1 Topic by twistingcrow (edited by twistingcrow 2010-10-06 09:35:44)

  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 176

Topic: Getting close to Joe's tones with a Metro 50W Plexi...

Hi!
I've made up my mind. I'm getting rid of my old 1973 Super Reverb and I'm getting a Metro 1987 replica, lead specs. I miss the Marshall grit a lot and I've come to realize that I'm not a cleanish sound type of player anymore. The cleaner song I play is Thrill is Gone and it can see a bit of grit (think Moore/BBKing's duet on the Blues Alive video...)The more I gig the more I realize that I'm leaning toward the British-type of blues/rock more than American blues/rock. I still love and play SRV and KWS and Mayer but Marshall is the answer... Plus I love the head and cab look more than the combo's...

So have you guys any ideas as to what I should get for my 50W plexi pedal-wise? So far I have a Marshall Guv'Nor (MKI), a Fulltone FD2, a BYOC Tremolo that I also use for clean boost, it's awesome and a Dunlop Wha. Joe sang the praises of the new Xotic EP Booster and it may be a great pedal for the 50W Plexi... I also have a Boss RV-5 and a DD-3 but obviously no effects loop on that beast  sad ...

As far as the amp is concerned I'm gonna turn it up to about 8/10 or 10/10 hahahaha, jump channels and adjust the EQ to taste. And of course I'm gonna get me an Aracom attenuator to keep the volume at a sane level... Two weeks ago I gigged with my Super Reverb in a 100 venue with a plexi shield, the amp's volume at 3/10 and my FD2 at 2,5/10 and the owner told me to turn down:  neutral So the Aracom is a must...

What d'ya think?
Thanks!

Now I gotta get me a 2X12 cab. Crap I had one loaded with 2 EVM12-L's and I sold it when I went for the Super Reverb... Bummer...  hmm

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Getting close to Joe's tones with a Metro 50W Plexi...

Oh man say it aint so!  I love those old Super Reverbs man, my '68 is my desert island amp!  Are you selling the Fender to fund the Metro purchase?  If not I STRONGLY recommend holding on to the Super Reverb until you get the Metro.  They sound so good A/B'd or even blended that I'd use them both.  I am so totally in love with my Super Reverb + Metro rig that I'm actually considering selling every other amp that I own!  One trick that I like doing is by using my Voodoo Lab Amp Selector I run my first output into the Vibrato Channel for cleans, then the 2nd output into the normal channel for a dirty rhythm tone.  Then output 3 goes into my Metro for leads.  It's a great 'simple' 1-2-3 setup only using 2 amps.  Why not have your cake and eat it too?  You could set the vibrato/reverb channel up for a SRV/Mayer/KWS type sound, the normal channel for a classic rock crunch, and the Metro for a Joe Bonamassa style big solo sound.  Just sayin'!  cool

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 176

Re: Getting close to Joe's tones with a Metro 50W Plexi...

Crap... Well yeah, I can't afford having both... That's too much money involved if you add the fact that there's a need for a Voodoo Lab A/B/Y and so on... Plus I have to say that I don't want to lug two amps around all the time. One is more than enough stage space and weight. Plus keeping two amps means buying two attenuators and that won't do! (read what I wrote about the gig I did two weeks ago and the volume issue)

I know that if Joe chimes in on this one he will tell me what you just told me, but I don't have three roadies carrying all my stuff around and I don't play 2000+ venues. I know that the Metro will give me more than decent cleans (with a bit of crunchiness ala Hendrix but that's what I like) and awesome grit/OD tones. The SR can't give me the Marshall grit... I just do small gigs and want to keep things simple. One head and one cab is good enough for me... Plus I don't want to see my bandmates' faces if I come to rehearsal with the SR AND a head and cab (and there's another guitar player in the band)... They're gonn call me crazy and they already complain about my volume with the SR...  yikes

  • Registered: 2010-09-30
  • Posts: 163

Re: Getting close to Joe's tones with a Metro 50W Plexi...

Hi twistingcrow,

When you get your Metro 1987 please let us know your thoughts. I'm strongly considering a Germino Lead 55 LV, which is 1987 lead specs as well, but I'm sure the Metro is awesome... I wonder what the differences between the two would be. Is yours going to be a '69 type build?

What speakers/cabs are you planning on pairing with it?

