Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: PoshCollins on February 01, 2008, 05:46:51 PM
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Hi everyone, sorry its been so soon for me to start another topic but I have been considering buying a Cornford MK50 head and Cornford 4x12 cabinet.
Just interested to see what everyone else thinks of them.
Cheers,
Posh-Collins.
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BOGNER: Namely Shiva EL34 (never actually played one, but never actually heard a bad clip), and the only experience i have with cornford is the harlequin, which i like actually, just not that much. Yeah... pretty much just ignore my opinion :P
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Indy - The Harlequin is soooo unrepresentative of the Cornford range.
Spectacular amps - Amazing tone.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-yPEewaalik
MK50 there I think.
Personally I think I'd rather have a Cornford than a Bogner - I picture Cornfords as the god of just pure "tone".
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DO IT!
If I didn't need modern high-gain sounds so badly I'd have one myself. In fact, I'm hoping I might have the free cash to afford one near the end of the year..
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DO IT!
If I didn't need modern high-gain sounds so badly I'd have one myself. In fact, I'm hoping I might have the free cash to afford one near the end of the year..
+1
If I didn't need UltraGain channel I'd get one in a flash.
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You either like the Cornford tone or you hate it. I fall into the latter catagory. Personally I love the woodiness of Bogner amps.
I know an amp tech who would advise you to stay away. He has serious issues with the design of the boards and the routing of the wiring on a couple of heads and has even rebuilt one from the ground up for one customer.
Having said that, mention any brand of amp and someone out there will tell you a horror story!
I have a few friends that have them and love them and I did some demo'ing through one (Carrera) at last years Newcastle Guitar Show.
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I nearly bought a Harlequin at one point, that was quite nice, but a bit too loud to get it properly cranked at home.
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Thanks for your replys :D.
I'm into instrumental players mostly but I need something with versatillity too. Looking for something that can cover stuff like Greg Howe, Reb Beach, Joe Satriani, Vinnie Moore, Macalpine,Dann Huff, Steve Morse and Yngwie.
I think Noodle knows into great depth (Thanks to the wonders of MSN:P) what sort of thing I'm looking for.
If I need to reach metal tones do I need a Pedal in front or do you reckon the Cornford would cover it all?
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Is there a particular Cornford you are wishing to buy, also what budget are you working to?
Personally if you can, I would always recommend going on an amp hunt and buy what sounds the best to you. Decide what features you definitely want, what features would be nice to haves but would not stop you buying that amp if it gets you tone wise and are not present. Take your No.1 guitar and any effects you intend to use with it.
Years ago I decided that a Mesa Boogie Nomad would be my perfect amp. I ended up trying various Mesa's, Marshall's, Soldano's and the like and ended up buying a Trace Elliot Speed Twin (back then these were an expensive valve amp). Great sounding amp but it proved that sometimes your perceptions gained from what you read don't match the reality when you try the amp in the flesh.
Last year I tried a Bogner Ecstasy for the first time. I plugged in expecting to be disapointed (at first I was - it was not plugged in! :lol: ). I ended up ordeing one on the spot.
I know Dakine is another Bogner convertee.
But again, if you have the chance, try as many as you can before you buy.
What suits one person will not necessarily suit you.
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Cornfords are well nice, tone machines!
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Is there a particular Cornford you are wishing to buy, also what budget are you working to?
Personally if you can, I would always recommend going on an amp hunt and buy what sounds the best to you. Decide what features you definitely want, what features would be nice to haves but would not stop you buying that amp if it gets you tone wise and are not present. Take your No.1 guitar and any effects you intend to use with it.
Years ago I decided that a Mesa Boogie Nomad would be my perfect amp. I ended up trying various Mesa's, Marshall's, Soldano's and the like and ended up buying a Trace Elliot Speed Twin (back then these were an expensive valve amp). Great sounding amp but it proved that sometimes your perceptions gained from what you read don't match the reality when you try the amp in the flesh.
Last year I tried a Bogner Ecstasy for the first time. I plugged in expecting to be disapointed (at first I was - it was not plugged in! :lol: ). I ended up ordeing one on the spot.
I know Dakine is another Bogner convertee.
But again, if you have the chance, try as many as you can before you buy.
What suits one person will not necessarily suit you.
I have about 1.5K to spend. I could stretch a bit more than that though.
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I like a lot about Cornfords. I loved a Harlequin I played for quite a while in a shop. I love a load of clips I've heard. i really like their philosophy, who theyare, where they are, etc. etc.
However, my main experience of Cornford was buying a Hurricane 20W combo, which was just horrible. I'm suspicious that I got a bad amp, but I was just not willing to try again in the hope of geting a better one. I got my refund and ran.
In the end, the advice, given above, about playing an amp before you buy it is really important. Or at least buying from a place that gives you a 7 day return period (Anderton's in Guildford sell Cornfords and give a "no questions asked" 7 day return period).
I think that, potentially, Cornfords are awesome amps. But each single individual amp must be judged on it's own merits !!
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Ok I have a new plan.
I'll follow March's advice and I'm gonna go round pretty much every shop I can find.
