Evans Custom Amps

**guitron45** · 02-23-2015, 04:26 PM

Has anyone heard one of these in person, preferably driven by and archtop. While shopping for an Eastman 680 or 880 I heard each thru the same Evans amp on soundpure.com's website. It just happened to push all my guitar sound buttons at once. I've always favored tubes.

Above is a link to the 680 the same guy demo's the 880 below

Keith Ganz is very good player and the demos are short. I'm going to be 70 next month and I have become very cyinical where business is concerned. When I firs saw the signal chain for the recording I was listening to, I stopped the vid and started looking up prices of equipment on the screen. Not counting the guitar and the mixing console it got to 4k before quit and went back to hear the rest of the tune. Nice Version of Old Folks. I contacted Mr. Ganz and asked him about all the pricey gear
in the chain. I'd already spoken with one of the recording guys. Both said the same thing. But I didn't believe the recording till I heard from Mr. Ganz. He said the sound on the vid is very close to what he heard in the room.

I called Scot at Evans and learned that he is the builder. They have an amp on tour in the US in a plywood shipping crate. Amp show's up at your door you keep it a week or so and ship it on to the next guy. If you buy an amp your shipping is free [with some other possible pleasant surprises] The amp in the demo has a 10" speaker I'm told but you can get it with a 15" Eminence. The touring amp has a 10" Eminence to keep the cost of shipping down. I won't see the demo till the beginning of March. tic toc tic toc.... Also he only making the 300 watt version now. It's a 200 watt in the video.

I'd love to hear from anyone who's heard one of these in person.

After hearing both guitars I went with the 880 only because I found one used and in immaculate condition for nearly the same price as the new 680. Also in the 880s favor is 20 frets vs 22 like on my 910. It always felt like the neck was in the wrong place. But the guitar itself is very good to play and listen to. But I want that humbucker!!

In the amps favor you could hear the difference between mahogany back and sides and maple and spruce w/ the same K .A. full sized humbucker. Thanks for taking a listen. I'll add that I started out not liking the soundpure site just because of all the possible conflict of interest between guitar/amp sales and the studio.

They sold me the 880 and were eager to help in anyway possible well before the sale i.e. putting the guitar on hold while I got myself out of the deal I made on the 680, and answering too many questions. These are back ordered as they are still filling january orders. And Ditto for the Scot @ Evans amps. I couldn't imagine a better experience when making such difficult choices. When you get your amp he calls you and helps you get it dialed in correctly for your guitars. That could take a while for some people. I only have three archtops one of which I'm going to sell to off set the cost of the new stuff.

Ron

**spiral** · 02-23-2015, 04:40 PM

I hear one in person anytime I play my electric guitar.

I've always used a tube amp too, a Deluxe Reverb (first an original '71 then I built a clone), but was recently wanting something with less noise and zero maintenance. I've not done a huge survey of solid state amps (I've tried a few) but the Evans sounds great to me. If you crank the treble and expand, you can get a nice Fender sound (or close enough for me). If you back off the Expand and bump up the Depth / Body (mids) you can get a more flat "jazz amp" type sound. It is very versatile. You hear people say the EQ is widely variable and I would agree: you can get lots of different amp sounds out of it. The reverb is also really nice, for those fans of a big Fender spring. It's a hall reverb but it still does the job, has a good character, and you get to ditch all the noise you pick up with a reverb pan.

The thing that surprised me about the RE200 was the overall clarity of tone. It cleans up the low mids in a way that is great for effects and layering without losing the sound to a bunch of mush. Lastly, I posted a question on the Evans site about a speaker and Scott called me the next morning and wanted to sit with me on the phone to dial things in until I was happy. Pretty impressive guy and amp.

There was a used RE200 on ebay a few days ago at a good price.

**SierraTango** · 02-23-2015, 04:42 PM

I'll jump in first as I own a 880, a 2005 build I bought new. It's a outstanding instrument that was my main gigging guitar until I obtained my Benedetto Cremona. I still use the 880 on certain gigs, it's now my backup guitar. I tend to use it in the Big Band I play in as it is more feedback resistant than then BC-built in PU vs. Floater, although both are solid wood, carved guitars.
Trust me you will LOVE the neck on the 880.
I also have played my 880 through Evans amps of various models over the years. IMHO they are the closest "tube sounding" SS amp out there. You just can't go wrong with a Evans amp. As you are probably aware, Ron Eschete is a endorser, hence the "RE" series. They are also very popular with steel players, hence the "SE" models. Excellent amp built in North Carolina by wonderful people.

