer.

Of course if you really love the sound of your speaker then mic it, that is the best way.

And my 2 cents on the Fender Cyber clones they all don't come close to having a warehouse full of the original amps
Funkle
Username: Funkle

Registered: 12-2001
Posted on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 10:41 am:   

Aaron, the Tech 21 amps are 100% analog. They're not modeling amps at all. I had a trademark 20 a while back and it had a decent clean tone. I understand the 60 is a popular jazz amp.

The clean tones from the Yamaha DG amps are nice, but they really excel at overdrive.

-Sven
Eastmongo
Username: Eastmongo

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 11:21 am:   

I really dislike Line6 amp.
People seems always say some good things about Tech21.
I should check it out.
Daveh
Username: Daveh

Registered: 07-2005
Posted on Monday, August 29, 2005 - 7:11 pm:   

I play an AS193 through a Mesa DC5
50W w/1x12" speaker.
Trickeydave
Username: Trickeydave

Registered: 08-2005
Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 12:55 am:   

I like the sound I get playing my AK85 through a Fender Ultimate Chorus. The chorus effect is very cool and mellow with my D'Addario flatwounds. Adding a touch of reverb gives it that Metheny tone and with more chorus I can get a good Andy Summers sound as well.
Craigjc
Username: Craigjc

Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 7:41 am:   

This thread has lasted longer than I thought it would, so I'll put in my 2 cents. I run my AF75D through the same rig as everything else. It's a stereo rig, so I have 2 distinct sides:

Left:
Old 50watt Hiwatt combo w/ 12" Eminence Delta Pro
Old (and painted) Legend 4x12 cabinet w/ Celestion G12-65s

Right:
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe (stock)
1x12 closed back cabinet w/ EVM12L

Craig's Wall of Tone

One recommendation to anyone looking for a great speaker that gives you 100% of what your guitar and amp are putting out, and at the same time sounds warm (definitely not sterile sounding) do yourself a favor and try the Eminence Delta Pro. I don't care what kind of music you play, those speakers deliver tone by the truckloads!!

CraigJC
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield

Registered: 05-2005
Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 10:10 am:   

"One recommendation to anyone looking for a great speaker that gives you 100% of what your guitar and amp are putting out, and at the same time sounds warm (definitely not sterile sounding) do yourself a favor and try the Eminence Delta Pro. I don't care what kind of music you play, those speakers deliver tone by the truckloads!!" - CraigJC

Hi Craig,

Thanks for your post, pics and information. Have you found a specific speaker cab configuration (brand/model, dimension, etc.) that sounds particularly good with the Eminence Delta Pro?

Darryl
Craigjc
Username: Craigjc

Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 12:27 pm:   

I just replaced a tired, old EV in my Hiwatt Combo (open back 1x12) with the Delta Pro. I did not want a real prominent upper midrange peak and I wanted the best bass response I could get. The Delta Pro did the job better than the EV had done in the past (although a similar speaker).

My Hiwatt is from the Biacrown, England era so it has more available gain than the old, old Hiwatts. I can crank this guy with just the Delta Pro and it roars !!! Very musical and complex midrange. Single note lines just jump from the speaker!

For larger cabinets, I can only estimate...but I have heard 4x12 cabinets with EVs in the past and they sounded so good...words cannot describe.

So, if you ain't diggin' your Cannabis Rex or Tonker or Guvnor, the the Delta Pro a shot. Got mine for $99. Chicken feed.
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield

Registered: 05-2005
Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 2:24 pm:   

Craigjc,

Thanks for the info.

It seems that many of the speakers made by Eminence are classified as bass speakers. Yet, I find they are spec'd in cabs meant to be used with guitar.

Do you find that "bass" speakers are commonly used in cabs designed for use with electric guitar?
Craigjc
Username: Craigjc

Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 3:41 pm:   

I've never noticed that from other manufacturers. Typically, a speaker like the Delta Pro or EVM12L MAY be designated as PA/Pro Audio by the manufacturer because of its high power handling and flat frequence response. Never noticed that they are sometimes labeled as Bass speakers. I can't say I recommend speakers made for bass guitar to be used for guitar enclosures.

That said, a speaker like the Delta Pro would be able to work well in PA, Guitar, Bass, Keyboard, etc. systems. You really need to dig into the companies that sell a wide variety of speakers to get good descriptions on where these speakers excel.

For example: USSpeaker.com lists the Delta Pro under Guitar & Bass speakers and describes it as "An excellent replacement for the EVM-12L guitar speaker". That's information you probably won't get from Eminence.
Falcon
Username: Falcon

Registered: 08-2005
Posted on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 9:22 am:   

Does anyone have experience with the Carvin BelAir 212?

