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I went to NAMM specifically to test drive a lot of amps. I currently have a VHT combo that's great but just not "my" sound. So here's my thoughts and dilemma:
Peavey:
I really like the Triple XXX. The Crunch and Ultra channels are both very usable and very different. You can get a variety of sounds from this amp. It was never muddy or buzzy. The gain at 60-75% is great. I'm a gain FREAK and I don't even need the gain maxed on this amp. I like the damping switch. It has that distinct Peavey tone. It's almost like there's a slight chorus or shimmery sound in the mids. All my leads felt fat and fluid. I played thru the new Peavey explorer guitar and while I can't say what pickups were in that guitar, I had no complaints.
Framus:
The Framus Cobra amp is brutal. Metal grill, red glow. The cabinet looks wicked. 3 channel, EL34 tubes. The crunch and lead channels both have a notch switch that cuts the mids and gives you the full sound of hell unleashed. My jaw dropped when I played this amp. Imagine a Recto without ANY flub or fizz. The tone controls work like they're supposed to. A nice feature is the dual master volume controls. You can use 1 master for all channels, or set a channel to have a separate master to get a boost or a cut when you switch channels...kinda like the Recto Solo control. When I played this amp a few hours later, my leads felt a little thinner than the XXX. Then again, I was playing a Framus guitar with Duncans, so it's not a true A/B with the XXX.
Bogner:
The mighty Uberschall. Damn. Simple and heavy as hell. Tons of gain. Very warm sounding and of course different from the XXX and Framus. This amp handles the lows with ease. One of the Bogner guys told me they spent a lot of time making the amp simple and tuning it for dropped tunings.
VHT:
I wanted to love the CLX with EQ. It just ain't my thing. They're soooo tight it almost feels like there's less gain than there really is. Great amps, great company, but just not me.
Boogie:
I saw the new Stiletto head when I was leaving the show and read about it in the catalog. I can't tell if it's supposed to be a higher or lower gain amp than the Rectos. Any info on these would be appreciated.
My dilemma: I want to sell my VHT combo at get a new amp. It's between:
Peavey XXX Head
Peavey XXX 2x12 combo
Framus Cobra
Bogner Uberschall
I hope to play a XXX and Uber this week with my Jackson. I'd have to order a Framus as no dealers in my area have them. I've never played an Engl Powerball but have heard good things about them.
Anyone have any opinions or suggestions??? I hate when I make these types of decisions difficult for myself. Argh!!!
Peavey:
I really like the Triple XXX. The Crunch and Ultra channels are both very usable and very different. You can get a variety of sounds from this amp. It was never muddy or buzzy. The gain at 60-75% is great. I'm a gain FREAK and I don't even need the gain maxed on this amp. I like the damping switch. It has that distinct Peavey tone. It's almost like there's a slight chorus or shimmery sound in the mids. All my leads felt fat and fluid. I played thru the new Peavey explorer guitar and while I can't say what pickups were in that guitar, I had no complaints.
Framus:
The Framus Cobra amp is brutal. Metal grill, red glow. The cabinet looks wicked. 3 channel, EL34 tubes. The crunch and lead channels both have a notch switch that cuts the mids and gives you the full sound of hell unleashed. My jaw dropped when I played this amp. Imagine a Recto without ANY flub or fizz. The tone controls work like they're supposed to. A nice feature is the dual master volume controls. You can use 1 master for all channels, or set a channel to have a separate master to get a boost or a cut when you switch channels...kinda like the Recto Solo control. When I played this amp a few hours later, my leads felt a little thinner than the XXX. Then again, I was playing a Framus guitar with Duncans, so it's not a true A/B with the XXX.
Bogner:
The mighty Uberschall. Damn. Simple and heavy as hell. Tons of gain. Very warm sounding and of course different from the XXX and Framus. This amp handles the lows with ease. One of the Bogner guys told me they spent a lot of time making the amp simple and tuning it for dropped tunings.
VHT:
I wanted to love the CLX with EQ. It just ain't my thing. They're soooo tight it almost feels like there's less gain than there really is. Great amps, great company, but just not me.
Boogie:
I saw the new Stiletto head when I was leaving the show and read about it in the catalog. I can't tell if it's supposed to be a higher or lower gain amp than the Rectos. Any info on these would be appreciated.
My dilemma: I want to sell my VHT combo at get a new amp. It's between:
Peavey XXX Head
Peavey XXX 2x12 combo
Framus Cobra
Bogner Uberschall
I hope to play a XXX and Uber this week with my Jackson. I'd have to order a Framus as no dealers in my area have them. I've never played an Engl Powerball but have heard good things about them.
Anyone have any opinions or suggestions??? I hate when I make these types of decisions difficult for myself. Argh!!!
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