Amplification Situation
Ahhh. Amplifiers. In Skycycle I had two amps I got from Black Market Music in Los Angeles (a great vintage second-hand store). A Fender Twin for my clean tone, and a Marshall 4x12 cabinet with a JCM900 head I'd had since '93 with it. The cabinet was orange leather. I played Strats all the time, and my tone was great, I loved it. It was really hard lugging two huge amps to shows, plus my guitar, plus a backup guitar and a pedalboard. Really sucked. To this day I've had maybe two or three shows in my life with a roadie or guitar tech. It's always been me shlepping my gear in and out of the trunk/street/stage/back home. One day during rehearsal the Fender Twin started spazzing out, as it would pretty often, and I had a fit and threw it in the pool.
My bass player thought I was crazy. Well, he was right, for that couple minutes I was. There the amp sat at the bottom of the pool til a gardener fished it out one day. I used to have a very bad temper. Many, many such items have met a similar or more violent fate. I feel much calmer these days, but some times....
Now the job is to find a new amp set up. I have a Line 6 at home, and sold that Marshall. This week I drove around L.A. and tried out some new candidates. Yesterday it was "Black Cat".
I went to meet John Ferrante the artist rep for Black Cat, who I found out I knew through Kelly. He had a space up in the Valley where you could plug into a few Black Cats and see what was up. Black Cats are a boutique amp, a "Class A" amp. Apparently Class A amps, are really really well made, and have impeccable tone, no substitute. My friend Luke from Penfifteen Club plays a Matchless (a class A) and has insane tone. Black Cats were started by one of the Matchless guys and are on that level or better depending on who you ask. They are also supposed to be better for rock and overdriven tones.
I played a Hot Cat and it was great, I really liked it. The overdrive was warm and aggressive and the responsiveness was great. I also liked that you can get it with almost any color leather you want on it. It looked solid, and while the look of the thing was a little bit retro for me, the sound was right on. My only criticism was the clean sound. There were only two knobs for clean - volume and "tone" a click pot. I didn't really find a clean tone that impressed me on the amp. The other drag is that there is a 1-2 month wait time on getting one. What!!?? We have a show and studio time booked in the next month, and (in Veruca Salt voice) I WANT IT NOOOOOOOWWWWWW!!!
John was extremely knowledgeable and friendly and it was a pleasure getting to know the amps at his place. The price was pretty common for Class A amps: REALLY REALLY EXPENSIVE.
Today I tried out "Divided by 13" amps. These amps are made by one guy, one at a time down in San Pedro. The whole "one guy makes them one-by-one" mythology had me interested, so I called up "The Man" Fred Taccone and he graciously invited me into his garage/shop and schooled me on the ways of the Divided by 13 amp. He was the bass player for the punk band DI, and has rock cred for days. He is really gool guy, and I really appreciated his approach: He worked on so many amps as a technician, that one day someone just asked him to build the perfect amp, so he did. Then word got around. He's made something like 200.
It sounded good, but the price... hmmm, without telling too much, let's just say were I to buy it, that would be 50% of my total money, period. That is pretty scary. I will have to think about it.
The question now is, to buy or not to buy the 13. (which triggers all kinds of additional questions: "to eat or not to eat", etc...)
Comments
LMAO at the amp in the pool story!
Sounds like you had fun roadtesting...I'd say go for the 13... (what's money? think you illustated that with the deleted post :)) Food and gas, mate, food and gas!
As for Dave's comment about the guitar... I think that's a bit "goth calling kettle black" (wondering if this is a bastardisation of an english, in which case it probably won't make sense)
Have a good one
RP
x
Posted by: RecklessPrincess | September 17, 2004 12:37 AM
steve, again fun to read about the amps...
what about the bogner shivas? they are 2 channel and considered the best 2 channel amp there is. they make a head and a combo. volume would not be an issue, as with any boutique amp (they're all louder than shit!)
http://www.bogneramplification.com/ShivaInfo.htm
i've seen cantrell use these heads live.
frankly, these are just amazing. but there's lots of amazing amps, that's for sure. are you strictly looking for a 2 channel? that kinda narrows things down quite a bit.
Posted by: chris | September 17, 2004 02:09 AM
i can relate to the "amp fright", particularly on these high end amps, they are soooo articulate and responsive...
Posted by: chris | September 17, 2004 02:12 AM
Oh Steve...all the crazy tech talk makes my head spin...but I'll have you know that I read every damn word even though its like reading Greek to me... Διαβάζετε τα ελληνικά? hee hee hee. Can't wait to see you guys live!!!
Posted by: Abby | September 17, 2004 02:23 AM
What!!?? We have a show and studio time booked in the next month
what a great news! seems album release is so close!
fantastic!
can't wait!
have a nice day Steve. i wish you all the best.
Obvious
Posted by: Obvious | September 17, 2004 05:51 AM
Dude, don't back down from Dave on the guitar. Get what you like and tell him to can it!!!!