**Takemitsu** · 02-23-2015, 04:51 PM

I have the re200. Great, love it

**ingeneri** · 02-23-2015, 05:10 PM

Heard someone play a Heritage with mounted humbuckers on an Evans in a live gig setting last night. It was a great full, warm but not overly dark tube like sound. Closest I've heard before was a tube Carr Rambler.

Afterwards, I fidgeted with the tone on my Fender the rest of the night. In general, I'm worried about everything being muffled and keep adding treble, but last night I kept on wanting to sound darker like the Evans.

**spiral** · 02-23-2015, 06:05 PM

Originally Posted by ingeneri

Afterwards, I fidgeted with the tone on my Fender the rest of the night. In general, I'm worried about everything being muffled and keep adding treble, but last night I kept on wanting to sound darker like the Evans.

I hear what you are saying. The nice thing about the Evans is you can get both, bright or dark, and not lose clarity or warmth in either direction. I feel like with my DR it has one voice that you can slightly alter, and a muddy middle that I can't ever chase away. The Evans allows more tonal control and more voices.

**iim7V7IM7** · 02-23-2015, 06:25 PM

?In my experience, the Evans RE200 falls between the AI + RE and the Fender BF style in terms of its inherent timbre. More like the AI + RE than a BF, but with some added musical euphonic “warmth”. In terms of its tone-shaping, it really stands out as being a versatile EQ that allows a player shape one’s tone to suit. The result is a very musical, clean tone with some euphonic “warmth” and some “sheen” if desired.

The reverb is actually pretty good (not pedal good) once you find the dwell time that you like. I play mostly dry with the REVERB set at 2 to 3 for ambiance. The amp’s control scheme sounds more complex than it really is once you go through it once or twice. The amp sounds best with my archtop played with the volume and tone rolled down to 7 or 8 inputted to the NORMAL input.

The amp is reactive to touch and can expose or feature the nuance of one’s right-hand technique. The amp has tremendous headroom, perhaps less than the AI + RE rig, but more than enough for almost any gig that I can imagine. I also find the semi-open back cabinet emphasizes slightly less bass than the RE cabinet and is less directional in how I perceive its sound projection.

**spiral** · 02-23-2015, 08:15 PM

Originally Posted by guitron45

I contacted Mr. Ganz and asked him about all the pricey gear in the chain. I'd already spoken with one of the recording guys. Both said the same thing. But I didn't believe the recording till I heard from Mr. Ganz. He said the sound on the vid is very close to what he heard in the room.

That's the point of quality recording gear: to reproduce what you hear in a medium (tape or digital files) that has much less flexibility than your ears. Expensive recording gear doesn't make a water-logged guitar sound amazing (well maybe if you added enough reverb), the goal is to get the closest representation of what was in the room. They aren't tricking you by using an expensive signal chain, if anything, they are being more honest.

One thing to be aware of, in both the videos you posted, they are mic-ing the acoustic sound of the guitar. To me, this can make even a mediocre amp sound amazing, because all the detail and definition are coming from the acoustic sound, and can mask the shortcomings of the amp.

**jorgemg1984** · 02-23-2015, 08:59 PM

Originally Posted by spiral

That's the point of quality recording gear: to reproduce what you hear in a medium (tape or digital files) that has much less flexibility than your ears. Expensive recording gear doesn't make a water-logged guitar sound amazing (well maybe if you added enough reverb), the goal is to get the closest representation of what was in the room. They aren't tricking you by using an expensive signal chain, if anything, they are being more honest.

One thing to be aware of, in both the videos you posted, they are mic-ing the acoustic sound of the guitar. To me, this can make even a mediocre amp sound amazing, because all the detail and definition are coming from the acoustic sound, and can mask the shortcomings of the amp.

Jeff I couldn't agree more... as long as no massive eq / compression is applied please give me a video like Sound Pure does. Actually the whole video is perfect - well recorded, a guy who can actually play jazz and very clear and detailed use of the amp's controls. I wish all stores did videos like these!

I only played an Evans once, loved it and sounded pretty close to what I hear on these videos.

**Cunamara** · 02-23-2015, 10:34 PM

Sound Pure does the best demo videos of jazz instruments on YouTube. One of the things I like is that they showcase how the instruments sound and keep the chatter to a minimum. I am annoyed by demo videos that are five minutes long with 30 seconds of hearing the instrument, amp or pedal, and 4:30 of inane wittering on about the One That Got Away which *this* one is almost like. I also am irked videos that purport to demonstrate a guitar and then present the poor thing going through six pedals before it gets to the amp, played over a background track that's too loud. Sound Pure manages to not fall into this and manages to get good sound on YouTube! More power to 'em.

