Hi Muris,
As you might have seen my other thread in the gear forum, I have been looking for a good small amp. I don't have access to any tube amps so don't have any idea which would be the best. I have been looking for a good amp for quite a while and can't decide which one to get. I have some cash now and really want to get one great tube amp which I can use for home practice and recording. If not amp, I am also ready to get any preamps or such like the triaxis. You have all sorts of experiences so I would love to hear yours. I am sure you might have done quite a lot of research when you got your triaxis too.
What were your preferences? I am asking this because I like your tone in your records.
Thanks so much.
Hi.
Thing with my recordings, I haven't used Triaxis for those.
My first album was done with Rocktron Prophesy (which I still have)
and for all other stuff I record (GMC lessons included)
I use different things, depending of what I'm looking for.
I used Korg Pandora PX4D A LOT.
Now I use GR3 since I like the option to change the tone after I record my part.
Amp wise, I have Engl Souvereign 2x12 combo hooked with G-Force in FX loop.
I also still have Mesa Triaxis and 2:90 (with few cabs)
but this combo thing works better for me,
better attack and response, probably because of less cables.
It's a sweet amp, 4 channels, all tube, midi etc.
But it costs around 2300 euros.
Rocktron is good deal for buck imo.
I had Voodoo Valve years ago, very nice drives and cleans.
Effects are not top notch (at least not like G-Force)
but they DO the job, no doubt.
Triaxis is cool but pretty expensive and dry whatsoever,
you would need some extra FX unit to work with it.
It all comes down to your budget I'm afraid,
tell me how much money do you have and I can point you at some gear.
Great to hear your gear experiences. I am really not restricting myself on the bugdet right now. I want to get THE AMP and settle with it for a lifetime (hopefully) so I am thinking I can spend quite a bit. I want to have a list of amps and then look for the feasibility of them bringing home.
I will look into the amps you have mentioned.
Thanks Muris.
How about Marshall JCM 800 or 900 heads through speaker simulators?
apologies for butting in Muris - have a look at this site http://www.amptone.com/amptonemp3s.htm maharzan, it contains mp3 sound clips and links to other sites of quite a lot of tube amps and simulators. Could be helpful in giving you at least an idea of what the various amps are like and so help narrow down your list.
One thing to think about for home practising...
Valve amps need to be run hot to get the best out of them. 50W/100W is extremely loud for home use and can produce spl that could cause you hearing problems. I would recommend that you get an attenuator at the same time as you get the amp. If you don't want to do this then you either need to get a non valve amp or a much smaller one (ie 5W or less) for home use.
If you get a preamp then this may not be an issue as some preamps include a built in speaker dummy load switch.
also try http://www.netmusicians.org/ link. Quite a few of links on the other one are out of date but this seems to work better.
Thanks Tony! appreciated.
will take a look.
Thanks Muris. I have been thinking that as well. Preamps would be great I think. But I want to 'own' an amp as well (which I don't right now) and feel the sound. I am actually done with DSP. I am just not liking that digital sound you know. I have a DigiTech GNX4 and though it sounds cool and a lot of options, I have had enough of it. Similar with all VTS plugins. Thus looking more into actual warmth / punchy / tube sounds.
Roctron seems more like DSP though I liked the video demo on the Prophesy. I am looking into tube amps / preamps mostly for records I will be making in near future (which I want to do desparately). I have recorded with GNX4 and other digital pedals and I am hating the thin, sharp sounding tone. For practice, recording licks, GR3 is great.. easy / fast setup.
At one time earlier I was nearly going to get the Mesa Boogie Mark II amp only to reconsider because shipping was more expensive than the amp itself. I like the Mesa Boogie Tone too. From the other thread, many are recommending Blackstar HT-5 amps. I am looking into those as well.
I will look into the Voodu valve preamp.
Looking into this right now..
Just a quick question Muris: What exactly is a Triaxis? Is it like a tube preamp but also has a digital circuitry to store presets?
and What is 2:90 for? Is it a simulator or a power amp? can it connect directly to 2x12 cabs for example or to the computer for recording?
