Wet sounding EL34 amp?

[sveto]

Hey folks,

I'm researching for my first tube amp to buy. The problem is, all amps i hear - even the most hyped and loved ones - sound more or less dry and crumbly. I have a problem to find an amp that sounds full, wet, munchy, juicy and can scream at the same time. Think about wet crunch, if that's possible with a tube amp...

The sounds i'm after are Scott Henderson (Tribal Tech's "Illicit"), Vai, Robben Ford, Allan Holdsworth. I want to achieve my sound w/ EL34 tubes, not 6L6, as the latter's breakup sounds somewhat cold and sterile (simultaneously played notes are not "glueing" together like with EL34).

Please don't recommend Mesa/Boogie, as i find their preamp voicings are not suitable for a screaming (but still singing) lead sound in the upper ranges IMHO. Even a Stilletto sounds boring to me at bendings past the 12th fret on the 1st string.

Let's hear some suggestions from people who have played a couple of different amps and have experience with this stuff.

Thx for any help,
sv

PS: I'm using now SD '59 model PUs in my alder JEM, wich helps for wetting up the tone, but i'm still afraid it would sound like cardboard when i'm playing through a modern Marshall...

PS2: Before someone asks, Henderson's amp setup was Lee Jackson preamp w/ Boogie 2:90 on Illicit. But as i said, the 6L6 will not be suitable for the other rocktones, so i want to stay with EL34.

[Guitarmiester]

When I was going around to various music shops in search of another guitar, I came across a Genz Benz El Diablo 100 and Genz Benz G-Flex 2x12 cab. They just got their very first shipment of Genz Benz in, so I gave it a try with some of the guitars I was checking out. The El Diablo 100 is loaded with EL34's. I'm not too sure if it's exactly what you're after, but it may come close.

I sat with an RG550 (reissue) and played the El Diablo 100 for an hour or so. It's been a while since I came across an amp that really blew me away. You may think it sounds too dry though, but this is one sick amp. It has more than enough gain, very tight and articulate, and really packs a punch. It cleans up nicely as you roll off the volume knob. I'm not an impulse buyer, but if I didn't buy my Carvin Legacy combo in August, I would have bought the El Diablo on the spot. If you've got any Genz Benz dealers nearby, give that amp a shot.

[sveto]

Here is an example of a sound i like (1:55m):
http://youtube.com/watch?v=kCJZxJkBWVA

Not shure about Rivera though. AFAIK they're expensive. But are they versatile? Can they sound compressed and spongy? Or are Riveras always tight as hell, only suitable for metal?

sv

[shogun]

Originally Posted by Guitarmiester

When I was going around to various music shops in search of another guitar, I came across a Genz Benz El Diablo 100 and Genz Benz G-Flex 2x12 cab. They just got their very first shipment of Genz Benz in, so I gave it a try with some of the guitars I was checking out. The El Diablo 100 is loaded with EL34's. I'm not too sure if it's exactly what you're after, but it may come close.

i owned the 212 combo for over a year, its very similar to a rectifier.. didnt care for it at all for lead.. sounded awsome for rhythm when it was turned up though

[microdmitry]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=k9af7e6Zr14

You need an Egnater, dude. TOL 50, 100, IE4 or one of their newer, modular designs with EG3/4 module.

[sveto]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=aDX9wVGpGrQ
sounds better...

But dude, that's boutique as boutique gets. No dealers in Germany i suppose, and i don't think a head will cost under 2000€ in Germany (2900$)...

I think that Rivera Fandango 55 sounds quite nice though, saw the videos on Rivera.com. A bit hard to find here, but maybe that's the ticket...
sv

[microdmitry]

It's the same tone pretty much, just different levels of gain. Frankly, I like the first clip more. It's more "violin" like.

[Lefty Robb]

Bogner's are what dreams are made of.....wet dreams

I would almost kill For a Ubershall or a Ecstasy...

[Whey]

answer:

Bad Cat Hot Cat

[docc]

EL34; sweet sound; not quite expensive; easy to find and hear in Germany - Hughes & Kettner Statesman head

[microdmitry]

Yeah, I'd think European/English gear would be less expensive in Europe.

[Tank]

Look no further:

www.brunetti.it

Sounds like warm butter, best clean channel on earth and godly creamy distortion while still singin well defined notes. I would recommend you check the 059 and XL'Revo.

I think the Music Store Schmidt in Frankfurt (or so) can get these amps for a reasonable price. (In the 1800 to 2200 Euro range).

[sveto]

Wow, quite a few suggestions, i'll check all the stuff. Thx, guys.
sv

PS: I'm not a vintage-fanatic, but this Statesman... i'm in love with the looks! [ashamed] Now to find out how the EL34 version sounds...

[waylay00]

For out of the box sweetness, I'd probably say the Bogner Ecstasy 101B

However, using a BB Preamp in conjunction with my Splawn Quickrod yields some pretty "wet" tones.

[Tank]

IMHO Bogner is overrated. I have yet to find one that is versatile enough for me. Don't get me wrong, they sound sweet but there is not much "range" in them for my taste. (This is all personal preference of course)