The Jazz Guitar Chord Dictionary
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  1. #1

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    wanted to update my review for the TC Ampworx combo 65.

    I've been primarily using a fractal FM3 but more and more, I'm using the ampworx deluxe. It holds its own with the fractal for fender tones and the reverb is surprisingly good for a digital spring. I couldn't conclusively say that the fractal blows away the TC when it comes to fender tones - At least not fender deluxe tones. The TC is very good....

    I have been mostly using the Fractal FM3 on my wednesday night gig but the fractal is 7lbs and the TC is about 8oz.

    Fractal had been teasing a new product offering, which I was hoping would be small pedal to compete with the nano-cortex, the kemper profiler player, tonex, etc. But the new pedal they just announced is an effects-only pedal housed inside the FM3 chassis. More and more, I feel like fractal's demographic is the hardcore metal guys and less the clean players...

    So, at this point i'm going to start spending more time with the TC as I don't need a zillion amps, cabs, etc. I do like the effects on the fractal and in fact, it's why I chose the fractal over the quad cortex and kemper. The reverbs, delays, etc., blow away quad and kemper's offerings.

    However, for smaller duo and trio gigs, I think the TC is going to replace the fractal for me. I may eventually switch back to the Helix Stomp for recording too. I just don't need the bigger box.

    On a straight ahead gig, the TC sounds great and I can bring my Rockett Dude pedal if I want a better overdrive sound.

    I may add a delay pedal at some point but I prefer to keep the live rig simple...

    Update on TC Combo Deluxe 65 pedal review-image_as-precise-gets-jpg

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  3. #2

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    Quote Originally Posted by jzucker View Post
    More and more, I feel like fractal's demographic is the hardcore metal guys and less the clean players...
    thanks for the update, Jack. Nice to know there's another option for a small, simple rig that can go direct to the desk or a powered speaker.


    In regards to the quote above, I think the market basically is players with overdriven tones [most of whom sound pretty much exactly the same to me*) and that there is almost no market for clean sound players. There just aren't that many of us in the world; most every guitarist wants to rock out. The market niche for jazz players in terms of gear sales is probably even smaller than the market niche for jazz musicians in terms of record sales.

    * the irony about this is that almost all of them are chasing the tones of the guitar gods who didn't use that equipment in the first place. And I have yet to hear one of those rigs that sounds as good as Rory Gallagher raging on his Strat through a Fender Bassman or AC30.

  4. #3
    Quote Originally Posted by Cunamara View Post
    thanks for the update, Jack. Nice to know there's another option for a small, simple rig that can go direct to the desk or a powered speaker.


    In regards to the quote above, I think the market basically is players with overdriven tones [most of whom sound pretty much exactly the same to me*) and that there is almost no market for clean sound players. There just aren't that many of us in the world; most every guitarist wants to rock out. The market niche for jazz players in terms of gear sales is probably even smaller than the market niche for jazz musicians in terms of record sales.

    * the irony about this is that almost all of them are chasing the tones of the guitar gods who didn't use that equipment in the first place. And I have yet to hear one of those rigs that sounds as good as Rory Gallagher raging on his Strat through a Fender Bassman or AC30.
    I think it's is even worse than that. The hardcore metal players represent the biggest demographic of growth in the music industry. It's not just that fractal is catering to rock players, but it's a very specific genre of rock. At least the rock players of the 60s were playing through clean amps that they were just cranking up. Many of those amps - particularly fender and ampeg, sounded great for jazz.

    But the hardcore guys are playing through amps designed from the ground up for nasty overdrive.

    Like this stuff. This is who they are catering to (IMO). Click at your own risk...


  5. #4

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    Interesting. It's a part of music I don't pay the slightest bit of attention to. I'm surprised that this would be a growth market for music equipment, given that this music is not particularly popular. The people headlining and selling out huge shows and making millions of dollars are not playing distorted music like that: Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, etc. That's where the actual market is; of course, damn little of that involves real people playing guitars, and most of it is synthed and auto tuned to death. I think I listen to jazz because it sounds like actual people playing actual music.

  6. #5

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    I didn't realize how inexpensive these were...seems like a no brainer to add one for me.

    I've been using a Tech 21 Blonde for years to get Fendery sounds out of small solid state amps...but this with the reverb could be a perfect do it all...gonna be an early Xmas present to myself for sure!

