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| I'm interested in the Hartke AC75.
Has anyone here played through one?
http://www.guitargearheads.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=390
Video of AC150: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgdFI12rpuc
Video (mostly the AC150, but there is a brief discussion of the 75):
http://www.gearwire.com/media/hartke-ac150.mov |
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| Also interested in the Roland AC60. Opinions?
Please know that I do like Genz Benz amps. I had a Shen. Jr. once that was great. I thought it the perfect compliment to the 1778T, but the amp was still a bit too large (size-wise).
I know these acoustic amp threads can become tedious, but I would appreciate the fresh insights from the OFC crowd. |
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Location: Utah | The Roland is a nice amp, but I find it a bit sterile sounding. Also, it isn't as loud as other 60 watt amps we tried. It is plenty loud enough for small room gigs, like a restaurant. You aren't going to rock the dance club on Saturday night with it.
My daughter's ex-bandmate has the Roland. It has some really nice features, like the dual channels with the dual input jacks so you can plug in guitars or a mic. Phantom power, XLR line out of the back, decent effects on board.
We purchased the Crate AC60. I thought it had a better acousticness to the sound than any other amp we tried. Same basic features as the Roland.
Both amps make excellent personal PAs for the solo guitarist/singer. They both have a little fold out metal stand on the bottom to tilt the amp back. Very nice little feature! The Roland is a lot lighter and comes with a cool case with shoulder strap.
I haven't tried the other amps you mentioned so I can't offer a comparison. |
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| FlySig, thank you.
It seems people are really divided on the Roland AC60, and what puts me off the most about the AC60 is that players who I sense are really purists find the amp to be too colorless or too pristine.
That leads me back to the Hartke, I guess.
Thank you again very much. |
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Location: NJ | I know they make really good bass amps (and I believe they're built here in Jersey), but I didn't even know they MADE an acoustic amp . . . |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | The Hartke looks as large as the Shen Jr. What is the diff in size and weight? |
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| Wow, you're right.
Hartke AC75
Height: 17" Width: 16.5" Depth: 11.25" 37.5lb.
Shen Jr.
• HxWxD 18" x 16" x 11 1/2"
• Weight: 35 Lbs. (unpacked) |
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| So what is the opinion here in regard to the Shen Jr.?
Yay or Nay? |
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| Shen Jr is a great amp, as are all the Genz-Benz amps. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | If you looking for a smaller great sounding acoustic amp w/o effects, then AAD Cub all the way (like 8 #s).
You might also look around for one of the original Fishman performer pros. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Shen Jr is a really nice one for the money. Al had a killer deal going for a while....maybe he still has one or two in stock. |
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| I learned a few things today.
One, I had never heard of AAD Cub (though I should belong to the ADD Club). Very interesting and cool amp, but, geez, it is "spendy," as they say.
When you say good deal in regard to the Shen Jr., about what price are we talking about?
Thanks for all the excellent help thus far. |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Our bass player uses a Hartke. Loud and never any issues. However, he was looking to upgrade and when he raised the idea of a trade-in at GC, they told him they won't take Hartke gear in on trades. Interesting. |
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| Originally posted by Highway61:
When you say good deal in regard to the Shen Jr., about what price are we talking about? Contact Al Pepiak alpeplostartvintagecom, 856.933.0374
He can't publicly post his lowest price, he can only state the MAP according to his dealer agreements. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Do a search for the AAD Cub. We have had multiple discussions about it on this site.
Al had a great deal going when Shen was closing out old models (I think) and bringing in the new. He might have picked up a few extra. |
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| I have sent, as you have recommended, an email to alpep.
In addition, I did do a search of that AAD Cub. That amp seems to be the ticket: small and basic and, from everything I've read, great sounding.
It's just a tad (more than a tad) too expensive for me, though. |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | I didn't realize Phil Jones made other than Guitar amps... his Bass amps are un-freq'n believable..
I believe it was PJ who had some monster tube amp at NAMM... like 20 10" speakers or something like that. Maybe Alpep remembers... it was just ridiculous. But back to reality... the "normal" amps sounded great. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Here's a killer deal with free shipping that's about $100 less than I paid and it is actually in stock!
AAD CUB Killer Deal |
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| Originally posted by stephent28:
Here's a killer deal with free shipping that's about $100 less than I paid and it is actually in stock!
AAD CUB Killer Deal
(The size-thing is ideal. I drive a Miata, and I've been worried that I wouldn't be able to fit a Shen Jr (or a similar sized amp) in the front seat with my guitar. (When I was playing solid body guitars, an amp and a guitar in a gig bag did fit; but an amp in addition to an acoustic in a hardshell case is a different proposition, indeed.) |
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| Hey, I've been reading more reviews. I think I should buy this (indulge myself for a change).
Does anyone feel compelled to talk me out of it?
Listening... |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | If you don't need built in effects, there are no negatives. It is a very pure sounding amp that brings out the best in A/E guitars.
