New Reviews (Dallas Guitar Show - amps and pedals)

[Eclectifish]

Went to the Dallas Guitar Show this weekend and tried out as much gear as I could. I have to say that my mind has been changed on several items. Unfortunately, I now need much more money to get what I want than I thought I did last week. Such is the life (and GAS) of a guitarist <sigh>.

Anyway, here's what I played on and what I (and my wife, who has better ears than me) thought.

Amps:

Dr. Z Maz -- This was previously my favorite amp in the world, but my wife thought it sounded thin. Of course, I was playing it with a Tele and that didn't help. But I played a Tele on almost every other amp I tried (save one) and the difference was noticeable. Still a good amp, but no longer my fav.

Fuchs - My wife loved this amp. I didn't. I could only describe it as too crunchy. The distortion just didn't seem natural to me.

Marshall Hand wired 20 watt stack - Uninspiring. If you take it to wall shaking volumes it started to get OK, but even then I played better amps on this day.

Clark - Also somewhat uninspiring. Go figure.

Bogner - Very nice. Lots of tonal range. I've played one before and liked it. My wife confirmed my thoughts about it. Whereas I like the Dr. Z a little better, though, she preferred this one for the added warmth. After going back and forth, I agreed with her. This was one of three amps I played this day that I would happily own.

Vox AC 30 (Purple) - This was about tied with the Bogner in my rankings, perhaps slightly ahead. I played this amp in an area where I could hear it better than I could the Bogner so maybe that made a difference. This amp had a beautiful singing quality to it with loads of sustain and overtones. This is also an amp that I used to try out several pedals and it plays very well with others. I'd own this amp in a heartbeat if I had the cash. The odd thing about this is that I've tried an AC 30 before and didn't much care for it. Perhaps this one was set up differently, but I think it was the fact that I had a chance to crank this one a little bit whereas I didn't in the past. I played a Les Paul (only) on this amp. One of the things I haven't liked about the Vox in the past is that the tone, while very nice, tends to overwhelm the tonal differences between guitars. This amp was definitely not the case. So, AC-30 lovers, you've got a convert today.

Burris Shadow (http://www.burrissamps.com/shadow.htm). I got to meet and speak at length with Bob Burris. I played through this amp on his guitars (a Tele and an SG). The Burris is a fairly new point to point handwired boutique amp (a little over a year old) so you may not have heard of it. This amp was better than anything else I played this day (and I played a lot of amps not mentioned here). The tone was absolutely sweet and fat with tons of sustain and overtones. Although it uses 6L6 tubes it suffers none of the typical low end flabbiness associated with Fender Tweeds amps when used with humbuckers. I absolutely loved this amp. Bob explained to me that he worked quite a bit on the final gain stage to make it very humbucker friendly, and, believe me, it is. Warm with plenty of thump, but no flab. All of the character of the guitar comes through. This is now my favorite amp and the one I'm saving toward (unfortunately, it costs about three times as much as my previous favorite amp, the Dr. Z - oh well, it will just be that much longer).


Pedals

I really wanted to try out some pedals this day. I was hoping to play some of the lesser known pedals like a Skreddy Screwdriver, a Barber, or an MI-Audio, but didn't find any in places I could plug them in. Here's what I did play and what I thought.

Vox Brit Boost - Uh-uh. I won't be buying this. Very harsh sounding. I was really surprised at that, but it just did nothing at all for me.

Fulltone Distortion Pro - Not bad but not as transparent as I like. I won't be getting one.

Keeley Time Machine Boost - Decent, if you really want a clean boost with some coloration, but not really my cup of tea. I prefer my boost without the EQ, I guess.

Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive - I was very unimpressed. The overdrive was very harsh (fuzzy - not transparent at all) and you couldn't easily dial in a good tone.