Sorry .. no idea and the desc on the mesa site isn't so clear to me.
Thanks.
Sorry for flooding but while I was searching I got into this also: Mesa Boogie Studio Preamp
Sounds like its antic now but sounds good. And a lot cheaper too (I think). Selling for around $500 used.. or less
Thanks again Muris. That hurted a bit (about Digitech).. But I really want to get the 5 tubes thing and feel that world and never look back. I will need to save and find a way about shipping.
Not a problem at all Muris. Learnt many things purchasing and trying out different amps. Never actually knew how tubes / analog were until I used that box.
Looking for triaxis - Found one on austrian site:
http://cgi.ebay.at/Mesa-Boogie-Triaxis-Preamp-V2-01-Rectifier_W0QQitemZ260459460547QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAmps?hash=item3ca497f7c3&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
Looks good condition (need some translation though). But 1580 euro is like (little high). What do you think? Not many seem to sell the triaxis.
This one from the German site: http://cgi.ebay.de/Mesa-Boogie-Triaxis-2-1_W0QQitemZ250480384323QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAmps?hash=item3a51cb5943&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14#ht_750wt_1167
Looks like European versions are expensive that US ones.. (shipping?)
So, I am guessing it would be cheaper to get it from the US and then ship it (together). One of my friends shipped fender telecaster from US at $200 (shipping).. (now that was cheap ).. so even if it costs 1200 $ (looks like most of them sell on that range) I am ready to pay upto $500 on shipping which comes out cheaper than in Europe. Even the brand new one costs $2000 (cheaper than in used one in europe).
The only concern is the 110V issue (which I am sure I can ask the local electricians to convert to 220V) or just use a converter, if that doesn't damage anything. I have done that before as well.
I am thinking of shipping all 3 triaxis, 2:90, g-force at once to save some shipping fees.. but that really depends on if I can find them.
Probably might need to bribe them (which is very common here).
Okay, I have searched GOOGLE and virtually found threads and sales and have also posted on two sites, jemsite and boogie forum but haven't yet found anyone selling. found very few in ebay. I might have to wait..
Ya.. probably, I will just try to get one at a time I guess. Can't seem to find all.
Ah, I found 2 items selling from the same guy at ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mesa-Boogie-Stereo-Simul-class-2-Ninety_W0QQitemZ290338576156QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item439987171c&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14#ht_1295wt_941
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mesa-Boogie-Triaxis-Rack-Mount-Tube-Pre-Amp-EXC_W0QQitemZ290338173096QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item439980f0a8&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14#ht_1331wt_941
Muris, from your experience, what can you tell about the item and the seller? safe to buy? and items looks good too. What do you say? I asked a question yesterday but haven't received any answer yet.
Oh and i forgot to ask you... What is the PHAT mode on triaxis? Do I need to get one with that mode? I saw it was recommended on your thread. How do we know it has that mode?
These 2 items look ok for what I've seen,
some minor scratches which is usual with all used rack gear.
And seller seems to be ok too, lots of deal with 97% feedback, that is pretty good.
Phat mode on Triaxis affects Lead 1 Red channel only,
it gives more lows and punch, sort of speak.
I think every Triaxis made after 97 is Phat version.
Phat mode is another individual thing, some people like it, some don't.
Truth is, you'll be able to get amazing sounds with or without Phat
and Triaxis without Phat can be upgraded to Phat for 100-200$, no big deal.
Cool.. I am trying to contact the seller but he hasn't got back to me yet.. I asked if he can ship worldwide.. I guess he doesn't like that idea. will see.
Thanks Muris.
Ok... we had a few conversations and he only ships to confirmed paypal address.. so will have to ask my friend in US to help me out.
Interestingly, all of his items have 0 bids ( only 2 items have 1 bids). What does that tell us?
Hmm... If things go well, I should have them in a few weeks.. m so excited.
I have not yet completely understood how G-Force comes into play. I believe this is more like a digital effects unit like chorus, delay, reverb, octave, etc (without the distortion) 24-bit. How do we connect it?
