My first real valve experience

[nevershouldhavesoldit]

I found the explanation I remembered from a few years ago. It’s on the Wampler blog and quotes Mike Soldano as the source. It confirms my post’s technical details and offers more info. Read it HERE if you’re interested.

There are inexpensive solid state rectifiers that are direct plug in replacements for rectifier tubes. Those of you with tube rectifiers can try SS to see the difference. In general, bass will be tighter and response more immediate. But any sag will be reduced or gone.

If you want to try this, be aware that the plate voltage will go up by 10+%, so you need to be sure the PS caps are rated high enough and in good condition. I’d replace them if they’re more than a few years old. You also have to check the bias and reset if it’s off.

[DawgBone]

I love Fender tube amps, but I no longer want to carry them or depend on them. So Quilter now scratches that itch.

I could never bond with Roland solid state amps, but I used to love Polytones. I no longer want to carry a Polytone or depend on them, so Henriksen now scratches that itch.

The idea that a Quilter sounds anything like an actual classic Fender is amusing to me but I guess they need a selling point. I played a 101 and it was one of the worst amps I've ever played, like literally as bad as a piece of shit Esteban practice amp someone gave me one time. On their website it claims to be very blackface sounding but then dudes here told me it was one of the worst of the quilters. No matter, it's a lying shit company to claim that and then turn out such an absolutely lousy product. The thing sounded absolutely nothing like a Fender. A certain player brings that hunk of shit to his blues jams and the guitarists are actually rushing up for their turn so they can plug into the boss instead of that abomination. Obviously the morons at Quilter don't know what a Fender sounds like, at all. Junk. Sorry/not sorry. Rant off.

[Stringswinger]

The idea that a Quilter sounds anything like an actual classic Fender is amusing to me but I guess they need a selling point. I played a 101 and it was one of the worst amps I've ever played, like literally as bad as a piece of shit Esteban practice amp someone gave me one time. On their website it claims to be very blackface sounding but then dudes here told me it was one of the worst of the quilters. No matter, it's a lying shit company to claim that and then turn out such an absolutely lousy product. The thing sounded absolutely nothing like a Fender. A certain player brings that hunk of shit to his blues jams and the guitarists are actually rushing up for their turn so they can plug into the boss instead of that abomination. Obviously the morons at Quilter don't know what a Fender sounds like, at all. Junk. Sorry/not sorry. Rant off.

Play a Quilter Mach 3. It will change your mind.

[AllanAllen]

The idea that a Quilter sounds anything like an actual classic Fender is amusing to me but I guess they need a selling point. I played a 101 and it was one of the worst amps I've ever played, like literally as bad as a piece of shit Esteban practice amp someone gave me one time. On their website it claims to be very blackface sounding but then dudes here told me it was one of the worst of the quilters. No matter, it's a lying shit company to claim that and then turn out such an absolutely lousy product. The thing sounded absolutely nothing like a Fender. A certain player brings that hunk of shit to his blues jams and the guitarists are actually rushing up for their turn so they can plug into the boss instead of that abomination. Obviously the morons at Quilter don't know what a Fender sounds like, at all. Junk. Sorry/not sorry. Rant off.

Well, some guys listen with their ears and some guys listen with their eyes.

[DawgBone]

Play a Quilter Mach 3. It will change your mind.

I've had two pieces of Boss gear. Most guys love Boss. Both of my pieces of gear failed catastrophically after very little use therefore I would never buy another product from them. I feel the same about Quilter. They made an obvious false claim about their 101 which forever turns me off to any of their products. I'd rather quit music than gig with a solid state amp anyways. Maybe a Lab series would suffice but as they say "you don't get a second chance to make a first impression". False advertisement killed it for me. The 101 head actually costs more than I paid for my last SF Twin so hard pass on Quilter.

[Gitfiddler]

I've had two pieces of Boss gear. Most guys love Boss. Both of my pieces of gear failed catastrophically after very little use therefore I would never buy another product from them. I feel the same about Quilter. They made an obvious false claim about their 101 which forever turns me off to any of their products. I'd rather quit music than gig with a solid state amp anyways. Maybe a Lab series would suffice but as they say "you don't get a second chance to make a first impression". False advertisement killed it for me. The 101 head actually costs more than I paid for my last SF Twin so hard pass on Quilter.

