i think the framus might have to go...

[Fragle]

now that you mention it, what's a good power conditioner that isn't going to kill my bank account? i checked out some online stores and damn, those fuckers can be ridiculously expensive.
is it important to use a high end model, or would a cheapo do the job just fine?
since i have never used a power conditioner before, and also never missed one to be honest, i'd assume a lower end model would be sufficient?
after all, we don't really play anywhere outside germany...so the power is usually quite consistent.

[Fragle]

"You said in a prior post that you're running your channel volumes at max for you dirty channel. Not sure how Framus amps work in that respect, but every amp I've ever played sounded much more defined with the channel volumes up no more than half way. Let the Power section do the work. Also, back off the gain and bass if you're playing really loud. It'll seem louder and clearer."

well, usually i'd second your thoughts, but not so with the framus. anybody who has ever played/owned one will agree that they NEED to have the channel volumes at least 2/3 up or it'll just sound too fizzy. don't know why that is, though...
besides, the master volumes are usually at least at noon, so the power section IS already working quite hard
you're right about the gain and bass however...needless to say i'm already doing that.

[horns666]

You said in a prior post that you're running your channel volumes at max for you dirty channel. Not sure how Framus amps work in that respect, but every amp I've ever played sounded much more defined with the channel volumes up no more than half way. Let the Power section do the work. Also, back off the gain and bass if you're playing really loud. It'll seem louder and clearer.

For brutal modern metal tones..I ALWAYS dime the gain on the Uberschall. I may as well glue the knob there. Anything less than maxed kills that growl I get. Several awesome musician/friends played with it including Clevo-John and Jon C (Beyond Fear)and agreed..but we're strictly metal snobs.

The recordings I've posted a while back is with the gain maxed..very defined, 100% usuable gain..like the 2210, JVM or JSX..NOT like a 5150 or Recto that really mushes up past half.

It can get great classic VH or AC/DC tones by cutting it back..but that's not my style.

[Nev]

I hope this help you...

I own an ENGL Invader 150 currently. I'm very happy with it. It has EL 34's in it. Here is my opinion for what it's worth...
The way I run it, I set up channel 1 for clean and that's it. Channel 2, 3, and 4 as crunch channels. Rhythm for me, is either channel 2 or 3 on master volume A. They both have different voicings, and sound great on either one. Massive, tight crunch. Whatever cut's through better on the guitar you're using. Channel 4 has naturally more mids so it's set up for leads. I can STILL have channels 2 and 3 set up as lead tones by using master volume B as an option. Same settings...just louder. So technically, you have 1 clean, and 3 possible crunch tones on master A, and the same exact thing only with a different volume setting for master level B. Plus, you can program it to have the effects loop (A or B there are two) in or out with each channel, there's a bright button that will do the same thing too. The head will switch my Rocktron effects processor at the same time via midi, no drop outs. On the back, it has a line out for a tuner or go to a board, your choice. It has an amp mute that you can program to any one of the channels. It's perfect for when you tune up, not a peep out of it. Oh, did I mention that it's LOUD AS HELL!!!!!
So with built in midi switching, built in noise gate, 2 effect loops, 2 master volume settings, sparkling clean and a killer crunch, it's a no brainer for me personally. No pedals needed except a wah. It took a little while to get it right against the other guitarists amp, but it's all good now.

The other amps mentioned didn't have the tone I was looking for. Peavey 5150 is decent, not great. Haven't tried the Framus, I did have the Powerball. You need the Z-11 to switch channels if your using an effects processor. The Invader has the PB sound plus more. The SE was nice but the crunch didn't really do it for me. Lot's of options though.
The only thing that I personally though was worth looking into was the new Marshall JVM. The tones were great. It has similar features like the Invader and it's cheaper, but it refuses to shut up. No matter what I did with the hush/noise gate in the loop or in the front, it still gave that annoying "shhhhhh" sound. That's a no go for me.
I should sign off now, I'm rambling too much, but that's what I have learned from being in tone hell.

[horns666]

Yes, I did enjoy playing the JVM. But the way I dial it, it is NOISY.. but so is my Uber without a gate. So, a noise gate is mandatory with the JVM as it is with all high gain amps.

