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General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: SunKing on December 16, 2005, 12:53:36 PM

Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: SunKing on December 16, 2005, 12:53:36 PM
LINE6 VETTA 2

Took me 15 months to build the bankroll for this baby.
No more analog pedals and clutter ever again!
A guitar geeks dream toy.

(http://www.americanmusical.com/images/b/p23122b.jpg)



Info (http://www.line6.com/vetta_ii/US/index.htm)


a fitting thread for post 3k.
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Yeager on December 16, 2005, 01:11:03 PM
Im expecting a review from you on santa day :D
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Skilless on December 16, 2005, 01:12:42 PM
I've been using a Flextone II for almost 2 years now.  That along with my Variax are the two best musical investments I have ever made.  With them I can achieve virtually any guitar sound imaginable.  I'm thinking about going to the Podxt live next.  I'll just use my amp as a monitor and go direct to the mixer with my Pod.  With the Podxt live and the Vetta, you can design patches that include guitar sounds with the Variax.  That way I can go from an electric to an acoustic tone with just the press of one pedal and without even touching the switches on the guitar. Also in my near future is the Line6 Toneport.  If it does half of what they say it does it's worth every penny.

Congrats on your purchase.  If you don't have any experience with Line6 gear, you will be frustrated at first.  These things are a tweakers dream.  Once you get the hang of it though you will never go back to regular gear. I saw a guy that had a Vetta II head through a Marshall 4x12 cab that just sounded incredible.  His was the one with the all-chrome face.
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: SunKing on December 16, 2005, 01:18:39 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Skilless
I've been using a Flextone II for almost 2 years now.  That along with my Variax are the two best musical investments I have ever made.  With them I can achieve virtually any guitar sound imaginable.  I'm thinking about going to the Podxt live next.  I'll just use my amp as a monitor and go direct to the mixer with my Pod.  With the Podxt live and the Vetta, you can design patches that include guitar sounds with the Variax.  That way I can go from an electric to an acoustic tone with just the press of one pedal and without even touching the switches on the guitar. Also in my near future is the Line6 Toneport.  If it does half of what they say it does it's worth every penny.

Congrats on your purchase.  If you don't have any experience with Line6 gear, you will be frustrated at first.  These things are a tweakers dream.  Once you get the hang of it though you will never go back to regular gear. I saw a guy that had a Vetta II head through a Marshall 4x12 cab that just sounded incredible.  His was the one with the all-chrome face.



A Variax is my next purchase along with longer floorboard, and I should be set.  I currently have a  MARSHALL JMC800 w/4x12 Celestion speakers cab so it sounds like I have the right cabinet for this beast. I'm looking forward to long hours fiddling with the settings. I have a ton of ideas/sounds I couldn't hit with my pedals, I can' wait.
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Waffle on December 16, 2005, 01:18:57 PM
You guys are seriously breaking my heart.......
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Skilless on December 16, 2005, 01:30:39 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Waffle BAS
You guys are seriously breaking my heart.......



Sorry Waffle.  If I could afford a Les Paul and a Strat and a Tele and a Ric and a Marshall Plexi and a Fender tweed and a Vox AC-30-you get the idea...

For a guy working in a cover band, the Line6 gear is perfect.  I know the models aren't perfect, but they're as close as I'm going to get for anywhere near my current investment.  The flexability is absolutely mind-blowing and the possibilities are endless.  Just the ability to switch from acoutic to electric with the flick of a switch and stomp on a pedal is worth it's weight in gold.
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Waffle on December 16, 2005, 01:48:11 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Skilless
Just the ability to switch from acoutic to electric with the flick of a switch and stomp on a pedal is worth it's weight in gold.



I guess - especially when you're lugging it up 3 flights of stairs. :)
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Skuzzy on December 16, 2005, 01:55:26 PM
Geez, and here I am still plunking away with an old Fender (circa 1971) tube amp.  Dang.  I'd like a review of that stuff SunKing.
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Waffle on December 16, 2005, 02:11:10 PM
What model amp? I take it has no master volume knob?
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Skuzzy on December 16, 2005, 02:12:33 PM
Heck, I dunt remember the model Waffle.  I'll have to look when I get home.  It does have a master volume control though.  It was a top line amp of its day.

You aren't thinking I could hook this head up to it?  Hehe.  I dunt know how that might sound.
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Waffle on December 16, 2005, 02:22:23 PM
If its got a master volume on it was built after 72, I'm 90% certain.

You can check the dates on the pots, ect inside if theres not a date on the outside.

there should be a 7 digit number on them with the first 3 digits man. code, the second 2 digits year, and the last 2 digits the week of the year.

You could fanagle something together I'm sure if you wanted to use that head...lol

is it a 2X12" combo?
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Skuzzy on December 16, 2005, 02:29:57 PM
It could be a 72.  I am old, after all.  Definately not a 73, or later, as I know where I was and there is know way I could have gotten the amp past 72.  I'll check it tonight.  Not really interested in using that head.  Yeah, its a combo.  I have replaced the speaker on a few occasions, and a couple of tubes (harder to find those these days, so it may be on its last legs).

