My next door neighbor goes all out on Halloween. Way too cool. Background music by me of course.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Bailout? Bail Out Who?
So you don't think the government should spend your tax money on a bailout?
Actually, if you look at the details, it is not a giveaway. Of course Joe Public is not interested in the fine print when it comes to politics. That is why we are in this mess today. We all bitch about government but most common opinion is based on a very superficial version of what actually happens. What happens is a shell game where the rich and powerful make you think something so they can manipulate the rules. This has already happened. It is too late. It will never change. Next year it will be something else. Perhaps a different scam. Likely a bailout will be a scam for some of them too.
Bush, other than the fact that he thinks the government should DO SOMETHING is not going to be the instrument of this, it will be congress who seals the fate. Much of what is in negotiation now covers what penalties and rules there will be regarding the bailout funds. To attempt some measure of accountability. What a novel concept.
All the "wall streeters" have pocketed their money. They have nothing to lose either way. It is only about saving the portfolios and 401ks of Joe Retiree, who was led down the path by the evil finance crooks (who successfully lobbied both parties - and stripped finance regulations). If we were not trying to "extend home ownership to the less fortunate" this would not have happened. Of course the wall streeters made money on every transaction then sold the paper in deregulated funds to retirees. Screw them I suppose. Oh well. Mr. Wall Street is not holding the bag, no, its Joe Average stockholder. Not Mr. Smart Finance guru. He has already shifted into commodities and foreign currency.
Actually, if you look at the details, it is not a giveaway. Of course Joe Public is not interested in the fine print when it comes to politics. That is why we are in this mess today. We all bitch about government but most common opinion is based on a very superficial version of what actually happens. What happens is a shell game where the rich and powerful make you think something so they can manipulate the rules. This has already happened. It is too late. It will never change. Next year it will be something else. Perhaps a different scam. Likely a bailout will be a scam for some of them too.
Bush, other than the fact that he thinks the government should DO SOMETHING is not going to be the instrument of this, it will be congress who seals the fate. Much of what is in negotiation now covers what penalties and rules there will be regarding the bailout funds. To attempt some measure of accountability. What a novel concept.
All the "wall streeters" have pocketed their money. They have nothing to lose either way. It is only about saving the portfolios and 401ks of Joe Retiree, who was led down the path by the evil finance crooks (who successfully lobbied both parties - and stripped finance regulations). If we were not trying to "extend home ownership to the less fortunate" this would not have happened. Of course the wall streeters made money on every transaction then sold the paper in deregulated funds to retirees. Screw them I suppose. Oh well. Mr. Wall Street is not holding the bag, no, its Joe Average stockholder. Not Mr. Smart Finance guru. He has already shifted into commodities and foreign currency.
All of the cheap credit is no different than kids running up their credit card bills before they have any hope of employment to pay them off. This is a disease too many Americans have, and we have been teaching our children the same thing.
If this country does not do anything regarding a bailout, the "evil wall streeters" will simply make even more money. All of those bailout assets will be picked up for pennies off the backs of the 401k and retirement people. There will be a massive credit crunch and many more business failures.
Of course the people losing their homes deserve that. Likely they should not have gotten any kind of loan to begin with. Probably they don't give shit because it is worth less than they owe. Hopefully their credit is trashed enough so they can't do it again. But even then they are no worse than they were for the most part. Or how about all of those real estate speculators?
Do you like this idea of no bailout? It is not bad. It certainly seems fair. Just keep in mind that you too are going to go for a ride down the tubes. I don't know what you do for work, but if its not something really important and critical you might be looking for a new job. Or if you actually have been responsible for planning for your retirement. Well, probably you are really the loser here. You should have just spent the money. Now its gone. You are going to be either working or poor in your old age. Some moderately wealthy people can still retire and perhaps live a more frugal life on a lot less. They will have less money to put into the economy and will depend more on government services from your tax contributions. They will not be buying stuff from people to make jobs for them either.
