[roylor4]

So, a month or two ago I bought a Pod Go. It was a nice and substantial feeling piece of gear. Good hardware, smooth switches, etc. Reviewed it here. Wanted to like it, just didn't.

I bought it as a piece of gigging gear, but found it unwieldy to use and to program. Sounds were fine, but too much tap dancing to use and too many steps to program it (just IMHO - I'm not really a modeling, electronic tweaker kinda guy). Sent it back.

Fast forward, my wife got me a Tech 21 Sansamp Fly Rig for X-mas. Ran it through the PA and I was immediately impressed. Great cleans. Edge of breakup tones are good, but not fabulous. The dirty channel is one of the best I've heard through any modeler and I prefer the Cali setting. Grungy with a tight bottom end, truly satisfying. The boost was useful on both channels, but more on the Plexi channel than the clean one.

The delay was a new one for me, and honestly, never been a delay guy. After messing with it, I found that using the the 1/8 note setting and engaging the "drift" button that it gives a sound 1/2 way 'twixt Chorus and Tremolo. Not quite the "Surf sound" of heavy verb & trem, but close enough for me and therefore, probably good enough for the ears of casual listeners. The reverb is also very good.

In short, I found a great amp replacement that doesn't do everything, but does everything that I need for live gigs. It should be considered heavily for those that love their tube amps but need a backup in case of tube/component failure - this thing could end up being a lifesaver for ya'll and weighs about a pound.

Keep in mind, I'm not dissing the Go and I know for direct recording it is likely far more versatile, just not what I needed. I also wanted folks to know if you are considering the Tech 21 Fly Rig that I believe it to be an extremely valuable piece of kit for a primary or back-up rig.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!