Keeley Modded TubeScreamer - I actually tried this as an afterthought. I've played a tubescreamer before and hated it. I've heard one played by a good player and it just sounded like junk fuzz to me - not very transparent. But the Keeley mod is way worth the extra dollars. I was absolutely stunned by this pedal and would happily own one. Of all the pedals I tried this day, this was one of two I'd own if possible. (BTW, I got to try this out on several different amps - more below).

Burris Boostiest II (http://www.burrissamps.com/boostiest.htm) - I know, I know, it seems like I'm spamming for Burriss here. I just can't convey how impressed I was by these guys and their stuff. I really didn't get to put this pedal through its paces like I did the Keeley TS, but I didn't want to. I plugged in and the first tone that I dialed up was an Eric Johnson type violin tone that I could have played for days. Although Bob describes this pedal as TS-ish, I'm not so sure. I think every pedal maker these days is doing their 'take' on the Ibanez but, truth be told, they're all different. The Keeley mod had so much more character than a straight TS. The Burris? To me, it really didn't seem like a TS at all. I don't think it's an either/or decision. I'd want both the Keely TS AND the Boostiest II. There's that much difference between them. Anyway the Burris pedal had a very creamy overdrive sound which still let plenty of the instrument's tone come through. This is different than the Keely TS which actually had a lot of the clean characteristics to it. The Burris, as I played it (and there are other settings I didn't try, to be sure) really was more of a full-on overdrive. Of course you can get a full on overdrive out of the Keeley TS, too, but to my ears it's not as pleasing a sound as the lower gain settings. The Burris, on the other hand, excels at high gain without, in any way, overwhelming the natural sound of the instrument. This pedal also has tons of headroom, allowing you to create some wonderful nuances and dynamics with the pick.

To summarize, I have to say I learned a lot about gear at this show. The only downside is that I now believe even more in "you get what you pay for". None of the stuff I liked is inexpensive (the lowest priced item being the Keeley TS at over $200 -- the Burris pedal was around $360 or so and none of the amps I liked came in under $2500 - OUCH!). I know we talk a lot about finding good, inexpensive, gear on here, but more than ever, now, I just can't recommend spending $1000 on an amp that gets you halfway there but leaves you wanting for more. On the other hand, it is pretty clear that you can spend 2-300 on a really good pedal and put it together with a midrange amp and do pretty well.

Another thing I noticed was how much a good pedal and a good amp work together (I 'sort-of' already knew this but it was forever confirmed by being able to try so much gear on the same day). The Keeley TS-9 definitely made the Marshall Stack and the Clark sound better. But the singing overtones of the Vox AC-30 really came through with the Keeley TS (but not with the cheaper pedals - this is very important) as did the way the Burris pedal interacted with the Burris amp. With that in mind, I wouldn't have any problem playing on a modded Peavey Classic (the Jack Daniels 2-12 version is my preference) using a modded TS-9. That would be a pretty decent rig for a poor man, while saving up for the really good stuff, of course.

[Mr. Boston]

WOW E-fish, GREAT reviews. I just bought a new amp so I'm certainly not in the "market" anymore so to speak, but these reviews are awesome. You definitely put a lot of thought into your evaluations, and it's much appreciated. Will have to keep my eyes (and ears) on Burris in the future- when the inevitable amp GAS strikes again.

[Eclectifish]

Originally Posted by Mr. Boston

WOW E-fish, GREAT reviews. I just bought a new amp so I'm certainly not in the "market" anymore so to speak, but these reviews are awesome. You definitely put a lot of thought into your evaluations, and it's much appreciated. Will have to keep my eyes (and ears) on Burris in the future- when the inevitable amp GAS strikes again.

With what you just bought, I think you're just fine. The Vox AC30 I played was definitely among the best.

[Mr. Boston]

Originally Posted by Eclectifish

With what you just bought, I think you're just fine. The Vox AC30 I played was definitely among the best.

Oh man I can't get over it, such a GREAT amp. (Do ya mind a little threadjack?) I debuted it for the band last Friday, and we were ALL mutually blown away. The only person who WASN'T wild about it was the guy that helps us load and unload the truck, as it's quite a bit heavier than my old amp, lol.