Guitar, Triaxis -> G-Force -> 2:90 -> cab ? (in a live situation)?
and Guitar -> Triaxis -> G-Force -> Computer for recording?
For live, what pedal you to change between like clean tone and the dist channel, or say another chorus channel? MIDI controller?
I missed a GForce unit for $685. (but the reserve was not met so i guess he will resell again).
For changing channels or any MIDI commans, any MIDI foot controller can do the job.
cool.. thanks Ivan.. I am not into MIDI that much.. perhaps when I get the gear, will try to discover them.
Okay found out that the triaxis is version 1. Should I get it or wait for another sale of v2.0? heard 2.0 is better.. ..
Original version is version 1.
nevermind
nevermind this post as well
Regarding Triaxis versions,
version 2 comes with Phat mode,
version 1 doesn't have Phat by default
but it can be upgraded easily, as I said.
There is also version 3 out, I think.
How to connect?
Triaxis has FX Loop and best way to connect G-Force with it
is via FX Loop, that means that signal from Triaxis goes to G-Force,
effects are added and then the whole thing is sent back to Triaxis.
This type of connection is very good for recording since
Triaxis has Recording Outputs with some kind of speaker simulators ON.
You can use same connection for live gigs as well,
in that case you would use main outs from Triaxis to send signal
further to power amp and then to a cab.
Some people prefer connecting then in serial way,
Triaxis -> G-Force-> Power amp etc.
This is matter of personal preference tho.
And yeah, any midi controller would work to change presets on both Triaxis and G-Force.
I have Rocktron Midimate and it works just fine.
Tho you would would need one small midi cable to connect Triaxis and G-Force:
from midi controller to Midi IN on Triaxis, then from Midi OUT on Triaxis
to Midi IN on G-Force (with this small cable).
Triaxis also has phantom which can powers midi controller
straight through the midi cable so you won't need adapter on stage, very useful.
One possible place to find a used Triaxis are the various specialised forums. People often put up gear there that isn't sold on ebay/craigslist and so on.
The link I gave Muris for fretless guitars has a used gear section. One guy on there was selling quite a lot of high end amps. From memory there were some Mesa amps in his list. Similarly people often list high end stuff on the main Allan Holdsworth forum and also the various specialised high end guitar and guitar amp forums.
Best way to connect a G-Force to a triaxis:
Take the G-Force.
Photograph it.
Wrap in bubblewrap and put in box.
Put photo on E-Bay.
Sell G-Force.
Mail G-Force to new owner.
Buy Eventide.
Simples
(Only joking - G-force is a nice processor . Just couldn't resist.)
Thanks Muris for the clarification .. will help a lot when I get the gear.
Yep, I have googled and have emailed almost 10 of them.. There are actually not many listings in ebay.. only 2 as of today. All the listings in craiglist only dealt locally and on cash..
I have posted in various forums and one I am dealing now is this one: http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/6301/mesaboogieflightcase.jpg
only the triaxis, 2:90's already sold as he says.. looking for UKP 900... v2 with phat mode. He is from the UK.
negotiating...
This is the site.. btw, if anyone has any experience on this site, let me know..
http://www.hugeracksinc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=60442
I hope its genuine.. I see that guy has a lot of posts on the triaxis on the same forum.
Found another one as well on ebay!
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mesa-Boogie-Triaxis-2-0-Excellent-Condition_W0QQitemZ160356050331QQihZ006QQcategoryZ10171QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ht_500wt_1182
Looks good?
Okay, looks like the deal is going to be final.. just a few questions and a final nod...
V2 5800 serial so most probably it has PHAT mode, JJ tubes, volume knob scratchy?, says everything is working fine. USD 1050. US version so I will need a converter or jsut change the power supply myself.
What should I need to ask or know about the unit?
Okay.. got confirmation that he cleaned up the volume knob and no longer scratchy.. so its in really good condition as far as I have understood between our conversations.
Going to buy it today/tomorrow...
Any last things I need to be aware of? I hope the 100% positive feedback is not fraud or something on ebay. I am risking this as its my first purchase on ebay.
Thanks Muris!
100% feedback is great
tho he has had only 30 deals so far,
some people would buy from him without thinking, some wouldn't...
