Anyone own a PRS Tremonti SE Custom guitar?

Thanks for the help and i lucked out on that day. I now know to just save up a little more and it will be worth it.

This is an interesting story about one of the most famous boutique amplifiers on the planet. I have a Dumble patch in my AX-FX Ultra processor and would love to have one profiled in my Kemper processor/profiler. I wouldnt like to spend that kind of money for an amp, but, I might.

http://www.wiredguitarist.com/2016/06/04/analyzing-the-hype-dumble-overdrive-special/

Alright...a quick update. Guitar Center was out of stock on the $549 + tax Tobacco Sunburst SE Custom. After speaking to GC's customer service, it sounds like it was a listing glitch and there was only one unit available which was likely a unit that was damaged during shipping. There were 4 units still available in their warehouse at $739 + tax which is more that I was hoping to spend. I stumbled on Reverb.com yesterday evening and it seems to be the absolute motherload of new and used equipment at great prices. Ended up purchasing the same guitar, new in box from a PRS dealer in FL for only $600 shipped. Just received a message from the seller and it's being shipped out through FedEx tomorrow. There was a second new Tobacco Tremonti SE Custom listed for only $579 shipped, but the seller had an as-is no return policy on it.

I've narrowed down my amp choices to two units that I think will probably best suit my needs...a Fender Mustang II (40 watt solid state) and a Marshall MG30CFX (30 watt solid state). I know that the earlier MG's have a poor reputation (mainly DFX's I believe), but the newer CFX's seem to have very good reviews as a entry level or practice amp. Any input on these units either way? The prices of each amp are identical.

coolhandluke said:

Alright...a quick update. Guitar Center was out of stock on the $549 + tax Tobacco Sunburst SE Custom. After speaking to GC's customer service, it sounds like it was a listing glitch and there was only one unit available which was likely a unit that was damaged during shipping. There were 4 units still available in their warehouse at $739 + tax which is more that I was hoping to spend. I stumbled on Reverb.com yesterday evening and it seems to be the absolute motherload of new and used equipment at great prices. Ended up purchasing the same guitar, new in box from a PRS dealer in FL for only $600 shipped. Just received a message from the seller and it's being shipped out through FedEx tomorrow. There was a second new Tobacco Tremonti SE Custom listed for only $579 shipped, but the seller had an as-is no return policy on it.

I've narrowed down my amp choices to two units that I think will probably best suit my needs...a Fender Mustang II (40 watt solid state) and a Marshall MG30CFX (30 watt solid state). I know that the earlier MG's have a poor reputation (mainly DFX's I believe), but the newer CFX's seem to have very good reviews as a entry level or practice amp. Any input on these units either way? The prices of each amp are identical.

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Sweet news on the guitfiddle- I think you will be alot happier starting out with a brand new guitar. When you get it, go to your fave tech, if you dont have one, get one. Local mom and pop stores have better techs than like a Guitar Center. A good setup is needed even on a new guitar- it will be factory setup with strings they decided on, but it still could use a setup. Best $20 or so you can spend. Down the line you will get your own preferences for everything from strings to picks to cables, etc, and you will learn to do your own setups ( I now buy my strings and picks by the case). Ive used Ernie Ball Power Slinky strings for years, but there are many brands to choose from and lots of time to decide what you like, your style and your fingers will help you choose what you like- lighter strings are easier on the fingers, I play thicker gauge strings only because I play extreme metal and I play in lower tunings than standard. Picks I like 3 different gauges of Dunlops for different songs, but use other brands also. Did you get a hard case or a soft gig bag? If not then at some point grab a hardcase, you dont have to buy the best unless you just really want a PRS case (Myself I always like to match my cases to the guitar- I dont want to put an expensive guitar in a cheap case, but thats just me. I do buy offbrand cases tho just for storage), just get one as well as the gig bag to store it in when its not on the stand (some like them hung on the walll to display them or whatever but I have always kept mine cased if theyre not out on a stand, just my preference). Gig bags are great for going to lessons or the band practice but Ive seen alot of broken guitars from gig bags too. I dont even own one and I have over 40 some guitars.

I dont know a thing about the Fender, which is more of a modeling amp like the Line6's (I love modeling amps), but the specs sound really cool:

• 18 amp models, 37 effects, and 24 onboard factory and user presets
• Low-noise power amp platform
• 40 watts of power through 1 x 12" Fender Special Design speaker
• Intuitive control panel
• Headphone output; auxiliary input
• Onboard chromatic tuner
• USB connectivity for high-quality, low-latency audio output and computer connectivity
• Fender FUSE software included as a free download
• Ableton Live 8 Fender Edition included

The Marshall, the old DFX's really werent that bad sounding, Ive had one or two here or there in the studio and they were decent, but the CFX's have been much improved.

