Conference napalm::guitar

    Which ADA unit did you see?
    
    I don't think that you will find any current signal processors in
    your price range that will do all effects simultaneously. However,
    if you don't mind analog delay and non-MIDI hardware, there are
    many units on the market by MXR, DOD, Ibanez and others that do
    simultaneous effects. They don't have programmability either.
    
    The units you might want to save for are Roland DEP-5, Yamaha SPX-90II,
    Roland GEP-8 (this might not be the corrent model #). ADA makes
    a rack mount tube preamp that also has programmable EQ and stereo
    chorus, and there is another note about it in this conference (it
    is around $700).
    
    	- Rick
    

    re: .0; I was wrong about the ADA unit I saw having distortion,
    Sorry.  But it did have chorus, flanging, and delay and you could
    use any two effects simultaneously.  I think it was model 2FX.

    The other ADA unit everyone referred to is the MP-1, it's midi
    programmable, has 128 programs, has both tube and solid state preamps
    sections (program selectable), programmable EQ, stereo chorus,
    ;headphone out etc....expensive at $700 or so and the footswitch
    is another 200 list,....
    
    dbII

    
    Re: .2
    
    The 2FX is an older unit (maybe four years ago it was introduced?)
    and now discontinued and being closed out at real cheap prices.
    
    I think it was close to a grand when introduced, I've seen one dealer
    in Chelmsford, MA selling it for $300.
    
    It is two digital delays in one package.  One does only chorus
    or flanging, the other only delays (repeats, echoes).  You set each
    one up independently and can chain them , that is patch the chorus
    output into the delay input.
    
    There is no programmability (i.e. if you want to have two different
    chorus sounds, you have to tweak the knobs).
    
    I think the max delay is about a second.              
    
    The unit is definitely usable but not a true multieffect unit.
    
    You might check out Ibanez, they have a unit called something like
    UE-4000, a MIDI compatible unit with distortion, compressor, digital
    delay on board, I think it's around $500 or so.
                                        
    

    I just picked up a magazine last week called Musicians Equipment
    Directory, put out by GP, Keyboards, and Frets. They talk briefly
    about the ADA MP1 and claim that it lists for $599. If this is true,
    you should be able to pick one up for around $480. Every one is
    saying that this unit sells for around $700. Does anyone know if
    $700 is the actual selling price for this unit. I plan to demo
    one just for the heck of it. 
    
    Another unit that I want to demo is the Galien Krueger 2000CPL.
    This is a stereo guitar preamp, which includes two channels,
    (one clean and one with variable gain for distortion), compression
    on both channels, variable reverb, variable chorus, headphone jack,
    effects loop, dual XLR outputs, phone jack outputs, and I believe
    you can use it monaurally. It comes in a rack mount package, and
    includes a 5 function foot switch (functions include channel switching,
    gain on/off, reverb, chorus, compression) and lists for $649. It
    is not midi compatable, and is strictly solid state. I can't speak
    from experience, but I would imagine that it sounds much like a
    Galien Kruger 250ML amp, but with much greater flexibility. This
    is designed for guitarists that wish to configure a component amp
    with separate preamp, power amp, and speakers, however, I am pretty
    sure you can use it with a regular guitar amp like a combo, in the
    monaural mode. 
    
    re .0 I think that in order to get a unit like you are describing, you
    will have to spend $500 or more. Keep in mind, that when you see
    a unit with everything but the kitchen sink for a couple hundred
    bucks, chances are you are not getting the sound quality that most
    musicians require. An effect can have all the features in the world,
    but if it doesn't have good sound, what good is it ?
    
    							Mark J.
    

    The ADA literature that I got on the MP-1 says $699.00 list, I heard
    that EUW was asking $650 (always such great discounts phtt!), the
    footswitch for th eMP-1 is $199.00 list (instant access to any of
    the 128 programs, also will control other MIDI compatable devices).
    
    good hunting....
    
    dbII

    The other night I tried out the Galien Krueger 2000CPL preamp at
    EU Wurlitzers. I was pleasantly surprised at the selling price
    of $439, since the unit lists for $649. This represents a discount
    of 33%. This price does not include the footswitch, however, which
    sells for an additional $100.
    
    Features:
    
    This unit has two channels, each of which has volume, four band
    eq, the distortion channel has variable gain, separate compression
    circuits for each channel, a gain boost for each channel, variable
    reverb, variable rate and depth controls for chorus, a built in noise 
    gate to clean up noise from effects patched into the units effects
    loop, dual XLR stereo line outs, as well as unbalanced 1/4" line outs,
    an auxillary stereo input for patching in additional stereo program 
    sources, a headphone jack, master volume control, and a stereo/mono
    selector switch on the rear panel. The guitar input, footswitch
    jack, and headphone jack are conveniently placed on the units front
    panel. The optional footswitch has stomp switches for channel
    switching, gain boost, reverb, chorus, and compression.
    
