Boss Waza Craft Amp Head

New at NAMM. The guys at Roland\/Boss have announced the new Waza amp head. Boasting 150 watts of power and 'Ultimate high-gain, modded sounds'. So Boss have had a checkered past with it's amps. They've never really have a high successful amp line. The Roland cube is probably the closest they've come, but that is mostly due to the beginner pricing and the laundry list of features. Is this poised to be the amp that sends Boss and Waza into the into the respected ranks of prestigious amp makers? Well...

It's Solid State

This is kind of a head scratcher, but only from the outside. Yes, most amps that tout high end specs are tube driven. Most pro and active musicians own and use tube amps. There have been some very good solid state amps. Oddly, most of them are no longer in production or live on with a lot of never-really-bypassable effect built in. Boss has never had a large production tube amplifier to my knowledge. The Jazz Chorus amp and the Cube series are solid state. The Blues Cube amp is priced at the same price as a Fender Blues Jr and a Vox AC15, but lacks the authenticity to warrant the price. Does The Waza head do the same. Do they want to appeal to the high-gain, boutique amp users? It appears so, but they have doubled down on the side of the debate that most agree is long over...

It's Overpriced

If you remember when Waza first came out, then you remember that there were three original pedals. The BD-2 DM-something and the SD-1. The DS-1 and BD-2 were both priced at $150... that is a $50 pedal (the SD-1) for three times the price! Why? Who knows... I had no idea what Waza was. Keeley was already the kinda of overcharging for Boss gear. In fact you could probably get a modded Keeley pedal for less than what Boss wanted for the Waza stuff. I, and probably some other people, have to somewhat of a stigma about Waza products. Waza means overpriced. Whats the price tag hanging on this mysterious head? $2900. Nearly three grand for a solid state head. That's Marshall Plexi or Orange Thunderverb 200 (or two of any of Fenders flagship heads) money...

It's Unfinished

Yeah, do you remember the Randall head that had modular tone decks that allowed you to change the pre-amp tones. Evidently Roland/Boss/Waza doesn't either, because that is what they've done with this amp. The amp contains a internal section that hold tone 'capsules'. Except, there is only currently two options with space in the head for a third. This is underwhelming, although I'm glad that it is internal with a external switch.

Conclusion

This amp is the most exciting offering so for from Boss this NAMM. I like what I've heard from Boss' promotional video. But when reading the details, I get a sense that this amp is just another offering from Boss that misses the mark.

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Ugly Truth About Getting Your Pedal Modded By JHS

If you are up on your pedal, then you are familiar with JHS pedals, they started offering a service to mod popular pedals for those that are so inclined. They started developing custom circuits and offering a line of pedals. Some of these pedals are very highly respected and sought after. I've been a DIY guy for the most part and have done many mods to Boss and Ibanez pedals, so I've never gone in for sending pedal off. Planning mods and tracking down parts has been a fond hobby for a long time, but this mod in particular seemed like a solid candidate. Now, on with the truth!

Here's what I got back form JHS

It's Uncomfortably Long Process

When dealing with send pedal through the mail, the worst part is the wait. Anyone who has order a piece of gear knows that it hard to wait. They have your money, you've made your decision, but you have days before you can play with your new piece of kit. Unlike an order from a retail web-store, The modding process is a service. So you mail your pedal, in this case, it took three days to arrive at JHS. Then they have to process your order in the order it was received. I was alerted that since I had mailed it just before the new year, then there would be a delay. The website stated that a typical order could take up to three weeks to process. So, I wasn't stoked. It ended up taking right up to the three week mark to receive my pedal, so according to the website, it was quite timely. If you were a active musician with gigs, then you would be out an important part of you rigs for weeks.

There A Hidden Fees

The enticing point of all of this mess is that you (yes, you!) can have a boutique-quality, professional-grade piece of gear for the price of a popular, mass-produced piece of gear. All you have to do is get these wizards to do their special brand of voodoo to it first. All for a nominal fee, of course. But that is to be expected. Nothing is free, but you probably already have one of the massively popular pedals that they offer a mod to, so its not like you are spending more money on your pedal, you are investing in an upgrade. So you come to accept the seemly exorbitant cost or changing a few part that total to a couple of dollars, but you rationalize it to yourself somehow. Then you come to find that they stick you with the cost of shipping it back to you. (not only that, but it's twice as much as you paid to ship it there...) In all I nearly doubled the price of my Soul Food, but it was all worth it, right?

It Might be worth it

Of course, I was excited to receive my pedal back from JHS. It just like getting new gear, expect that it was yours to begin with... So I spent a fair amount of time playing with my newly modded pedal, as I do, and I'm happy with it. That is, in the since that it was any worse than way I left it. Also the bass knob made a considerable difference when rolled all the way up. The switch that controls the clipping diodes made a very minute difference. I'm pleased with the changes made. I didn't have to lift a finger to do them, and everything looks great. 

Conclusion

Is it worth it to get your pedal modded by JHS. I think we already know the answer to that question. No. It is absolutely not worth it. Do I think that my $60 dollars (yes, all told I spent $60 on the mod plus shipping both ways) would have been better spent toward another pedal that already accomplished what I was trying to do the the original pedal. Unless it is directly related the the functionality of the pedal (like adding addition modes or settings) then a mod is mostly that special incantation that only those practitioners of the dark arts know. Or you know, google and soldering... 

