Welcoming back the high gain crunch (Splawn content)

[TwilightOdyssey]

For the past 3-4 months I've been running my Quick Rod with two NOS 5751s in the preamp stage; really perfect for Gear 1, pure vintage goodness.

More recently I've begun working on an instrumental project called Codex Astartes. No matter what I tried, I could not get a good metal tone! No matter what gear, what gain setting, even with an OD pedal ... nothin' but feeback and/or microphonics.

Then it hit me ... of course not, not with dual 5751s in the preamp stage!

I just replaced V1 with a JJ 12AX7 ...

... Buttery, high gain tone of the gods is back!! :)

Gear 2, with the gain at 12 o'clock instantly conjures up vintage Dokken/RATT tones with ease, especially with the Scumback-loaded cab.

I had forgotten how jaw-dropping, how high resolution, and how TONEFUL the Splawn is when it's back into its "home turf" of melodic metal.

Simply put:

I'm re-sold on the Quick Rod's value all over again. For a mere $2k, this amp ANNHILIATES amps that cost 1.5-2x the QR.

Swapping out a single valve can take you from 1972 to 1984, and then beyond when you swap out both preamp valves, with a degree of quality that is unmatched at this price point.

Best metal amp. Ever.


Some kind of clippage coming soon!

[Dazza1004]

Have you played the Nitro ?

[TwilightOdyssey]

Yes; the Nitro goes even further into high-gain/modern territory without losing the signature Splawn sound.

[gwEm]

the splawn range (as evangalised by you TO) seems really good. myself, i'd like to give the 'competition' a go one day, i like the spec of it.

[TwilightOdyssey]

Clip 1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEy1Gjt5JZc

[TwilightOdyssey]

Clip 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjyaNOaFGdw

[DeanS]

The Gas for a Splawn has been brewing for some while now and with Sounds Great recently becoming a dealer I'm gonna check 'em out in the new year- I know I'll end up buying one 8)

[JamesHealey]

the thing that gets me with the Splawns is the low mids are passed off as the bass so theres no true bottom end like on a plexi or early jcm800, true the splawns are tighter but they also have harsh treble and mids.

not a fan of them at all.
but ben knows that, my 1970 super bass slays my previous splawn.

[Oli]

The Gas for a Splawn has been brewing for some while now and with Sounds Great recently becoming a dealer I'm gonna check 'em out in the new year- I know I'll end up buying one 8)

Oh god yes, i've been quietly dreaming about a QuickRod for a couple of years now, but being at uni now, i'm going to have to wait... but perhaps by the time i've finished (and sold lots of gear), the exchange rate will be better for us :) I'd love to get the chance to try one out in person beforehand though, need to BKP up my LP first though!

TO, your amp sounds great man, and so did the riffs :)