• Devan
  • Devan
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Darwin, Australia
  • Registered: 2010-04-13
  • Posts: 1,304

Topic: I'm leaning more and more towards modellers instead of amps...

Hey all,

As you might have known from previous posts, I have been using an Axe-FX Ultra lately for live gigs, and so my Mesa/Boogie IIB and DC10 have been gathering dust, pretty much.

Lately, I have been using software modellers more and more when playing/recording at home.  I came across S-Gear recently, and the amp models on there I think are some of the best I have heard.  I cannot afford a real Dumble style amp, but S-Gear gets me close!

Here is a quick jam I did with my Grosh Electrajet and S-Gear, using my favourite Dumble preset on it...

http://soundcloud.com/cyberferret/cloudy-day-jam

Any other members here checking out modellers for recording/live playing?

JBLP Gold Top #129 - redubbed "#1 in Oz"
  • sted
  • sted
  • Platinum
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2011-03-20
  • Posts: 333

Re: I'm leaning more and more towards modellers instead of amps...

I put my name down for an Axe-Fx II  but I'm not 100% sold on them just yet, biggest problem...you can't try one unless you know someone with one! Theres no denying the quality, I think the arguments that have previously surrounded modelling pretty much go out of the window with the Axe Fx, it really is that good, I'm just not sure if it is what id want for live use, I had a Mesa MkV for a while and I suffered extreme option paralysis with all the options and settings on that, I fear it would be the same for me with an AFII.

Nice jam by the way mate :-)

  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: I'm leaning more and more towards modellers instead of amps...

sted wrote:

I put my name down for an Axe-Fx II  but I'm not 100% sold on them just yet, biggest problem...you can't try one unless you know someone with one! Theres no denying the quality, I think the arguments that have previously surrounded modelling pretty much go out of the window with the Axe Fx, it really is that good, I'm just not sure if it is what id want for live use, I had a Mesa MkV for a while and I suffered extreme option paralysis with all the options and settings on that, I fear it would be the same for me with an AFII.

Nice jam by the way mate :-)

Hi
I have the AXe_fxII it is an awesome sound machine. funny you mention option paralysis with all the potential tones you can get out of this that is definatly a probelm. that is getting lost in all the possibilities................but hey that's just it many possibilities. I find myself when I sit down to use the axe-fxII I tell myself ok the goal today is...then reach that goal then move on. that way I do not get all caught up in what is at my disposal.
Cheers Ron from Pelham N.H.

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others
  • Devan
  • Devan
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Darwin, Australia
  • Registered: 2010-04-13
  • Posts: 1,304

Re: I'm leaning more and more towards modellers instead of amps...

sted wrote:

I put my name down for an Axe-Fx II  but I'm not 100% sold on them just yet, biggest problem...you can't try one unless you know someone with one! Theres no denying the quality, I think the arguments that have previously surrounded modelling pretty much go out of the window with the Axe Fx, it really is that good, I'm just not sure if it is what id want for live use, I had a Mesa MkV for a while and I suffered extreme option paralysis with all the options and settings on that, I fear it would be the same for me with an AFII.

Nice jam by the way mate :-)

sted - Thanks for the kind feedback on the clip!

I've got the Ultra, not the II.  Apparently the Axe-FX II with Firmware 3.0 is the ants pants.  As Ron said, you can get stuck for HOURS tweaking the thing.  What I invariably to is to set up about 3 or 4 different presets that suite my guitars that I normally use.  I spend a few days tweaking and setting, then I pretty much leave it as is.

I guess that's why I like S-Gear:  Only 3 amps and ONE effect to choose from.  I like that I am not overwhelmed with choice as I am on the Axe-FX or Amplitube etc.  Having said that, I wouldn't mind a MkV Boogie like you had either... smile

JBLP Gold Top #129 - redubbed "#1 in Oz"
  • sted
  • sted
  • Platinum
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2011-03-20
  • Posts: 333

Re: I'm leaning more and more towards modellers instead of amps...

