Versatility of a Nitro

[halfstepdown]

I know that the Nitro is voiced for a big low end and it's a bit more of a "metal" amp that the other Splawns, but just how versatile IS the Nitro?

I've spent months now deliberating over the Nitro/Super Comp/QR, etc. vs. other amps, and I keep coming back to the Nitro for the big natural bottom end and smooth top end for a gain-banger. My only hang-up is versatility. I'm primarily a session player and I'm concerned about the "show up and plug it in" ability of a Nitro to just cop the different styles of tones that I need on the fly. Here are the amps I'm still considering, maybe some of you tone-chasers can give me some comparisons:

1.) Splawn Nitro/Super Comp
2.) Custom Audio Amplifiers (CAE/CAA) OD100SE+
3.) Diezel Herbert
4.) Bogner Ecstasy
5.) Egnater Mod50 or RM4 w/VHT power amp

I've tried a lot of boutique amps - I even still have some, including a Rivera, and while Riveras are incredibly versatile, I just plain don't really like the gain sound on them when I set them up.

Alternate option - I currently have a Mesa/Boogie Triaxis which I love and would likely run into the effects return of the Nitro if I needed some other tones that the Nitro couldn't provide... advice?

[stompboxfreak1972]

For versatility I much prefer my QR over my Nitro. The Nitro is where "my" sound is but the QR with the gears can cover more ground than the QR. Just my opinion but of the Splawns you mention I would think a QR would be a better choice for your needs.

[shinysurface]

Jun 9, 2009 17:21:47 GMT -5 halfstepdown said:

I know that the Nitro is voiced for a big low end and it's a bit more of a "metal" amp that the other Splawns, but just how versatile IS the Nitro?

I've spent months now deliberating over the Nitro/Super Comp/QR, etc. vs. other amps, and I keep coming back to the Nitro for the big natural bottom end and smooth top end for a gain-banger. My only hang-up is versatility. I'm primarily a session player and I'm concerned about the "show up and plug it in" ability of a Nitro to just cop the different styles of tones that I need on the fly. Here are the amps I'm still considering, maybe some of you tone-chasers can give me some comparisons:

1.) Splawn Nitro/Super Comp
2.) Custom Audio Amplifiers (CAE/CAA) OD100SE+
3.) Diezel Herbert
4.) Bogner Ecstasy
5.) Egnater Mod50 or RM4 w/VHT power amp

I've tried a lot of boutique amps - I even still have some, including a Rivera, and while Riveras are incredibly versatile, I just plain don't really like the gain sound on them when I set them up.

Alternate option - I currently have a Mesa/Boogie Triaxis which I love and would likely run into the effects return of the Nitro if I needed some other tones that the Nitro couldn't provide... advice?

That's quite an all star list of amps.

I would just go with the tone you like the most, even if you take a hit versatility wise. Multiple amps is the way to go imo, no amp will do it all perfectly.

I'm sure being a session player you thought about using a modeler as well for convenience and variety of tones.

You could put together a nice pedalboard (if you don't already) and use dirt pedals into the Splawn's clean channel for additional drive flavorings.

Otherwise assemble a group of amps that you can cherry pick for whatever needs your session work may require.

If you have to have only one amp you will have to make a tougher choice, what you personally like the sound of the most or what you think will make the variety of sounds your session work may require the best. Multiple amps will solve that dilemma for you.

[snappinnecks]

Out of all the ones you mentioned the RM4 is the most versatile. It is a Randall product though so beware. At some point it will cause you some down time while it is being repaired. I played Randalls for a few years and had problems with each amp.
The Bogner is a sweet amp, but won't cover everything IMO.
A Quickrod is your best bet since it has the three gears and two overdirves on each and a clean channel and solo boost.
Tone wise if you are playing anything earlier than the 90's I would avoid a Nitro. Tone wise a Nitro sounds bigger, tighter, and smoother in the mids/highs than a Quickrod. A Bogner Ubershall wishes it could sound like Nitro. The Nitro is not fizzy and has that tone you dream about if that makes sense. It is not for you if you are chasing the "brown" sound though. A Quickrod is more in that realm.
I hope I didn't confuse you.
Get a Splawn though. You will start laughing at other amps.

[jetdriver]

Where's TJ? Listen to some of his QR clips. He plays a lot of country - but covers a lot of ground with that amp. I was really impressed with the tones he was getting.

www.myspace.com/tjscarlett

FastRedPonyCar covers some ground with this Nitro too. He steps thru the gears on this vid.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vj7pfgUumDA

I'm in the boat. Which Splawn... Nitro, or QR?

[TJ]

I would get a QR and a Deluxe reverb depending on what types of sessions you're doing. YOu'll get more work that way. Nitro will shine for rock tones. The QR can get good country tones. I've run into some people in sessions that specifically want a Fender type clean so that's what I bring with me. A session player needs an array of amps.

[jetdriver]

Jun 17, 2009 14:13:49 GMT -5 TJ said:

I would get a QR and a Deluxe reverb depending on what types of sessions you're doing. YOu'll get more work that way. Nitro will shine for rock tones. The QR can get good country tones. I've run into some people in sessions that specifically want a Fender type clean so that's what I bring with me. A session player needs an array of amps.