• 30watts into a 10" speaker
• Channels (storable): Clean, Crunch, OD1, OD2
• Digital Effects: Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Vibe, Octave
• Digital Delay: Hi-Fi, Tape, Multi, Reverse
• Digital reverb types: Spring, Studio
• MP3/ Line In jack
• Emulated headphone output
• MG footcontroller-compatible
• Compact size for practice and small jams/gigs
• Carbon fiber look and feel
• Critically acclaimed Marshall analog tone

When you get going and learning and start to have it all down then start looking around at tube amps and pedals. With these lil practice amps you will be able to get a feel for the effects you like and you'll be well versed in how to tweak your effects to your songs needs when you do start buying pedals or even outboard processors like my AX-FX. And play into alot of them before deciding on one- because after you get it it may be the only amp you ever own. But for practicing, promise yaa, tube amps are just a real hassle, and totally unnecessary (the tubes have to warm before you play the amp, and cool down after you play, the preamp tubes will almost always go microphonic at some point- or bad- and then it has to be changed out and you have to decide which is bad, etc etc etc. And unless you have it turned up loud enough for those bottles to get hot and do their magic then youre not going to get the sounds youre after, with solidstate just the opposite- they get maxed out the crappier they sound, but at bedroom or garage or recording and rehearsal levels tho they sound just as good as a tube amp. Unless youve been at it for years you wont even be able to tell the difference. Late night rehearsing, pre show, or demo recording, SS is almost perfect. And if you get a band together just mic up thru a practice PA just like at the club and youll have no problem being heard.

coolhandluke said:

Alright...a quick update. Guitar Center was out of stock on the $549 + tax Tobacco Sunburst SE Custom. After speaking to GC's customer service, it sounds like it was a listing glitch and there was only one unit available which was likely a unit that was damaged during shipping. There were 4 units still available in their warehouse at $739 + tax which is more that I was hoping to spend. I stumbled on Reverb.com yesterday evening and it seems to be the absolute motherload of new and used equipment at great prices. Ended up purchasing the same guitar, new in box from a PRS dealer in FL for only $600 shipped. Just received a message from the seller and it's being shipped out through FedEx tomorrow. There was a second new Tobacco Tremonti SE Custom listed for only $579 shipped, but the seller had an as-is no return policy on it.

I've narrowed down my amp choices to two units that I think will probably best suit my needs...a Fender Mustang II (40 watt solid state) and a Marshall MG30CFX (30 watt solid state). I know that the earlier MG's have a poor reputation (mainly DFX's I believe), but the newer CFX's seem to have very good reviews as a entry level or practice amp. Any input on these units either way? The prices of each amp are identical.

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On the amps I think you will be happy with either (and predict you will buy the other to have two at some point!). You may find that if you run your amp clean and plug an Ibanez Tube Screamer in you will be very happy.

Like NOFEARFACTOR stated earlier about solid state v. tubes, most people can't tell the difference between solid state and tubes. As well, most people can't really roll the volume up to make the tubes do what tubes do to get their tone without having the local PD stop by. Little trivia ... Two of the three "Kings" of the Blues (BB and Albert) played solid state amps. For practicing, you can't go wrong with either.

Funny you should mention Reverb.com. I am looking for another National and found on Reverb yesterday a 1980 Gibson L6-S Custom with a Tobacco Sunburst just like the first electric that I ever owned. Thinking about it.

Anyway, the advantage of ordering on line is no tax. The negative is that you get what you get and have no way of knowing tone or playability. That said, your PRS will likely be just like 99 out of 100 PRS guitars ... sound great and play well. And that 1 out of 100? That one is the one that just blows everything else away.

Enjoy!

And ... anyone thought about starting up a "Guitar" or "Musical Instrument" Thread?

MadDogs said:

anyone thought about starting up a "Guitar" or "Musical Instrument" Thread?

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Before this week there werent too many of us here yakkin about em. I know of a few other working and gigging musicians that have been on the board since Ive been here the last almost 10 years, as well as a few hobbyists. Its my entire life, I live it and have for over 3/4ths of my life. I would love to be able to talk about gear and music and stuff with other musicians. Maybe even get together for jams. Musicians who shoot and carry guns, hells yea, lollll.

Weirdly, thru hanging out at his shop I got one of my techs back into guns after not shooting since he was a kid hunting with his dad. I even did a few OSA gun meetups at his business a few times. Then he bought a gun. Next he got his CC. Now a few weeks ago he started shooting comps. Life is good...