Meanwhile, the "evil wall streeters" will watch everything ride down the slope and they will pick it up at the bottom. You will watch them cash in when it makes a recovery and they will smile when you will buy in at the top. Perhaps when you finally catch on (perhaps when your disposable income some day makes it possible to invest). If you are lucky you will have mediocre returns while they sell high and set up a repeat performance.
Just be careful what you wish for. It is WAY more complicated than you know. No bailout? You either have no financial assets or you may have really deep pockets.
I am not saying this bailout thing is good either. It would probably be a better lesson for people to learn the hard way. I am just saying it is not that simple.
Either way you are going to hurt. Hard to tell which punch to take.
If this country does not do anything regarding a bailout, the "evil wall streeters" will simply make even more money. All of those bailout assets will be picked up for pennies off the backs of the 401k and retirement people. There will be a massive credit crunch and many more business failures.
Of course the people losing their homes deserve that. Likely they should not have gotten any kind of loan to begin with. Probably they don't give shit because it is worth less than they owe. Hopefully their credit is trashed enough so they can't do it again. But even then they are no worse than they were for the most part. Or how about all of those real estate speculators?
Do you like this idea of no bailout? It is not bad. It certainly seems fair. Just keep in mind that you too are going to go for a ride down the tubes. I don't know what you do for work, but if its not something really important and critical you might be looking for a new job. Or if you actually have been responsible for planning for your retirement. Well, probably you are really the loser here. You should have just spent the money. Now its gone. You are going to be either working or poor in your old age. Some moderately wealthy people can still retire and perhaps live a more frugal life on a lot less. They will have less money to put into the economy and will depend more on government services from your tax contributions. They will not be buying stuff from people to make jobs for them either.
Meanwhile, the "evil wall streeters" will watch everything ride down the slope and they will pick it up at the bottom. You will watch them cash in when it makes a recovery and they will smile when you will buy in at the top. Perhaps when you finally catch on (perhaps when your disposable income some day makes it possible to invest). If you are lucky you will have mediocre returns while they sell high and set up a repeat performance.
Just be careful what you wish for. It is WAY more complicated than you know. No bailout? You either have no financial assets or you may have really deep pockets.
I am not saying this bailout thing is good either. It would probably be a better lesson for people to learn the hard way. I am just saying it is not that simple.
Either way you are going to hurt. Hard to tell which punch to take.
I can support the argument that every 20 or 50 years people need a hard lesson on how to not spend money they don't have.
I just wish we could teach people to run the government that way.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
She's A Vampire - Cool Rock Video
Featuring Frankie B and the Dogs of Noise
Frankie B plays the amazing Zachary Z2-T guitar with shred tones provided by the Zachary Z Pedal. Backing tracks performed by the Dogs of Noise. Mixed and mastered using Sonar Producer 7.
Frankie B plays the amazing Zachary Z2-T guitar with shred tones provided by the Zachary Z Pedal. Backing tracks performed by the Dogs of Noise. Mixed and mastered using Sonar Producer 7.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Is Obama a Communist?
Well that IS a legitimate question. According to Obama, you ARE your brother's keeper. That my friends is SCARY SHIT! This guy is so far left of center he has never made a right turn in his life.
Click this Link to Steve Chapman's Column in the Chicago Tribune
And you were worried that he has three Muslim names? That isn't even close to the real problem at all now is it?
This column has some critical points. Just what happened to freedom?
Of course even this Republican, John McCain is leaning left of center. Times are tough these days.
So what are we going to do??? You tell me.
Click this Link to Steve Chapman's Column in the Chicago Tribune
And you were worried that he has three Muslim names? That isn't even close to the real problem at all now is it?
This column has some critical points. Just what happened to freedom?
Of course even this Republican, John McCain is leaning left of center. Times are tough these days.