I wouldn't hesitate cause at that price it may go away quickly. Plus doesn't SamAsh have a 30 or 45 day period to try it?....altho I can't imagine you sending it back.
OFC owners I know of include myself, ProfBB, Templeman, (maybe Cliff) and I am sure others.
Big sound in a little box! |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Also comes with a very nice padded case to carry it in. You could even have someone in the front seat of your Miata and hold it in their lap! |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | That is a killer price, and I'm in total agreement with Stephen. This amp has previously been a bit pricey compared to the Shen Jr and other "club sized" amps, but with Ash's new low price, they're all in the same neighborhood now. You'll be totally satisfied with this amp, and if you need effects, then use a modeler or pedals in front of the amp. If for no other reason than weight (11.5 pounds) and power (100 watts), its at the front of the pack in my opinion. |
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| Thank you very much, gentlemen.
I think I shall partake.
Wish me luck--and thanks again. |
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by stephent28:
Here's a killer deal with free shipping Oh my! That's sooooo tempting... :eek: |
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| Well, I did it.
This represents a major purchase for me, but the amp looks like the amplifier for me.
The reviews are all resoundingly positive, and it's coming highly recommended by you guys (and you guys know a thing or two (or five) about clarity and ambience and tone). |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Originally posted by 2ifbyC:
Originally posted by stephent28:
Here's a killer deal with free shipping Oh my! That's sooooo tempting... :eek: |
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by stephent28:
IFFY, at that price it is a steal and if you have been thinking "acoustic amp" you should grab it. Thanx! Well, I pulled the trigger. Although I'm receiving a Shen 60, I don't have a bass amp.
So thanx to all for the topic, suggestions and the 'deal'! ;) |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I'm looking forward to hearing Highway and Iffy's review on the CUB after they get them. |
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| I will be sure to post a review.
It's the least I can do.
Sure sounds good here, though:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo7e0AOfyjQ |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Say Highway, I posted this pic on another topic, but I'm posting it again because it serves to illustrate the AAD Cub's size and portability compared to other amps. You can find it on the floor just to the left of the pedals in front of the old BandMaster. Despite its diminutive size, it is the 2nd most powerful amp in the picture based on published output watts, excluding the two PA systems. More realistically, however, and this is based only on my limited experience because nobody in their right mind is going to crank any of these amps up to full output for any length of time, if ever at all, it is probably the 5th or 6th loudest amp of the bunch, which still says a lot for its technology. Keep us posted on how you like it.
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| Very cool photo. Thanks for posting it in this thread, for I surely would have missed it.
I'm excited about this amp. This is redundant, but it seems like it's going to be the perfect amp for me: great fidelity, very small, zero frills--and yet, w/ a balanced line out, should the occasion arise when I need one.
Thanks again! |
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| stephent28, your advice was excellent on all fronts.
Out of curiosity, I just went back to SamAsh and placed another AAD Cub in the cart.
Look what it says now under "Status."
iffy, if we both get ours (I'm hoping), it might be that we got the last two. |
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | WOW! That's cutting it close. :eek:
I've missed out on more deals than I've hit. Could be a good thing... :D That's why I used the word 'trigger'. |
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| Speaking of trigger, who can guess this song?
https://www.yousendit.com/download/WnBUaXRNNDJRYThLSkE9PQ |
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Location: Tennessee | P.F. Sloan by Jimmy Webb? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Good that they're gone....I was seriously thinking of buying another one.....specially at that price! |
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| Originally posted by stonebobbo:
P.F. Sloan by Jimmy Webb? Yes, excellent!! |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Bobbo is the man! |
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| I just received notification that the amp has shipped.
iffy, have you, as well? |
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| Originally posted by ProfessorBB:
Say Highway, I posted this pic on another topic, but I'm posting it again because it serves to illustrate the AAD Cub's size and portability compared to other amps. You can find it on the floor just to the left of the pedals in front of the old BandMaster. Despite its diminutive size, it is the 2nd most powerful amp in the picture based on published output watts, excluding the two PA systems. More realistically, however, and this is based only on my limited experience because nobody in their right mind is going to crank any of these amps up to full output for any length of time, if ever at all, it is probably the 5th or 6th loudest amp of the bunch, which still says a lot for its technology. Keep us posted on how you like it.
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by Highway61:
iffy, have you, as well? Yepper! Due in today, 1/07.  |
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| Yes, I see SamAsh ships from your backyard....well, Tampa.
Mine will be here Saturday.
Chances are pretty good that we did get the last two.
Fingers crossed that we love them.
