NAD and NCD, Matamp content

[Oli]

So a while ago, last year sometime, I bought a MiniMat 2 and really liked it-- I had already tried out the newer Mini-Verb, but couldn't afford it. Time comes to when I can actually afford a Mini-Verb, and unfortunately they don't do them anymore, they just couldn't make it a viable product-- not enough sold, and the costs were going up. That said, the Mini-Verb is the best amp I have ever played (a very bold claim, but i've stood by it for a couple of years), and if I ever see one for sale, i'll snap it right up.

So I bought an angled 1x12 cab from them anyway (with a Celestion G12H Anniversary), and kept an eye on eBay, until this C7 appeared. Now the C7 on paper actually fits my bill a little closer than the Mini-Verb (as it has an FX loop), and you can certainly get more clean headroom out of it compared to the 4w-ish of the MiniMat. And then it's in green tolex... Matamps in the green tolex always look badass, and now you can't get it anymore, so it's nice to have it! (as an aside, i've never seen another C7 on ebay, generally Matamps aren't flooded on the 2nd hand market).

The Reverb is so-so, it's a little bit dull and noisy once you get above 12'o'clock, it's IC driven (TL071), with a valve makeup stage. I'm going to experiment a bit with some different driver chips, and if I can't get it sounding as i'd like, i'll plop in the '1 tube reverb' circuit in there and it should be ok. The EQ is nice and flexible, and the Attack knob is really great-- makes the amp so much more flexible and varied, whilst it can do your typical Matamp sludgy tone, it's a really good jazz amp too.

Certainly going to be doing some recording with this, am really happy with it... but I now need to sell my Cornford and my Laneys, any takers? :)

[Dmoney]

What I don't understand is why every time I have emailed or called Matamp since the first time about 6 years ago, I've been met with truly appalling customer service in the form of general disinterest or half answered questions. How does anyone get to buy anything from Matamp? I've tried, I've had the money in my hand and I've been waiting for an answer that never comes. Maybe I'm blackisted by them? Maybe this is why there aren't many on the second hand market?

In any case it looks like a great setup.

[Oli]

I must admit, their customer service isn't great-- i've had a very similar experience to you, and in about the same timeframe! They must sell a reasonable amount to keep a staff of 4 (that I know of) paid, and a premises rented (albeit in a building that is probably quite a hard one to rent out, so they probably get a good rate).

I can't fault their workmanship from what i've seen, but I can't pretend that their service blows me away.

What I don't understand is why every time I have emailed or called Matamp since the first time about 6 years ago, I've been met with truly appalling customer service in the form of general disinterest or half answered questions. How does anyone get to buy anything from Matamp? I've tried, I've had the money in my hand and I've been waiting for an answer that never comes. Maybe I'm blackisted by them? Maybe this is why there aren't many on the second hand market?

In any case it looks like a great setup.

[MrBump]

Love it - looks awesome.

[Philly Q]

And then it's in green tolex... Matamps in the green tolex always look badass, and now you can't get it anymore, so it's nice to have it!

Absolutely agreed!  I don't know much about Matamps, to be honest, but I've always loved the look of them in green tolex!  :D

Interesting comments about their customer service - I've always got the impression they're a bit like Gordon-Smith guitars, "this is what we do and bollocks to you if you don't like it".  Their website is shoddy too.

Still and all, nice score!  :)

[HTH AMPS]

Matamp are old school - best to pick up the phone and talk to them (and also set aside an hour or so if it's Jeff answering, ha ha)  :lol:

[Oli]

Matamp are old school - best to pick up the phone and talk to them (and also set aside an hour or so if it's Jeff answering, ha ha)  :lol:

Yea if you get Jeff on the phone, you get stuff sorted, but also end up wondering what you actually called up for in the first place!

[Dmoney]

The first time I contacted them was over the phone and I had the same trouble. I have no idea who I spoke to but they really weren't pleasant. I wasn't even asking anything crazy. Maybe something to do with cab construction and grille cloth choices. It really was hard work so that's why I email and that hasn't worked out either. I don't doubt their products are decent but when someone can't take the time to answer really really basic and totally reasonable questions, why should I buy their stuff? What after sales support do I get if I have a problem? Also, I agree that their website is a bit poor.

A friend of mine has a bit matamp he got custom made which is awesome, with a matching 2x12. He also has a 'Green' matamp and a few other bits.

I like it when Matamps pop up on ebay. Apart from minimats which seem a bit more common, occasionally some crazy old thing pops up.

[Brow]

Looks like a cool rig.

Good to see someone able to post a NGD/NAD/NCD thread without getting that awaiting approval cr@p  :lol:

[Telerocker]

I like no frills amp like this and certainly in green tolex.  :)

[dave_mc]

awesome. looks badass in the green :D i'm sure it sounds pretty badass too :D