So what are we going to do??? You tell me.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Too Many Fools
Another original song written, performed, recorded and produced by
the Dogs of Noise:
(in case you have not already figured it out, I am the Dogs of Noise)
Click here to play this song or
here for Dogs of Noise at Garageband
Too Many Fools
she was right kind of girl for the wrong kind of man
so she wore funky shoes and wore clothes that were bland
she covered up her cleavage and put her hair in a bun
she looked like a girl that wasnt much fun
while walking her dog at a quarter past three
she became a believer in learning to breathe
no longer like a lemming with a fearful stare
magically awakened from who can say where
...
it is what it is and its there for the taking
some get hung up on delivery of a life still baking
some dilly and dally and piss and moan
they can find what is missing inside of a stone
step up to free will and sign right up
you can lose your fears and your need for stuff
there is no problem without a solution
its only man's problems with mental pollution
...
the man in the elevator lost all his money
he couldnt keep his wick out of the honey
a victim of desire and slave to his manhood
a simple mistake for a trophy wife falsehood
he decided to find a relationship of truth
leaving behind the mistakes of a careless youth
no more calls from the demon who isnt really there
understanding and belief to become truly aware
...
it is what it is and its there for the taking
no more desire for things and fears and shaking
cast aside those who insist on selling you what you need
they are only trying to feed their own greed
only a fool waits for god to come and save him
with passive waiting and total inaction
the only true way to find your soul
is to get off your ass and take control
...
he worked for many years to build a perfect machine
an fuel free engine for transportation dreams
then on the day of announcment it was completely ignored
because of teleportation the world was completely bored
another man lived a simple live of success
because he never got concerned with trying to pass any tests
this isnt a song that is trying to preach
its only a statement of what everyone can truly reach
...
be a fool if you want and continue your struggle
there will always be many inside of your bubble
angry communicants spout off in their blogs
while texting complaints and kissing magic frogs
fools with more knowledge of better ways
fools sadly wishing and waiting for much better dayswww
fools claiming the past was always superior
fools doomed to believe in a future inferior
the Dogs of Noise:
(in case you have not already figured it out, I am the Dogs of Noise)
Click here to play this song or
here for Dogs of Noise at Garageband
Too Many Fools
she was right kind of girl for the wrong kind of man
so she wore funky shoes and wore clothes that were bland
she covered up her cleavage and put her hair in a bun
she looked like a girl that wasnt much fun
while walking her dog at a quarter past three
she became a believer in learning to breathe
no longer like a lemming with a fearful stare
magically awakened from who can say where
...
it is what it is and its there for the taking
some get hung up on delivery of a life still baking
some dilly and dally and piss and moan
they can find what is missing inside of a stone
step up to free will and sign right up
you can lose your fears and your need for stuff
there is no problem without a solution
its only man's problems with mental pollution
...
the man in the elevator lost all his money
he couldnt keep his wick out of the honey
a victim of desire and slave to his manhood
a simple mistake for a trophy wife falsehood
he decided to find a relationship of truth
leaving behind the mistakes of a careless youth
no more calls from the demon who isnt really there
understanding and belief to become truly aware
...
it is what it is and its there for the taking
no more desire for things and fears and shaking
cast aside those who insist on selling you what you need
they are only trying to feed their own greed
only a fool waits for god to come and save him
with passive waiting and total inaction
the only true way to find your soul
is to get off your ass and take control
...
he worked for many years to build a perfect machine
an fuel free engine for transportation dreams
then on the day of announcment it was completely ignored
because of teleportation the world was completely bored
another man lived a simple live of success
because he never got concerned with trying to pass any tests
this isnt a song that is trying to preach
its only a statement of what everyone can truly reach
...
be a fool if you want and continue your struggle
there will always be many inside of your bubble
angry communicants spout off in their blogs
while texting complaints and kissing magic frogs
fools with more knowledge of better ways
fools sadly wishing and waiting for much better dayswww
fools claiming the past was always superior
fools doomed to believe in a future inferior
Friday, May 16, 2008
Another Day on The Trails
I ride on trails for fun and adventure. (Occasionally on the road, but in So Cal the cars rule and I don't really enjoy the thought of getting run over by 5000lb SUVs while riding an 18lb road bike.) At least on the dirt only my own mistakes can kill me. Some days I can hammer on the road when I go in a group and stick with early rides on way back roads.