My bud really likes my Bogner, but on tour he played Framus and Deizels and thought they were better than his powerballs...he wanted a Bogner endorsement but just ended up buying a couple 5150s...all that to end up with 5150's. In fairness, he just bought a house and it was $$$ motivated...he'll eventually end up with Bogner, Framus or Deizel..I'm guessing. He did enjoy his Engl PBs for a while..he just got tired of them and wanted something a bit more "Brutal".

[madryan]

For brutal modern metal tones..I ALWAYS dime the gain on the Uberschall. I may as well glue the knob there. Anything less than maxed kills that growl I get. Several awesome musician/friends played with it including Clevo-John and Jon C (Beyond Fear)and agreed..but we're strictly metal snobs.

The recordings I've posted a while back is with the gain maxed..very defined, 100% usuable gain..like the 2210, JVM or JSX..NOT like a 5150 or Recto that really mushes up past half.

It can get great classic VH or AC/DC tones by cutting it back..but that's not my style.

I'm playing a Mesa Lonestar these days and have channel 2 dialed in for the standard Mesa high gain vibe. Last night at practice I was palming chords and was just stoked with how percussive and thumpin cool it was. I play with both gain knobs at 12:00 on channel 2. IMO, too much gain just turn your sound to mush, even with really nice amps. But then I never play my amp at anything less than gigging volumes so I've got power tube and speaker breakup as well as my pre.

[xDEATHSTARx]

i used to be a huge huge uberschall fan, i owned 3 of them and anytime i giged it was my amp of choice but then i just fell inlove with my engl se and i also bought about 20 other amps to try out and i found a few i liked better than my uber. the uber is a great amp and you wont hear me talk bad about it either.

i currently have a engl se and a diezel herbert and im really happy.
i just sold my roadtser and i have a vht sigx on order and i wouldnt mind picking up another xtc or a splawn nitro.

[horns666]

Let me ask you..did you dime the gain of the Uber at ALL times when playing modern "metal"? Did you install 6 matching tung sols 12ax7s in the Bogner at that time?

Until then, I had major complaints about the Bogner. Not anymore. It completely changed the voice and feel of that amp..like night and day.

It owns..no complaints since.

[horns666]

BTW..I would love to try both the Diezel and Framus..especially the Deizel..and put it right next to >MY< Uberschall!!!

Then the true test..you play yours..while I play mine!

It would be just like watching that show "Pinks" so I could own both amps...I would LOVE that!

[Franx]

... by the way: it's Diezel !

[horns666]

... by the way: it's Diezel !

BTW..who gives a fuck.

[horns666]

I ain't got nothin' to prove..Fragle and most guys that have been around knows what I'm about.

Any amp don't make the player nor the tone that comes from it. How many players play Marshall a strat/lp..does Randy, Jimi, Yngwie, Ed, and yada yada yada sound alike..NO. So what one amp will sound like in one hands will sound completely different in anothers..

I loathe Rectos..we never or will never get along , but my favorite player Jeff Loomis never sounded better with his..and I only said that a couple hundred times now..

So whatever works for you..awesome!

[madryan]

I ain't got nothin' to prove..Fragle and most guys that have been around knows what I'm about.

Any amp don't make the player nor the tone that comes from it. How many players play Marshall a strat/lp..does Randy, Jimi, Yngwie, Ed, and yada yada yada sound alike..NO. So what one amp will sound like in one hands will sound completely different in anothers..

I loathe Rectos..we never or will never get along , but my favorite player Jeff Loomis never sounded better with his..and I only said that a couple hundred times now..

So whatever works for you..awesome!

Evidently you're the first person I've ever heard of that could dime the gain on every amp and not sound like complete ass. Congratulations.

[Franx]

BTW..who gives a fuck.

... obviously hrnos666 doesn't

[roodyrocker]

BTW..I would love to try both the Diezel and Framus..especially the Deizel..and put it right next to >MY< Uberschall!!!

Then the true test..you play yours..while I play mine!

It would be just like watching that show "Pinks" so I could own both amps...I would LOVE that!

I like the amp "Pinks" idea Of course, then the Uber would have to spot every other amp a couple db But seriously, I just gigged out with my Uber last night and we're playing out again tonight. The Uber just absolutely kills live!!! I don't dime the gain simply because I'm in an 80's hard rock cover band so I don't need to but I have done it just for the heck of it before and the Uber does literally have 100% useable gain anywhere you set that knob. Just turn it to where you like it and go!