But the dang thing has a nice warm, clean sound to it.  Really going to miss it when it finally dies.

I have a pic of all my stuff somewhere.  I'll see if I can dig it up.
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Waffle on December 16, 2005, 02:31:50 PM
Tube amps will never die....lol :)
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Skuzzy on December 16, 2005, 02:33:35 PM
I hope not.  The tubes are getting harder to find.  Every time I needed one, I bought two.

They still make tube amps?  I have not looked at amps in years.  No reason to until this one dies.   I would have thought they would all be digital today.
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: United on December 16, 2005, 02:38:15 PM
Hehe Skuzzy, at least you've got a tube amp.  I sit here and plunk away on a 15watt Marshall Solid state!

Congrats on the Vetta, SunKing.  I too expect a full review once you can step away from it.
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Skilless on December 16, 2005, 02:41:58 PM
I think the only thing the Line6 stuff is really good for is playing cover music.  It's good at mimicing other guitarists signature tones.  If I were more in the business of performing originals I would get a Vox AC-30 and have an amp for life.  There's nothing wrong with that old Fender Skuzzy, and you'd be surprised at how sought after those vintage tube amps are.  The Russians have gotten into the busines of making replacement tubes since the fall of the USSR and their prices are quite resonable.  I've heard of people that prefer Sovtek tube over OEM (Waffle would know better than I).  The only reason I use the Line6 stuff is pure economics and flexability.
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Skilless on December 16, 2005, 02:46:17 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Skuzzy
I hope not.  The tubes are getting harder to find.  Every time I needed one, I bought two.

They still make tube amps?  I have not looked at amps in years.  No reason to until this one dies.   I would have thought they would all be digital today.


Old die-hards like Waffle won't let it happen.  LOL!  But seriously tube amps just have a nicer warmer tone than solid state, and try as they might, they just haven't been able to digitally model that "tube tone" just right yet.  They went through a phase back in the eighties where they thought solid state was where it was at but that theory has been pretty much thrown out the window.
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Waffle on December 16, 2005, 02:46:44 PM
http://www.matchlessamplifiers.com
http://www.victoriaamp.com
http://www.badcatamps.com/home.asp
http://www.tophatamps.com
http://www.brunoamps.com

lots more out boutique amplifiers out there as well.

also you can get sovtek tubes easily...russian made leftovers :)
or just head north or south on  75 or 35 and stop at every mid-small town electronics store - especially the mom and pop stores....and clean em out!

oh yeah - forgot about this guy

http://www.sewellamps.com

He's based out of Richardson, TX.
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Skuzzy on December 16, 2005, 02:54:41 PM
Wonderful!  Thanks Waffle!

Oh, I called the Wife (she is home sick), it is a 72 Dual Showman Reverb.  I never can remember the name of the dang thing.  Surprisingly, when I had to replace the drivers a few years ago, JBL still made the replacements.
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Waffle on December 16, 2005, 03:18:17 PM
nice thing is, is with most of the boutique amp makers.. is that if you're not happy with the sound, or just want to tweak it out some....they'll work with you replacing parts, tubes, pots, capacitors, ect... to help you get what you're looking for. Most of the operations are usually 1-10 guys, so you get good service.

Had an amp go out on a tour once...and we didn't have tools / time to fix it...called the guy up..He overnighted 2 amps to the next venue... one to use..one for back up...

No way that would happen if you called up larger amp comapny after 5pm...lol



They are a little pricey, but they're handmade, most of the time to your specifications.
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Mustaine on December 16, 2005, 03:25:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Skuzzy
I hope not.  The tubes are getting harder to find.  Every time I needed one, I bought two.

They still make tube amps?  I have not looked at amps in years.  No reason to until this one dies.   I would have thought they would all be digital today.
hell Fender and marshall both make tube amps, and they are better sellers from what i have heard.

i'd die for an all tube head, nothing beats the crystal tone.
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Skuzzy on December 16, 2005, 03:50:38 PM
So, have they quit making digital amps now (couldn't do that soon enough if you ask me)?  Or are they making them in conjunction with tube amps?

I do like the sound of my amp.  Hehe, makes my Fender Mustang sound good.  LOL!
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: SunKing on December 16, 2005, 04:12:47 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Mustaine
hell Fender and marshall both make tube amps, and they are better sellers from what i have heard.

i'd die for an all tube head, nothing beats the crystal tone.


Looking to buy a Marshall JCM800  50watt head? 2 pots need replacing.

(http://www.giventowail.com/new/gear/amps/images/jcm800.jpg)
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Mickey1992 on December 16, 2005, 04:50:41 PM
Santa is bringing me this from thinkgeek.com

(http://www.thinkgeek.com/images/products/front/jam_lab.jpg)

(http://www.thinkgeek.com/images/products/additional/large/jam_lab-screen.jpg)
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: fartwinkle on December 16, 2005, 04:51:18 PM
Skuzzy you have a very valuable amp.
Tube amps are the way to go IMHO they just sound warmer.
The way the rectifirer tube sags at volume is a thang of beauty.