  7. #6
    Quote Originally Posted by Cunamara View Post
    Interesting. It's a part of music I don't pay the slightest bit of attention to. I'm surprised that this would be a growth market for music equipment, given that this music is not particularly popular. The people headlining and selling out huge shows and making millions of dollars are not playing distorted music like that: Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, etc. That's where the actual market is; of course, damn little of that involves real people playing guitars, and most of it is synthed and auto tuned to death. I think I listen to jazz because it sounds like actual people playing actual music.
    on the contrary - IT'S VERY POPULAR. This and hiphop make up a huge portion of the market.

    Knocked Loose Talks Hardcore Going Mainstream Ahead of Dallas Show | Dallas Observer

  8. #7

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    Do you use the '65 as a DI box, or as a pedal into a different amp?

  9. #8

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    Quote Originally Posted by jzucker View Post
    on the contrary - IT'S VERY POPULAR. This and hiphop make up a huge portion of the market.

    Knocked Loose Talks Hardcore Going Mainstream Ahead of Dallas Show | Dallas Observer
    What people are actually listening to, at least on Spotify:

    Unsupported browser

  10. #9
    Quote Originally Posted by Ukena View Post
    Do you use the '65 as a DI box, or as a pedal into a different amp?
    Use it into a powered pa cab

  11. #10

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    How is this powered? It would be great if it took batteries.

  12. #11

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    It's a 9v 300ma input, same as a regular pedal. Theoretically, it could be powered by a 9v battery with an appropriate plug, I suppose. That might be something to ask TC.

  13. #12
    Quote Originally Posted by supersoul View Post
    How is this powered? It would be great if it took batteries.
    9v but current usage likely precludes a standard battery. I use a 1 spot and it can power an additional 10-12 pedals

  14. #13

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    Quote Originally Posted by jzucker View Post
    9v but current usage likely precludes a standard battery. I use a 1 spot and it can power an additional 10-12 pedals
    You could get several hours from even an alkaline 9v at a max draw of 300ma. Lithium longer, but if plugging in is convenient, nothing wrong with that.

    I run a pedal off an adapter at home, only using battery if in a rehearsal or session.

  15. #14

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    9V rechargeable lithium batteries are pretty strong. I occasionally use one (in a battery box with appropriate connector) to run my Quilter SBUS. It has a 9/12V input, and it works, albeit with diminished output. I think it's something like 10W using a battery, and probably a little less with 9V. But if you're going into a powered speaker or PA it's plenty of power, at least for my needs, which do not involve playing to a filled arena or in an organ trio. I get at least a couple of hours on a battery, and I've never needed the spare I carry along. I've never seen the TC, though, so I can't say how much power it needs.

  16. #15

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    Hi Jack. A few questions....

    Is it quiet enough to record with?

    How does it compare with the UA Dream 65?

    What cab are you using live? I've been looking for something small, light and clean for my solo gig. It's been hard to get info.

    Thanks.

  17. #16
    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Soloway View Post
    Hi Jack. A few questions....

    Is it quiet enough to record with?

    How does it compare with the UA Dream 65?

    What cab are you using live? I've been looking for something small, light and clean for my solo gig. It's been hard to get info.

    Thanks.
    It seems to be very quiet though I still have the fractal FM3 so I'm using that for recording. I haven't tried recording with it. I run it into an Alto 10" powered PA cab which weighs around 21lbs.

    The UA Dream 65 didn't have enough headroom for me so I was unable to bond with it.

  18. #17

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    Quote Originally Posted by Ukena View Post
    It's a 9v 300ma input, same as a regular pedal. Theoretically, it could be powered by a 9v battery with an appropriate plug, I suppose. That might be something to ask TC.
    The pedal documentation available on the website says nothing about a battery connection .
    But Thomann website is stating "Battery operation is not supported".

  19. #18

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    Quote Originally Posted by bluenote61 View Post
    The pedal documentation available on the website says nothing about a battery connection .
    But Thomann website is stating "Battery operation is not supported".
    This is unfortunately a trend with recent pedals, particularly ones with digital circuitry.

  20. #19

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    Quote Originally Posted by cmajor9 View Post
    This is unfortunately a trend with recent pedals, particularly ones with digital circuitry.
    But, thankfully very easily solved with an inexpensive 9v battery connector/cable.