Good to know. Thanks.

I guess it really is true there is no ONE be all - end all, do everything amp

That said, I still think you get a lot of great tones from the QR.

[halfstepdown]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the responses!

I guess I should clarify a few things. When it comes to STUDIO sessions, I do have an array of amp for exactly those reasons. Old vintage Fenders, Boogies, Marshalls.

What I'm looking for is a good LIVE session amp. I do a lot of gigs in musical theatre/broadway style stuff, filling in for other players, etc. and it's not always feasible to bring a massive backline. So what I'm looking for is a road-worthy LIVE amp that can cover as much ground as possible. The more fragile boutique gear is for the recordings!

[TJ]

Jun 19, 2009 7:05:03 GMT -5 halfstepdown said:

Hi guys,

Thanks for the responses!

I guess I should clarify a few things. When it comes to STUDIO sessions, I do have an array of amp for exactly those reasons. Old vintage Fenders, Boogies, Marshalls.

What I'm looking for is a good LIVE session amp. I do a lot of gigs in musical theatre/broadway style stuff, filling in for other players, etc. and it's not always feasible to bring a massive backline. So what I'm looking for is a road-worthy LIVE amp that can cover as much ground as possible. The more fragile boutique gear is for the recordings!

Deluxe reverb reissue and pedals. That's what I tote around if I'm covering as much ground as possible. If you're filling in for other players and it's not feasible to bring a massive backline you'd probably scare the Ba-Jeezus out of the other players rolling in

1.) Splawn Nitro/Super Comp
2.) Custom Audio Amplifiers (CAE/CAA) OD100SE+
3.) Diezel Herbert
4.) Bogner Ecstasy
5.) Egnater Mod50 or RM4 w/VHT power amp

That's just the way things work in this area and keep in mind AR, TN, MO, OK, all adapt pretty much to the Nashville way of working if you're filling in or hired to do session work. As long as I have a clean amp, few delays, compressor, OD, Chorus I can cover pretty much any ground. I have no idea what types of gigs/sessions you're doing with Broadway/theatre type settings. Over all of those amps you listed I think the Splawn Quick Rod is the most versatile that you'll find. The Clean channel is nice and the OD channels all deliver that great Splawn tone.

[shinysurface]

I think a Bogner XTC would work as good as a QR, some country(ish) bands use an xtc (I think Rascal Flatts uses one). The Bogner's clean channel is closer to a Fender than the QR which you can use pedals with, and the blue channel has the capability to drop out gain stages to even less than 1st gear on a QR. And there are more options on the floor. Just saying...

[jetdriver]

Don't shoot me... What about a Mesa Roadster & 212? 4 channels, various gain stages/power options, etc.

[holyroller]

mmm,i didn't hear nothing.

[holyroller]

version 1 ,or virsion 2.roadster, that is.

[shinysurface]

Jun 19, 2009 15:41:08 GMT -5 jetdriver said:

Don't shoot me... What about a Mesa Roadster & 212? 4 channels, various gain stages/power options, etc.

It's a good amp for what it is, think of the Roadster as a 2 channel amp, with the clean and dirty channels duplicated (for the most part with some minor differences).

So the 4 channels can be somewhat misleading as channels 1 and 2 are the same except for tweed and brit modes, and 3 and 4 are Recto all the way.

The Roadster's clean channels are very good, could easily pull off country and whatever else you want.

The mid gain tones are the weakest link, you could bypass them and just use pedals into the clean though.

Common way to setup a Roadster you would use one of the clean channels setup as totally clean, the 2nd clean channel with some dirt (tweed or brit mode) and an overdrive pedal or two to mix in with it and then the two Recto channels for lead/rhythm.

But in the end the amp is a Recto with two really good clean channels, so imo a Bogner xtc would be more versatile even though it has less channels unless you specifically need the Recto sound.

[jetdriver]

Jun 19, 2009 16:06:29 GMT -5 shinysurface said:

Jun 19, 2009 15:41:08 GMT -5 jetdriver said:

Don't shoot me... What about a Mesa Roadster & 212? 4 channels, various gain stages/power options, etc.

It's a good amp for what it is, think of the Roadster as a 2 channel amp, with the clean and dirty channels duplicated (for the most part with some minor differences).

So the 4 channels can be somewhat misleading as channels 1 and 2 are the same except for tweed and brit modes, and 3 and 4 are Recto all the way.

The Roadster's clean channels are very good, could easily pull off country and whatever else you want.

The mid gain tones are the weakest link, you could bypass them and just use pedals into the clean though.

Common way to setup a Roadster you would use one of the clean channels setup as totally clean, the 2nd clean channel with some dirt (tweed or brit mode) and an overdrive pedal or two to mix in with it and then the two Recto channels for lead/rhythm.

But in the end the amp is a Recto with two really good clean channels, so imo a Bogner xtc would be more versatile even though it has less channels unless you specifically need the Recto sound.

Gotcha.