Thanks again to stephent28. |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | The Bandmaster is from 1965 and I had the head completely gone through by the local amp doctor who brought it back to original specs, which he demonstrated for me on the scope (not that I really understood much of it). Used with a '62 Jaguar with flat wounds through the '63 Reverb Unit (on top of the middle stack), the surf sound is authentic vintage and superb. |
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by ProfessorBB:
Bandmaster is from 1965... Used with a '62 Jaguar... '63 Reverb Unit Now there's a classic combo! |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Don't know how you two intend to use your new Cubs, but I'm using mine as a personal stage monitor twice a week. I wanted some placement flexibility so I made two modifications that have worked well for me. First, I installed a mic gooseneck surface-mount plate on the bottom that allows me to affix it to a mic stand. The instructions warn against this, but it works very well and tipover security is not an issue in my application. The second modification was to install a simple chrome door stop lever to the bottom that, when flipped out, serves as a tilt-back mechanism. You can see it in operation in the phot earlier in the post. The downside with these two modifications is that the amp will no longer sit solidly flat on a surface, but I also have a desk top mic stand with a three-inch solid extension that I use when I need a flat mount, which is very rare. In addition, the addition of this extra hardware on the bottom does not impede use of the carrying case. The amp with hardware still easily fits inside the case. |
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| Originally posted by ProfessorBB:
Don't know how you two intend to use your new Cubs, but I'm using mine as a personal stage monitor twice a week. I wanted some placement flexibility so I made two modifications that have worked well for me. First, I installed a mic gooseneck surface-mount plate on the bottom that allows me to affix it to a mic stand. The instructions warn against this, but it works very well and tipover security is not an issue in my application. The second modification was to install a simple chrome door stop lever to the bottom that, when flipped out, serves as a tilt-back mechanism. You can see it in operation in the photo earlier in the post. The downside with these two modifications is that the amp will no longer sit solidly flat on a surface, but I also have a desk top mic stand with a three-inch solid extension that I use when I need a flat mount, which is very rare. In addition, the addition of this extra hardware on the bottom does not impede use of the carrying case. The amp with hardware still easily fits inside the case. Those are both brilliant ideas, and I appreciate your generosity in sharing them. I am going to keep them in mind and return here to thank you--again--should I make use of them.
Sincerely,
Highway |
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by ProfessorBB:
simple chrome door stop lever Is there room for two for more stability? |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Originally posted by 2ifbyC:
Originally posted by ProfessorBB:
simple chrome door stop lever Is there room for two for more stability? |
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| I'm anxiously awaiting a review.
Iffy, are you there? |
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by Highway61:
Iffy, are you there? Amp received. Review this weekend... (sorry) |
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| It is I who apologizes for being so impatient. I mean, let's see how long it takes moi to post a clip or something once mine is in tow. (The FedEx site now says it will be Friday.) |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Originally posted by 2ifbyC:
Originally posted by Highway61:
Iffy, are you there? Amp received. Review this weekend... (sorry) |
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| Originally posted by stephent28:
Originally posted by 2ifbyC:
Originally posted by Highway61:
Iffy, are you there? Amp received. Review this weekend... (sorry) |
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by stephent28:
Didja hurt yerfelf liftin it up and outta the box? Yepper... sprained my wallet!  |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Oppps....better send it to me for proper care and attention!
Remember NOT to remove any items and keep everything in it's original injured condition. |
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| Well, I received mine today, but just when I was about to leave for the day.
I did get a chance to open the package and inspect, though.
Everything looked to be absolutely new and untampered with. (Many times, when one buys a new instrument from MusiciansFriend (and the rest of the Bain Group music stores), one receives a formerly owned and returned item.)
I hope to plug in tomorrow, but I wanted to provide an update. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Are we ever gonna get a review from you 2 clowns?
How can you a new toy days ago and not tell us about it! |
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| Hey, don't call iffy a clown. Oh, you said "2 clowns."
I actually got myself in a position where I don't have one guitar with close to a full set of strings, and I don't have the right strings in the spare string shoebox to remedy the situation, either.
My guitars all look like they have hillbilly teeth.
I have strings coming via Priority Mail, though, so, as soon as they arrive, I will make good on my promise. (I am looking forward to trying this amp out.) As for that other clown, well... |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | weak but plausible excuse. You have gained a temporary reprieve!
now, about that other clown! |
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| Okay, got strings. They arrived today. I just got home and got them out of the mailbox, so...soon. I mean, if anyone is still interested. |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | So did ya' get the D'Addario's with the free pint beer glass?
One of these days you will tell us how the amp sounds.... |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | or maybe Iffy will...... |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Originally posted by stephent28:
Are we ever gonna get a review from you 2 clowns?
How can you a new toy days ago and not tell us about it! I assume you guys didn't like the amp since you have been silent for weeks. |
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | One  's report:
It will be going back to Sam Ash. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the amp. It is all that everyone has posted with the weight it's greatest attribute. There is nothing bad to comment on this amp.
So why the return? I LUV the Shen 60 that I got from Glenn at G8R Bowl II. What a 'package'! Yes, it's three times the weight but it has just enough variables to make for interesting experimentation. |
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| The other 's report:
I have yet to plug in.
My job has become so perilously tentative that I've been consumed by the situation.
Today, I decided it would be prudent if I were to return the Cub while it is in its pristine state.
So, I can't offer a review, only my apologies.
Thank you, though, for all the energy you invested in trying to help me find the right and perfect amp. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Sorry it didn't work out for you guys. |
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Has anyone here tried a Hartke acoustic amp?