I'm considering an Engl though. Here is a list of the ones I would open to trying.
- Engl Powerball
- Engl Blackmore
- Diezel Einstein
- Cornford MK 50
- Peavey 5150 II
- Give a Laney a good whack =]
- Tried a Marshall JVM (Not bad).
Oh boy what a fun day this going to be PDT_015 PDT_003.
Note to self - Try all of them with BK's!
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If you're considering Engls, you should definitely try out an Invader 100. They're incredible sounding amps, and are very versatile indeed. Probably more suited to lead playing than the Powerball.
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I'd consider the ENGL Invader also, I own one and it's simply the best, most versatile thing I have owned in my life, the only sound I'm really yet to achieve is a dirty grungy sound, but given my playing style that probably wont be happening for a while.
As for Cornford, they're tasty amps, a friend of mine has a Hellcat Combo, and it's delicious.
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Thought you might come in on this Pete ;)
Might want to chuck a Framus Dragon on to the list as well.
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You know me all too well ;)
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never tried one in person but i buy guitarist and guitar techniques magazines and in most months a large portion of the demos/songs/etc etc are played on one.
They sound pretty good to me. Not sure i'd buy one but im more into old school sounds then more modern.
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As far as I know (from last year) Diezel were/are only avail. from the distributor in North London. Get in touch and they book studio time for you to try.
Problem with UK is everything is soooooooooo spread out.
This makes an amp quest just that, a bloody quest!
You may wanna factor into the equation where you will be using the amp. Gigging or just at home or gig and home.
Some amps sound YUCK at home levels (unless you live on an estate and if you are 15yo and have 1,500 or more to spend maybe you do :)).
Also, for that kinda dosh (if it wer me) I would look at some 'arguably' better made amps also. NOT saying any of those listed are bad but certainly most are mass produced and not the best quality build wise.
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As far as I know (from last year) Diezel were/are only avail. from the distributor in North London. Get in touch and they book studio time for you to try.
Problem with UK is everything is soooooooooo spread out.
This makes an amp quest just that, a bloody quest!
You may wanna factor into the equation where you will be using the amp. Gigging or just at home or gig and home.
Some amps sound YUCK at home levels (unless you live on an estate and if you are 15yo and have 1,500 or more to spend maybe you do :)).
Also, for that kinda dosh (if it wer me) I would look at some 'arguably' better made amps also. NOT saying any of those listed are bad but certainly most are mass produced and not the best quality build wise.
Thats some good intuition you got there! PDT_024
Thanks for your advice dude. :D
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Well none of those things are really issues at all with the Invader, it sounds bloody brilliant at bedroom levels for a high gain valve amp. Also in my opinion the Invader sounds somewhat better than the majority of what Diezel has to offer for a substantially heftier price, I don't know what it is with Diezels, something just doesn't sound quite right or me with them.
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really think you can/should widen your search for that kinda money.
There truly is NO be all/end all in amp game (or everyone would own same thing) but there are some VERY fine amps out there.
How much gain? (remember gain is subjective and not as much gain is used as you may think by many players).
How important is a pristine clean channel? This can act as a base for quality pedals too soo gain (if thats your thing) can be added here for a totally different structure.
How many channels? I have had 3 before but fine 2 suits me perfectly (esp. if a pedal is involved).
Head/Cab or Combo? this will limit some decisions
Size? obvious
Tone? British Marshall or US etc.
There are soooooooooo many choices with that kinda dosh!
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Sounds Great just outside of Manchester stock Diezels
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^ cool, as said was of last year only had sole distributor.
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Electrohill in Palmers Green have Diezel now - There was a Herbert there last week, but was there today and they must've sold it - since I didn't see it.
But then again, there's an Einstein that seems to have taken its place!
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If we're listing Diezel stockists, I believe Mansons in Exeter has them as well.
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really think you can/should widen your search for that kinda money.
There truly is NO be all/end all in amp game (or everyone would own same thing) but there are some VERY fine amps out there.
How much gain? (remember gain is subjective and not as much gain is used as you may think by many players).
A good fair bit. Enough for Instrumental tones a la Vinnie Moore.
How important is a pristine clean channel? This can act as a base for quality pedals too soo gain (if thats your thing) can be added here for a totally different structure.
I doubt I'll find anything that will top my old Mesa but its worth a try ;)
How many channels? I have had 3 before but fine 2 suits me perfectly (esp. if a pedal is involved).
Hmm quite a tricky one there but I find it depends on what type of channels they are. 2 is still cool though.
Head/Cab or Combo? this will limit some decisions
I would prefer Head/Cab however if the tone sways me enough I will change my mind.
Size? obvious
Head --> 4x12 Cabinet
or
Head --> 2x12 Cab (x2 if need be.)
Tone? British Marshall or US etc.
I'm not sure but Marshall ain't my cup of tea so I'll presume either US or German.
There are soooooooooo many choices with that kinda dosh!
All of my answers in red pal PDT_003
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pm'd ya but
mesa aint clean IMO (having owned 3).