    Update on TC Combo Deluxe 65 pedal review-battery-ex-connector-png

  21. #20

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    I’m always interested in reading about these amp simulators. But is the whole reason for them because you don’t want to carry around a 35lb tube amp? Which many people seem to prefer. Or perhaps you are taking public transportation to the gig? The recent trend is lighter smaller (Fender Tone Master/Quilter/Henrickson) Genuinely curious as to the aversion of carrying around a good ‘ol tube amp.



    p.s. These amp simulators are great for the gig bag in case of a tube amp failure.

  22. #21

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    Quote Originally Posted by alltunes
    I’m always interested in reading about these amp simulators. But is the whole reason for them because you don’t want to carry around a 35lb tube amp? Which many people seem to prefer. Or perhaps you are taking public transportation to the gig? The recent trend is lighter smaller (Fender Tone Master/Quilter/Henrickson) Genuinely curious as to the aversion of carrying around a good ‘ol tube amp.



    p.s. These amp simulators are great for the gig bag in case of a tube amp failure.
    Part of it is simply that many of us have gotten old. Hauling around a 35 lb box is more work than I'm willing to do at my age. Plus these boxes can reach their full tonal capabilities at low volume levels. An actual Deluxe has to get pretty loud before it sounds good.

  23. #22

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    Quote Originally Posted by alltunes
    I’m always interested in reading about these amp simulators. But is the whole reason for them because you don’t want to carry around a 35lb tube amp? Which many people seem to prefer. Or perhaps you are taking public transportation to the gig? The recent trend is lighter smaller (Fender Tone Master/Quilter/Henrickson) Genuinely curious as to the aversion of carrying around a good ‘ol tube amp.



    p.s. These amp simulators are great for the gig bag in case of a tube amp failure.
    Public transportation and walking. My amp is a Tech21 Trademark 30, which has a SansAmp built in with a DI. I love that thing!

    This TC Combo intrigues me because of the built in reverb. I just like a little bit of spring reverb in there.

  24. #23

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    Very interesting piece of gear , especially if it really does have a bit of headroom for a strong and CLEAN tone. For the bigband gigs I play I have only my Helix Stomp plugged into either my BUD6 or
    an Alto powered speaker with an 8" woofer. It's slanted so I don't need much space as I can just place it in front of/beside me on the ground.

    Re the question of who the manufacturers cater to I totally agree to the above statements : I spent 2 days at the September "Guitar Summit" fair here in Mannheim where a big convention center is filled to the brim with guitars, amps and related gear and have been visiting since the very first show 6 years ago. The fair has grown each year, attracts international exhibitors and visitors and in my estimate about 70% of ALL merchandise is targeted at the Hard Rock/Metal crowd. So boring ..... OTOH I've also seen a good many small companies/makers who showed high-end acoustic guitars, a few luthiers with archtops and a few software companies, etc. who offer stuff that is useful and interesting regardless of music style. It's like a NAMM show but on a smaller scale.

  25. #24

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    Quote Originally Posted by gitman
    Very interesting piece of gear , especially if it really does have a bit of headroom for a strong and CLEAN tone. For the bigband gigs I play I have only my Helix Stomp plugged into either my BUD6 or
    an Alto powered speaker with an 8" woofer. It's slanted so I don't need much space as I can just place it in front of/beside me on the ground.

    Re the question of who the manufacturers cater to I totally agree to the above statements : I spent 2 days at the September "Guitar Summit" fair here in Mannheim where a big convention center is filled to the brim with guitars, amps and related gear and have been visiting since the very first show 6 years ago. The fair has grown each year, attracts international exhibitors and visitors and in my estimate about 70% of ALL merchandise is targeted at the Hard Rock/Metal crowd. So boring ..... OTOH I've also seen a good many small companies/makers who showed high-end acoustic guitars, a few luthiers with archtops and a few software companies, etc. who offer stuff that is useful and interesting regardless of music style. It's like a NAMM show but on a smaller scale.
    Is your Altos the TS408?

  26. #25
    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Soloway
    Is your Altos the TS408?
    I use the 10" version but the guy I bought them from is the house guitar player for the kennedy center. He uses a single headrush FRFR-108 which is made by alto and pretty much the same as the TS408.