Devan wrote:
sted wrote:

I put my name down for an Axe-Fx II  but I'm not 100% sold on them just yet, biggest problem...you can't try one unless you know someone with one! Theres no denying the quality, I think the arguments that have previously surrounded modelling pretty much go out of the window with the Axe Fx, it really is that good, I'm just not sure if it is what id want for live use, I had a Mesa MkV for a while and I suffered extreme option paralysis with all the options and settings on that, I fear it would be the same for me with an AFII.

Nice jam by the way mate :-)

sted - Thanks for the kind feedback on the clip!

I've got the Ultra, not the II.  Apparently the Axe-FX II with Firmware 3.0 is the ants pants.  As Ron said, you can get stuck for HOURS tweaking the thing.  What I invariably to is to set up about 3 or 4 different presets that suite my guitars that I normally use.  I spend a few days tweaking and setting, then I pretty much leave it as is.

I guess that's why I like S-Gear:  Only 3 amps and ONE effect to choose from.  I like that I am not overwhelmed with choice as I am on the Axe-FX or Amplitube etc.  Having said that, I wouldn't mind a MkV Boogie like you had either... smile

Ahhh, the Boogie was great mate...but...it broke down mid gig and it never ever sounded the same two nights on the run, I used to drive the rest of the band nuts tweaking all the dials for half an hour during sound check, it was just never going to work.

  • From: kentucky
  • Registered: 2008-03-06
  • Posts: 304

Re: I'm leaning more and more towards modellers instead of amps...

devan your sound clip and playing were very cool......i dont really think it sounds close to a dumble although the tone was good......

masque's Website

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: I'm leaning more and more towards modellers instead of amps...

The Axe II is the choice of Ty Tabor and dwizel zappa those 2 alone would be enough for me to check one out.  I just don't have the money for such a nice piece of amp.

AD3THREE's Website

  • dchale
  • dchale
  • Bronze Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2011-03-12
  • Posts: 34

Re: I'm leaning more and more towards modellers instead of amps...

Dweezil Zappa has quite a few clips of Fractal Audio guitar solos from the Zappa Plays Zappa tour.  Ear candy for any Zappa fans out there...

http://www.dweezilzappaworld.com/songs/ … xperiments

  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,857

Re: I'm leaning more and more towards modellers instead of amps...

Just wondering what the longevity (life) is on a modeling amp such as the Axe II?

  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: I'm leaning more and more towards modellers instead of amps...

Spider wrote:

Just wondering what the longevity (life) is on a modeling amp such as the Axe II?

agree I use it as a tool for ideas............... but still nothing like plugging into a silver Jub, twinkleland, Carol Ann, Fender, Cat 5 etc etc
Cheers ron

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others
  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: I'm leaning more and more towards modellers instead of amps...

Spider wrote:

Just wondering what the longevity (life) is on a modeling amp such as the Axe II?

agree I use it as a tool for ideas............... but still nothing like plugging into a silver Jub, twinkleland, Carol Ann, Fender, Cat 5 etc etc
Cheers ron

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others
  • Devan
  • Devan
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Darwin, Australia
  • Registered: 2010-04-13
  • Posts: 1,304

Re: I'm leaning more and more towards modellers instead of amps...

Spider wrote:

Just wondering what the longevity (life) is on a modeling amp such as the Axe II?

Did you mean technology-wise, or physical hardware-wise Spider?

Hardware wise, yeah you might have problems with the fan bearings going as some users have experienced - but it's all solid state, rack mountable technology, and looked after well, should last a decade or so.  I still come across people using Roland synths etc. from the 80s... wink

Technology wise, yes I guess there is processor and software obsolescence, but once again it depends on whether you want to stay 'cutting edge' or just work with what you've got.  I have no plans to 'upgrade' to the Axe FX II.  The Ultra does everything I need to at the moment, and I still haven't tapped into more that 2% of the device IMO.

But hey, I am probably one of the only people in the world still with an iPhone 3!!!  And an iPad 1 !!  I work in the IT field, but I think always chasing the bleeding edge just gets silly after a while...

JBLP Gold Top #129 - redubbed "#1 in Oz"
  • Registered: 2007-11-04
  • Posts: 404

Re: I'm leaning more and more towards modellers instead of amps...

Here is the problem with threads like this.