Took me a year of saving but I got this baby last month.

http://www.fender.com/products/search.php?partno=8140000000


For tubes you might try this site.

http://www.groovetubes.com

http://www.kcanostubes.com/content
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Mustaine on December 16, 2005, 04:55:39 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Skuzzy
So, have they quit making digital amps now (couldn't do that soon enough if you ask me)?  Or are they making them in conjunction with tube amps?

I do like the sound of my amp.  Hehe, makes my Fender Mustang sound good.  LOL!
they make both...

saw a local band last week, he was playing a solid state, and hated it, but couldn't afford a real tube amp.

they are so dmn expensive only pros can afford them now.

i think i mis-spoke before, they sell better to pros, joe on the street can't afford them usually. i think a 50 watt marshall head is like $1000 all tube maybe more.

been about 2 years since i looked at local prices.
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: SunKing on December 16, 2005, 04:55:48 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Mickey1992
Santa is bringing me this from thinkgeek.com

Mickey .. check out the "Guitar Port" by line6.  I've been using it for a year or soo. With the riff tracker program its the way to go for guitar/pc recording and a ton of amps/effects to boot.
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Skuzzy on December 16, 2005, 04:57:06 PM
Thanks fw!  Valuable?  Who'd a thunk it?  And to think I almost tossed it out a couple of years ago when one of the tubes went out and I could not find it, but then found the spare one I had bought a while before that.

I am going to have to pull the tubes this weekend and make a shopping list.
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Waffle on December 16, 2005, 05:03:49 PM
depending on condition and specifics -you could probably get $700-$1000 for it Skuzzy...

Is it a seperate head/amp / with a seperate speaker cabinet? (2x12)

Best bet to take it to an amp guy - gotta bias the tubes and other stuffs...I'll check and see if theres any good tube amp repair guys near you.
If not, you could call that Sewell guy in Richarson, and I'm sure he could turn you on to someone.
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Skuzzy on December 16, 2005, 05:08:05 PM
Yes it is a separate Waffle (dunno what I was thinking before when I said combo, DOH! moment).  The speaker cabinet houses 2-15" drivers.  I think the head is 100W, or somewhere along those lines.

It looks and sounds like new.  I could not replace for a $1,000, so I will keep on maintaining it.  Tube stuff is so easy to work on and its not like they blow out every month.  I usually go a few years between burnouts (tubes that is).

EDIT:  I have the tools to work with tubes and know how to set them up so all I need was a good source for them.  Thanks again guys!
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: nirvana on December 16, 2005, 05:13:24 PM
I read that Russians make some high quality tubes for amps for cheap prices as well.  They go in the lower line amps but I can't imagine they would be all too horrible.  Russian engineering is still top of the line.

Congrats on the Vetta SunKing, I still have a 15 watt crate.
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Rolex on December 16, 2005, 05:22:55 PM
I'd like to take this opportunity to say that Skuzzy's amp should be perked. I think a perk value of 10-12 should be good. Of course, he's not going to be able to play through it if more than 20 players are already playing their guitars at any one time in the DFW area.

Are skins available for it? Are the tubes overmodeled? Do we have any historical data on the impedance? Don't you think we have too many American amps already?
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Skuzzy on December 16, 2005, 05:27:48 PM
Perk me all you like.  I R t3h ADMIN!  QUAH!

Geez, I hope that sounds right.  I have no clue what I just said
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Rolex on December 16, 2005, 05:30:10 PM
"Bartender, I'll have whatever he's drinking."
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Skuzzy on December 16, 2005, 05:30:40 PM
Well, it is Friday.  hehe LOL!
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: NUKE on December 16, 2005, 05:35:16 PM
lol Skuzzy, you seem to be in rare form. :)
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: Skuzzy on December 16, 2005, 05:39:35 PM
Well, I have put on a few pounds, but the form is about the same.  :D
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: United on December 16, 2005, 08:19:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Skuzzy
I have the tools to work with tubes and know how to set them up so all I need was a good source for them.  Thanks again guys!


There are several online retailers that sell tubes as well.

http://www.zzounds.com/cat--2588

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=guitar/navigation?N=100001+304408&page=1
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: SunKing on December 17, 2005, 04:00:08 AM
Quote
Originally posted by nirvana
I read that Russians make some high quality tubes for amps for cheap prices as well.  They go in the lower line amps but I can't imagine they would be all too horrible.  Russian engineering is still top of the line.

Congrats on the Vetta SunKing, I still have a 15 watt crate.


Nothing wrong with that, I started with an old crate myself.
Title: Guitar players, just ordered my Xmas present
Post by: SunKing on December 19, 2005, 10:02:28 AM
Well I changed my mind and returned the Vetta2 this weekend. After reading some more on studio setups with the Vetta I learned that purchasing the Vetta2 was total overkill for me owning the marshall. It turns out they sell the  "Pod XT Live" floorboard. This unit is exactly like Vetta2 minus the amp. So I cut my expeneses from $1.6k to $399.99. I also get to keep my JCM800 now. I'll post a clip later today of me butchering VH Eruption... You'll love how close I got the orginal sound with this toy, I didn't leave the apartment all weekend lol.