But yeah, I got halfway to practice (1hr + ride) and realized I forgot my effects board. No wah, no compression, no EQ, no nothing, lol. Got to practice, warmed up the amp, drank a beer, plugged the Strat right in and started playing. After about 3 minutes of some minor knob tweaking I started to wonder why I had all those effects to begin with, lol. Didn't need 'em. Dialed in a nice tone and just left it set. I just turned the reverb on and off for solos, cause it gave my tone just enough extra sparkle for leads, and I would turn the guitar's volume up a bit to tap some over-drive, but that was it. It out-performed the old Peavey without even trying, no contest. Still love that Peavey, will eventually get it fixed up cause I actually really liked the lead tone for some dirty blues, but overall it's no contest between the two.

Anyway sorry to jack the thread. I'd love to get my hands on one of those Burris amps for a test drive somehow.

[Semi-Hollowbody]

Vox AC30...not under $2500??? Combo or HEad/cabinet??
I thought these (combo's) went for $1000 or so??

[Eclectifish]

Originally Posted by Semi-Hollowbody

Vox AC30...not under $2500??? Combo or HEad/cabinet??
I thought these (combo's) went for $1000 or so??

The one I played on was a used AC30 Combo. I don't know the year or if it had been modded or anything. It was purple and it was a specific model of AC30 (with some extra letters on the name that I don't remember). They wanted $2600 for it used. It was very nice, but it's possible that it was a special model or was modded or something, so that may explain the tone (probably does). My earlier encounter with a Vox was not as stellar. The truth may lie in-between. So take my review with that particular grain of salt.

[Eclectifish]

Originally Posted by Mr. Boston

I'd love to get my hands on one of those Burris amps for a test drive somehow.

Boston Guitar Works has 'em.

ADD: I checked the Boston Guitar Works Website and they don't list them. However, the Burriss Website says that BGW has them. Probably worth a call, but who really knows?!

[FrEtboaRDonFIRE]

Great stuff Eclectifish, sounds like you had a great time! Boutique amps like the Buriss are great, and you do get what you pay for with them...I just think the boutique builders overcharge by about $500-$800. At least most of them do (especially the more well-known companies), but they are definitely great amps if you have the cash to fork over. I was saving up to spend $2000 on an amp but I got lucky with my 50 watt plexi clone. The cosmetics aren't as neat as with the higher priced amps, but the sound is nothing short of spectacular and exactly what I wanted. I'd have paid $2000 for a Germino Lead 55 if I wouldn't have found this amp...it absolutely sings with my Barber Direct Drive and LP. Good luck getting the Buriss and Keeley stuff!

-=FoF=-

[Eclectifish]

Originally Posted by FrEtboaRDonFIRE

Great stuff Eclectifish, sounds like you had a great time! Boutique amps like the Buriss are great, and you do get what you pay for with them...I just think the boutique builders overcharge by about $500-$800. At least most of them do (especially the more well-known companies), but they are definitely great amps if you have the cash to fork over. I was saving up to spend $2000 on an amp but I got lucky with my 50 watt plexi clone. The cosmetics aren't as neat as with the higher priced amps, but the sound is nothing short of spectacular and exactly what I wanted. I'd have paid $2000 for a Germino Lead 55 if I wouldn't have found this amp...it absolutely sings with my Barber Direct Drive and LP. Good luck getting the Buriss and Keeley stuff!

-=FoF=-

That's the thing, you know. Marshall is great (and it sounds like you lucked into a good one) as is Vox, even Peavey if you're willing to mod it a little. The thing is that you'll pay around $1000 for one of those and that's definitely a lot less than a $3000 boutique amp. But once you play one of these boutiques, it's just like driving a Ferrarri. The Honda is good and will get you where you're going, but there's just something about the top dog that you'll never get without laying down pretty big $$$.