Like stratpaulguy86, I also have a BF Super Reverb, which I love. I can understand your need to part with it, but it's always sad to see such an awesome amp go away.  wink

I'd also love to hear how your Aracom works out for you with that much attenuation (sounds like it will be a lot). Did George at Metro make any recommendations regarding which attenuator he prefers?

Cheers,
-Matt

  • Registered: 2008-10-02
  • Posts: 373

Re: Getting close to Joe's tones with a Metro 50W Plexi...

Hi Twistingcow,

I totally understand the not wanting to bring two amps to gigs, I just can't even think about bring that much gear to shows anymore. My band looked at me funny when I bought a 4x12 and I think they perfer I use the 1x12 combo amp most of the time.

BUT

With that said if there is anyway you can hang on to the Super I think you will miss it later and in this market you might not get top dollar for it anyway. Have two amps with different flavors is a really nice thing and I find its harder to find a good amp than it is to find a good guitar.

Just some food for thought.

E

6 Reply by twistingcrow (edited by twistingcrow 2010-10-06 13:25:28)

  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 176

Re: Getting close to Joe's tones with a Metro 50W Plexi...

As far as the Germino goes I'll never get one because they're too expensive. 2200$ for the 55 head...  If you can make the amp yourself Metro is the way to go IMHO... I've built several of their JTM45's and it's a great amp. Since I can solder and put together the amp I won't spend twice the price on a Germino. I know the 1987 is at least as good as the JTM45... It's a stock 50W kit, lead specs. Their stock amp is 1968 specs...

I know the Super Reverb is a great amp, but like I said I won't keep two amps. One has to go. I'm getting a fair price for it, I'm not losing any money. I also know that Joe says that if he had to use just ONE amp it would be a Marshall 1968 Superlead. So I'm getting closer to it with a 50W 1968 specs than with a Super Reverb...

Now, pedal-wise, what do you guys say?
Thanks!

  • From: Burlington, Ont Canada
  • Registered: 2010-04-01
  • Posts: 365

Re: Getting close to Joe's tones with a Metro 50W Plexi...

I sold my '69 SR to fund the purchase of a Marshall. Big mistake. 3 amps later and I am still gassing for my old Super. I realize you are going for the Marshall grit but you currently own one of the greatest amplifiers ever built. A classic amp dripping with tone...It's a great pedal platform as well. Stratpaulguy probably remembers as he was practically my therapist during my PSRSRS (Post Super Reverb Sale Regret Syndrome). You will regret it - and you WILL get PSRSRS!. You can always buy a Marshall - they are everywhere. Can't say the same about vintage Supers - though not extremely rare - they are only increasing in price. Just MHO of course...

Gits: '03 Gibson Historic R7 Goldtop, '06 Gibson R8 Plaintop, MIJ '62 RI Strat,  and others...
Amps: '99 Marshall 1987x Plexi RI, 1969 Fender Super Reverb

My band: www.meanbones.com
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 176

Re: Getting close to Joe's tones with a Metro 50W Plexi...

Holy crap...

  • macg1
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  • From: St. Petersburg, FL
  • Registered: 2010-01-21
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Re: Getting close to Joe's tones with a Metro 50W Plexi...

I say keep the SR, get the attenuator, and put that sucker on 10;  I mean, EVERYTHING on 10; add an XOTIC AC booster or something like it, and be the envy of all around.

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 176

Re: Getting close to Joe's tones with a Metro 50W Plexi...

Joe...! Help me! They all want me to keep a Fender!  hmm  sad  tongue  roll

  • From: Scotland
  • Registered: 2009-02-11
  • Posts: 453

Re: Getting close to Joe's tones with a Metro 50W Plexi...

twistingcrow wrote:

Joe...! Help me! They all want me to keep a Fender!  hmm  sad  tongue  roll

I'm at the opposite end of the scale size wise. I have just sold a blues junior (not a super reverb I Know) to buy a Cornell Plexi 7. So go with what you need for now. We are all destined to go through the endless cycle of buying a selling gear so I say we just get on with it.

With the metro and the attenuator I would have a bonamassa type pedal board. Wah, Fuzz, trem, pork loin, TS808 then possibly run the dd3 and reverb in an external FX loop. Get a 2x12 loaded with the EVs and you should be in bonamassa territory.

Since joe can run his amps load the power section is already doing the work. 808 or a mid boost lead sound. Pork loin for the thick creamy overdrive. I'm hoping to have something similar but on a smaller scale with the plexi 7.