Thanks for the input guys...I am leaning towards a new MG30CFX at this point. Used Mustangs turn up fairly often so I can always pick one up if I ever run across a used amp in good condition for cheap. The owner of the shop that I purchased the guitar from recommended a Vox VT40+. It's also a modeling combo amp, but it's a tube rather than solid state unit. I've pretty much ruled out picking up a tube amp for the reasons that you guys previously mentioned. Also has 40 watt - 60 watt variable level control...not a feature that I would probably make use of. It's about $50 over the budget that I had set for myself, but I'm sure that I can find one for less if I look hard enough. I just don't know much about Vox's reputation.



The convenient and powerful Valvetronix VT40+ combo amp delivers the guitar sounds sought after by discerning guitarists of every style. With a 12AX7 preamp tube, powerful new amp models, and the unique Power Level control, the VT40 Plus is ready to deliver the response and sound every player needs.

Tube-powered VOX Valve Reactor circuit
Every guitar player seeks the power and playability delivered by a tube amp; the fat drive tone, wide dynamic range, subtle picking nuances, and quick response. After painstaking analysis of guitarists' tastes and preferences, VOX has focused on the importance of the power amp circuit in creating the sonic characteristics long sought from tube amps. The VOX Valve Reactor was developed out of this power amp philosophy. Based on a 12AX7 vacuum tube, the Valve Reactor circuit at the heart of the Valvetronix VT40+ amp perfectly reproduces the operation, subtle nuances, and tonal character of a real tube-powered amp.

More amp models than ever before
The new Valvetronix+ Series boasts an amazing collection of 33 distinct amp models - a new milestone for Valvetronix amplifiers. In addition, the Valvetronix+ represents a giant leap in quality. The preamp EQ features Bass, Middle and Treble controls for precise tone-shaping. Beginning with classic VOX amps such as the AC30, the diverse amp model selection continues to encompass coveted amps from the pages of history, as well as the latest high-gain amps, providing a sound selection that spans the ages. Call up the sound of an old favorite, or experiment with amps you may never have tried - sought-after amps played by your guitar heroes, rare boutique amps, and vintage amps - and pursue unexplored sonic paths.

25 Diverse, high-quality effects
One of the best features of the VOX Valvetronix VT40+ modeling amp is the ability to combine the built-in effects with the onboard amp models to create a complete and powerful sound. Just as with the effects, the VT40+ makes no compromises when it comes to effects, boasting a level of quality that rivals top standalone units. The broad array of effects is divided into two sections: Pedal effects such as distortion, wah, and compressor; and Modulation/Delay effects such as chorus, flanger, and tape echo. In each section, there are 11 effects to choose from. Featuring easy-to-use settings, you can simultaneously select the effect type and adjust its parameters. In addition, there are three types of Reverb (Room, Spring, and Hall). With the addition of Noise Reduction, up to four different effects can be used at the same time.

99 Preset programs
The musicians at VOX have put together 99 preset programs for the VT40+, expertly voiced and ready for immediate use. Each of the 33 amp models provides three presets: Basic, Effected, and Song. An Effected preset calls up the correct combination of effect type and setting for a particular style.

Song presets are just like Effected presets; each one is a faithful recreation of the signature sound used by a famous guitarist to perform one of their classic tracks. Of course you're also free to edit any preset - or start from scratch with the manual setting - and save up to eight of your own custom sounds to the User presets.

Beyond the numbers
One of the greatest advances from previous Valvetronix models is the astounding sense of power generated by the VT40+. The power amp section has the potential to significantly exceed the wattage value indicated by the model name - as indicated by the shaded section of the Power Level knob. The new Valvetronix+ Series also feature a newly re-voiced VOX original design speaker that is sure to amaze you with a powerful sound that you would not expect from a chassis and speaker of this size. These fine Valvetronix+ amplifiers genuinely deliver sonic power that cannot be expressed by mere numbers.

Seize the power
The sense of drive produced in the tube power stage is what defines the inimitably fat and warm tone that's at the core of a great guitar amp sound. Our tube-driven Valve Reactor circuitry is at the heart of recreating this sound. Volume, Gain, and Master Volume controls provide key levels of controlling your gain to achieve a wealth of clean, overdriven and distorted sounds. In addition, these new Valvetronix+ Series amplifiers feature an altogether unique Power Level control. By lowering the Power Level, it's possible to achieve high levels of gain and distortion at any listening level. And, as was mentioned above, reserve power can also be dialed in using the Power Level control when you really need your amp to scream. The Power Level control allows you to take full advantage of the Valvetronix+ Series potential in any situation.

Convenient and versatile input and output
The headphone out jack can also be used as a direct line output. This output is equipped with the simulated response and character of a speaker cabinet, so you'll enjoy the natural spatial sense of playing through speakers, even when using headphones or when connected to a mixer or recording system. Plug your CD or MP3 player into the AUX input jack and enjoy jamming along with your favorite songs. In addition, the tuning function needed by every guitarist is built in, eliminating the need for a separate tuner.

