Author Topic: Ceriatone Plexi on the way (Read 10946 times)

hamfist · « **on:** March 20, 2008, 07:30:03 AM »

For some strange reason, I felt the need to order a new amp.

I have been very happy with the AC30HH I got a couple of months ago, and I still cannot really fault it for most of the playing I do. It rules for low to mid gain tones. However, I still have not been totally happy with higher gain tones or singing sustaining lead tones I have been able to get through it using a variety of pedals to boost.
To be honest it's a bit of a cheek to expect any amp to do everything.

I have always wanted a Plexi, and there is always ths nagging suggestion in my mind that the Plexi is the amp that will be perfect for me. I think I just need to get it out of my system.
So I ordered the Plexi 50W lead 1987 from Nik at Ceriatone yesterday. I'm getting a PPIMV as an extra. Needless to say, I am really looking for ward to getting it. I think with the PPIMV and my hotplate together I should be able to get some great tone out of it at very reasonable volumes. if that isn't enough, I will swap the EL34's for 6V6's to reduce volume even further.

My plan (as I've explained it to my wife) is to get the amp, and play both it and my AC30 for a few weeks and decide which one I will keep. The loser will then be sold. I'm REALLY hoping there is a clear winner, because I don't want to be in the position of desperately wanting to keep both. However, I am realistic enough to know it's a real possibility.
One of my biggest problems is that I'm a one amp kind of guy (I'd rather have all my money invested in one amp rather that have two cheaper ones. The other part of my problem is that my amp needs to be able to cover playing ridiculously quietly at church (lots of lower gain tones here) and also crank it up with my rock band. It's a tall order for any amp to cover all that. I boost with pedals, but I still want my main dirt to be from the amp - hence my need for PPIMV, hotplate etc for serious volume control.

Nik says it'll be about 4 weeks for the amp. Total cost (incl import fees) will be about £600 - amazing value for a hand-wired amp.

I will obviously report back when the beast arrives.

Alan

WezV · « **Reply #1 on:** March 20, 2008, 07:32:52 AM »

that is good value.. and very tempting!!

LazyNinja · « **Reply #2 on:** March 20, 2008, 08:20:18 AM »

Actually..... Me too! :D

I was gonna build it myself but saw a good deal on one that I couldn't pass up. My build may now be an 18W or maybe even a 100W from Metro. I will report on how it sounds once it arrives. Can't wait!

PPPMAT · « **Reply #3 on:** March 20, 2008, 09:02:37 AM »

I love the sound of the 50w plexi - a bit different to the 100w heads. I could fancy one of those with a power scale mod

JamesHealey · « **Reply #4 on:** March 20, 2008, 09:10:34 AM »

I was tempted by Nik's Expression (Wreck Clone), i was so close to pulling the trigger but I decided on another amp.. Im pretty sure i'll order a ceriatone at somepoint they're such good value for money how could you not?

DeanS · « **Reply #5 on:** March 20, 2008, 09:27:13 AM »

I have the same rationale when justifying new gear- I always say to my wife, 'don't worry I'll sell xy and z to pay for it' and I do really mean it at the time, just never happens........ :roll:

But yeah, 50 watt plexi with a PPIMV will be real handy

Twinfan · « **Reply #6 on:** March 20, 2008, 09:35:59 AM »

Sounds good Alan!

If after doing the comparisons you decide to sell the Plexi, drop me a line and I'll take it off your hands :)

_tom_ · « **Reply #7 on:** March 20, 2008, 09:41:41 AM »

Quote from: LazyNinja

Actually..... Me too! :D

I was gonna build it myself but saw a good deal on one that I couldn't pass up. My build may now be an 18W or maybe even a 100W from Metro. I will report on how it sounds once it arrives. Can't wait!

Build the 18w TMB then let me know how it sounds, I've been gas'ing for a lower wattage plexi recently :P

Twinfan · « **Reply #8 on:** March 20, 2008, 10:06:28 AM »

Just a thought Alan - you should have kept your Martamp JTM45 and modded it for EL34s!

sambo · « **Reply #9 on:** March 20, 2008, 10:20:13 AM »

Nice one mate!

I'm so close to putting down the deposit on a Ceriatone/Martamp Plexi, just selling one more bit of gear!!!

kevincurtis · « **Reply #10 on:** March 20, 2008, 10:38:58 AM »

Look forward to hearing some clips - the Vox clip you posted sounded excellent so will be interested in how you get on with a plexi clone :)

Gizmo · « **Reply #11 on:** March 20, 2008, 11:10:21 AM »

do they sell the power scaling function on on all the Ceriatone amps or is this an after build mod?

PPPMAT · « **Reply #12 on:** March 20, 2008, 11:15:09 AM »

Quote from: Gizmo

do they sell the power scaling function on on all the Ceriatone amps or is this an after build mod?

Its an after build or you could get martin at martamp to build the kit for you and include power scaling which would seem the sensible solution :D

Twinfan · « **Reply #13 on:** March 20, 2008, 11:24:28 AM »

Ceriatone don't do Power Scaling - just a master volume.

Gizmo · « **Reply #14 on:** March 20, 2008, 11:27:43 AM »

can the powerscaling be added to any amp? does it have to be an internal mod?