@DawgBone...If Quilter is off your radar, then another choice for a back up rig, is DV Mark. Not sure what your experience has been with them, but I love my DV Mark 250 watt Raw Dawg (it's even got your name on it :-)) This thing sounds huge through my 2x12 cab. It's small enough to fit in my gig bag or pedal board bag. I don't do as many live gigs as before, but this thing is a solid keeper in case I get a call.

[DawgBone]

@DawgBone...If Quilter is off your radar, then another choice for a back up rig, is DV Mark. Not sure what your experience has been with them, but I love my DV Mark 250 watt Raw Dawg (it's even got your name on it :-)) This thing sounds huge through my 2x12 cab. It's small enough to fit in my gig bag or pedal board bag. I don't do as many live gigs as before, but this thing is a solid keeper in case I get a call.

If it's portability or an affordable backup that is needed I would consider it but I'm not amp shopping. Probably won't ever go amp shopping again TBH because I have all that I really need. A Twin with a Twin for backup. I have heard the model you are talking about and while it sounds a lot better than the Quilter I tried it's kind of weird that Gales went from a Two Rock sig amp and Fuchs ODS amps which are top quality premium amps that run 5k to a diminutive little low cost portable SS head. His tone has suffered accordingly and TBH as much as I like Eric I think that guy will slap his name on anything people put in front of his face and offer some cash or freebies in exchange for the endorsement. I never trust dudes who change guitars and amps like underwear. Honestly I thought he had better tone at 16 years old playing a JCM800 full stack than at any other time in his career.

[Stringswinger]

DawgBone, you gotta stop holding back and tell us how you really feel about stuff.

I am not sure of this, but I suspect that Pat Quilter will survive without your business. And as long as you keep dealing with those Twin Reverbs, there is a Chiropractor somewhere in Texas that has job security.

[DawgBone]

DawgBone, you gotta stop holding back and tell us how you really feel about stuff.

I am not sure of this, but I suspect that Pat Quilter will survive without your business. And as long as you keep dealing with those Twin Reverbs, there is a Chiropractor somewhere in Texas that has job security.

Quilter will survive until he doesn't which I expect is not to far off in the distance for the majority of smaller makers cranking out gear once the market takes a hard downturn. He's living on old dudes with horrible backs who just need a light rig. I don't know a single guy under 65 who owns one of those thing and I know a few players. So his target market is basically at the end of their shelf life.

I have thrown out my back a few times hauling rocks and logs. It never affected my ability to lug a Twin. Once you get used to the weight of a 90lbs amp it's like hot weather, you're used to dealing with it and it's business as usual. I am about 6' 4" and 210lbs so I don't find a Twin all that bad to deal with. I actually think the Super is worse because it is taller, and so requires a higher lift to get it into the back of the car. I think if I had to play a Deluxe or other little rig all the time I would probably just hang it up. I got into this for the knobs, switches, toggles, jewel lights, the volume and the resulting small earthquake. Take that away and you basically ruined it for me.

[Stringswinger]

Quilter will survive until he doesn't which I expect is not to far off in the distance for the majority of smaller makers cranking out gear once the market takes a hard downturn. He's living on old dudes with horrible backs who just need a light rig. I don't know a single guy under 65 who owns one of those thing and I know a few players. So his target market is basically at the end of their shelf life.

I have thrown out my back a few times hauling rocks and logs. It never affected my ability to lug a Twin. Once you get used to the weight of a 90lbs amp it's like hot weather, you're used to dealing with it and it's business as usual. I am about 6' 4" and 210lbs so I don't find a Twin all that bad to deal with. I actually think the Super is worse because it is taller, and so requires a higher lift to get it into the back of the car. I think if I had to play a Deluxe or other little rig all the time I would probably just hang it up. I got into this for the knobs, switches, toggles, jewel lights, the volume and the resulting small earthquake. Take that away and you basically ruined it for me.

I know at least three young guys (younger than me anyway) who use Quilters so I am not worried for Pat Quilter. Back in my rock band day, I also enjoyed playing with knobs. I enjoyed playing with amplifiers as well.