Today I rode 36.5 (total out and back) miles on a trail near my mountain home. It took me about 5 hours. Killer workout with amazing scenery. Today I saw one nasty rattlesnake (unusual), a bobcat (very elusive), and various squirrels and birds. 5 other riders the whole time which is unusually a lot for a week day. Almost entirely the trail is wide enough for only one bike or hiker at a time. Some of it along cliffs where falling can kill you. Some parts (about 200 yards) I walk because falling is not an option you can live with. Of course the first time I did this ride it, it took all day and I thought I would die. And of course you don't start out doing 36 miles at a time, but just like 4 and then working up as you get stronger. It takes a couple of years to get in shape for doing this routinely. But I ride 3-4 times a week (usually more like 2 hours and 20 miles at a time) and have no fear of beer, steak, and pizza, as it all comes off. I am a skinny guy mostly from the rides.
I attached a couple of pics of today's ride made from my GPS tracks. I saved some sat photos from google earth and overlaid the GPS on them. You can't see the trail because its under the trees and narrow. Not for rookies. If you crash you could be bear food. Usually I prefer a partner, but I have enough (10+ years) experience to do it alone. (probably a bad idea anyway) Cell phones don't work everywhere and its usually about a 3 mile hike into parts of the trail from where any kind of rescue jeep can go. So its a cool adventure. I write songs in my head when I'm not totally wrapped up in navigating the scary parts. The nature is fabulous. I am happy to be able to do this at 53, but it is not luck it is hard work (and good fortune).
I have a Trek Top Fuel 9.9, Its about a $6k bike but its a tool not a toy and worth every penny at this level of usage. Made for constant use like this. Also an older Trek Fuel 98, and a couple of older spares. I can't not ride just because my bike is in the shop.
Aside from my family and my music, my bike riding is the next important thing.
You can click on each of the pictures to see the original, more detailed image.
Today I rode 36.5 (total out and back) miles on a trail near my mountain home. It took me about 5 hours. Killer workout with amazing scenery. Today I saw one nasty rattlesnake (unusual), a bobcat (very elusive), and various squirrels and birds. 5 other riders the whole time which is unusually a lot for a week day. Almost entirely the trail is wide enough for only one bike or hiker at a time. Some of it along cliffs where falling can kill you. Some parts (about 200 yards) I walk because falling is not an option you can live with. Of course the first time I did this ride it, it took all day and I thought I would die. And of course you don't start out doing 36 miles at a time, but just like 4 and then working up as you get stronger. It takes a couple of years to get in shape for doing this routinely. But I ride 3-4 times a week (usually more like 2 hours and 20 miles at a time) and have no fear of beer, steak, and pizza, as it all comes off. I am a skinny guy mostly from the rides.
I attached a couple of pics of today's ride made from my GPS tracks. I saved some sat photos from google earth and overlaid the GPS on them. You can't see the trail because its under the trees and narrow. Not for rookies. If you crash you could be bear food. Usually I prefer a partner, but I have enough (10+ years) experience to do it alone. (probably a bad idea anyway) Cell phones don't work everywhere and its usually about a 3 mile hike into parts of the trail from where any kind of rescue jeep can go. So its a cool adventure. I write songs in my head when I'm not totally wrapped up in navigating the scary parts. The nature is fabulous. I am happy to be able to do this at 53, but it is not luck it is hard work (and good fortune).