  • macg1
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Re: Getting close to Joe's tones with a Metro 50W Plexi...

twistingcrow wrote:

Joe...! Help me! They all want me to keep a Fender!  hmm  sad  tongue  roll

I am pretty certain JB has nothing against old Fenders.  But I tell you what, I did sell my 66 Bandmaster, and though I was not depressed about it (trust me, it was to help fund a car with AC and in the Houston summer, I have been all smiles) and love my bassman/plexi custom amp, well... sometimes I think about it.  Blackface Fenders all knobs on 10 is a sick sick tone.  But if it is not what you are looking for... Remember that the JB experience is to cover all areas of the EQ spectrum with emphasis on mids.  Fender amps have a scoope mids EQ curve, hence their superb clean tones.  A TS style with the mid hump can totally get you to the JB land.  I just like the AC Booster because it has a rocking EQ.

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 176

Re: Getting close to Joe's tones with a Metro 50W Plexi...

I know... Joe himself says that Super Reverbs are great amps...
The fact is I've never been able to put it on 10. So I guess you guys have made me think. I'm gonna get the Aracom first and put the SR on 10 with it. And I'll compare what I get with the Metro 50W on 8 or 10 as well. The winner stays, the loser goes...
I'll keep you posted, it's gonna be a nice comparison! The 50W ships from the US tomorrow. GIve me some time to receive it, assemble it and I'll get back to you with my conclusions (for what they're worth...).
Thanks again!

  • From: Burlington, Ont Canada
  • Registered: 2010-04-01
  • Posts: 365

Re: Getting close to Joe's tones with a Metro 50W Plexi...

Have you seen this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgb0l6xH2ek

twistingcrow wrote:

Joe...! Help me! They all want me to keep a Fender!  hmm  sad  tongue  roll

Gits: '03 Gibson Historic R7 Goldtop, '06 Gibson R8 Plaintop, MIJ '62 RI Strat,  and others...
Amps: '99 Marshall 1987x Plexi RI, 1969 Fender Super Reverb

My band: www.meanbones.com
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 176

Re: Getting close to Joe's tones with a Metro 50W Plexi...

Yeah, I have, that's the video that made me jump onto a Super Reverb...  roll
But Stop is a particular sound. I'm leaning more toward the Bridge to Better Days, Walk in my Shadows, You Upset me Baby type of sound. I don't like it that much when the tone is drenched in delay, even more so that I don't have an effects loop...

  • macg1
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Re: Getting close to Joe's tones with a Metro 50W Plexi...

twistingcrow wrote:

Yeah, I have, that's the video that made me jump onto a Super Reverb...  roll
But Stop is a particular sound. I'm leaning more toward the Bridge to Better Days, Walk in my Shadows, You Upset me Baby type of sound. I don't like it that much when the tone is drenched in delay, even more so that I don't have an effects loop...

Then by the power given me by the Tone Connoisseur Association, I bless thy decision to divorce Fender and enter Marshall Land!

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 176

Re: Getting close to Joe's tones with a Metro 50W Plexi...

lol  lol  lol  tongue

I'll still wait until I get the Aracom and then decide...

  • From: Burlington, Ont Canada
  • Registered: 2010-04-01
  • Posts: 365

Re: Getting close to Joe's tones with a Metro 50W Plexi...

During a great rehearsal last night blasting my Mesa EL-34 (Marshall tone exemplified) tone I was actually thinking about this thread. I went through the same thing you are - I regret selling my SR due to the fact that it was a great classic amp. But it isn't for everyone. In fact, the band I'm in - the SR got lost in the mix. Not near enough headroom - it was "browning out" at around 5-6. Actually there was little to no difference in volume between 6-10. The tone was great but I too was going for that "other" Joe tone. My Stiletto Trident II has incredible cleans along with an amazing lead tone, so I don't miss the Super for those reasons....150w of clean headroom and 50w/150w versaltility is icing for me.

I wasn't trying to influence you other than to try and hold on to it in addition to your new amp. Best of both worlds?  wink

Good luck man and keep us posted!

Gits: '03 Gibson Historic R7 Goldtop, '06 Gibson R8 Plaintop, MIJ '62 RI Strat,  and others...
Amps: '99 Marshall 1987x Plexi RI, 1969 Fender Super Reverb

My band: www.meanbones.com