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GMC Forum _ GEAR & PRODUCTION _ My Custom Amp Is On The Way!
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 11 2015, 03:03 PM
Hey guys! I'm really proud to announce that a handmade amps local builder is working on a special amp for me based on my specifications!
We decided to call it CACTUS GL HPS and these are the first steps!!
https://www.facebook.com/CactusAMPS
I'll keep you updated about the progress! 
Posted by: Phil66 Dec 11 2015, 05:16 PM
Nice one Gab,
Looking forward to hear it mate.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 12 2015, 03:38 AM
Be sure you'll hear it!
New pic!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 12 2015, 09:53 PM
Spiff!! Can't wait to hear it
New pic!
Posted by: Mertay Dec 12 2015, 10:00 PM
Congrats and I'm curious
how does someone order a custom amp? I mean what kind of specifications did he ask for you to decide on?With guitar I imagine it should be easyer (neck shape, pickups etc. these are easy to describe for a guitar player) but with an amp its all wires, transformers, knobs...
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 14 2015, 04:35 PM
Good question Mertay!
I started showing him an amp that is close to the sound that I like. I told him that I wanted an amp that fits somewhere between these amps:
JCM800
Soldano Hot Rod
Organge Dual Terror
I told him that Soldano was the close to what I'm looking for which I feel that it's close to a JCM800 but with a different EQ balance. Based on these first specification and some audio samples showing him the kind of sound that I want he started designing the preamp and also suggested me which tubes could go well for this one.
We are at this point so I cannot say how this will continue but the cool part of this is that once he has the amp close to be finished, I can go, try it and tell him all the sonic changes that I want, mostly related to balance, and how Eqs and other settings can alter the tone and he will tweak them. This is like magic for me.
Posted by: Mertay Dec 14 2015, 09:54 PM
Awesome!
Posted by: Phil66 Dec 15 2015, 09:24 AM
What does the "HPS" stand for Gab?
They look sweet amps on his Facebook page 
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 15 2015, 05:46 PM
The HPS is a joke. As the first inspiration for this one was Soldano Hot Rod. I announced that the Cactus Gabriel Leopardi Hot Porn Sound is coming... 
So we had the GL HPS 
Posted by: Phil66 Dec 15 2015, 06:25 PM
Brilliant
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 15 2015, 06:25 PM
Posted by: Phil66 Dec 15 2015, 06:28 PM
I had sussed out the GL
Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 16 2015, 12:04 AM
Is it going to be a multi channel amp or single channel?
So we had the GL HPS
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 16 2015, 02:01 PM
It's mono channel but I'll be able to switch with a foot switch from high to low input which means that the signal goes through all the pre tubes (high) or some of them (low) to have less drive.
Some details that have been decided:
Power: 18 watts
Power Tubes: 6p6
Preamp tubes: 6n2p
It will include two extra controls: depth and presence and loop fx in/out.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 17 2015, 05:46 AM
Are you planning to use this amp live with your band? Or more of a practice amp? 18 watts is more in the home use range, but I guess if you mic the cabinet it won't matter on stage.
Is this line going in to full production for other folks to buy? or is this a one off just for you?
Either way, can't wait to hear and see it!!
Todd
Some details that have been decided:
Power: 18 watts
Power Tubes: 6p6
Preamp tubes: 6n2p
It will include two extra controls: depth and presence and loop fx in/out.
Posted by: Mertay Dec 17 2015, 06:26 PM
Make sure to check with pedals too, specially on drive channel some amps don't respond good to distortion type stuff. Also if you think a line-out option would be useful its possible adding it inside the amp rather than external might be more affordable.
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