I have a Trek Top Fuel 9.9, Its about a $6k bike but its a tool not a toy and worth every penny at this level of usage. Made for constant use like this. Also an older Trek Fuel 98, and a couple of older spares. I can't not ride just because my bike is in the shop.
Aside from my family and my music, my bike riding is the next important thing.
You can click on each of the pictures to see the original, more detailed image.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Zachary Guitar Videos by Frankie Baker
Well, most of this is duplicated elsewhere in the blog, but to simplify things for people who are only interested in the Zachary Guitars videos - here they are.
The Zachary Z2 Guitar featured in these videos is quite the tasty treat.
Here are two demos that features several pickup settings and styles. The amp settings were not changed during the recording. The first uses a different amp from the second.
Tone demo 1:
An earlier demo:
This short clip (part of a song) is with a clean tone.
In this video, I crank it up to show off the shred or metal type tone capabilities of this bad boy guitar. I think the Z2 is unmatched by any guitar for this kind of use.
Here is an entire song with the Z2. This is the Z Surf Boogie.
I recorded the bass, drums and backing guitar first, the did the lead track on video and mixed it down on iMovie. This is my favorite of the videos on this page.
Here is a clip that compares the sound of a Stratocaster, Telecaster and The Z2 all through the same amp settings. I don't care much for the playing or chops here, its more about comparing the tone of the guitars. Some guy on youtube commented that my Strat is ugly. Well, I like it. Its certainly not beautiful like a Zachary, but it has that Fender 50s car kind of vibe. Nonetheless I'd trade an endless pile of Strats of any kind for one Zachary. Imagine what SRV or Jimi could have done with a Z.
The Zachary Z2 Guitar featured in these videos is quite the tasty treat.
Here are two demos that features several pickup settings and styles. The amp settings were not changed during the recording. The first uses a different amp from the second.
Tone demo 1:
An earlier demo:
This short clip (part of a song) is with a clean tone.
In this video, I crank it up to show off the shred or metal type tone capabilities of this bad boy guitar. I think the Z2 is unmatched by any guitar for this kind of use.
Here is an entire song with the Z2. This is the Z Surf Boogie.
I recorded the bass, drums and backing guitar first, the did the lead track on video and mixed it down on iMovie. This is my favorite of the videos on this page.
Here is a clip that compares the sound of a Stratocaster, Telecaster and The Z2 all through the same amp settings. I don't care much for the playing or chops here, its more about comparing the tone of the guitars. Some guy on youtube commented that my Strat is ugly. Well, I like it. Its certainly not beautiful like a Zachary, but it has that Fender 50s car kind of vibe. Nonetheless I'd trade an endless pile of Strats of any kind for one Zachary. Imagine what SRV or Jimi could have done with a Z.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Z Surf Boogie
I am happy with the way this turned out. It was more complicated than the typical youtube thing with a guy playing along with a speakers into a video cam mic. I hope you agree that it is well mixed.
Check out my tunes on Garage Band. Download the mp3 for your iPod.
Monday, February 4, 2008
The Amazing Zachary Z2 Guitar
The search for the holy grail of guitars continues. For the moment this is it. The precision of the fretwork and beauty of the artistry of this guitar is incredible. It is a unique departure from what all other guitar makers are doing. Before I mention any downside, I must say I consider this guitar priceless. It is the only guitar I have that I would simply not part with for any reason. It is simply the best of them all.