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Apologies for useless comment, but I notice that "never tried one" is streets ahead in the poll.
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pm'd ya but
mesa aint clean IMO (having owned 3).
It wasn't a normal mesa iirc.
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As for Cornford, they're tasty amps, a friend of mine has a Hellcat Combo, and it's delicious.
+1 - I love mine (and Hurricane) - great chimey cleans (vintage) and liquid sustain (modern) BUT I would never recommend anyone buy one without trying - as March said above you either love or hate the sound and have got to try as many amps you can before buying. I've bought a couple of amps in the past based on recommendation/review from other people and, although the reviews were not really inaccurate, I've been very disappointed.
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pm'd ya but
mesa aint clean IMO (having owned 3).
I can tell you that my clean channel sound is clean and beautiful! :wink: (Nomad)
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They might not be that fashionable, but the guys at Matamp will build an amp pretty much to your spec - they tweek gain settings from vintage to moder, so I'm told. Might be worth a visit... the 1224 looks and sounds awesome (to my taste anyway... but I guess I'm quite oldskool)
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I used to own a Harlequin and I quite liked it. I kinda regret getting rid of it to be honest. You had to be really 'on' with your technique otherwise the harlequin would let you know you're cr@p :lol:
I'd love a MK50, just too expensive and not something I'd really need.
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I've owned a Cornford Harly now for 8 years and for class A tones I can't fault it- even if its a little on the dark side.
Have you considered the Hellcat as these will cover anything from cleans to vintage bluesey stuff to high gain metal.
Ainsley Lister playing 'Peter Green' style blues using a Hellcat................
http://youtube.com/watch?v=OxAWfNTnYs8
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At the moment I am more attracted by Marshall- I already have 2 amps with cornford-like, smooth mids (Bogner & Budda). I think the VintageModern might be nice in band play ...
Having said that, they (cornford) seem cool amps, but I've never had the chance to try one as they aren't the normal thing to be stocked in continental music shops ...
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At the moment I am more attracted by Marshall- I already have 2 amps with smooth mids (Bogner & Budda). I think the VintageModern might be nice in band play ...
Having said that, they seem cool amps, but I've never had the chance to try one as they aren't the normal thing to be stocked in continental music shops ...
I've tried the Vintage Modern combo and that wasn't bad. I thought it was like a mix of most vinatge Marshalls into a singl combo.
Not my cup of tea but I know there are players who love to make sweet music with theirs :P.
I think it would suit the types who are into Hendrix, AC/DC, Free etc.. basically vintage Marshall users.
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i agree with nick, you really need to get out and try as many amps as you can- most amps at the £1500-range will be kickass to someone. I took about a year before i bought an expensive amp (including trips to mainland GB), and still ended up buying something i hadn't tried as i got such a good deal (and ironically probably made a better choice than if i'd relied on my judgement at the time :lol: )...
my advice is, try everything you can... but don't be swayed by an amp which does a tone you'd love to be able to get (which you can't get at the moment), if you only rarely use it.
I was extremely disappointed with my avt's modern tones... yet now I can get modern tones, I realise i don't use/need them all that often. though of course it's nice to be able to get them when i do want them.
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Basically They are as good as it gets. Obviously not for everyone and as stated previously will expose your sloppy technique.
I've had a Carrerra for a couple of years and the only real sound I couldn't easily get was a very jangly (AC30 style) chime. (as said slightly too dark really). Anyway now I use a Carl Martin Parametric EQ and I can get all teh jangle I want.
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The Hurricane is great for very small gigs and amazing tone at home, I found it got lost in the mix during reasonable sized gigs.. Hence the move to a non-mv marshall head.
But if i'd have had the money it'd have been a Mk50II - best amp head in the world I assure you.
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Obviously as a long time happy MK50 and matching Cornford 2x12 owner I come at this with a slightly biased view. I wrote an early review of this on Harmony Central and frankly my views several years on haven't changed.
You'll either like or not the tone of the thing, but I've actually used it at gigs ranging from smallish pubs and parties to Harley Davidson biker festivals and I think it's a joy. It's also really loud.
I know it's difficult to test drive amps like this but I do think it needs to given a fair hearing at what would be considered gig volume to see what it can do. Cornford do have their Lounge thing if you're within striking distance of the Kent coast.
I variously use a 1990 Les Paul Standard with Mules, an 89 PRS Custom, Strat with Rio Grande Halfbreeds (sorry BKP!) a G&L Asat and a Heritage 535 and the Cornford seems to bring out the real character of each of the guitars. It's very responsive so doesn't give your technique (or lack of it) anywhere to hide, but it's built like a tank and sounds sweet whatever you put through it and at a range of volumes.
Hope this helps!
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I have a Cornford Hurricane and have to say that it is awesome. Great tones with all my guitars. Even with lots of gain dialled in, they clean up so well from the guitar. They are incredibly responsive to tone/volume changes as well as differing pick attacks, etc. Makes this amp more versatile than a Marshall TSL I used to have.
I would, however, say that like a lot of "boutique" amps the Cornfords have a distinctive tone so make sure that you like it before committing. :D