Product: FireBelly Amplifier Company VR3512
Price Paid: USD 1175
Submitted
01/16/2009
at
11:25pm
by
Scott Wynn
Email: scott_wynn<at>comcast dot net
Features
:
10
I, Scott Wynn, of the band The Panderers, have bought from Firebelly amplifiers, the operfect amp for me and my needs. I was looking for a 1 x 12" combo amp built from a mid 60's handwired "point-to-point" Fender amplifier. Steven at Firebelly also integrated some custom circuit modifications per my request and I am happy to say that it is the perfect amp for me. I am all about a 1 x 12" amp...and his mod on the VR3512 suits me perfectly. Liftable and sizable for gigs as an opener for national acts, and not too cumbersome, but totally full of sound and tone.
Made: LA, CA
Versatility: It is entirely reliable as my primary touring and recording amplifier. I play garage blues with an restrained edge.
Channels: Using an A/B switch and custom cicuitry that i requested from Firebelly, I have effective channel switching capabilities. Unheard of in a mid 60's vintage amp, but doable with Firebelly and the willingness to go the extra mile.
I have also recorded with my 1975 Stage 73 Rhodes Mark I electric piano at low volumes. The amp far excedes my expectations for piano.
Features: It has evry feature that I ask for and got. Simply, my next amp will be a Firebelly...but I can't say when this one will ever wear out. It's a 50 year chassis by the looks of it.
Amp usage: International touring and recording. Pleanty fo power for stage used. Plenty to spare for recording.
Amp Type: Mid 60s Vibrolux/Reverb Deluxe hybrid for size reasons.
Tone: Warm to warmer to warmest
Tube Breakup: Where you ask for it!!!
Components: Hand-selected/best by shop owner
Cabinetry: Custom with an array of finishes
Pricing: More than competitive
Quality: The reason I bought it, reputation in the industry for vintage reproductions. A solid 10!
Sound Quality
:
10
Guitar: I play a mid-60s Epiphone Casino and an late 60s Univox Gretsch replica. All vintage pickups of hard-to-name variety, but satisfying.
Noise: very little. Firebelly specializes in shielding for live and recording purposes.
Amp sounds: Pure vintage. What everyone wants.
Distortion: I asked for no clean channel, so tube break-up is early. I play acoustic for clean repetoire. The tube break up is very early 60s vintage variety...like T-Rex.
Reliability
:
10
Reliability: 10...never broken down.
Customer Support
:
3
Steve at Firebelly answers ever email I send within the business day.
Overall Rating
:
No Opinion
How long: I have been playing professionally for a long time and am a national artist. I would buy the exact amp all over again if lost or stolen.
