Tech 21 Trademark 300 head Review

[rocksoldier]

How can it not sound good at home if it even sounds great lined directly to the PA?

[quiksilver]

I love Tech 21. I've had 2 Trademark 10s, a Trademark 30 LE, a Trademark 60 and 2 SansAmp GT2s. Top quality gear, made in the USA, and the people that work there have been great to deal with, in my experience.

[jgcable]

How can it not sound good at home if it even sounds great lined directly to the PA?

Because the amp uses true Sansamp for the DI and the tone is ot effecte by the volume level of the amp. You have to turn this amp up a little too loud for home or bedroom volumelevel to make it sound good.

My bandmates were stunned when they heard it. They were skeptical when I unplugged my Mesa Mark III and were saying there is nothing that is going to sound as good as that amp except the Soldano clone that I owned a few years ago). They changed their tune as soon as they hear it.
Its outstanding.

[jgcable]

I love Tech 21. I've had 2 Trademark 10s, a Trademark 30 LE, a Trademark 60 and 2 SansAmp GT2s. Top quality gear, made in the USA, and the people that work there have been great to deal with, in my experience.

Exactly, Tech 21 is a USA company that really cares about the features musicians want. They really don't have anything in their product offering that isn't top notch!

[ulijdavid]

I am a bit confused by this thread and review. Granted you probably play better than most on this forum and obviously play out quite a bit. But, your remarks concerning the Axe-FX and what you state concerning the Tech 21 contradict so much, that it is hard to take your review seriously. With this said, I have not heard either unit with my own ears - just sound clips and I really never trust those . But, here are some of your comments concerning the Axe-FX:

1. If this thing is so good how come the pros playing live don’t use it?
Never heard of the Tech 21amp until this post and also who is using it?

2. I know what you are saying but IMHO…nothing will ever replace straight up Marshall, Mesa, Bogner, etc… Live.
I don't believe the Tech 21 resides with these amps.

3. I was wondering … does it have a wickky wickky wack scratch preset so DJ’s can use it?
I am assuming this is an attempt at ridicule.

4. I heard that Aldo Nova recently switched to Axe Fx too. Damn, now I really have to get one.
I am assuming this is also an attempt at ridicule.

5. This thread isn’t inspiring me to look into Axe-Fx. My ears can always hear the difference live. Tube amps throw more air and I… for one… can feel live air. When Uli Jon or Yngwie or any other of my guitar heroes start using it live I will take notice.
Uli and/or Yngwie don't use a Tech 21 - nor do they play Jackson or Charvel. And the Tech 21 doesn't have tubes so obviously you can't always hear the difference.

I am not trying to be a dick, but your review has absolutely no credibility to me. And I repeat it is just my opinion. But, everything that you stated negative about the Axe-FX applies to the Tech 21 also.

I am just a bit confused. Let the bashing begin.

[horns666]

I played the Trademark 300..it was pretty cool. Kinda reminded me of a heavier Marshall VS 8200 (somehwat) with more headroom. It does a good Eidolon/Glen Drover tone, and classic COB as well.

But what I wanna know is. Why isn't there any talk , threads or mention of the new Peavey 3120??!! It's CHEAP, and it kicks ass! They been out for a while.

As soon as I put a few more bucks together I'm buying a half stack for my son. I think they kick the shit out of any 5150..and I know those things like my pud.

[jgcable]

I am a bit confused by this thread and review. Granted you probably play better than most on this forum and obviously play out quite a bit. But, your remarks concerning the Axe-FX and what you state concerning the Tech 21 contradict so much, that it is hard to take your review seriously. With this said, I have not heard either unit with my own ears - just sound clips and I really never trust those . But, here are some of your comments concerning the Axe-FX:


I am not trying to be a dick, but your review has absolutely no credibility to me. And I repeat it is just my opinion. But, everything that you stated negative about the Axe-FX applies to the Tech 21 also.

I am just a bit confused. Let the bashing begin.

First of all... you are being dick.

With that said...

Ask any member here about my amp reviews. They are usually spot on.
Ask any member here about my feelings on modeling. I love modeling.
If you read my earlier threads regarding my Mesa Mark III which is my gigging amp...you would have read that I am not secure gigging with it at certain venues and situations because sometimes we share our equipment with other bands and sometimes its just too crazy to keep my eye on all of my equipment. Also.. I posted a thread about how I can't really turn my Mesa up at many of the venues we play at. I was looking for an inexpensive amp that will give me good tone and be reliable. To be honest.. I didn't think the Tech 21 was going to cut it but I love trying new amps so what the heck.
Lets address your responses one by one...

1. If this thing is so good how come the pros playing live don’t use it?
Never heard of the Tech 21amp until this post and also who is using it?

Neither have I. Whats your point?

2. I know what you are saying but IMHO…nothing will ever replace straight up Marshall, Mesa, Bogner, etc… Live.
I don't believe the Tech 21 resides with these amps.

I stand by my statement. I haven't been to a live pro show yet that the guitar players weren't using Marshall, Mesa, Bogner, Deizel etc....
If I was fortunate to be a pro (which means I play music for a living) I would be using Marshall modded amps and a Bradshaw switching system.