"i dont really think it sounds close to a dumble although the tone was good......"  - Really??? I must have bad ears...

"agree I use it as a tool for ideas............... but still nothing like plugging into a silver Jub, twinkleland, Carol Ann, Fender, Cat 5 etc etc"  Ron I really hope you've played the Axe-Fx.  I am going to assume you have based on a statement like that.

The Axe Fx is one of the best amps out there period. I would say that there is no one in this entire forum who could tell that someone was playing thru one if they went to a concert and there were no amps on stage and you just saw speaker cabs.  Even Joe with his ear for tone would fail that test.

I would go further... I would say that if I asked you to come over to my buddies house and you could play your guitar thru an amp in another room and it was coming into a speaker in that same room that you would not realize you are not playing thru a tube amp. We all get so caught up in the aura of tubes because of the crap that has come out in the past (cybertwin, Line6 comes to mind) that we are unwilling to give an inch when talking about good tone and the chance that a computer could sound good.

We listen to demos online and think that because we are comparing a dumble clip with a axe-fx clip with our 100 dollar computer speakers that we are in a position to comment on this product. 

Also I and most of the people dont have the ability to own a dumble, two rock, Van Weeden, Silver Jub, Fuchs or any other 3000 dollar amp... so in thinking about what kind of tool (cause thats what amps all are anyway)  would be best for a working musician who would like some variety...

I would highly recommend the Axe-Fx as an awsome way to get amazing tone that can take you from fender to Marshall and just about every kind of expensive amp you'd ever need.  And all for about 2500 bucks.

Happy Holidays...

You may now throw the stones.

  • From: N.Wales, UK
  • Registered: 2009-03-06
  • Posts: 2,183

Re: I'm leaning more and more towards modellers instead of amps...

You'll come back.

  • From: kentucky
  • Registered: 2008-03-06
  • Posts: 304

Re: I'm leaning more and more towards modellers instead of amps...

Spider wrote:

Just wondering what the longevity (life) is on a modeling amp such as the Axe II?


i have a digitech gsp 2101 preamp that was sort of the axe of its day that I bought new in 1994 and it still works like a charm and actually still sounds great even against all of the newer technology.....it has been worked hard for years......and for a couple of years I even gigged out with it.......no issues......so the axe if built with similar quality could last for decades from a physical standpoint.

masque's Website

  • From: kentucky
  • Registered: 2008-03-06
  • Posts: 304

Re: I'm leaning more and more towards modellers instead of amps...

jgalvan8804 wrote:

Here is the problem with threads like this.

"i dont really think it sounds close to a dumble although the tone was good......"  - Really??? I must have bad ears...

"agree I use it as a tool for ideas............... but still nothing like plugging into a silver Jub, twinkleland, Carol Ann, Fender, Cat 5 etc etc"  Ron I really hope you've played the Axe-Fx.  I am going to assume you have based on a statement like that.

The Axe Fx is one of the best amps out there period. I would say that there is no one in this entire forum who could tell that someone was playing thru one if they went to a concert and there were no amps on stage and you just saw speaker cabs.  Even Joe with his ear for tone would fail that test.

I would go further... I would say that if I asked you to come over to my buddies house and you could play your guitar thru an amp in another room and it was coming into a speaker in that same room that you would not realize you are not playing thru a tube amp. We all get so caught up in the aura of tubes because of the crap that has come out in the past (cybertwin, Line6 comes to mind) that we are unwilling to give an inch when talking about good tone and the chance that a computer could sound good.

We listen to demos online and think that because we are comparing a dumble clip with a axe-fx clip with our 100 dollar computer speakers that we are in a position to comment on this product. 

Also I and most of the people dont have the ability to own a dumble, two rock, Van Weeden, Silver Jub, Fuchs or any other 3000 dollar amp... so in thinking about what kind of tool (cause thats what amps all are anyway)  would be best for a working musician who would like some variety...

I would highly recommend the Axe-Fx as an awsome way to get amazing tone that can take you from fender to Marshall and just about every kind of expensive amp you'd ever need.  And all for about 2500 bucks.

Happy Holidays...