Posted by: Kevin | September 17, 2004 06:54 AM
ROFL at the Veruca Salt reference ( I could almost picture her!) It sounds like you had an awesome day! Abby, I am with you on the geek Greek, but, think about it, it's probably how I sound when I am describing my hunt for the perfect outfit to showcase "my" talent.
Steve, steve,steve, what's money got to do with it? It sounds like you really were feeling the purple vibe..in your own words "push on!"
As far as the "plan for your guitar"....sounded a little Pinky and the Brain to me...you should have put a mwahahahhaha
Have a great day, Steve, see you AND your amp at the show!!
Hey, Freak, can I call myself Agent Impatient now?
jezebel
Posted by: jezebel | September 17, 2004 07:55 AM
Freak,
I'd love to call myself Agent Impatient now too...
how long do we have to wait for e-mail back?
Posted by: Obvious | September 17, 2004 09:23 AM
Steve- Sorry about the amp thing, the Bad Cat & Divided by 13 sounds cool too but yeah I agree Class A stuff is pricey. As far as other boutiqie amps have you checked out TopHat-there stuff is rad and well of course Bogner's are cool to. Since you are playing a new tele have you ever checked out a Fender Tone Master (head) amp. I have heard that Fenders sound better through Fender amps. Maybe I could be wrong but maybe... I know Chris Whitley used them for awhile. Fender Tone Master's are made by the Fender custom shop. Those heads are sweet, check it out not as much as the Type A stuff. Just throwing some options out there for you. Hope you find what you need. Take care Brett
Posted by: Brett | September 17, 2004 09:46 AM
ooh, Obvious, I got my email a couple days ago, that's why I thought it was ok, but if you want to be more Agent MORE impatient, that's cool with me!!!
I'm waiting to find out if there's a secret handshake
jezzi
Posted by: jezebel | September 17, 2004 10:30 AM
i played my teles through a fender tonemaster for about a year and was extremely happy with everything. JIMMY PAGE uses them live.
Posted by: chris | September 17, 2004 12:25 PM
Buy the 13...it's purple, I think it was meant for you. Besides...you only live once!
Posted by: Cori | September 17, 2004 01:24 PM
PS...If you buy the 13 and run out of food money, let me know, I'll send you a care package...I'm a pretty good cook! ;)
Posted by: Cori | September 17, 2004 01:26 PM
Steve, too funny, I'm still laughing, and so I can't think of anything clever to say yet. :P
Posted by: ylais | September 17, 2004 02:29 PM
Okay, here's what I would do if I were in your position. BUY THE PURPLE AMP.
it's what you want, if I had been there in that position, i would have bought the amp,
i want the best, and what i feel is just right, and i've been told by my friends that I'm like that. Bet you are too, or you wouldn't have thrown a fender in a pool. :P
And the I want it now, I totally agree, what are they thinking, selling amps and making people wait for them?!
Black guitar, I'm down with it, goth, punk, whatever, I wanted black and couldn't get one left-handed.
And you got a plan..hahahahahahaaaaa.....
Isn't the amp tax deductable for you being it's for your business? Okay, well, you'd have to wait for that, but hey get the purple amp.
Riss, don't kill me okay!
Love
Lisa
xxxx
Posted by: ylais | September 17, 2004 02:42 PM
I have also heard that Fenders sound better though Fender amps, and I have a Fender amp, but I haven't tried any others, so how would I know?
I can't imagine anything being better than the custom made divided by 13 one.
Posted by: ylais | September 17, 2004 02:47 PM
me again, anyone notice the women all say buy ti, but the guys aren't saying that?
Posted by: ylais | September 17, 2004 02:49 PM
jezzi
i'm still waiting for e-mail back, don't know where i should ask now, i tried to contact Freak (after sending my Agent name and location as Steve proposed) but no luck. what should i do?
Obvious
Posted by: Obvious | September 17, 2004 03:32 PM
Well, Obvious, here's what I can do, I am registered, and I don't think it means anything right now except the heads up we are supposed to get about TPC show the day before. If that happens, I will send it to you, cause I already have good idea of when where and who (I'm like a f@@king Sherlock, as my 'former' boyfriend once said, granted, he only had to say it once :) )
Anywho.. other than that, there hasn't been any news from him, I also emailed him asking what being an agent entails, so, here's the deal..
I dub thee Agent Impatient, since I am unable to perform my duties, the title will go to the first runner up....wear the crown well, my friend
oh, and you have to buy me a drink at the show
I can't think of any other alternative, they've grounded the Concords or I would go over there right now and give Freak a stern talking to.
Posted by: jezebel | September 17, 2004 03:54 PM
Steve, I would gamble 5% of my money and try to win the remainder 45% needed and quit there. If it's meant for you to buy the amp then you'll win the money and if not you only lost 5% and can still borrow Dave's until the right fit comes.
Posted by: Wendybird | September 17, 2004 05:42 PM
I'm sorry, but for goodness sake, trust the girls to say "buy the purple one"!