[Doctor Jeff]

Quilter amps are interesting—not tube, but not pure solid state either. Kind of like plasma…I read the specs on their website and still can’t figure it out. I did try one once and found it decent.

I’m not against tubes and have a couple of tube amps, but when you start talking about rectifiers and biasing and replacing caps—I already have a hobby man. I just want to play, not fiddle with electrical stuff.

Reminds me of the carburetor crowd among car nuts. I love cars and buy a new one practically every year, but I don’t do my own wrenching. Ain’t got time for that. The only time I open the hood on my cars is to add washer fluid.

My actual favorite practice amp right now is an Epiphone Valve Jr. Superb warmth and just the right amount of overdrive. But for playing out…a Deluxe Tonemaster would probably be the way to go if I ever get another steady gig. (The singer I was working with recently has family with health problems requiring a lot of attention, so has cut down her shows and downsized her “band” to just her and a sax guy with backing tracks. Most unfortunate.)

[AllanAllen]

Quilter amps are interesting—not tube, but not pure solid state either. Kind of like plasma…I read the specs on their website and still can’t figure it out. I did try one once and found it decent.

I’m not against tubes and have a couple of tube amps, but when you start talking about rectifiers and biasing and replacing caps—I already have a hobby man. I just want to play, not fiddle with electrical stuff.

Reminds me of the carburetor crowd among car nuts. I love cars and buy a new one practically every year, but I don’t do my own wrenching. Ain’t got time for that. The only time I open the hood on my cars is to add washer fluid.

My actual favorite practice amp right now is an Epiphone Valve Jr. Superb warmth and just the right amount of overdrive. But for playing out…a Deluxe Tonemaster would probably be the way to go if I ever get another steady gig. (The singer I was working with recently has family with health problems requiring a lot of attention, so has cut down her shows and downsized her “band” to just her and a sax guy with backing tracks. Most unfortunate.)

I love those Epi Valve jr with the 112 cab. The one that got away.

[DawgBone]

I love those Epi Valve jr with the 112 cab. The one that got away.

That was the house amp at BB kings Orlando. Talk about an all around disappointing soul crusher gig from the load in to that awful amp. The only highlight was security let me park in a no parking zone.

Doctor Jeff I am definitely a carb guy. Easy to service unlike fuel injection. Putting together a sportster right now. Carbs and straight pipes. Yeah, I guess I like old school and loud.

[Stringswinger]

Doctor Jeff I am definitely a carb guy. Easy to service unlike fuel injection. Putting together a sportster right now. Carbs and straight pipes. Yeah, I guess I like old school and loud.

I prefer Carbs. I have rebuilt quite a few Harley Carbs in my day (Linkert, Bendix, Kehin, S&S, SU, Mikuni all come to mind). My 83 Shovelhead (I am the original owner) has a sticker on it that says "If my bike is too loud, you are too old". That said, while I run a loud, free flowing exhaust, I do not run straight pipes. Harley V Twins run at their best with some back pressure. But loud pipes save lives and I like the distracted drivers to hear me.

DawgBone: is the Sporty for the ol' lady?

[DawgBone]

I prefer Carbs. I have rebuilt quite a few Harley Carbs in my day (Linkert, Bendix, Kehin, S&S, SU, Mikuni all come to mind). My 83 Shovelhead (I am the original owner) has a sticker on it that says "If my bike is too loud, you are too old". That said, while I run a loud, free flowing exhaust, I do not run straight pipes. Harley V Twins run at their best with some back pressure. But loud pipes save lives and I like the distracted drivers to hear me.DawgBone: is the Sporty for the ol' lady?

The sporty was half a bike, front end, motor, front wheel, frame, and a wiring harness a friend gifted me. A pile of parts. Long story but i had a rolling 76 flh shovel without a motor and had to sell it back to the guy cause of a bind i got into so this was him doing something super nice for me. He has about 20 project bikes with no room or time left so I think he had some ulterior motive cause the 76 is still in.my shed haha.

Blues players can't afford a big twin and truthfully I like a light bike that I can throw around. I love sporties but go ahead, i can take it haha. An 83 shovel, that's a sweet ride.