3. I was wondering … does it have a wickky wickky wack scratch preset so DJ’s can use it?
I am assuming this is an attempt at ridicule.

This was ridicule. Most of the members know that I am a huge fan of software (modeling) technology.

4. I heard that Aldo Nova recently switched to Axe Fx too. Damn, now I really have to get one.
I am assuming this is also an attempt at ridicule.

Ditto... also, most of the old school members know I try to throw in an "Aldo Nova" once in a while.

5. This thread isn’t inspiring me to look into Axe-Fx. My ears can always hear the difference live. Tube amps throw more air and I… for one… can feel live air. When Uli Jon or Yngwie or any other of my guitar heroes start using it live I will take notice.
Uli and/or Yngwie don't use a Tech 21 - nor do they play Jackson or Charvel. And the Tech 21 doesn't have tubes so obviously you can't always hear the difference.

You got me on that one. Maybe I can't tell the difference. Thats how good the Trademark 300 sounds to my old ears.

I did see that Mike Schenker is using Axe Fx so we are certainly getting closer. He is one of my favorite players.

Most of my threads and posts are in the amp section of the JCF. I review amps here and I do it for several reasons. One reason is not all the JCF'rs here can afford $2000.00 processors that need an additional $1000.00 of amplification and speakers. Not all of the JCF'rs can afford a Ubershall or a Herbert or a Savage or an SLO100. Many of the JCFr's are working musicians on a budget. They want an amp that sounds good, has the features they need and most importantly.. SOMETHING THEY CAN AFFORD. I feel their pain. I played through a $69.00 Sears Silvertone 10w solid state amp and a Sears Silvertone guitar for 3 years when I first started. Both the amp and the guitar were $69.00 at Apex Pawn brokers in White Plains NY. I then upgraded to a Trayner SS amp that both me and my buddy would gig with (we both played through the amp at the same time).
I posted the review on the Trademark 300 because its a very affordable solution for a musician who doesn't have $3K to drop on an amp.

[jgcable]

I played the Trademark 300..it was pretty cool. Kinda reminded me of a heavier Marshall VS 8200 (somehwat) with more headroom. It does a good Eidolon/Glen Drover tone, and classic COB as well.

But what I wanna know is. Why isn't there any talk , threads or mention of the new Peavey 3120??!! It's CHEAP, and it kicks ass! They been out for a while.

As soon as I put a few more bucks together I'm buying a half stack for my son. I think they kick the shit out of any 5150..and I know those things like my pud.

Hey Bill, I have had a few 8200's. The Trademark 300 is much heavier. It also doesn't sound SS. The tone is similar though.

[ulijdavid]

Sorry for being a dick......Your response speaks for itself.

[Rupe]

I played a Trademark 60 a few years back and I must admit it sounded very good/warm and was extremely dynamic...one of the best SS amps that I've come across.

[jgcable]

Sorry for being a dick......Your response speaks for itself.

Its all good bro!!

[MetalMedal II]

My bandmates were stunned when they heard it. They were skeptical when I unplugged my Mesa Mark III and were saying there is nothing that is going to sound as good as that amp except the Soldano clone that I owned a few years ago). They changed their tune as soon as they hear it.
Its outstanding.

Cool, I'm it sounds so good! I take it that it's a step up from the Vetta head you had?

My jazz friend introduced me to Tech 21 with the orginal sansamp pedal several years ago. That sound stuck in my head and I got a Tech 21 60 for the apartment which I'm very happy with. I haven't used the direct line out, but I hear it's a great feature.

[jgcable]

Cool, I'm it sounds so good! I take it that it's a step up from the Vetta head you had?

My jazz friend introduced me to Tech 21 with the orginal sansamp pedal several years ago. That sound stuck in my head and I got a Tech 21 60 for the apartment which I'm very happy with. I haven't used the direct line out, but I hear it's a great feature.

Comparing the Vetta to the Tech 21 is comparing apples to oranges.
I will say that the Tech 21 does a better Marshall tone than the Vetta but the Vetta did a better Rectifier tone.
I am a huge fan of the Vetta. Still wish I owned one. I owned 4 of them.
The Trademark 300 is very organic sounding and its not digital.
I would go as far as saying the Trademark 300 is by far the best SS amp I have ever heard. Its hard to believe that it isn't jamming with tubes.

[horns666]

Y'know I may grab one of these fuckers if I ever come by one.

Hey, did you ever notice that Joe owned some pretty nice stuff, and he likes good music. He doesn't talk about his playing much. I betcha Joe does not suck balls..I just got that feelin'.

[Firebird V]

Comparing the Vetta to the Tech 21 is comparing apples to oranges.
I will say that the Tech 21 does a better Marshall tone than the Vetta but the Vetta did a better Rectifier tone.
I am a huge fan of the Vetta. Still wish I owned one. I owned 4 of them.
The Trademark 300 is very organic sounding and its not digital.
I would go as far as saying the Trademark 300 is by far the best SS amp I have ever heard. Its hard to believe that it isn't jamming with tubes.

Exactly! That sums it up right there. This was my impression when I was using the TM300. It is a very underrated head.

This one was mine before it was JG's and it was IHrockers before that. LOL. If you plug it into a PA that is where it really shines.