Carvin Website

thanks
falcon
Jazzzbo
Username: Jazzzbo

Registered: 09-2005
Posted on Monday, September 05, 2005 - 3:39 pm:   

Anyone here played the EVANS AMPS?
I recently bailed on my yami dg-80. had a few nice studio sounds, but seemed a hassle to dial in, probably expensive to service and weighed a ton for an over rated 80 watts, my keepers are pre cbs deluxe reverb, silver face pro reverb, and fender super 60. also , should have kept an acoustic g 60 t , ok, im thinking of the Evans for that clean jazz tones, what ya think?
Aaron
Username: Aaron

Registered: 01-2004
Posted on Monday, September 05, 2005 - 9:02 pm:   

Jazzbo,

The Evans amp(s) is among the finest out there for Jazz tones. l have a JE-200 which is superb although quite expensive. The Yamaha Dg-80 gets a lot of mentions but l've also found them to be dissapointing!!!! to my ears - l know Allan Holdsworth endorses them but he's always gone for that sound anyway..They tend to have a sterile sound
If you're on a budget - l highly recommend the Tech 21 Trademark series.

Cheers!

Aaron.
Jazzzbo
Username: Jazzzbo

Registered: 09-2005
Posted on Monday, September 05, 2005 - 10:55 pm:   

Aaron., thanks for the info on the Evans , at this point ive kinda had it with cheap, cheesy amps and im more interested in quality, im also impressed with the number of jazzers that are using Evans, i think the proof is in the pudding and i will have to test drive one, i didnt realize they have been around so long, and ill bet they are hard to come by used, JAZZZBO
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim

Registered: 04-2001
Posted on Tuesday, September 06, 2005 - 8:34 pm:   

Jazzzbo, ya might give the Heritage amps a look also. They're high quality, point-to-point wired tube amps and made by the Heritage Guitar people out of Kalamzoo Michigan. Jay Wolfe in Florida has a few.
Jazzzbo
Username: Jazzzbo

Registered: 09-2005
Posted on Wednesday, September 07, 2005 - 1:14 am:   

OK, THAT sounds like a hot tip, i guess these are tube amps, im looking to get a good solid state, something with no hum, hisses, just good clean jazz tone, as i have a good stable of tube amps, but ill look into it, what can yu tell me about the Heritage amps?? thanks, j
Aaron
Username: Aaron

Registered: 01-2004
Posted on Wednesday, September 07, 2005 - 9:05 am:   

Jazzbo,
Yes, the Evans amp seem to be just as elusive as good Polytone used...l know l wouldn't get rid of mine because of the great TONE!!
Cheers!
www.aaron-benson.com
Jazzzbo
Username: Jazzzbo

Registered: 09-2005
Posted on Wednesday, September 07, 2005 - 12:40 pm:   

OK. i had a poly tone mini brute 4. but actually i didnt play it that much and sold it, its before i got my I banez es 175 copy, i thought it was a cheezy amp , construction wise but apparently alot of people love them for jazz, maybe i should seek out another, since they are very light weight and not too expensive, but , how good it the tone for jazz?? tanks
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield

Registered: 05-2005
Posted on Wednesday, September 07, 2005 - 12:58 pm:   

Personally, I prefer Polytone over Evans for jazz. I was not that impressed by the JE200 I demo'd at the store. I ended up purchasing a Clarus 1R. I thought the Evans was a little noisy. It was warm sounding, but not as clear as the Clarus to my ears. I'm very pleased with the Clarus so far and have had good luck using it with both my eletric archtop as well as my acoustic flat top. My second choice would be a Polytone Mini Brute.
Aaron
Username: Aaron

Registered: 01-2004
Posted on Wednesday, September 07, 2005 - 9:21 pm:   

l agree the Polytone is probably the best sounding amp for straight Jazz..but they can be very noisy unless you find a good one. l like the Evans because it gets an excellent Jazz sound but is also a little more flexible than the Polytone in terms of tones.
l was surprised to see that Jimmy Bruno uses a Fender Acoustisonic a lot of the time with his Archtops - so l guess it's down to subjective choice as l find those to have a very ordinary sound.
Cheers!
Jazzzbo
Username: Jazzzbo

Registered: 09-2005
Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 12:55 am:   

HOW TRUE, ive heard that Wes used standels and small fender amps, basically id like to have one small, but semi powerful transistor amp that i could haul around and i think im fairly set on tube amps, so ive got some amps to check out, thanks for all the info, jazzzbo
Eastmongo
Username: Eastmongo

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 3:51 am:   

I use Mini Brute II with fulltone full drive II.
Full drve II add more power and fat sound to Mini Brute and still very clean.
Boo
Username: Boo

Registered: 08-2005
Posted on Thursday, November 10, 2005 - 11:22 am:   

Had this posted in Misc with not much interest/action. Opinions on '79 Yamaha G50 112II? Need to make a decision soon. Heard some good things about these in a jazz/fusion setting. I know tube amps but not up on SS. Seller wants $250.
Regg
Username: Regg

Registered: 09-2005
Posted on Thursday, November 10, 2005 - 4:34 pm:   

Are any of you recording your setup? Can you describe how you like to mic the cab and which mics you are using?

Just curious....:-)

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Bold text Italics Underline Create a hyperlink Insert a clipart image

Username: Posting Information:
This is a private posting area. Only registered users and moderators may post messages here.
Password:
Options: Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:




Thank you for supporting Ibanez Collectors Forum. Please help your favorite Ibanez guitar site as we endeavor to bring you the latest information about Ibanez custom vintage electric and acoustic guitars. Here you can discuss ibanez, guitars, ibanez guitars, basses, acoustics, acoustic, mandolins, electric guitar, electric bass, amplifiers, effect pedals, tuners, picks, pickups.