#16
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If an amp has an analog to digital convertor as the first stage of the amp then it is a modelling amp. From that point onwards the signal is just a stream of digits that the DSP works on to "model" the sound mathematically.
In that regard the Katana is most certainly a modelling amp, for better or worse. My own view is that modelling amps are too good to ignore though personally I never found the Youtube videos of the Katana sounded convincing enough to me. I quite like my 25 watt Marshall Code 25 modelling amp and I like my Scuffham S-Gear plugin even more. But I have a Fender champ clone kit that I hope to build shortly to give me an all-tube option as well. Best of both worlds, why not?
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Yamaha AC3M Acoustic Guitar Gretch G5220 Electromatic Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special Yamaha BB414 Bass |
#17
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These are the reasons I bought my cheapo Fender Mustang 2, and why I'd consider a Katana or other modeler. While likely not completely accurate as to any particular amp type/model, and while I do appreciate a good tube tone, like a Whitman Sampler, the Mustang allows me the opportunity to try a variety of tastes in the same convenient box, and to apply a wide variety of pedals and other effects to color the base tone. In that way, I'm able to quickly get close to replicating any and every particular artist's tone, even if the artists' original equipment would do it better. In that way, I'm not limited by my space or budget as to what I can try. I did put a nice speaker in the Mustang, which boosted the cost, but the result was worth it. I can't speak to the Katana, but, while the Mustang has a computer learning curve, it's not particularly tall. A couple of hours and a video or 2 allows you to push off from the side, on your own. Based on what I've read here, I suspect the Katana would be less dependent on the computer than the Mustang, which is fairly limited in its "on the go" capacities, forcing you to live with your 30 or so preset tones that you preloaded into the Mustang's memory before you left home. Unlike a single focused amp, your Mustang tone collection (unlimited if stored on the computer, but about 30 loaded into the box at any one time) can include dedicated presets for HBs, single coils, etc., using appropriate sounding amp models as bases for each. Once I get more experience with "my" sound that I'd prefer in a single tube amp, I'll make that investment and live with its relative limitations, but for now, I'm trying it all (on the cheap)! In addition to the Mustang 2, I also have a Peavey 110 Encore and a Vox Pathfinder 15R with an 8" speaker, along with a couple of Blackstar Fly tiny practice amps. All solid state, but I find the Vox comes closest to a nice warm tube tone, so I use that when I start jonsing for a tube amp. Anyway, just my thoughts on modeling amps. |
#18
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#19
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There's a difference between "audiophile" (loving good sound) and "hi-fi" (faithful reproduction/amplification of an audio signal).
The "audiophiles" who designed the first guitar amps didn't do "hi-fi". Guitar amps (ie tube amps) are supposed to mess with the signal. That's exactly why they sound so good - and why we (audiophiles) love them. And that's also why manufacturers go to such great lengths to keep convincing us that they've created another perfect emulation of tube tone - even more perfecter than the previous perfect emulation of tube tone now available in a store near you. |
#20
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just recently a friend came over to jam. he has nothing but solid state amps and sounds really good thru them. however, i plugged him directly into a 75 silverface vibrochamp and he said, "that is the sound i've been trying to achieve thru my amps and pedalboard." it is all subjective. play music!
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2014 Martin 00015M 2009 Martin 0015M 2008 Martin HD28 2007 Martin 000-18GE 2006 Taylor 712 2006 Fender Parlor GDP100 1978 Fender F65 1968 Gibson B25-12N Various Electrics |
#21
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Re: THD/warmth - I can't put it into words, but some amps just sound good to me. One of my favorites is the Milkman Half-Pint shown in the vid below. The sound at 32 seconds or so just gives me chills - it's full but not shrill - that's what I'm thinking when I say "warm." |
#22
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Last edited by Jaden; 11-25-2018 at 07:36 PM. |
#23
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Just to add: Steve DeRosa talks about analog amplification among a host of other subjects and what he says should be considered carefully. My amps have been analog and my audio system at home is the same. Digital audio is imperceptibly paper thin and I myself have become tired of it, so this note is to let you know where I stand on the issue, as well as having no experience with solid state amps so far. There is an immediate connection between amp and guitar with the old technology which leads to touch sensitivity in terms of the ability to coax different sound just by the way the guitarist touches the strings.
Last edited by Jaden; 11-26-2018 at 01:02 AM. |
#24
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Nice, more for me then!
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#25
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So many things contribute to how an amp sounds on any given day that it's hard to quantify in words, no matter how articulate one might be. There are days when I find my tone lacking, and my playing uninspired as a result. I'll come back the next day - same guitar, same amp, same exact settings on both - and it's beautiful. Fabulous, chills-inducing tone that makes me play and sing the way I always want to, but sometimes can't. Go figure. Having said that:
I love my Katana 100. I love my EC Vibro Champ. I love my Mustang III. I love my Princeton Reverb. I like all my amps, and there are lots of 'em, but you get the idea: There are crappy SS amps, and there are good ones. There are crappy tube amps, and there are good ones. And as players, we have crappy days, and good ones. |
#26
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I really like the tone of the "Milkman" amps until I saw the price...really?? Starting at 1500.00, if you really "need" that sound it is very good but...for home use? Sorry, I'll check out some others.
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#27
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I just about bought a Katana. The cleans were very good, but sterile to my ears (I have been blowing harp through tube amps since the '90's). I also like my amps to be simple. For a gigging musician that needs it's features, the 50 watt Katana is hard to beat. It's very light weight makes it a valuable tool as well as it's diverse functionality. It's tone wasn't for me, but I didn't really give it a thorough test drive.
Although I prefer simple tube amps, I have now become a pedal-junky - so it's 6 of one, half dozen of the other I guess. When I was looking, I also considered the Bluescube. The Vox heads in person convinced me to go another route. If I go SS, it will be an Orange Crush. Brutal distortion channel.
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Roy Ibanez, Recording King, Gretsch, Martin G&L, Squier, Orange (x 2), Bugera, JBL, Soundcraft Our duo website - UPDATED 7/26/19 |
#28
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I just received a 1980 Black face Deluxe Reverb from Laurent Brondel. It is super clean. Took it to band practice last night. At 22 watts it’s far louder than either of my Tweed Deluxes.
Super clean with volume at 3, I used my Zen Drive to get it closer to my Tweed Deluxe tone. My tweeds, an old Fender and a newer Victoria, are great for practice, but live without a microphone aren’t cutting through. Another problem us that after 45 minutes they sometimes get a crappy brown tone and lose headroom. We shall see how the new DR is live.
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#29
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Hi-fi - is somewhat about the above too, but IMO leans toward having a good clean stereo / video system to reproduce the sound - with lots of ability to customize with tone controls, effects, etc. Perhaps semantics. Enjoy the music!
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#30
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Taylor 512ce Urban Ironbark Fender Special Edition Stratocaster Eastman SB59 |