Splawn Quickrod

Started by DF400-fgn, August 09, 2011, 09:24:08 PM

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DF400-fgn

Well, just when I said I was done with new gear, here I go again. I just ordered a Splawn Quickrod. I have been a Hot Rodded Marshall fan for many years, and have owned many modded amps over the years - Jose, Voodoo Amps, etc. I have yearned for the sound of those screaming beasts again. I have found what I think is probably the best sounding Brown Sound out there - the Quickrod. I spent some time with one recently and fell victim once again. I should get mine in about 6 weeks - I will post a review once I do.  Perhaps next one my list - Scumback speakers...


MCK-fgn

Congratulations!!! Did you look into the Mojave line?
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DF400-fgn

Thanks!

Yes, I did try the Mojave - and have had the chance to play through a couple. Victor Mason, playing through his amps, is one of the closest likeness to Eddies sound I've ever heard. The Dirty Boy, with the built-in Variac is quite the rave with some of my buddies.

The Quick Rod just sounds more crude and more organic to my ear. The clean sounds are also excellent. I also considered the Bogner 20th Anniversary Shiva (although a different sound) and a Wizard amp (although too expensive).

MCK-fgn

DirtyBoy is amazing! I have #014 and it is one of those keep till you meet your maker amps. I really really enjoy it. Contrary to its typical image, the cleans from it are also amazing!
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Elantric-fgn

Heres a site with a comparison of a Splawn to a VG-99
http://www.splawnamps.co.uk/index-1.html
. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

MCK-fgn

Great balanced review. Thanks for sharing.



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photonutalan1-fgn

Thanks, Elantric, for finding that review! To my ears, there's no comparison; the VG-99 wins in all categories. It's rich, full, an earful of harmonics and depth, smooth, just super-cool! The Splawn: anemic at best. Just sayin'; one man's opinion. Thanks for the listen!

Bill Ruppert-fgn

#7
Unfortunately its that kind of player that killed the VG-99.
He could have matched the sounds very close had he spent some time learning to EQ and properly pick amp and cabs.
Very sad.
Quote from:  Elantric on August 15, 2011, 02:46:57 PM
Heres a site with a comparison of a Splawn to a VG-99
http://www.splawnamps.co.uk/index-1.html

MCK-fgn

I must admit I did not listen to the sound clips when I said great balanced review above. I simply enjoyed reading someone not trashing the VG99 after a comparison with a totally different product.
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Elantric-fgn

QuoteI must admit I did not listen to the sound clips

Same here -  I cant always listen to things I see on the net at the time I post them.

I just found the fact that ANYONE had ANY clips comparing a VG-99 to a Splawn Amp to be of interest - thus the posted link.
. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

DF400-fgn

Although I have purchased (and enjoyed) many Roland products (and other modeling devices) - I would never categorize or compare them to a real tube amp. I just walked in a few minutes ago from a concert here in Mammoth Lakes, California that featured the Parachute, Michelle Branch and others and headlined by The Goo Goo Dolls. The featured bands played a variety of amps, including Fender, Marshall, Bogner, Vox others ( although most commonly Vox). Fortunate for us, there is an amp flavor for every guitar palette.

Not only was that comparison ill conceived, it is a terrible quality recording.

MCK-fgn

So how is the Rod? Received it yet?
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DF400-fgn

I have not, build time is estimated at 8-10 weeks (although they said that I would receive it in about 6 weeks from when I ordered it). The only issue that I anticipate is that the volume goes from whisper to ear-bleeding loud. I will be using a TC Electronics G-Major 2 for the fx (that I had shelved for a few months after having bought the AxeFx). I have read that some run it through the fx loop, then tame the output with the level controls on the G-Major - we shall see.

One interesting observation from watching the Goo Goo Dolls perform live. First, they were spot on and sounded great. However, the probably played between 25 and 30 songs and the lead singer (and guitarist), John Rzeznik, changed guitars every single song and had about 30 guitars set up off the side to the stage - I have never seen anything like it. And I thought I had GAS issues! His arsenal included the standards - including Fender and Gibson and acoustics that looked to be Taylors. He also used multiple open tunings. All amps were off stage though, so I could not see what he was using. Although I have not been a huge Goo Goo Dolls fan, i love seeing bands that have withstood the test of time - and they have done that (with about 14 songs breaking into the top 10 charts).

I will post some recordings once I get that elusive 'Rod...


Elantric-fgn

#13
QuoteHe also used multiple open tunings.

This explains the need for all the different guitars.

Changing guitars for each song is becoming common at concerts I attend.

The bottom line goal for any live show is to allow the artists to deliver their best performance.

Even the B-52's had two guitarists and two guitar roadies to help swap guitars nearly every tune - due to a need for a custom tuning in that song.
 
With the economy as it is, Concerts are crucial to the bands existence. Its where the money is.
I witness the larger acts have beefed up the rehearsals, they are all tighter today than 10 years ago,  and are more focused on duplicating the sound of the record for the live show (to please the fans) - even if it means 22 different guitars in different tunings waiting in the wings, and roadies changing guitars every song. 

I just caught Stone Temple Pilots at a live show last night, and these days their live shows sound better than their records. (pretty damn amazing)
 
. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

DF400-fgn

#14
I would have loved to see STP - great band! I totally agree - bands just sound better today than in years past. What I love is that the focus is now on the quality of the sound, and not the volume! They had a full sound, yet you could still carry a conversation with someone next to you!

Yeah, TGGD had a busy guitar tech. I would love to have on of those guitar techs! He spend the whole day tunings all of the guitars, then when he finished the last one - he would start over again.

I crawled around the stage at the show in Mammoth - top notch gear, lights and setup. I guestimate that they have $200,000 plus in moving head spots alone! Here they are doing a cover of Give a Little Bit (Supertramp) taken with my iPhone.

DF400-fgn

Well, it finally arrived just yesterday. Although I have not had enough time to put it through the paces, I do have some first impressions:

For starters, it's built like a tank. Solid construction, nice attention to detail and handsome. Fit and finish of a quality piece of kit.

Initial impressions on sound: LOUD, although after all I had read, that was to be expected. Great old Marshall tones. Does a variety of models, from Plexi to modded 900 - although unmistakably Marshall-esque.

I love the tone, although I do think that I will have to modify my playing style. Lots of attack, and not as much tube sustain as I am used to - which makes it somewhat unforgiving.

It is VERY sensitive to the speakers in your cab. In just A/Bing with the speakers and cab I have, my impression is that it does not like Vintage 30.
More later, after I have more time with this beauty!

MCK-fgn

Congratulations!!! Cab design & red knobs look great. I hope to hear some clips from you once you settle down with the amp! All the best
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