Now that said, I would have no credibility if I was such a fool as to say one guitar does everything and is the perfect guitar for all applications. That would be ridiculous. For example, the best jazzbox simply can't do good rock crunch. And this guitar can't do jazzbox. But I'm no Joe Pass either, and I don't play that kind of music well anyway. So I am being real. The Z2 cannot replace an entire collection of guitars. But it does stand on top of the heap. It is the very best with respect to several critical measures that I am concerned with. First of all, the intonation and fretwork is simply unmatched. Every single chord and note is perfectly in tune and harmonically balanced both within the scale and chord being played. I am not talking about anything other than my ear. It simply works. It is a bit on the bright side, which is probably due to its long scale, pickup design and placement, a relatively hard wood body, and very, very low action. I don't think it will replace my best strat clone (which can't touch this Z2 for the most part) for "that" tone. The Z2 is it is magic to the fingers and the ears. And it flat ass honks. This guitar kills for rock crunch. Billy Gibbons needs this guitar. As soon as he finds out about them good luck trying to get one for yourself, they will become legendary and impossible to obtain for mere mortals. I almost hate to tell you about it lest the build wait get longer. I want at least two more of these guitars and the more people that find out about it the longer I must wait. Good luck getting one, if you can't play you are out of luck. No posers need apply.
Click here to find out more about Zachary Guitars
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Bad Ass Baritone Slide Guitar
Click Here to Play the Song
A while back I got this baritone guitar. It didn't seem too useful, kind of odd and interesting but too bassy to really stand out. Actually its tough to record because it steps on the bass, and you need to do some EQ tricks to make it work.
Roy Bullis who built the beast claimed it would be a monster with a slide. In a brief moment of musical frustration, I tried it and discovered what it sounds like through a distorted amp with a slide. Man it has hair!! Now I don't pretend to know how to play slide. This is the first time I have ever tried it. But I like it, and will do it more, and in fact, I am sure that in a couple of months I will repost this song and it will really smoke em. Till then, enjoy my first stab.
Here is a pic of the guitar used on the tune:
A while back I got this baritone guitar. It didn't seem too useful, kind of odd and interesting but too bassy to really stand out. Actually its tough to record because it steps on the bass, and you need to do some EQ tricks to make it work.
Roy Bullis who built the beast claimed it would be a monster with a slide. In a brief moment of musical frustration, I tried it and discovered what it sounds like through a distorted amp with a slide. Man it has hair!! Now I don't pretend to know how to play slide. This is the first time I have ever tried it. But I like it, and will do it more, and in fact, I am sure that in a couple of months I will repost this song and it will really smoke em. Till then, enjoy my first stab.
Here is a pic of the guitar used on the tune:
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Cool Guitar Amp
(Well, yes and the guitar deserves some credit too.)
Howdy, its been a long time since I've found anything to share. The quest for guitar tone tends to get more difficult and you begin to think you have seen it all. Recently I ran across the Suhr Badger. Now I don't need to tell you about it because there is plenty of info if you just search the web for it, you can find out all you need. The important thing is that for once, all of the good stuff that is being said about it is really true. I suppose you read the harmony central reviews, or even the reviews of products on sites like musician's friend. Well there are several problems with all of that. First of all some people (particularly electric guitar players) do not hear very well. Next, if all you have ever experienced is junk, something really mediocre could sound really great. Then, if some guitar god endorses it you might think its wonderful too. And if you just dumped a whole pile of money on something it must be good, otherwise you are stupid, right?
Click Here for the Harmony Central Reviews
Well the truth is a lot of guys have been playing the guitar for a long time, and some of us have been through not just a couple of guitar amps, and not just cheap ones either. So when you read the harmony central reviews on the Suhr Badger, you might think this is just another over-hyped and over-priced amp. Well its not entirely. It deserves some amount of praise. This amp can be enjoyed at low volumes. This is the first and only amp I have experienced that does decent big amp sound at truly reasonable volumes. In spite of its lack of reverb, it has a perfect effects loop so you can pick your favorite stomp boxes and plug them right in between the tube pre and power amps. I find it to be a wonderful place to put a nice digital reverb or delay. I'm not much of a fan of digital effects, but the tube tone from circuitry in this amp doesn't seem to be damaged by using the effects loop. Of course it adds a bit of noise, etc. and for recording you are better off adding this stuff in the mix, but its a great for live use.
