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In my band Aftermath I use my Soldano rack system:
Soldano SP77 preamp USA model
TCI G-Major
Rane PE15 parametric
Carvin T100 power amp
Shure rack mount wireless
Middle Atlantic power conditioner
We play what I would consider prog metal ala Dream Theater. Maybe a little more melodic.
Yesterday we had a short rehearsal/pre-mix down meeting for our new CD and I decided to bring the Vetta HD and try it out since I upgraded it to 2.5.
I only used 2 patches. Trademark Clean and the new High Gain Boutique model based on the Soldano X88R. I used the new boost feature for solo boost along with a slight tape delay. Thats it.
I ran it in stereo into my stereo wired Peavey 5150 cab loaded with Sheffields. I had to turn the global bass down on the Vetta because the 5150 cab is a little bottom heavy.
The other guitarist runs a DSL100 into a vintage 1960A cab. He gets great sound.
Well... the guys in the band like the Vetta so much they threatened me with bodily harm if I took it back home. Its now chained to the cabinet at our rehearsal space in New Jersey.
Clarity, punch, killer tone... everything. It just sounded all around killer.
They also like the fact that it does triple duty as a bedroom amp, an INVALUABLE recording amp and gigging amp.
How does it compare to the Soldano?? With the new High Gain Soldano patch we all agreed that the Vetta Soldano model sounds better to our ears than a real Soldano and thats only 1 PATCH!!!
I also re-recorded all of my solo's for our new CD using the Vetta with the new on axis SM57 DI's and we a/b'd them against the Soldano traditionally mic'd up. At least 50% of my solo's on our new CD will feature the Vetta.
It is now the official amp I am using at BB Kings and for all future gigs with Aftermath. That was an order from the higher ups at Viacom.
I was very pleasantly surprised. I always knew the Vetta sounded really good but the guys in this band are REAL tube snobs. They like traditional gear.
Anyway... when the CD is finally done you guys can all hear what a Vetta sounds like if you have never heard one.
Back to my Soldano. It sounds great. Really great. I used to think that for straight Soldano tone (which is my favorite high gain guitar tone) nothing could beat it for me. Prior to the Vetta 2.5 upgrade I think that my thinking was correct. The reason being that prior to the 2.5 upgrade the Vetta's Soldano patch was weak. I also didn't like the wah and the Fletcher-Munson thing really made setting up patches a pain in the ass.
I know its trivial but I also didn't like having to use the loop button for solo boost because its on the upper left corner of my longboard and is fairly hard to get to quickly. With version 2.5 I can put the solo boost anywhere I want. I put it on my "Favorite Channel" button which is in the bottom row and really easy to get at. It also adressed and corrected all of my minor gripes.
I don't know what I am going to do with the Soldano now. I love owning it but its ashame it has to just sit in the roadcase not being used.
Soldano SP77 preamp USA model
TCI G-Major
Rane PE15 parametric
Carvin T100 power amp
Shure rack mount wireless
Middle Atlantic power conditioner
We play what I would consider prog metal ala Dream Theater. Maybe a little more melodic.
Yesterday we had a short rehearsal/pre-mix down meeting for our new CD and I decided to bring the Vetta HD and try it out since I upgraded it to 2.5.
I only used 2 patches. Trademark Clean and the new High Gain Boutique model based on the Soldano X88R. I used the new boost feature for solo boost along with a slight tape delay. Thats it.
I ran it in stereo into my stereo wired Peavey 5150 cab loaded with Sheffields. I had to turn the global bass down on the Vetta because the 5150 cab is a little bottom heavy.
The other guitarist runs a DSL100 into a vintage 1960A cab. He gets great sound.
Well... the guys in the band like the Vetta so much they threatened me with bodily harm if I took it back home. Its now chained to the cabinet at our rehearsal space in New Jersey.
Clarity, punch, killer tone... everything. It just sounded all around killer.
They also like the fact that it does triple duty as a bedroom amp, an INVALUABLE recording amp and gigging amp.
How does it compare to the Soldano?? With the new High Gain Soldano patch we all agreed that the Vetta Soldano model sounds better to our ears than a real Soldano and thats only 1 PATCH!!!
I also re-recorded all of my solo's for our new CD using the Vetta with the new on axis SM57 DI's and we a/b'd them against the Soldano traditionally mic'd up. At least 50% of my solo's on our new CD will feature the Vetta.
It is now the official amp I am using at BB Kings and for all future gigs with Aftermath. That was an order from the higher ups at Viacom.
I was very pleasantly surprised. I always knew the Vetta sounded really good but the guys in this band are REAL tube snobs. They like traditional gear.
Anyway... when the CD is finally done you guys can all hear what a Vetta sounds like if you have never heard one.
Back to my Soldano. It sounds great. Really great. I used to think that for straight Soldano tone (which is my favorite high gain guitar tone) nothing could beat it for me. Prior to the Vetta 2.5 upgrade I think that my thinking was correct. The reason being that prior to the 2.5 upgrade the Vetta's Soldano patch was weak. I also didn't like the wah and the Fletcher-Munson thing really made setting up patches a pain in the ass.
I know its trivial but I also didn't like having to use the loop button for solo boost because its on the upper left corner of my longboard and is fairly hard to get to quickly. With version 2.5 I can put the solo boost anywhere I want. I put it on my "Favorite Channel" button which is in the bottom row and really easy to get at. It also adressed and corrected all of my minor gripes.
I don't know what I am going to do with the Soldano now. I love owning it but its ashame it has to just sit in the roadcase not being used.
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