It has a cv carb but I have generally thought mikunis were the best. Recently I been getting a few bucks working on friends bikes and I did some work on an s and s carb. A bit crude but high build quality and very simple and reliable but that price tag tho oof. That and you gotta disassemble the horn bracket offal the cylinders because iits allen bolted to the manifold from the backside.

I know back pressure means torque but I got drag pipes new for 90 bucks and honestly I do not potato potato around on my bikes like the average Harley guy. It's less the image for me and more the aftermarket that my ol xs650 didnt have. All those beautiful parts to choose from...I'm doing brass and gold accents, burly slammer shocks, and removing anything that doesn't need to be there. Having a good time doing it too. I love building and modding as much as riding I'm just short on a welder or I mightve went hardtail.

Sorry for the grammar. Damn phone. TX hasn't had internet in days thx to hurricane beryl.

[Stringswinger]

No worries DawgBone. I like a Sporty just fine. Even if they are a ladies bike.

Good luck with the build and when your knees are back in the breeze, keep the rubber side down. You are still free to choose in Texas whether to wear a lid or not. Here in Commiefornia, I have been wearing a lid for many years, as mandated by law, but I sometimes ride up to Montana (I own some property up there) and as soon as I hit the Idaho border, the lid comes off.

And I feel thankful to be back in America.

Here is a pic of me with "Hoss" my 83 Shovel the day I rode it off the showroom floor at Dudley Perkins in San Francisco (they were the oldest Harley dealer in the Country. I was 25 and it was my first new Hog. Prior to that I owned a 51 Panhead and a 63 Panhead (both rigid chops)

[DawgBone]

No worries DawgBone. I like a Sporty just fine. Even if they are a ladies bike.

Good luck with the build and when your knees are back in the breeze, keep the rubber side down. You are still free to choose in Texas whether to wear a lid or not. Here in Commiefornia, I have been wearing a lid for many years, as mandated by law, but I sometimes ride up to Montana (I own some property up there) and as soon as I hit the Idaho border, the lid comes off.

And I feel thankful to be back in America.

Here is a pic of me with "Hoss" my 83 Shovel the day I rode it off the showroom floor at Dudley Perkins in San Francisco (they were the oldest Harley dealer in the Country. I was 25 and it was my first new Hog. Prior to that I owned a 51 Panhead and a 63 Panhead (both rigid chops)

Love the pic!

Not wearing a helmet is addicting because you're perceptions aren't blunted by the helmet. When i was in my 20s i rode a good bit without but these days ialways ride with one. Even more than a helmet i absolutley won't and have never ridden without some bitch mitts aka gloves. Add boots these days as well and if it isn't scorching, a leather mc jacket.

[Stringswinger]

Love the pic!

Not wearing a helmet is addicting because you're perceptions aren't blunted by the helmet. When i was in my 20s i rode a good bit without but these days ialways ride with one. Even more than a helmet i absolutley won't and have never ridden without some bitch mitts aka gloves. Add boots these days as well and if it isn't scorching, a leather mc jacket.

No doubt, wearing a DOT standard helmet (not one of those beanies) is a wise choice, as is wearing other protective gear when riding a two-wheeler. But like we have been saying since the 60's, "let those who ride, decide".

[wintermoon]

May I refer you gentlemen to our own Woody Sound who split his head open on a curb last year but lived to type about it.
The pics he posted were downright scary.
I remember when I was a kid and watched my pop wipe out on a bike and ripped most of the skin off the side of his leg.
Be safe out there.

[DawgBone]

May I refer you gentlemen to our own Woody Sound who split his head open on a curb last year but lived to type about it.
The pics he posted were downright scary.
I remember when I was a kid and watched my pop wipe out on a bike and ripped most of the skin off the side of his leg.
Be safe out there.

No doubt. Unfortunately a helmet inhibits audio thanks to it being a helmet over your ears, and especially your peripheral vision, which is critical. You have to turn your head further to check your six, removing your eyes from the road ahead for longer time, very dangerous. So really, until you crash or take a big bug to the face, no helmet is safer for minute by minute operations. Thst said still wear the brain bucket cuz it's too enjoyable to start riding without and becomes a bad habit thst is hard to break.

