Tweet
Hey guys (and girls). I've been thinking about the future of guitar amplification. Here's an idea for us to kick around.
I love the sound of my modelers (Pod XTL and G-DEC) through headphones and/or computer speakers, but I hate wearing headphones, and I can't be dragging my computer speaker setup around (2.1 system with sub & 2 satellites, with cords hanging everywhere), so after searching in vain for a solution, I decided to create one. Here it is - my weekend project - the GuitarBoomBox:
Basically, I just built a box for my 2.1 speaker setup, which is fastened in place inside, but it is really an improvement, IMO, as it adds combo-style portability while retaining the full, 2.1 sub/satellite sound.
With the popularity of modeling, I'm surprised that nothing along these lines has been marketed to guitarists yet (to my knowledge).
There is the Bose system at the very high end, but I don't want to spend $2,500.
A portable PA like a Fender Passport or Yamaha Stage PAS would work well, but kinda seems like overkill, with multiple boxes and cords hanging.
You have the Atomic, for the traditionalist (tubes & 12" speakers), but it is not stereo (as far as I know) and it is overpriced (IMO). The Tech 21 PowerEngine gets a little closer, as it's cheaper, but again, too tradtional (12" speaker) not stereo, and the ones I've tried sounded bad.
You can always plug into the effects returns of an amp, too, but most are not stereo, none have subs, and it seems like a waste to bypass the preamp - if you're not going to use it, why have it?
One or two powered PA speakers is an option, but it tends to be overkill (IMO) and also lacks either stereo (1 speaker) or portability and cost (2 speakers). I actually bought a powered PA speaker for this purpose (JBL Eon G2), but it was overkill - very heavy, and it hissed very loudly when it was turned on - plus, I thought it sounded kind of harsh - and it was $700.
Studio monitors are an option, but again, you have multiple boxes with cords hanging.
Probably the closest I've seen to what I'm talking about is the Gallien-Krueger 250 ML and the Boss CubeStreet. Both are very cool amps IMO, but they are amps, with their own sounds - I am talking about simple, full-range amplification to pair with a modeler. (Plus, they lack subs.)
I'm thinking more like a $200 to $300 self-contained/portable, powered, stereo, full-range system with a sub, aimed at guitarists. I know it can be done, because you can get GREAT sounding Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 computer speakers for less than $150. Think what you could do with a $300 system! First, increase the power and quality, then how about adding line outs, for connecting to a PA, 1/8" stereo inputs for your modeler and your iPod (for backing tracks, etc.)?
What do you guys think?
I love the sound of my modelers (Pod XTL and G-DEC) through headphones and/or computer speakers, but I hate wearing headphones, and I can't be dragging my computer speaker setup around (2.1 system with sub & 2 satellites, with cords hanging everywhere), so after searching in vain for a solution, I decided to create one. Here it is - my weekend project - the GuitarBoomBox:
Basically, I just built a box for my 2.1 speaker setup, which is fastened in place inside, but it is really an improvement, IMO, as it adds combo-style portability while retaining the full, 2.1 sub/satellite sound.
With the popularity of modeling, I'm surprised that nothing along these lines has been marketed to guitarists yet (to my knowledge).
There is the Bose system at the very high end, but I don't want to spend $2,500.
A portable PA like a Fender Passport or Yamaha Stage PAS would work well, but kinda seems like overkill, with multiple boxes and cords hanging.
You have the Atomic, for the traditionalist (tubes & 12" speakers), but it is not stereo (as far as I know) and it is overpriced (IMO). The Tech 21 PowerEngine gets a little closer, as it's cheaper, but again, too tradtional (12" speaker) not stereo, and the ones I've tried sounded bad.
You can always plug into the effects returns of an amp, too, but most are not stereo, none have subs, and it seems like a waste to bypass the preamp - if you're not going to use it, why have it?
One or two powered PA speakers is an option, but it tends to be overkill (IMO) and also lacks either stereo (1 speaker) or portability and cost (2 speakers). I actually bought a powered PA speaker for this purpose (JBL Eon G2), but it was overkill - very heavy, and it hissed very loudly when it was turned on - plus, I thought it sounded kind of harsh - and it was $700.
Studio monitors are an option, but again, you have multiple boxes with cords hanging.
Probably the closest I've seen to what I'm talking about is the Gallien-Krueger 250 ML and the Boss CubeStreet. Both are very cool amps IMO, but they are amps, with their own sounds - I am talking about simple, full-range amplification to pair with a modeler. (Plus, they lack subs.)
I'm thinking more like a $200 to $300 self-contained/portable, powered, stereo, full-range system with a sub, aimed at guitarists. I know it can be done, because you can get GREAT sounding Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 computer speakers for less than $150. Think what you could do with a $300 system! First, increase the power and quality, then how about adding line outs, for connecting to a PA, 1/8" stereo inputs for your modeler and your iPod (for backing tracks, etc.)?
What do you guys think?
Comment