Author Topic: Guitar Rig (Read 555 times)

strangerones · « **on:** January 07, 2005, 09:58:40 AM »

Just thinking of putting something together. What I have in mind is:

Mesa Stereo 50/50 power amp
Mesa 2x12 3/4 Back cab
Alembic F-2B Preamp
Alembic S-F2 Superfilter

I've only ever used combos, so I don't know a whole lot about putting a rig together. Does this sound like it would work? Anyone have any better suggestions for powers amps and speaker cabs?

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** January 07, 2005, 10:36:09 AM »

There was a thread sometime in the last couple months on tube power amps for guitar.

David Houck · « **Reply #2 on:** January 07, 2005, 11:15:04 AM »

Well, I looked around for a while but could not find the thread. I may just be imagining things. But it does seem that someone around mentioned a similar setup.

pace · « **Reply #3 on:** January 07, 2005, 11:56:20 AM »

Here's a rig I use which is similar:
Mesa 90/90
Mesa Studio pre
2 Mesa 1x12 open back EV's

This is a great setup, Ive been using it since '98. I would love to pick up an F-2B and Superfilter (they would take up the same space as my Mesa pre). I would then have a true stereo set up, but I would still need to find a decent reverb unit.....

Sounds like a good setup, but what speakers would the cab be equipped with? I like the 90watts @ 8ohms to each EV~ It doesnt sound like they're about to break up, but it's not like that sterile underpowered Twin w/ JBLs sound either...

-Mike

strangerones · « **Reply #4 on:** January 07, 2005, 11:57:25 AM »

Dave,

Thanks. I looked for it as well and had no luck. I may just have to take the plunge and try it out anyway...

hollis · « **Reply #5 on:** January 07, 2005, 12:19:33 PM »

Hi James,

I think that would be an awesome sounding guitar rig. I run my SF-2 through my Mesa DC-50 combo with Mesa's 2X12 3/4 back cab. and it rips! I've got the combo so I use it (for the reverb and the overdrive). I use a Demeter reverb unit for recording through an F-1X and the SF-2. Sometimes straight in, sometimes through the Mesa. Either way, it sounds great. The reverb is something that I would really miss if I were without it.

strangerones · « **Reply #6 on:** January 07, 2005, 01:25:36 PM »

Mike,
I believe the particular cab I'm looking at has Celestion V30s, but I'll have to look as I'm not sure. Two 1x12's sounds interesting and is something I may consider. I've heard that the wattage of an amplifier has nothing to do so much with how loud the amp is. Instead it has to do with when the clean signal begins to break up. Is this true? I guess what I'm getting at is:
What exactly would the difference be between the 90/90 poweramp that you use and the 50/50 that I was looking at?
I apologize for the amatuerish questions, I've just begun learning about amplifiers.

Hollis,

I'll look into the Demeter reverb unit, as I'm going to need one. I currently play through the reissue of the 59 Fender Bassman that doesn't have reverb so I got this Digitech reverb pedal that belongs in a junkyard.

Thanks guys, for the input.

strangerones · « **Reply #7 on:** January 07, 2005, 01:27:38 PM »

Hollis,

I just saw you use the F-1X. As a guitar player, would you suggest that, or the F-2B?

hollis · « **Reply #8 on:** January 07, 2005, 01:54:38 PM »

I'm not sure about the F-2B, but our local guitar guru Bill tgo said in another thread that he asked the good folks at Alembic and the F-1X also uses the pre-amp of the classic Fender Dual Showman as its blueprint. Some say the F-2B is better suited for guitar, I wouldn't know. I don't own one, so I have nothing to compare it to.

Also please note that I bought the F-1X for my Persuader's rig. It was my good fortune that it works for me for guitar as well.

The differences (I think) are not so much in the pre amp section as in the other features of each. The F-1X is a one channel preamp with DI's, effect loop, and either crossed over or not. The F-2B has two channels. As far as the other differences, I'm not real sure. I do know that they are different animals, and they list for the same $$'s. Someone better versed may climb aboard soon to better explain......

(Message edited by hollis on January 07, 2005)

hollis · « **Reply #9 on:** January 07, 2005, 02:06:13 PM »

Sorry, double post

(Message edited by hollis on January 07, 2005)

David Houck · « **Reply #10 on:** January 07, 2005, 02:19:39 PM »

Hollis; is that the Demeter RV-1 spring reverb? Have you tried playing your bass through it?

Anybody else play a bass through one?

hollis · « **Reply #11 on:** January 07, 2005, 02:35:32 PM »

Dave,

That's the one. I love it. It's a beautiful piece of equipment. Very warm, rich, and very clean. I haven't run the bass through it, but I will this weekend and I'll let you know what I think. I can't imagine that it'll be a bad revue, it's really a nice piece.

David Houck · « **Reply #12 on:** January 07, 2005, 02:46:02 PM »

Hollis; the lack of parameters, compared to a digital reverb, concerns me, as I from time to time tweak the settings on my Midiverb, and there's not much to tweak on the Demeter. Still, I'm guessing the difference in sound between analog and digital reverb is significant. I look forward to your review.

hollis · « **Reply #13 on:** January 07, 2005, 03:06:15 PM »

Dave,

I have a Alesis Midi Verb, and a Yamaha REV100, they both work fine, but the Demeter blows them both away. It is more of a feel thing, but I've had no problems dialing in whatever I need. To my ear, it sounds a lot better than the digital units. Maybe it's cause I'm kind of simple minded and its simplicity appeals to me. But I really do hear a difference. I'll A/B/C the three with the bass this weekend. Who knows, I might even be surprised at the outcome.... I'll let you know.

David Houck · « **Reply #14 on:** January 07, 2005, 03:26:20 PM »

Thanks Hollis.