If you want to see ugly look up feet pics of people who wrecked wearing sandals. Looks like a Halloween party red jello mold. The idiocy. I remember one ride I took in Florida, guy on a gold wing comes around the corner wearing shorts, sandals, a tank top, talking on a cell phone. Wow. Saw a lot of wrecks firsthand there including some fatalities. Lotta mc riding....great weather but old people can't turn they necks to check! Lookout.

[sgcim]

No worries DawgBone. I like a Sporty just fine. Even if they are a ladies bike.

Good luck with the build and when your knees are back in the breeze, keep the rubber side down. You are still free to choose in Texas whether to wear a lid or not. Here in Commiefornia, I have been wearing a lid for many years, as mandated by law, but I sometimes ride up to Montana (I own some property up there) and as soon as I hit the Idaho border, the lid comes off.

And I feel thankful to be back in America.

Here is a pic of me with "Hoss" my 83 Shovel the day I rode it off the showroom floor at Dudley Perkins in San Francisco (they were the oldest Harley dealer in the Country. I was 25 and it was my first new Hog. Prior to that I owned a 51 Panhead and a 63 Panhead (both rigid chops)

Commiefornia! That just made my day!

[bluejaybill]

Yup, Commiefornia, especially leftist Nocal, where at least you can still get a jazz gig and have a real valve experience! And see Julian Lage, Pasquale Grasso, Al Dimeola, Lee Ritenour and Larry Carlton in this and next year.

Not so bad, try that in Montana!

[Stringswinger]

Yup, Commiefornia, especially leftist Nocal, where at least you can still get a jazz gig and have a real valve experience! And see Julian Lage, Pasquale Grasso, Al Dimeola, Lee Ritenour and Larry Carlton in this and next year.

Not so bad, try that in Montana!

Ha!

I do like the live music options better in the Blue places. And the food options. The people not so much. I like the people much better in Montana. I like the people better in Eastern California as well. And seeing the incompetence of the fools who are running this place (San Francisco has been rated the worst run City in America and I can attest to that ), clearly the majority of the people around here must not be too sharp. But they do have good taste in music and food. This was a MUCH better place 40 years ago. Of that was before the leftists took over and ran this place down. What has happened to the world class City of San Francisco is a disgrace.

I am pretty sure that I can get a jazz gig anywhere. People of all stripes appreciate solo jazz guitar done well. And it seems that I am capable of doing that. If the traffic, crime, restrictions on freedom and taxation get much worse, I may move to Idaho or Montana and surely I will find out!

[Herbie]

Sorry to interrupt, but the OP asked about if the Twin would be even easier to play and I have an experience that might be interesting.

I have played many jazz guitars thru many amps. Once my band rehearsed in a room that had a SF Twin in it. I was delighted, great amp to play with my Epiphone Sheraton II that I had then.

But the experience was confusing. I wasn’t a virtuoso then (neither now) but all the familiar chops sounded clumsy qnd awkward. Sometimes I didn’t hear the notes and then suddenly they sounded too loud. I was shocked how lousy player I was.

It took some years to realise that it was the superior dynamic range of the Twin that made me sound awkward. Of course I played poorly but other amps didn’t reveal it as cruelly as the Twin.

We played very quietly, which is harder than to play loud and let the ears do the compression. But my other amps of that time (Polytone 102, Vox AC30) were more merciful in that respect.

So summa summarum: playing might not always be easier with a Twin Reverb!

[Alter]

I have a lot of respect for players that don't compromise and still go for what they consider the ultimate sound in every gig. But personally, as much as I love them, I couldn't carry a Twin or Super reverb at gigs. These days even a Deluxe reverb seems like an overkill, when I have a Princeton or Pro junior that can do a happy gig.

I mean, I play some gigs with a 335 and a Zt lunchbox where the organ player carries a real Hammond, a Leslie amp/cabinet, an extra amp for his vocals and harmonica, a vintage stool to sit on. And all that in his vintage Citroen 2Cv.. Guilt.. And that's nothing compared to doing function gigs playing direct with a Tonex one amp sim pedal..