Anyway, use PayPal just in case, you never know what might happen!
Thanks Muris.. yep definitely will be using Paypal.
let us know how the bid went man. Good luck
Thanks. sure will do.. buying it today!
EDIT: YEAH!! Bought it!!!!!
EDIT: Got confirmation too.. will be shipping it tomm! Can;t wait to get that..
So, next on hunt....
TC G-Force!!!
Just a question Muris..
I am sure the G-Force is kind of pro equipment. I just wanted to know what would the difference between say using pedals like reverb, digital delay, chorus, etc and the G-Force.. aren't they like the same thing? apart from G-Force having many more settings..?
Thanks Muris. I am on your toe (2 years ago) pretty excited about it.
Cool.. so rack system be it...
Yep, I will definitely buy a used one once I get the triaxis cos, I need to see how it goes... shipping / customs.. but somehow I will definitely get the G-Force and the 2:90 at a later date. Like I mentioned, I don't want to be wasting money on some cheaper gears.. I want to sound like THE PRO..
Hmm.. Is the 2:50 same as 2:90 except the wattage difference? But looks like triaxis goes well with 2:90.. If its the same then I think it would be better buying 2:50..
I will go look at mesa's site.. I also saw the 20/20.. need to find out more about it.
Thanks for the info Muris.
EDIT: Okay 2:90 is the Simul-Class.. what does that mean? not in 2:50?
There are some differences but nothing major tone wise imo,
main difference is price and wattage, at least for me.
I had Mesa 2:50 as well but I was kind a geek and so I bought 2:90,
it's more power and I never used it above 50% which is not smartest thing
with tube amps, then should be played at 80% or som to get the best from them.
But it's your call, 2:90 is great, if you really need it, you buy it.
Yep.. I did some looking over the net and many people recommend 2:90 over 2:50.. I guess 2:90 was actually made for the Triaxis, everywhere, in the manual too, its actually 2:90.
But I guess I will not get this amp anytime soon. I am not a gigger at the moment... I am a bedroom player (like the bathroom singer haha).. I will practice and try some own songs recording with the Triaxis / G-Force first and when I become a pro (in a year or two hopefully) and I start gigging around, I will get the 2:90 and a good 2x12 cab. My band is virtually dead atm so theres not point getting the 2:90 with no practice room in place.
That sounds like a good plan,
get power amp when you really need it,
in a meanwhile you'll have lot of fun with Triaxis and G-Force.
I will keep updating..
Cheers!!!
Ok!
So, it got shipped to my friend's place in US.. delivery expected tomorrow. Aint that cool...!! I will have my friend check it up. That was the only way feasible (with the seller). Then my friend is going to ship it to me..
will ask him to take some pics if possible.
This is the G-Force I am watching.. says 10 years old and never left home. bit of top rack rash..
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150365962165&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123#ht_500wt_1182
But again, this will definitely have to wait a few more weeks.
Cool.. Well okay.. I will just focus on my triaxis first..
Delivered!!.. Where the H**L is my friend ??? !!!
Haven't heard from him.. waiting for his email...
Great.. he has received it and will be checking later tonight.
UPDATE: The Triaxis is as new (virtually no scratches at all) wow, that guy really took care of it. Everything seems to be working (LEDs buttons tubes).. now am I not excited about it??
My friend isn't music man so he just checked the unit connected to the power.
Will be shipping it Monday or so and will be getting it by the end of the week hopefully (3-5 days).
WooooHoooo!!!
Okay, so everything is set.. will be shipping and customs will cost around a 100$ so looks like a great deal afterall.
And hopefully it passes the customs without any complications. Crossing my fingers!
Fingers crossed as well, let me know how it went, good luck!
Thanks a lot Muris..
I am keeping an eye on a G-Force on sale in UK at UKP 450.. still looking for details though. but that price seems pretty reasonable.
