Splawn Competition

[Bert]

Dear JCF tone snobs (and I mean that in the kindest way possible ),

Anybody tried one of these amps? From what I read they seem just like what I'm looking for (hot rodded classic marshall tone.) EL34's or KT77/88's? Anything similar I should check out instead?

I am looking for a small head (50 watts or less) to complement my MIDI rack rig. Not looking for anything super versatile -- I've got that with my rack rig. I'd rather get something that has "the" tone.

[thetruthguy]

Never played one, but from the demos I've heard on the Splawn site and seeing that EVH tribute band guitarist playing through one ... I'm hooked. I'd get one if I had the dough, but they're a bit rich for me.

[petedz]

Don't know the answer, but I'll be watching this thread with interest. I've had similar thoughts on occasion. FWIW, I've read that Roccaforte amps provide some competition (pardon the pun). I don't know of a dealer for either that's close by.

[yabba]

something else to consider along similar lines (in terms of simplicity) = VHT Deliverance 60 (I've never played a Splawn so I can't really compare and contrast)

[El_Kabong]

The Scorpion is very nice. The downside is Viktor's amps tend to have little headroom with the design for stage use. The bass and treble controls are simplistically stated, like volume knobs. I felt like I was playing the amp., though it is a wonderful studio amp I am not sold on Power Scaling. Voktor also has a reputation for being moody at times. I alomst bought a Coyote based on the Scorpion tones. but I must have caught him on a cranky day. I am glad I didn't. It is a completely different animal.
$2300

The Splawn with a third gear has 3 different flavors of Van Halen. His new versions are said to have usable cleans. It is a damn loud amp. Honestly, once the EVH novelty wears off, you have a one trick pony.
Pre-owned on TGP: $1200
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/sho...d.php?t=242841and again:http://www.thegearpage.net/board/sho...d.php?t=243060

The best sounding and most versatile classic Marshall tone comes from Doug Roccaforte. For what you may be wishing, I would recommend the Custom 40. http://www.roccaforteamps.com/Levant_Custom_40.htm Clips: http://www.roccaforteamps.com/sbytes40.htm
$2100
**Used on TGP $1200- AMAZING PRICE http://www.thegearpage.net/board/sho...d.php?t=243446

The VHT Deliverane is a great choice for hard rock, but doesn't have the tonal spectrum of the Roccafortes. Peters Amplification, (James is a good friend of Roccaforte's), has a new amp out called the, 'Polaris', which boasts the best MV ever. He told me that I could get 'the tone' at just above TV volume. His tones ranges from Van Halen to Slayer's, 'Reign in Blood', era. His RIB tone is uncanny.

There are many fine Marshall style builders, some voiced for 70s radio rock, (Reinhardt) and some for classic 60s tones, (Germino), but for what you are after, I would be getting ahold of the used one on TGP if you are ready to purchase. His customer service is excllent as well.

[petedz]

The first clip for the Peters Polaris channel is just nuts. If the amp really sounds like that, he's got a winner on his hands!

[Bert]

Never having purchased a "boutique amp", how are these amps priced exactly? Are the posted prices negotiable / discounted or are they like Mesa where they always try to stick you with full MSRP?

[El_Kabong]

It may seem really expensive for what you may invision what is under the chassis, but most of these builders are making 15% profit., as statedby Roccaforte and Randall Aiken. The used Custom 40 is a grand below the new price. These single chanel amps should last a few lifetimes with just tube replacement and a 20 year cap job.

With larger corporations the list price is artificially high and the dealers have agreements on standard fair practice pricing. Big sales come out to clear out old inventory. The small guys built to order.

You need to see a different Mesa dealer, or turn off the GAS in the shop if you are paying full MSRP.

There is only one problem if you go for the Custom 40. You will crap your pants when you first hear the tone.