    Sound:
    
    I did an AB test with a Galien Krueger 250ML and the 2000CPL connected
    to a stereo power amp and 2 speaker cabs. With some fiddling I was
    able to get the same exact sounds from both amps plus a lot more sound 
    possibilities with the 2000CPL. The compression allows for almost
    unlimited amount of sustain when used with the distortion channel,
    and helps make the clean channel "sing" more especially with the
    gain boost turned on. One sound that I would like to get is a warm
    fuzzy sound with controlable feedback at my fingertips. I was not
    entirely satisfied that this unit can do that, but I only fiddled with it
    for about 15 minutes, and was not using a guitar of my liking. Next
    time I go back to EUW, I'm gonna bring my ES345. The semi hollow
    body makes it easier to get feedback. When I demoed the 250ML a
    few weeks ago, I was playing an ES335, and the amp was facing
    the pickups directly, which made it real easy to get feedback. The
    other night, however, when I was trying the preamp, I was using
    an Ibanez solid body with humbuckers, and the speaker cabs were
    low to the ground, and not facing the pickups directly, so it was
    harder to get the sound I wanted. 
    
    I still haven't tried an ADA MP1 but hope to do so possibly this
    weekend. I read the manufacturures claim in Guitar Player ads
    that this unit will give you the sound of a Marshall, Mesa Boogie,
    Roland jazz chorus, as well as other amps. I am sceptical about
    believing this until I hear it. One thing that sounds promising
    is that the unit has a four stage tube preamp, and two stage 
    transistor preamp. 
    
    More Later- By for now
    
    Mark J.
     

    I called Mr C's Music today and asked if they carry the ADA MP1
    preamp. He does not have any in stock, but hopes to get them this
    week. He is willing to sell them for $499.oo. If anyone has their
    mind set on buying one, that is the best price I have seen so far.
    
    Mark Jacques
    

    I've asked this before, but with all the hoopla about the ADA MP1
    preamp, anyone come across the Perfect Connection GP-1000 preamp
    yet?  It's made by Lee Jackson whos done Marshall modifications
    for the likes of Jake E Lee, Steve Vai, George Lynch, Akira Takasaki,
    Paul Gilbert, and the rest of those LA cats.  Its an all tube preamp
    with active tone controls, channel switching and stereo outs.  I
    have heard a demo of it, but haven't tried it myself.  When I heard
    it it sounded a lot like the tone Van Halen/Lynch/Gilbert get from
    their Marshalls.  Real warm and full with a lot of sustain.  I am
    under the impression its along the same idea of what he does to
    these peoples amps in a rack mount unit.
    
    Also, as a side note, has anyone out there heard the tube preamp
    from Groove Tubes?  I think the comparison here would be interesting.
    
    wjb

    I inquired as to these two preamps at EU Wurlitzer's. They don't
    carry them. The saleman I talked to said he believed that both
    were in the $1000.oo+ pricerange. I can't imagine why anyone
    would be willing to spend that much when there are quite a few
    great tube amps (Mesa Boogie, Marshall, New Twin Reverb) that have
    superb sound, plus power amp, plus speakers, for the same money.
    
    I noticed in the "Musicians Equipment Directory" that Mesa Boogie
    now offers a Quad tube preamp, which is a rack mountable stereo
    tube preamp, with a stereo effects loop. Each stage of the preamp 
    has a full control panel including graphic equalizer. The unit is 
    approx. a 6 high rack mount package. If I had to guess I would say 
    it probably costs close to $2000.oo, but it appears to have a great
    deal of flexibility.
    
    Mark J.
    
                       
    

    
    Re: G&K
    
    An ad in the new Guitar Player shows a new version of the stereo
    preamp...2100 whatever....coupled with a "digital" stereo power
    amp.  
    
    Apparently to offer a more powerful alternative to the 250ML head....
    
