Yamaha DG130 - opinions/experience?

Petie · #1 04-24-2004, 10:48 AM

An opportunity has popped up for me to score a (discontinued) Yamaha DG130HA head at cost. I've played through it briefly and was quite impressed with its tube-like response (and the funky motorised chickenhead knobs) but I just thought I'd ask if anyone has any comments about its reliability, ease of programming, any particular quirks, etc.

Petie · #2 05-02-2004, 01:44 AM

I spent some quality time with this amp at the store yesterday and I think I'm in love. I've never heard a non-tube amp react so perfectly to dynamics and volume knob changes. I'm putting it on lay-by and I'll pick it up as soon as I can tear myself away from spending all my cash on Pixar DVDs. *LOL* The built-in delay is refreshingly interactive (unlike most modelling amps I've played which get you to the ballpark but leave you in the parking lot) and the reverbs are gorgeous.

Still waiting to hear if anyone has needed any kind of maintenance or encountered any problems with these puppies. Anyone?

tech_dude · #3 05-09-2004, 01:36 AM

I've sold several of those amps years ago and have never seen one come in for service. That's refreshing seeing it has all those motorized knobs. It is a great sounding amp no doubt and you are dead right about the reverbs and delays. Then again these are yamaha effects which are usually quite good. I like the tape echo feature......very analog sounding for a digital amp. These amps are one of the easiest amps to set up a good sound and change it quickly with confidence. Tube amps will always rock the free world but you know what you like. Amps are a personal preference.......as everyone on here will tell you.....do you like the sound for the price?...............that's all it comes down to! Just make sure every amp you buy is better than your last!

pawel · #4 05-09-2004, 01:48 AM

They're good enough for Allan Holdsworth...

Petie · #5 05-09-2004, 02:46 AM

Loved the sounds I was pulling out of it in the store. I didn't like the presets at all - like most presets they weren't subtle at all, and what's with all the chorus?!?! - but as soon as I started twisting the knobs and experimenting with less in-your-face delays and reverbs I heard the sound I wanted. Very rich harmonically, and with great response to dynamics. It'll still be a few months before it's paid off though - hope it sounds as good through my cab.

gkelm · #6 05-09-2004, 02:21 PM

I recall being very impressed with the DG-80 combo...very "real" sounding. Surprised they didn't catch more of the modeling market. I remember likeing the Vox type tones.
Greg

JESTER700 · #7 05-09-2004, 11:44 PM

My main tone generator is the DG Stomp. Best digital modeller I've used, IMO. I say go for it.

sam669 · #8 05-10-2004, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawel

They're good enough for Allan Holdsworth...

Richie Kotzen uses it aswell sometimes

Petie · #9 05-10-2004, 10:52 AM

Sweet, nice to know there are no reports of them suddenly exploding every second Thursday or anything like that. So now I've placed my deposit, along with a Behringer MIDI pedal.

I think that the thing that swayed me to buy this amp was the chickenhead knobs.