As for me, it's one thing at a time. I'm nowhere near getting a boutique amp. And since I'm not regularly gigging, it's really not worth it. I'm saving for that Keely right now and the Burris pedal later. That will take me a year or so just for that. The amp is way down the line (and there will probably be another one by then).

[Luke Duke]

Which Bogner Metropolis, Duende? Also which Fuchs ODS 30,50,100,150, TDS, Train 45, Blackjack 21, Lucky 7?

My Dr. Z Maz Jr (still REALLY your fave) is still up for grabs as is my Fuchs ODS30 if you are interested!

Luke

[FrEtboaRDonFIRE]

Originally Posted by Eclectifish

That's the thing, you know. Marshall is great (and it sounds like you lucked into a good one) as is Vox, even Peavey if you're willing to mod it a little. The thing is that you'll pay around $1000 for one of those and that's definitely a lot less than a $3000 boutique amp. But once you play one of these boutiques, it's just like driving a Ferrarri. The Honda is good and will get you where you're going, but there's just something about the top dog that you'll never get without laying down pretty big $$$.

As for me, it's one thing at a time. I'm nowhere near getting a boutique amp. And since I'm not regularly gigging, it's really not worth it. I'm saving for that Keely right now and the Burris pedal later. That will take me a year or so just for that. The amp is way down the line (and there will probably be another one by then).

My amp isn't made by Marshall, it's a hand built clone with point to point wiring...that's why I've been cured of my boutique amp lust haha. I've played a Bad Cat Hot Cat and a Divided by 13 100 watter before, and my clone is on par in terms of sound...of course it sounds different than those two amps because of the circuit and tubes, but the boutique quality is there in the sound.

-=FoF=-

[Eclectifish]

Originally Posted by Luke Duke

Which Bogner Metropolis, Duende? Also which Fuchs ODS 30,50,100,150, TDS, Train 45, Blackjack 21, Lucky 7?

My Dr. Z Maz Jr (still REALLY your fave) is still up for grabs as is my Fuchs ODS30 if you are interested!

Luke

It was a Shiva.

Man, I do wish I had the money for that Maz. In fact, though, of the Dr. Zs, the Carmen Ghia is my fav. I still might end up with one someday simply because it really is affordable. Unless I start making a lot more money (and that's pretty unlikely), a $3200 amp will stay the thing of dreams. I can, however, get a Ghia for a lot less (as low as $1000 used). As a family man, though, even this is a bit out of reach. So, for now, I'll have to stick with my modeler. I'm not really gigging anyway so a great amp would be the ultimate luxury.

I can still dream, though.

[Theusla]

Glad to see you liked the Vox. I have been looking at one in a local music store. Just a little more than I can spend right now. That seems to be the case a lot now.

[Eclectifish]

Originally Posted by Theusla

Glad to see you liked the Vox. I have been looking at one in a local music store. Just a little more than I can spend right now. That seems to be the case a lot now.

Really, though, each amp is what we make of it. It bears repeating but the thing I like about the really high dollar amps is the way the harmonics sing out as the note sustains.

A lot of people love twins, but they don't really do that. A Twin has this stellar clean which has ten tones of chime to it (to my ears), but I don't like the overdriven sound of one, nor do I like it with a pedal.

Marshalls have a tone which is punchy like no other. Some of them will have that singing quality I like but not so much the newer ones.

I've played on some Voxes I hated, BTW. I think this one may have been a bit special ($2600 used is pretty high dollar for a Vox).

I have a friend who has a Fender Deluxe but he hates it (he wants his old Peavey Bandit back. I agree with him a little on this. The Deluxe, while having a nice clean, really doesn't do anything for me either. I guess I need just a touch of grit in it or something (I wouldn't trade one for a Bandit, though. Yuck!)

But everyone really likes something different. And sometimes, an amp which may be a bit banal out of the box can really turn into something with a few tweaks (tubes, speakers....) or even just the right pedal.

Hey, if it was easy, we wouldn't even need this part of the forum.