**Greentone** · 02-23-2015, 11:17 PM

FWIW, I think that the RE200 and the JE200 are the best sounding Evans amps for guitar. Not that any of them sound poor for guitar--they don't. All of them sound great for guitar. It's just that the RE and JE 200 amps get a particularly superior tone for archtop guitar. I attribute this to the 10" speaker in the RE.

The big speakers models sound fantastic for steel guitar, IMO. Steelers really like them. What's not to like--big sound without breakup, and the low and low-mids sound sweet as heck.

If I didn't have a bunch of Polytones and a bunch of Fender amps--not to mention the odd Ampeg and Gibson hanging about--I could see my way clear to making do with just an Evans RE200.

That it is not made anymore is of no special consequence to me. I would just track down a clean used one. They are adequately loud and way more portable than a Twin Reverb.

**Scot Buffington** · 02-24-2015, 11:20 AM

Thanks for your kind words. The RE300 is an upgraded version of the RE200 at the same price. Compared to the RE200 in the Sound Pure videos, the new RE300 has more adjustability, bass response, headroom and output power. These improvements make the RE300 a warmer and more versatile combo amp.

For more information about Evans Custom Amplifiers, feel free to call me at 336 270 5700 and check out these links:

RE300 Evans RE300 | Products | Evans Custom Amplifiers

RE300 Touring Amp RE300 Touring Amp | Evans Custom Amplifiers

RE300 Just Jazz Guitar Review
Media | Evans Custom Amplifiers

**Scot Buffington** · 02-24-2015, 11:26 AM

Thanks for your kind words. The RE300 is an upgraded version of the RE200 at the same price. Compared to the RE200 in the Sound Pure videos, the new RE300 has more adjustability, bass response, headroom and output power. These improvements make the RE300 a warmer and more versatile combo amp.

For more information about Evans Custom Amplifiers, feel free to call me at 336 270 5700 and check out these links:

RE300 Evans RE300 | Products | Evans Custom Amplifiers

RE300 Touring Amp RE300 Touring Amp | Evans Custom Amplifiers

RE300 Just Jazz Guitar Review
Media | Evans Custom Amplifiers

**bmw2002** · 02-24-2015, 01:07 PM

Scot, been a long time user of Evans amps, first for pedal steel, now for arch-top guitar (an older AE200 head, an AH200 head, and most recently an RE200).

In another thread, someone mentioned that the newer Evans amps have a somewhat modified tone stack, resulting in a more "tamed" treble response. My one concern with the Evans I've owned has been the need to run the treble at "1" or sometimes even "0".

Is that what you mean by a "warmer" amp?

Thanks.

**guitron45** · 02-25-2015, 04:32 AM

A question please on mounting strap lock buttons on the 880. I don't know if they changed the build much from what you have, but the normal place to put the front strap lock is into the bottom of the heel. On mine that space is not wide enough to safely mount one. It is my first thought to put another piece of hard wood the same thickness as the edge of the guitar back and shaped like the btm. of the heel. This would allow the rear edge of the strap button to rest part of its circumference on the back and leave enough room to drill a tapered hole fairly close to where the back terminates. If I don't drill the hole close to outer edge of the back the strap button won't have enough wood around it to avoid trouble. Yes, I have the little felt washers to keep the lacquer happy.

Anyone have a better idea for mounting the front one. I do not want to put it on the front on the heel as the strap will get in the way of playing in that area. I also love leather and make my own straps they are fairly wide for comfort . It doesn't feel right to play with out a strap even sitting down. I got used to that because the 910 is such a lap full. I could use the strap to keep the guitar and just the right angle to my chest for playing comfort.

I'm going to remove the bottom screw that attaches the tail piece to the end block of the guitar and mount the strap lock there after I enlarge that hole a little. I have a good wood shop that came together as my wife and build our own adobe home off grid in New Mexico. Been recording with sunshine for about 19 years. Got tons of pics if anyone likes alternative building.

My Best to you all,

Ron

**silverfoxx** · 02-25-2015, 05:00 AM

Originally Posted by Greentone

FWIW, I think that the RE200 and the JE200 are the best sounding Evans amps for guitar. Not that any of them sound poor for guitar--they don't. All of them sound great for guitar. It's just that the RE and JE 200 amps get a particularly superior tone for archtop guitar. I attribute this to the 10" speaker in the RE.

The big speakers models sound fantastic for steel guitar, IMO. Steelers really like them. What's not to like--big sound without breakup, and the low and low-mids sound sweet as heck.

If I didn't have a bunch of Polytones and a bunch of Fender amps--not to mention the odd Ampeg and Gibson hanging about--I could see my way clear to making do with just an Evans RE200.

That it is not made anymore is of no special consequence to me. I would just track down a clean used one. They are adequately loud and way more portable than a Twin Reverb.

