What kind of amp do you use?

brian_l · Post by **brian_l** » Mon Oct 24, 2005 3:55 pm

Besides my Ampeg, I also play though a late 60s Baldwin Professional Custom 2X12 solid state combo. This amp is perfect for that Rick jangle. I plugged my 360 into a Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal, then into the amp and it had crunch like you wouldn't believe! If you can find one of these rare (and fairly inexpensive) beasts, by all means grab it. You won't be sorry.

longhouse · Post by **longhouse** » Mon Oct 24, 2005 7:21 pm

John, I haven't made it over to Willcutt to try one out personally yet. However, I will take my 1997SPC/VB and 360V64 when I do -and report back here. That said, based on what I've read (and the MP3s at Bogner's site), I would buy one sight unseen.
The reviews at Harmony Central have been interesting (for whatever they're worth):

http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data/Bogner/

I cannot imagine any further tone-yearnings after I add this to my (small) backline.

Just need to decide between the 1X12, 2X12, or 4X10!

revolver · Post by **revolver** » Thu Oct 27, 2005 10:54 am

1972 Hiwatt Custom 50 with matching 4x12 cabinet. I purchased it in England ten years ago from the original owner. He had used it as a keyboard amp up until the late 70's when he got a smaller solid state amp. It sat in his garage since then and his wife wanted it out!

I had just joined a London band and needed an amp quick and cheap. I had no idea what a Hiwatt was but my jaw dropped when I saw it.

It sounds incredible, is roadworthy and beautiful. The best part? It was 200 pounds sterling! (about $400 U.S.D)

robcollins · Post by **robcollins** » Sun Oct 30, 2005 10:46 am

I sold my Mesa Boogie DC3 earlier in the year and bought a Carr Mercury which I am over the moon with. the DC3 was 30 watts and far too powerful for modest home studio volume levels. The Mercury sounds incredible with my 360/12 and janglebox. - In fact there is a picture of my 360/12 and the Mercury on the gallery page on the carr website. (www.carramps.com)

mark_revel · Post by **mark_revel** » Sun Oct 30, 2005 11:44 am

I'm running my new 650 Dakota thru my POD 2.0 direct into the PA. I really dig the AC-30 setting as well as the Marshall JTM-45 Bluesbreaker setting. I love the amount of tones I can get.
Works for me.

Mark

arbiter · Post by **arbiter** » Sun Oct 30, 2005 12:00 pm

Is the hiwatt tube?

longhouse · Post by **longhouse** » Sun Oct 30, 2005 2:12 pm

The best picture on their site, Robert!
*the '59 Tele is a close second

I considered the Mercury (for my $$$ amp) but can't get past the Bogner Metropolis.

revolver · Post by **revolver** » Tue Nov 01, 2005 12:31 pm

>Is the hiwatt tube?

It is indeed Graham, a pair of EL34's.

eggman · Post by **eggman** » Wed Nov 02, 2005 4:07 pm

Howdy,

For gettin' my Ya-Ya's out with my MG 360/6 I like my li'l old '68 Vibro-Champ! This diminuitive gem will grunt snort and snarl when my blonde 360 is breathing through that little Alnico jensen speaker.
For Beatle-ish tones, I prefer my 360/6 to go through my '65 BF Princeton. This amp isn't near so quick to overdrive; lotsa headroom.
For my 620/12, I use my red-knobbed Fender Super 112. This amp is under-rated for clean applications. Great for Byrds tones. Back to that Vibro-Champ, it's great for "Born on the Bayou" or "Get Off My Cloud"!

Eggman

brammy · Post by **brammy** » Sat Nov 05, 2005 2:42 pm

I use a VOX AC15 and its great... soooo sweet! I have a Roland JC-60 as a solid state backup but always consider it a step down when I use it.

J. Phelps said: "I'm thinking about maybe a new AC15CC when they come out."

WOW.... any idea when will that be?

soundmasterg · Post by **soundmasterg** » Sat Nov 05, 2005 3:46 pm

If you've never taken a look inside a vintage Hiwatt, you're in for a treat. One of the best looking constructed amps around. Everything inside is wired up to mil-spec and it is just pretty. Theres a couple issues with the stock layout, but overall they are a mostly bulletproof amp with tons of tone. Think Pete Townshend from The Who or Dave Gilmour from Pink Floyd for sound comparisons.

Dave, I'd suggest to use high quality EL34's in there like JJ or Winged C, or NOS. I'd also suggest to add a 1k 5 w sandbox resistor to the screen on each power tube. Also, the bias supply should be modifed into a voltage doubler circuit so it can supply a higher negative voltage to the power tubes bias. Your power tubes will last longer and be less likely to blow this way. The way the amp is designed stock, the bias voltage is too low, so the tubes run too hot and war out quickly and weaker tubes can't take it and will blow. They also don't have individual screen resistors, which is necessary with today's power tube quality. Any tech could do this for you and the cost should be around $70 or less.