    

    
    Re: .10
    
    Well, after reading your note I said to myself "Hmmm, sounds like
    EU propoganda to me [$1000.00 + for preamp, sounds like they just
    don't want to lose the business to me!]), so I did some checking.
    The GP1000 preamp by Lee Jackson (Metaltronix) lists for $600.00,
    and the guy said you could get it for about $450.00.  I figured
    that it would have to be competitively priced.  I'm sure the Groove
    Tube preamp is about the same amount of money.
    
    wjb
    
    Also, the Music Stop on Winn st. in Burlington has the Metaltronix
    preamps in stock.  

    re. .11, I was wondering when Gallien Krueger was gonna can the
    250ml ad in Guitar Player and run something different for a change.
    Shown in this months issue is the 2000cpl preamp, and 2100sel.
    Both units have the same exact features. The 2100sel has a 200watt,
    (100watt/side) stereo power amp built in, while the 2000cpl is a
    preamp only. They are being endorsed by non other than Alex Lifeson.
    of Rush. I am seriously considering buying the preamp, and just may
    own one by week's end. Before I do though, I would like to check out
    the Metaltonix, and the Groove tube "tube" preamps. I have checked out 
    the Chandler Tube Driver, but it just wouldn't satisfy my wishes. The
    tube driver has a pretty good overdrive sound, when the gain is kept at
    a moderate level, but I found if you crank it up past 4-5, it starts to
    sound too ratty. It also doesn't have any features other than the 
    distortion sound. For the money ($200.oo) it is definately not a bad 
    distortion unit, though.
    
    Does anyone in the Worcester Area carry Metaltronix, or Groove Tube
    preamps ? I would prefer not to have to travel to Burlington just
    to demo the Metaltronix.
    
    Mark Jacques
             
    

    
    Re: .13
    
    I'm not too sure of where else in MA there are Metaltronix dealers.
    If you have a guitar mag handy, look up their ad and call their
    toll free number for dealer locations.  I remember there were a
    couple of them in MA, but only took note of the one in Burlington
    since it was closest.
    
    I think you'll probably end up going with the GK.  The MT preamp
    is great for a fat distorted/clean tone, but doesn't offer any
    effects like the GK does. 
    
    good luck,
    wjb

    
    Last night, I took the plunge and purchased the GK 2000CPL preamp.
    I got what I consider a very good deal from none other than
    Wurlitzers. I paid $499.oo (+tax of course) for the Preamp, the 5 
    function footswitch, and talked them into throwing in 2 3' balanced 
    cords to patch into my PA. That reminds me, they owe me a free
    teeshirt. This unit lists for $649 not including the foot switch, so
    I can't complain about the price. They originally quoted me $539,
    but a friend of mine came with me and bought a new Twin Reverb at the
    same time, so we both made out pretty good. Another thing that helped
    was the fact that we both flashed cash. Money Talks.
    
    So far I have only tried it out with Headphones, as I didn't have
    the time to bolt it into my rack yet.  It sounds pretty good through
    headphones, but seemed a little stuffy sounding (understandable).
    I am sure it will sound much differant through a stereo PA system.
    I am really happy with the footswitch. It has 5 functions, channel
    switching, compression, gain (only effects dist. channel), reverb,
    and chorus. This little switchbox (~3"x8") will replace a big clumbsy
    floor effects rack, that I have been lugging around, and tripping
    over for years. The gain switch is convenient, because you can set
    up channel B for a light distortion sound, then kick in the gain
    and go to a heavier distortion at the same volume level.
    
    I was debating whether to buy this preamp, or the 250ML, but I was
    leaning towards the preamp. I wanted to have a small portable amp,
    to carry around and play anywhere with. I solved both problems by
    trading some of my old obselete effects into McDuff's Music (and
    quasi pawnshop) for a Pignose amp. The Pignose is perfect for carrying
    around and sounds really good for a box this size. Between the Pignose
    and my Telecaster I can now pretend that I am Ralph Mazzio in the
    Movie "Crossroads". Anyone know any old Derelics that play blues
    Harp ?
                                                           
 	Mark Jacques.
       
    

    Re .15, I have noticed two features on the 2000cpl that I did not
    realize I had. One is that each set of outputs has a stereo/mono
    select button, so that, if I want I can have stereo on stage, and
    mono into the PA, or vice versa. The other feature that I did
    not know I had is that the aux stereo input doubles as a stereo
    effects return. Since most stereo effects only require a single
    send, this enables use with any stereo effects without losing the
    stereo field. I will have to try this with my Alesis MidiverbII,
    but need to pick up a y cable in order to do it. Hoya probably 
    makes this type of cable. 
    
    	I have also noticed that the reverb in this unit is actually
    a delay. The reverb pot, controls the amount of delayed signal
    going to the outputs. The delay is a quick delay (~50-100ms) and
    with it turned up all the way you can clearly hear the slapback.
                                                                    
    	So far I am pretty happy with it, but haven't tried out all
    of the capabilities yet. 
    
    Mark Jacques