+ 1 to that Greentone, luckily I acquired a used AE100 & an AH200 head a year ago, the head paired with a RE is
phenomenal, and the output from the AE100 is astounding. I have commented on them on a previous thread. I
have not heard anyone make negative comments on Evans amps. They match well with Archtops and solid body
guitars. There is nothing wrong with Henriksen or Mambo's it's just that the Evans are superlative IMHO.

kind regards Silverfoxx

I have been reminded by the previous owner of the AE100 ( a friend and member of this Forum)
that the Amp was modified and included an upgrade to a 10" Beta speaker which accounts for the
increased output.Apologies for misleading anyone.

**SierraTango** · 02-25-2015, 12:09 PM

Originally Posted by guitron45

A question please on mounting strap lock buttons on the 880. I don't know if they changed the build much from what you have, but the normal place to put the front strap lock is into the bottom of the heel. On mine that space is not wide enough to safely mount one. It is my first thought to put another piece of hard wood the same thickness as the edge of the guitar back and shaped like the btm. of the heel. This would allow the rear edge of the strap button to rest part of its circumference on the back and leave enough room to drill a tapered hole fairly close to where the back terminates. If I don't drill the hole close to outer edge of the back the strap button won't have enough wood around it to avoid trouble. Yes, I have the little felt washers to keep the lacquer happy.

Anyone have a better idea for mounting the front one. I do not want to put it on the front on the heel as the strap will get in the way of playing in that area. I also love leather and make my own straps they are fairly wide for comfort . It doesn't feel right to play with out a strap even sitting down. I got used to that because the 910 is such a lap full. I could use the strap to keep the guitar and just the right angle to my chest for playing comfort.

I'm going to remove the bottom screw that attaches the tail piece to the end block of the guitar and mount the strap lock there after I enlarge that hole a little. I have a good wood shop that came together as my wife and build our own adobe home off grid in New Mexico. Been recording with sunshine for about 19 years. Got tons of pics if anyone likes alternative building.

My Best to you all,

Ron

Way off Evans thread I guess, however this pin location has worked well for about 10 years and many, many gigs.

**Pat Clare** · 02-25-2015, 12:38 PM

This is very informative, I recently purchased an Evans Amp from Patrick 2
This demo is going to really help me dial in my sound.

Originally Posted by jorgemg1984

Jeff I couldn't agree more... as long as no massive eq / compression is applied please give me a video like Sound Pure does. Actually the whole video is perfect - well recorded, a guy who can actually play jazz and very clear and detailed use of the amp's controls. I wish all stores did videos like these!

I only played an Evans once, loved it and sounded pretty close to what I hear on these videos.

**Marty Grass** · 02-25-2015, 01:03 PM

On Patrick2's advice, I picked up a used Evans with a 12" speaker. I couldn't be more pleased.

The Youtube video for dialing it in will save you a lot of time.

**Klatu** · 02-25-2015, 02:12 PM

Something I find refreshing about Evans amps is how well they take overdrive pedals. I've used them in a rock/funk context and found them to be every bit as satisfying as their tube counterparts.

**Scot Buffington** · 02-26-2015, 10:14 AM

Originally Posted by bmw2002

Scot, been a long time user of Evans amps, first for pedal steel, now for arch-top guitar (an older AE200 head, an AH200 head, and most recently an RE200).

In another thread, someone mentioned that the newer Evans amps have a somewhat modified tone stack, resulting in a more "tamed" treble response. My one concern with the Evans I've owned has been the need to run the treble at "1" or sometimes even "0".

Is that what you mean by a "warmer" amp?

Thanks.

In 2010, we found that slightly increasing the low frequencies while attenuating the highs turned out to be the perfect complement to our current power amp and speakers. This upgrade produced the warmest, most adjustable Evans tone that I've ever heard.

**gitman** · 04-16-2015, 08:45 AM

that's my Super-400 into an EVANS RE200 , recorded with a Zoom camcorder :

**Marty Grass** · 04-16-2015, 09:20 AM

Now that's how it's supposed to sound!

Originally Posted by gitman

that's my Super-400 into an EVANS RE200 , recorded with a Zoom camcorder :

**silverfoxx** · 04-16-2015, 11:30 AM

Absolute bliss, as clear as a bell a wonderful combination

**peterbright** · 04-17-2015, 12:05 AM

I have an SE200 (Hybrid with a 15" Speaker) and it sounds terrific. You must play with the knobs for it to sound the best. It would be hard to choose between it and my Henricksen 112ER but then I don't have to choose. Both sound better to me than my Fender Deluxe Reverb regardless of the tubes I use.