Friskydingo Posted December 9, 2019 Share Posted December 9, 2019 (edited) I see a lot of these two amps on gumtree and eBay for varying prices (£250-350 usually). So they are popular, my questions are; 1. Are they good? Seem to have a lot of parameters and eq options 2. Loud enough for a rock covers band? I'm not too bothered by weight as I still have a good back and band mates to help me. Have you played either and which one do you prefer? Or should I carry on looking Edited December 9, 2019 by Friskydingo Misspelled Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casapete Posted December 9, 2019 Share Posted December 9, 2019 Both good amps. Have had units from both manufactures (to be fair just amp head versions of each though) and thought they each had great qualities. The Trace was loud, heavy, reliable, easily repaired and sounded good. The Hartke was loud, reliable and sounded great (to me warmer and more the tone I was looking for). In combo form I’m guessing you are probably looking at either 1x15 or 4x10 versions of both. I would prefer the Trace speakers over the Hartke ones, but ultimately would prefer to have a separate amp head and then choose what cab to pair with it. ( I know you said the weight thing wasn’t an issue but honestly you may not think that after regularly dragging one up a few flights of stairs.) 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deedee Posted December 9, 2019 Share Posted December 9, 2019 Admittedly I’m a Trace fan boy and I have no experience of Hartke gear, but I’d highly recommend a 250/300 watt 1x15 Trace (an SM or SMX preferably). I’ve had a couple in the past and if I was in the market for a combo again I’d have another in a heartbeat. More than loud enough and the 1x15 models are at least a little more manageable at 30kg tops (the 2x10 is nearer 40kg). Also they’re pretty narrow depth front to back so fit easily into saloon car boots, hatches with the rear seats up etc. Either way, stick some casters on it and you’re away. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Friskydingo Posted December 10, 2019 Author Share Posted December 10, 2019 Thanks guys. I should have said it was the 4x10 I was looking at but if 2x10 or 1x15 does the job I'll buy that. I'll definitely look to have casters on it or fix them myself Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deedee Posted December 10, 2019 Share Posted December 10, 2019 These ones are great: https://www.screwfix.com/p/select-tpr-swivel-castor-50mm/512ft Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
la bam Posted December 10, 2019 Share Posted December 10, 2019 Well.....years ago, when I was young, fit and healthy, I borrowed a trace 4x10 combo. Great sound, very punchy. I did however try and move it a few feet across stage..... and gave up. Those things are SERIOUSLY heavy!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Friskydingo Posted December 11, 2019 Author Share Posted December 11, 2019 15 hours ago, la bam said: Well.....years ago, when I was young, fit and healthy, I borrowed a trace 4x10 combo. Great sound, very punchy. I did however try and move it a few feet across stage..... and gave up. Those things are SERIOUSLY heavy!! I'll definitely get some wheels whatever the choice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulWarning Posted December 11, 2019 Share Posted December 11, 2019 12 minutes ago, Friskydingo said: I'll definitely get some wheels whatever the choice wheels help, but you've still got to get it into a vehicle and up steps and stairs at venues, Trace 4 x 10 combo? rather you than me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Friskydingo Posted December 11, 2019 Author Share Posted December 11, 2019 I have band mates and my back isn't made of paper. I still may get a head and a 2x10 if I find a good deal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
la bam Posted December 11, 2019 Share Posted December 11, 2019 1 hour ago, Friskydingo said: I have band mates and my back isn't made of paper. I still may get a head and a 2x10 if I find a good deal Neither was mine. Until it gave way. 3 years of searing pain and immobility really isnt worth it. Still, people told me that advice when I was in my 20s and I took no notice either. And probably still wouldnt if I went back in time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulWarning Posted December 11, 2019 Share Posted December 11, 2019 1 hour ago, la bam said: Neither was mine. Until it gave way. 3 years of searing pain and immobility really isn't worth it. Still, people told me that advice when I was in my 20s and I took no notice either. And probably still wouldn't if I went back in time. same with ear plugs, when you're young you feel indestructible 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Friskydingo Posted December 11, 2019 Author Share Posted December 11, 2019 I have just found a trace Elliot 1215 1x15 300w do that may do the job 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulWarning Posted December 11, 2019 Share Posted December 11, 2019 Just now, Friskydingo said: I have just found a trace Elliot 1215 1x15 300w do that may do the job well it'll be loud enough 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Friskydingo Posted December 11, 2019 Author Share Posted December 11, 2019 Just now, PaulWarning said: same with ear plugs, when you're young you feel indestructible I have been wearing ear plugs for a while now, didn't in my 20s but luckily got away without any lasting damage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Friskydingo Posted December 11, 2019 Author Share Posted December 11, 2019 Just now, PaulWarning said: well it'll be loud enough That's what I need to hear! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
la bam Posted December 11, 2019 Share Posted December 11, 2019 36 minutes ago, PaulWarning said: same with ear plugs, when you're young you feel indestructible Yep. I ignored ear plugs too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted December 15, 2019 Share Posted December 15, 2019 Personally I'd go for a Trace head (150s are fine for most situations, anything bigger is ideal for starting nuclear wars) with a modern lightweight cabs. I used to have a VDK MNT 112 which was monstrous with my 150 and my 300w....your friends will love you for it too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Friskydingo Posted December 15, 2019 Author Share Posted December 15, 2019 Update! Just got a trace Elliott 1215 gp12 combo, loud enough and more. Great price, as seller just wanted it gone. New question needs answering though; what does the pre-shape in/out utton do? The others I understand like harmonic emphasis, eq, drive, etc. But pre-shap seems to raise mid- frequencies. Can anyone provide insight? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulWarning Posted December 15, 2019 Share Posted December 15, 2019 I would say you're disengaging the pre shape if it's seeming to raise mid frequencies Here's what pre shapes do on a SMX preamp Pre-Shape 1:+6dB at 50Hz and 2kHz, -6dB at 400Hz. Pre-Shape 2: +5dB at 100Hz, +3dB at 3kHz and -5dB at 650Hz. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deedee Posted December 15, 2019 Share Posted December 15, 2019 (edited) That sounds like a later model to the ones I’m more familiar with but throughout the years and different ranges, the famous/infamous Trace pre-shape should cut the mids giving you a scooped sound, not boost them. Some models have 2 pre-shapes with pre-shape 1 being the mid cut and pre-shape 2 being a more solid, thumping your chest kind of rock tone. Either way you really must post a photo of it, it’s the law around these parts 😁 Edit - doh, I obviously can’t type quickly enough. Like @PaulWarning says, could be disengaging. Edited December 15, 2019 by Deedee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Friskydingo Posted December 16, 2019 Author Share Posted December 16, 2019 New amp. My set up is complete although I may sell my compressor pedal as the amp has it. No longer have to use the provided back line or practice room amp 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulWarning Posted December 16, 2019 Share Posted December 16, 2019 wonder what year that is, looks a later model then the SMX with the Ashdown type harmonic emphasis and the valve drive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Friskydingo Posted December 16, 2019 Author Share Posted December 16, 2019 I can't find any dates on it, sorry to be no help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulWarning Posted December 16, 2019 Share Posted December 16, 2019 9 minutes ago, Friskydingo said: I can't find any dates on it, sorry to be no help that's ok some Trace expert will no doubt put me right, is it a UK built one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deedee Posted December 16, 2019 Share Posted December 16, 2019 I’m sure @TheGreek has/had one of this era. Last range of the Gibson ownership period I believe, but I could be completely wrong! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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