Its not in ebay. I have been looking into this website (for the triaxis too but came out pretty expensive) http://www.hugeracksinc.com/.. I think its more focused on Europe (UK) market. I don't know how to rely on the sellers here but its not so expensive than in US (pretty much same price) but I am expecting shipping would be pretty much cheaper if I can get it from UK.. so was considering.
am in the process of conversation.. says he is in South London.
cool.. Ok, I got another seller too.
UKP 450 - 4 years old (but says he mostly used G Major later).. saw pictures from iPhone looks like few scratches on the top.
UKP 500 - 8 months old and says as new .. getting him to take some pics.
What do you suggest?
That was quick.. He says the unit is working perfectly and he just preferred G Major. Says:
The G major dosen't sound as good, but it is nice to have a 3 space rack I can carry. The G major is good for what it does.
This guy is answering my questions but feels he isn't being polite.
The UKP 500 guy wants to buy a mac and has changed his rack system so is selling it. This might be a better deal, I guess.
Do we have to consider anything on G-Force? I saw on the pic the TYPE is V003, Made in Denmark.
Also worth keeping in mind that the G-Force came down in price not that long a go. You can get a new one in the UK for under 700 sterling.
Oh really.. That I didn't know. hmm... need to reconsider then.
The 500 UKP one pics are as new.
Oooooo... My Triaxis is in Paris!! Coming home next week.. cool. can't wait.
So, I got a call and its here... Need to clear the customs!! oh can't wait...
I am getting it tonight... oh YES!!!
ah.. I need to go and search the 100W 220V-110V converter. Don't want to burn it down.. lol.
Why don't these ppl just make universal power supplies?
Ye.. almost 75% of the world uses 220V. It just sucks sometimes.. same thing with NTSC PAL.. lol (I use cams too). Wouldn't it be just great if the world just settled on one standard.
Anyway, got a converter its rated 300W (I hope it works with triaxis rated at 30W). I just brought highest rated I could find because last time I got a 80W converter, it didn't even turn my preamp with 2 tubes.
Triaxis coming in the next hour... I am just counting.. lol.
Muris, you did mention that you couldn't change the power in the triaxis. I don't know if I should ask the electricians here. I don't want to blow up a $1400 preamp.
woooooooooo... I just received it. Turned it on but still haven't tried recording though. Here are some pics.. Sorry for lowlight.. its evening here and light isn't doing any good.
Ah, I think I am liking this tone. After looking into the manuals I saw that the default settings has been altered or something. I am just testing out the default settings. I just recorded this one on the fly.. sorry about random notes. Recorded on Pro Tools LE direct with slight delay added inside protools.
The setting is for Mark IIC High Gain Lead. How would you define this tone? Okay? Trebly? I am liking the twang specially!!
It looks great, congrats!!!
Regarding power, I couldn't change it INSIDE the unit atm
cause this electrician didn't have a wire thin enough
to make a transformer to fit in same place.
Let me know if you need any further help with it
tho I haven't used it almost a year now.
Tone was sweet tho, natural and soft.
Thanks Muris.
Common you got all that gear after so much 'adventure' and now you are not using it? That happens to me as well.. but you should use it. If a master like you don't use this great unit, how am I expecting to use this? Thats a big question to me now.
I am glad you liked the tone. I am loving it!! Still need to explore loads and how to save presets. need to come up with a REC soon with the tone haven.
I don't think I will change the power supply as I don't want risk it. The 300W converter I got worked okay so for time being I will just stick to it. I will think about it if I take this gear for a live GIG (maybe never)
BTW, are you back or still travelling?
Ah! Thanks for posting. Interestingly, I was just looking at the tubes right now and couldn't read it properly.. Just saw S and 83 and was searching on the JJ site and its ECC 83S. Cool.
Yep, its always trying to find the TONE.. I have had that a lot of time. Actually, I have been spending more time finding THE TONE than actually practising.. lol. Hopefully, I will get there.
I will play around with it tomorrow.. didn't have much time today. First, I need to get back the default factory settings and then will move forward to finding more of my own tone.
cool.. I m really liking the attack twang with this unit.. I was missing it so much with digital boxes / softwares.
Yep, I m doing a collab, will be recording tomorrow after finalizing the last bar lick.
Here is the sound of the mark IIC!
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=17524
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