Questions About Amp Response Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Edit Profile

Ibanez Collectors World » Miscellaneous » Questions About Amp Response « Previous Next »

Author Message
Peterparker (Peterparker)
Posted on Sunday, March 02, 2003 - 2:30 am:   

This is a weird enough offshoot of the solid state vs. tube discussion that I thought I'd start a new thread:

I have a solid state Roland JC-77 combo amp (2 x 10) that needs more bass response. The cabinet is open-backed, so that's a small part of the equation. But my all-tube Marshall JTM30 (also a 2 x 10 combo) shares the same type of cabinet construction... and it has *much* more low-end. This makes me wonder about two things:

Question #1: Does solid state vs. tube circuitry affect low-end frequency response?

Question #2: Will replacing the low and mid frequency potentiometers in the Roland help with my problem, or should I look into new speakers?

Thanks,
Spencer
Craigjc (Craigjc)
Posted on Sunday, March 02, 2003 - 8:49 am:   

Solid state amps seem to have a low end defiiciency ingeneral. I have no idea why. Evidence to that fact is the new Marshall hybrid line which uses customCelestions with enhanced low end.

Don't replace your potentiometers - the problem is beyond that. Replace your speakers. Look for the same low end enhanced Celestions. Or, if you prefer to keep a cleaner sound, use EV speakers. They're warm sounding and super loud.

Another alternative, if your amp can do it, would be to add an external cabinet. Doing this, you could run a single or pair of 15" speakers with your 10's. A lot of people prefer 15's with solid state amps for the same reson - more low end. Again, I recommend EV speakers for this. They'll really push out some massive sound.
Peterparker (Peterparker)
Posted on Sunday, March 02, 2003 - 11:30 am:   

THANKS, Craigjc! I appreciate the input. If anyone else has suggestions, please let me know.

One thing I should have mentioned is how I use my amp setup:

The Marshall is my primary amp. In the effects loop are an old Rockman Stereo Chorus and a DigiTech 256XL processor (a dinosaur that offers only reverb, chorus, flange, and delay). The right stereo output of the DigiTech loops back into the Marshall. The left output drives the Roland amp for a stereo setup.

Volume isn't a problem; I just want a more balanced sound for the stereo image, since it's clearly thinner in the left channel (the Roland). I can go from Andy Summers clean to Steve Vai/Eric Johnson dirty, and I can get a SUPERB emulation of EVH's "brown sound"... but again, it's always thinner sounding on the left.

Any additional suggestions? :-)
Spencer
Raceboy (Raceboy)
Posted on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 12:18 am:   

I highly recommend the Genz Benz G-Flex 2x12 ported cabs. I own a Line 6 Vetta and duoVerb, and have the Vetta 412 cab also. When I use the 412 in the middle and the G-Flex spread wide and in stereo, the sound is incredible. From crystal clears to raging OD, these give an honest production of what they get sent to them. The speakers are mounted at slight angles outward which spreads the sound better. They are well built, with the weakest ingredient being the jack plate on the back, which is plastic. I would prefer it be metal. But it gives you various hookup options for mono or stereo.
The only people I've encountered that haven't liked the G-Flex are those that require their sound to be so muddy that it covers up for their playing. They're a tad bit pricey at around $400, but well worth the bucks for what you get.
Check them out at www.genzbenz.com and if you have any questions, contact Jeff and he'll make every effort to take care of you.

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.