You may now throw the stones.


i repsect what you are saying but you have taken my post at the very least wrong.....i love the tech stuff......i think the axe is an awesome unit and I plan on owning one.  I paid over $1500 in 1994 for a digitech gsp 2101 preamp that I used for thousands of hours for years.......i own a boss gt-8 that i think does a good job.

good tone is good tone regardless of where it comes from......im not a tube amp snob......i do prefer tube amps but I'll take good tone from anything.

and that was my point.....devan's sound clip sounded good but it did not "sound" like a dumble amp based on the numerous recordings I've listened to for hours and hours of my life on my $100 computer speakers.  I am a huge enormous robben ford and eric johnson fan......robben has used a dumble as his primary amp for years and ej did as well back in the ah via musicom days of his career.  So my ears are extremely accustomed to hearing dumble amps from those artists alone.....not to mention all of the other sound clips and artists that are out there.

devan asked a question and I answered it honestly based on what I heard not because i'm a tube amp snob and wont accept the axe fx.......i thought his tone was a little too bright and slightly harsh and not quite warm and mellow enough to truly mimick my thoughts of what the dumble sounds like.  but i also wanted him to know that i thought the tone overall was still good and that I liked it.


music and tone is subjective and you are right the majority of all of us will never really truly be able to pick out what kind of amp is being used on a recording or mic or guitar unless its a strat vs a les paul or something obvious like that......but that doesnt mean you cant listen with a discerning ear and understand EQ and tonal quality.

masque's Website

17 Reply by cindyron (edited by cindyron 2011-12-07 11:53:00)

  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: I'm leaning more and more towards modellers instead of amps...

jgalvan8804 wrote:

Here is the problem with threads like this.

"i dont really think it sounds close to a dumble although the tone was good......"  - Really??? I must have bad ears...

"agree I use it as a tool for ideas............... but still nothing like plugging into a silver Jub, twinkleland, Carol Ann, Fender, Cat 5 etc etc"  Ron I really hope you've played the Axe-Fx.  I am going to assume you have based on a statement like that.

The Axe Fx is one of the best amps out there period. I would say that there is no one in this entire forum who could tell that someone was playing thru one if they went to a concert and there were no amps on stage and you just saw speaker cabs.  Even Joe with his ear for tone would fail that test.

I would go further... I would say that if I asked you to come over to my buddies house and you could play your guitar thru an amp in another room and it was coming into a speaker in that same room that you would not realize you are not playing thru a tube amp. We all get so caught up in the aura of tubes because of the crap that has come out in the past (cybertwin, Line6 comes to mind) that we are unwilling to give an inch when talking about good tone and the chance that a computer could sound good.

We listen to demos online and think that because we are comparing a dumble clip with a axe-fx clip with our 100 dollar computer speakers that we are in a position to comment on this product. 

Also I and most of the people dont have the ability to own a dumble, two rock, Van Weeden, Silver Jub, Fuchs or any other 3000 dollar amp... so in thinking about what kind of tool (cause thats what amps all are anyway)  would be best for a working musician who would like some variety...

I would highly recommend the Axe-Fx as an awsome way to get amazing tone that can take you from fender to Marshall and just about every kind of expensive amp you'd ever need.  And all for about 2500 bucks.

Happy Holidays...

You may now throw the stones.

Hi
I own a AXE fx Ultra and AXE FX II so yes I can compare side by side. I never said I would not buy these units as yo can tell. If someone is interested in an AXE FX Ultra since I now have the AXE FX II I will be willing to sell my Ultra if anyone is interested. make me an offer
Cheers Ron
Cheers Ron

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others

18 Reply by MickeyFinn (edited by MickeyFinn 2011-12-06 17:02:05)

  • Registered: 2008-08-24
  • Posts: 181

Re: I'm leaning more and more towards modellers instead of amps...

You get what you pay for in modellors, same as with amps.  The best stuff will cost you.  I have two great USA-made amps, but I still plug into my original Pod w/headphones sometimes, or to grab quick ideas into my D.A.W. or Tascam 8 track.  In fact, I just changed out the  eprom chip in the old pod to version 2.4.  Nice!  Smoking Budda and better Marshall sims, and delay trails when changing channels.   It's still fun for me!