Crate Blue Voodoo BV120

Kev Brigden · #1 07-05-2004, 04:14 PM

Anyone tried one of these particular models? I can't seem to find any recordings of them, and was wondering if they're worth checking out... I already have a Marshall 6100 for my lead tones, but it kind of sags at the low end and doesnt have enough bite for my rhythm tones... basically, its a little loose for heavy tones and Ive just joined a heavy band.. so Id like a nice powerful amp to use for rhythm..

so, are they any cop?

frethack · #2 07-05-2004, 06:04 PM

I used to own one a long time ago and I wasnt really impressed with it at all. A little too thin in my opinion. Im not really sure where you could find raw, unprocessed sound clips, but you might visit the Crate site and see who is playing them in the studio and see how they translate after recording.

You might also try an OD pedal in front of your Marshall and back down on the amps gain to tighten up the low end and tighten the overall distortion. A lot of the "looseness" attributed to amps has quite a bit to do with cabinet choice as well, but Marshall is not known for a highly focused sound.

A high quality Overdrive and a set of Vintage 30's would probably do the trick, even for the Marshall.

Kev Brigden · #3 07-05-2004, 06:40 PM

I did download a couple of the artist's tracks, but then I reasoned that a lot of it would be double tracked and some of it probably wont even be the amplifier in question! lol...

I can see where you're comming from with regards to the marshall thing, but Im quite happy with the lead tone that I currently have, and am more aiming in the direction of grabbing a second head that is slightly different to use alongside it. Like you say, the marshall heads aren't the greatest for heavy rhythm tones... (with the possible exception of the mode four) but I was really after something that could get me a kick ass rhythm tone on it's own...

I may even have to check out the Peavey XXX, because I quite like satriani's new tone with the JSX, but I have some issues with certain elements of it... (the brittle top end to be specific) So I would like to try the XXX instead to get an idea of the "source" sound for the JSX and see if I can't take it in a different direction if you get what I mean...

lol

the search continues...

Gresh · #4 07-05-2004, 08:52 PM

In my book, Boogie just about owns the heavy rhythm tone category...but seeing that you are in the UK probably doesn't help you there, but you might find something used. Mark IV or Tremoverb heads just kill. Nomad might not be quite heavy enough for you but mine is much heavier sounding than my Marshall TSL was. It also gives my Rivera a run for its money. I just switched power amp voicings on my 45 and now I'm wondering why I wasn't using the extreme mode to begin with. Huge huge sound with my UVPWH.

What about Cornford Hellcat or Rivera TBR or Knucklehead (if you can find them) or look into having your marshall modded to sound like you want? DOn't know what's available to you or what your budget is. All of this is gonna be pretty expensive and then some, but you brits get better deals on the cornford stuff than we do...lucky fellas. I'd kill for a hellcat head.

Ferrous Lepidoptera · #5 07-05-2004, 10:22 PM

I have a blue voodoo. I don't much care for it anymore. I will second the comment about the cabinets. I have a 5150 with the Peavey cabinet, and when I first bought the Blue voodoo, I didn't have room in my car (so I thought, actually it fits) for the cab, so I took just the head home and hooked it up to the 5150 cabinet. Well, it sounded a LOT like my 5150!, much to my surprise, and disappointment. (I was wanting something different.) It sounds much different with the Crate cabinet. I don't remember what the 5150 head sounds like with the Crate cab... I tried it once, but that was a long time ago.

frankfalbo · #6 07-06-2004, 12:32 AM

I think the BV is a sound that you can easily tire of. It's also a great sounding amp though. I think that for what you described as where you want to go from the Marshall, it could fit the bill. It's surprisingly flexible for a Crate "metal amp" (which usually sound very "trendy") I saw Robert Randolph using one live and was stunned at how it sounded, but then again from what I remembered it seemed like a totally achievable sound from the BV. The little combos sounded a lot worse to me than the big heads. As for cabinets, have fun experimenting, but know that the BV is going to be very different than the 6100 even with the same cab. I think the reason it sounded similar for frethack is because it is trying to emulate the 5150 tone to a certain degree. In other words, the overdrive character, the amount of lows, and the sizzly attack in the highs are more in the company of the 5150 and the Nomad than they are of a typical Marshall.

Drew · #7 07-06-2004, 09:45 AM

A good example of a Blue Voodoo recorded tune would be Taproot, i suppose- they get some SICK tones out of the thing on "Welcome." The opening powerchords on the first track have that Hum-esq "wall of guitars jumping up and down all over your speakers" sorta resonance to them.

Never played one myself, but I'll tell you that if heavy rhythm is what you're after, at the very least they can be made to sound good in the studio...

-D

Kev Brigden · #8 07-07-2004, 02:10 PM

well, that was some extremely good feedback guys! cheers

Im looking to import from the states to be honest, even with the ludicrously high import tax this f*cking government puts on it... b*stards

My budget probably won't stetch too far to be honest, probably £1000 so thats about what, $1500 before they slap on the import duty... I'm seriously leaning towards the tripple X now, after listening to that Taproot track, like someone else said, it is very trendy and I could imagine myself getting bored of it...

I'll search for a store that shifts peavey and crate stuff and see if I can A/B the pair of em...

wish me luck

power freak · #9 07-17-2004, 09:28 AM

If you are importing from the US you need to rewire (replace?) the power transformer. It is set for 115v (?) in the US, we are runing at 240v. Unless you run a variac or adapter, but after working as an electrician last week (work experience) I have found they are VERY bad for your mains!

I would suggest you go to Machine head in Hitchin they have the Koch line of amps and I am sold! Along with Rivera and Dr Z (I don't think its your style! More Marshall than boogie.) they are my favourites. The Twintone by Koch runs for £1000 there and it is one of thhe best IMO they also do a very metal amp but I forget the name.

You may also want to check out ENGL as well!