Optional VFS5 footswitch operation
Plug in the optional VFS5 footswitch and use your feet to switch programs, turn the reverb and other effects on/off, and control their speed, providing additional options for sonic creativity and live performance power.

Amp Model List (33)
Three versions of each amp model are provided: Standard, Special, and Custom.
Clean, Cali Clean, US Blues, US 2x12, VOX AC15, VOX AC30, UK Rock, UK Metal, US High Gain, US Metal, Boutique Metal

Effect Model List (25)
¢ Pedal: Comp, Acoustic, Auto Wah, U-Vibe, Brn Octave, Treble Boost, Tube OD, Gold Drive, Org Dist, Metal Dist, Fuzz
¢ Modulation/Delay: CE Chorus, Multi Chorus, Flanger, Org Phase, Twin Trem, G4 Rotary, Pitch Shift, Filtron, Tape Echo, Delay, Chorus+Delay
¢ Reverb: Room, Spring, Hall
Noise Reduction

Song Preset List (33)
Gravity, Brown Sugar, Cocaine, Creep, I Feel Fine, Pride, Foxy Lady, Enter Sandman, Song 2, Know Your Enemy, Blue Wind, Message In A Bottle, Under The Bridge, Sultans Of Swings, Rebel Rebel, You Enjoy Myself, Smoke On The Water, Beat It, For the Love of God, Best Of You, Satch Boogie, Smells Like Teen Spirit, Wonderwall, Pride and Joy, Walk This Way, Back In Black, Paranoid, Tie Your Mother Down, Black Dog, Sweet Child O' Mine, Five Minutes Alone, Hot For Teacher, Raining Blood.

Features

• Tube-driven VOX Valve Reactor circuit uses a 12AX7 vacuum tube for true tube tone
• Optimum 40W output with maximum 60W output from unique Power Level control
• 10" VOX Original speaker
• 99 expertly voiced presets
• 33 Song presets spot-on recreations of the sounds used on classic tracks
• 33 Basic Amp Model presets: Valvetronix amp modeling at its robust finest
• 33 Effected Amp Model presets created with variety of effects including chorus, flanger and tremolo
• 25 In-demand, top-quality effects, including 11 pedal-type effects, 11 modulation/delay effects with Tap Tempo control, and 3 reverb styles
• 8 User Programs for saving your favorite custom settings
• Accurate amp models encompass the entire VOX lineage from the traditional AC30 to the modern Night Train, plus an impressive list of other hard-to-come-by classics and rare high-gain boutique models.
• Gain, Volume, and Master Volume controls
• 3-band EQ
• Unique Power Level control can limit the power amp output wattage, creating distinctive power amp distortion at any listening level
• Built-in automatic guitar tuner
• Newly revoiced VOX original speaker ensures ample power
• Headphone output simulates the acoustic and spatial character of a full speaker cabinet
• Timeless VOX styling

Wow.

I am just too old school. I have an old Korg PX4 Pandora that I noodle with from time to time. But it is nothing like that Vox.

Wow.

BTW...I failed to answer NFF's question about the case. The guitar just comes with PRS's standard SE model gig bag. I'll definitely pick up a nicer hard case sometime down the road.

Thats a pre amp tube theyre talking about- the 12AX7- the amp still has a solidstate power amp. Its the power amp section that is responsible for output and over all tone, the preamp just feeds the power amp section what you plug into it like your guitar and effects pedals, etc. It does make the preamp section sound alot smoother than a total solidstate having the tube in there and somewhat less harsh, but it still wont be as 'tube' sounding' as they say they are. So not much difference in it and the other 2 total solidstate/modeling amps.

Vox makes great amps tho, even their SS amps. Hard decision between the 3 amps. Theyre more than decent for getting started in your playing. Enjoy bro. Especially that PRS, nice buy.

(In a total tube amp youll have 2 power amp tubes in each section, so if its a 2 channel amp- like most amps are- you will have 4 big power amp tubes and then you'll have 5-6 (some amps like the Peavey 6505+'s have an extra preamp tube for the clean section) of the smaller pre amp tubes- the same 12AX7 tube as the amp listed above. Those preamp tubes will be: one for the effects loop, one for the phase inverter, and then 3 for the preamp section= 1 for the clean channel and the other 2 for the dirty channel usually in a typical amp. Its the power amp tubes (in Mesas another tube will also be in the rectifier section of the power amp) when heated up and overdriven that give you that coveted tube tone. So just a tube in a preamp section with a solidstate power amp section is not going to give you tube driven tones).