It's the same with cars, isn't it?
(Go on, you know you want that 13 Steve.... can't you hear it calling to you?)
RP
x
Posted by: RecklessPrincess | September 17, 2004 06:18 PM
ok, here's my idea for the girls that want our dear Steve to buy the unaffordable purple amp...I think there needs to be some kind of donation booth set up at the TPC show, Maybe we girls could sell kisses or something, I am willing to sacrifice my lips for such a worthy cause, how bout you Abby, Wendy, Princess, I know you are overtheocean, but, you could participate too!!, with Lisa, and Maria, and Sophia, Kisses from girls that play guitar left-handed and have hazel eyes are extra!!
C'mon Steve, it's an agent thing!!!
Posted by: jezebel | September 17, 2004 06:31 PM
I owned a taxi for twenty years, if I ever needed a new cab I bought the best one I could, if you want to do the job properly you have to, Steve I should imagine the same applies in the music industry, if it was just a hobby you have to be a bit more careful, but with you it is more serious thing, so buy the amp you want.
Hey Jez...Lisa is my woman....What do I get out of this? OH!!! I have just been told by Lisa, "Hey You get enough already, it's time for others to get a turn"..... :P
Hey I think I am glad I am in the UK now.
David
Agent 42
Posted by: David | September 17, 2004 07:46 PM
Steve-
Whats $$$ got to do with your happiness? spend the money you'll get more later on when we all buy your album and come see you play out when you tour the US. Besides it would be kick ass to look on stage and see the purple amp and know the story behind your hunt for the perfect amp. Go for it dude!
r3
Posted by: r3 | September 17, 2004 08:03 PM
Do not gamble, it has nothing to do with fate~it has to do with probability, and you probably won't win.
And I am sure Steve knows that already.
Kisses From Chicks With Hazel Eyes That Play Guitar Left-Handed! :D
(It's our new band!)
Lisa
xxxx
Posted by: ylais | September 17, 2004 10:32 PM
Well...I went and scoped out the uhh..."Spanish Castle Magic" today just to make sure I could find it since I've never been before...and I'm glad I did! It wasn't very easy to see...(and this was during the day)! lol ;)
Posted by: Abby | September 18, 2004 01:42 AM
Lisa...well...I have grayish greenish eyes and can hardly play the guitar...right-handed...so...uhh...can I be in the band too?!? (lol)....I mean...maybe I could play the drums...then it won't matter as much what-handed I am, and you can shove me in the back so no one can see my not-so-hazel eyes lol... ;)
Posted by: Abby | September 18, 2004 01:46 AM
Good Lord, what have I done????
Abby, in MY band, you would be the Alicia Silverstone in the Awrosmith video role....( Is that a sentence?)
You set your own price, my friend....
Posted by: jezebel | September 18, 2004 02:57 AM
jezzi...step away from the keyboard... you are channeling Scooby-Doo....Awrosmith
Listening to Joni.... You turn me on, I'm a radio..
Abby, see, I LOVE a girl who finds her own directions.
Best agents are known for reconnaissance, renassaince? whatever......hey,Steve, can't I register here so I have an edit button..That's my fav combo, by the way
Control
Alt
Delete
All together now
Posted by: jezebel | September 18, 2004 03:03 AM
Abby, I think Jez has said you're in the band. Trying to remember the Alicia Silverstone/Aerosmith video, but anyway I know who she is so I can imagine.
Posted by: ylais | September 18, 2004 10:42 AM
Lisa, Lisa
had a lover once who said
they should hook breathalyzers up to
cpus....
Good day, and welcome to Saturday!
Abby is our girl riding backwards on the motorcycle, I forget which of the three vids that was!!
You, sexy one, are the lead guitarist!
me, I am management/publicity/guest vocalist/guitarist/serving at the pleasure of/freakishly strong schlepper of equipment
We are future opening act for TPC!
Agent 42, don't hate me because I love your lady!
jezzi
Agent Provocateur
Posted by: jezebel | September 18, 2004 12:44 PM
hey, i'm all up for selling kisses.
i don't call myself Panic Agent 69 for nothin'! ;)
although Panic Agent Mouse probably suits me better.
no hazel eyes or left handed playing here, brown eyes and a righty.
Maria
Posted by: mortisha8 | September 18, 2004 01:54 PM
the picture with the amp... fuckin priceless.
go with the divided by 13's... you'll be makin some ridiculous money from the Panic Channel anyway, right? I mean... dave on his own practically has his own nation, and there are a ton of people who love perk and chris, they have their own little armies of fans... then all of your fans... all the skycycle fans will prolly pick up the album, so i say go for it! but i wasnt there, and i didnt test it, so i can't make a desicion from my stand-point.
anyway, keep on keepin on... make that money!!!
Posted by: paperdove | September 18, 2004 07:09 PM
Ahh,Maria.....nothing like a brown eyed girl....I'm telling you, we need to have the CounterAgency....women only!
Posted by: jezebel | September 18, 2004 08:11 PM