Finally getting to try an Evans amp

[mad dog]

Have really been enjoying SS amps lately, so Evans was on my short list. An affordable older one came up for sale ... this 1x15 Se 150 from 1999:



Actual model then was "E 150", but at some point they started calling all their 15" speaker amps "SE" for steel.

It's well used, worn but works perfectly. Controls are not completely intuitive. Especially the "Body" knob. The only real surprise is that the master volume doesn't act like other MVs I've had. Keeping master low and channel volume high does not result in added drive or edge of distortion sort of sound. Seems only to raise or lower volume. Strange.

Distortion is not likely with this amp. It is loud - can get VERY loud - and clean. Cool thing is, it sounds really good a lower volumes too. And seems to love P-90s, which is most convenient as I do too. Not a sterile clean sound at all. The Se 150 has warmth and depth. Been trying it with two archtops: A '61 Guild X50 with the Franz p/u, and a 70s Greco N60 (ES-175 but for the laminated spruce top) with SD antiquity P90s instead of the stock humbuckers. Both sound excellent through the Evans. Especially the Guild, which seems to go better with the lower gain input for some reason.

I've been going back and forth today between the Evans and my other jazz playing (OK, baby stepping ...) amp. A DV Mark Micro 50 CMT into a Mather oversize pine 1x12. Both are excellent. But the 15" setup wins. A fat, wide sound. More open sounding somehow than the 1x12.

Strange how such a powerful, not that light amp could be so good at lower volumes. One of many reasons to love good SS amps.

[SierraTango]

Welcome to the Evans club! I have been working with a JE200 for years. My regular set up on a gig consists of my 1990 Bob-built Benedetto Cremona, a patch cord and the Evans. The Evans then gets lined out to the PA. The Benedetto has a floating Bartolini PU and sounds wonderful plugged into the "2" input. Note the JE is a 12" speaker.
I've jokingly referred to the Evans as the Mesa Boogie of SS amps. It takes some patience to dial in but when you hit the sweet spot it's sublime. There are some Evans lovers and haters on this forum however I'm very happy with mine.
Also, the owner of Evans amps, Scot Buffington is a very helpful and knowledgeable guy as you would imagine. He is a 7 string player and can answer most any question you may have. Congrats!

[Klatu]

SierraTango has it right. I've got a Polytone, Henriksen, Acoustic Image, and Evans. The Evans is the solid state clean amp that has the most in common with traditional electric guitar amps. It has a mid range and compression that can't be beat.

Good find.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

[Greentone]

Good purchase.

[patshep]

I've been wanting one for a long time now, can you post some clips?

[mad dog]

Let me see what I can do Pat.