This amp has a likable tone with a killer "not so loud" feature that works. I don't think its as good as a couple of other amps I have when clean, but I think I still have some speaker break-in issues to resolve, so we will see with time.
The demo video was recorded with my Onyx Forge Custom "Jag S". It has A Kinman strat blues set and an LR Baggs piezo hardtail bridge. I switch only the controls on the guitar, and get several killer tones through this amp without modifying ANY settings on the amp. So, generally all you are getting is the crunchy sound. But interestingly enough, what you are hearing was not very loud when I recorded it so its a good amp for that, and a bit more satisfying than all the digital stuff.
I don't claim this is great music, its really a tone demo. But I was having fun and made it a bit too long. Sorry, every minute or two I switch the tone settings, so keep at it and you will hear what I mean.
Another thing, this is using a the Suhr 112 ported cab. Which is very small and easy to live with and lug around. But its no Marshall 412 cab. This head sounds even better through a good 412, but I'm too old and lazy to move one around.
Many have said that you should always spend at least as much on your amp as you do on a guitar, and that is decent advice, but to be fair, this amp is a lot less expensive than many, many amps I have owned and played that were far more expensive and far less satisfying.
Howdy, its been a long time since I've found anything to share. The quest for guitar tone tends to get more difficult and you begin to think you have seen it all. Recently I ran across the Suhr Badger. Now I don't need to tell you about it because there is plenty of info if you just search the web for it, you can find out all you need. The important thing is that for once, all of the good stuff that is being said about it is really true. I suppose you read the harmony central reviews, or even the reviews of products on sites like musician's friend. Well there are several problems with all of that. First of all some people (particularly electric guitar players) do not hear very well. Next, if all you have ever experienced is junk, something really mediocre could sound really great. Then, if some guitar god endorses it you might think its wonderful too. And if you just dumped a whole pile of money on something it must be good, otherwise you are stupid, right?
Click Here for the Harmony Central Reviews
Well the truth is a lot of guys have been playing the guitar for a long time, and some of us have been through not just a couple of guitar amps, and not just cheap ones either. So when you read the harmony central reviews on the Suhr Badger, you might think this is just another over-hyped and over-priced amp. Well its not entirely. It deserves some amount of praise. This amp can be enjoyed at low volumes. This is the first and only amp I have experienced that does decent big amp sound at truly reasonable volumes. In spite of its lack of reverb, it has a perfect effects loop so you can pick your favorite stomp boxes and plug them right in between the tube pre and power amps. I find it to be a wonderful place to put a nice digital reverb or delay. I'm not much of a fan of digital effects, but the tube tone from circuitry in this amp doesn't seem to be damaged by using the effects loop. Of course it adds a bit of noise, etc. and for recording you are better off adding this stuff in the mix, but its a great for live use.
This amp has a likable tone with a killer "not so loud" feature that works. I don't think its as good as a couple of other amps I have when clean, but I think I still have some speaker break-in issues to resolve, so we will see with time.
The demo video was recorded with my Onyx Forge Custom "Jag S". It has A Kinman strat blues set and an LR Baggs piezo hardtail bridge. I switch only the controls on the guitar, and get several killer tones through this amp without modifying ANY settings on the amp. So, generally all you are getting is the crunchy sound. But interestingly enough, what you are hearing was not very loud when I recorded it so its a good amp for that, and a bit more satisfying than all the digital stuff.
I don't claim this is great music, its really a tone demo. But I was having fun and made it a bit too long. Sorry, every minute or two I switch the tone settings, so keep at it and you will hear what I mean.
Another thing, this is using a the Suhr 112 ported cab. Which is very small and easy to live with and lug around. But its no Marshall 412 cab. This head sounds even better through a good 412, but I'm too old and lazy to move one around.
Many have said that you should always spend at least as much on your amp as you do on a guitar, and that is decent advice, but to be fair, this amp is a lot less expensive than many, many amps I have owned and played that were far more expensive and far less satisfying.
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