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Ugly Truth About Vox Starsteam Guitar

From time to time Vox has released a select line of guitars. Many of these guitar of late have been vintage inspired instrument with a special flare. Vox has always hit the mark in the looks department, as far I'm concerned. That is, until now. But first, let's hear Vox's side of the story:

Created to provide a wide range of sounds including electric guitar, acoustic guitar, synths and other stringed instruments, the VOX Starstream Type-1 is the ultimate instrument for players looking to redefine the electric guitar and what it can do. Whether you are playing with a band, in the studio or practicing silently at night with headphones, the Starstream Type-1 offers exciting new possibilities.

Incorporating the AREOS-D system, the Starstream Type-1 is the latest evolution in onboard guitar electronics, furthering VOX’s reputation of breaking the boundaries when it comes to advanced guitar electronics.  Putting control over your sound at your fingertips, the system integrates several essential elements: magnetic pickups for authentic and classic electric guitar sounds; a piezo pickup system for rich-sounding traditional and acoustic instruments; a powerful DSP engine; familiar volume, tone and pickup selector controls and a Control Module that provides instant access to important tone-shaping parameters. 

The unique frame construction is three dimensionally contoured for maximum comfort, easily conforming to your personal style. Equipped with a smoothly shaped neck, unlimited upper fret access, warm-toned resonant wood body, specially voiced magnetic pickups and a balanced, easy to use tremolo system; this is the ultimate modern guitar.

• Exclusively developed AREOS-D system uses the guitar’s traditional magnetic pickups to create the electric guitar sounds for greater realism and accuracy.
• Nine banks of instruments, with three variations in each, plus two user banks to store up to six favorite sounds.
• Synth sounds track effortlessly and respond dynamically to touch, pick attack and vibrato.
• Simple, intuitive volume, tone and three-way switch make changing models and sounds quick and easy.
• 1/4” output for live performance or recording and 1/8” output for use with headphones for private listening and practice.
• Sculpted mango body; 22 fret maple neck with rosewood fingerboard; 2 x XLM humbucking pickups; 2-point fulcrum vibrato; sealed die cast tuning machines.

 Having that been said, let's talk truth.

Yes. It's Ugly

This is a striking looking guitar to say the least. I was on the fence, until I saw the video of a person playing it. It looks like someone strumming an over-sized electric violin, which no doubt was at least somewhat of an inspiration for the design. It is goofy looking, but worst of all the is the on board controls. They look straight out of the 90's. There is no attempt to blend them in with the look of the guitar. They stick out like a sore thumb. Maybe the thought was to make the guitar so distracting that you don't notice the honking bit of kit bolted to the guitar... Swing and a miss Vox...

There Are Others Out There

Maybe you like this guitar. Maybe you aren't a guitar player so much as an experimental-soundsmith. (you must be lost) If you want a guitar to sound like a bunch of other guitars, then take your pick. I'll just say it, Line 6 is you best bet. Their VariAX line has you covered. If you are into synth sounds, then prepare to be disappointed, because you get your choose of two sounds with this guitar and I was inspired by what I saw in the Vox promotional video. Looking for crazy sounds out of a guitar, then Ibanez made that weird Kaoss guitar a while back. That should take care of weird. (but why not look into Earthquaker Devices pedals. Lots of weird stuff for guitar and more...)

Maybe there are some good sounds in there

I know that's not an "ugly truth" but come on, I've been slamming this thing pretty hard, and it's kinda sad that I have to say 'maybe'. The 12 string and 'banjo' sounds in the video that Vox put out themselves, sound terrible. It might have something to do with the fact that the guitarist playing in the video was probably on par with my own playing, meaning it was nothing special. Nothing in that video made me want that guitar. However, I didn't hear the acoustic sounds. Those might be surprisingly good, but probably not, because they never are. there just isn't much about this guitar to get excited about. And I love Vox...

Maybe they will develop this line in the future, but right now it's a hard pass.

Ugly Truth About The New EHX Soul POG

If you follow Electro Harmonix, then you know they drop a new pedal into their line every other Tuesday (or something like that). It seems like they just announced the Lester pedals and hot on its heels is the new Soul POG. What seems to be a mash-up of EHX's two most popular pedal is... exactly that. They've put two of their highest selling and popular pedals into one box. Why? Go figure. They do a lot of things I don't understand. (like releasing a pedal with two different paint jobs). If you're asking your self, "Isn't this like what they did with the Soul Food and Holy Grail MAX?", yes, it's exactly like that. So, why the POG? Why now?

From EHX:

Combines two sweet pedals—-the Soul Food transparent overdrive and Nano POG polyphonic octave generator—-in one potent multi-effect. Use them alone or together, put either first in the chain, insert other pedals between them with the FX loop. Also includes a cool Mode switch for a choice of two different octave-up sounds. The versatile Soul POG delivers award-winning overdrive and flawless polyphonic octaves in any combination!

From the sound of it, Electro Harmonix don't sound very inspired by this mash-up either.

They Try'd This Before

The Turnip Greens pedal was the previous mash-up of the Soul Food and Holy Grail MAX. I was pretty interested in that pedal and almost bought it until I remembered that I already owned the Soul Food and the Boss RV-6 was a thing... So I like the idea, but if you have either one of these pedals, then it doesn't do you much good to buy it again, right?

There Isn't An Incentive To Buy This Pedal Even If You Want Both Pedals

Even if you are looking to buy a POG and Soul Food pedal, why would you buy this? It takes two pedals that would run on opposite sides of your board and sticks them together. Yes, it has a loop so that you can run pedal in between, but that seems like a cable routing nightmare. Especially if you are like me, and have a decent sized board already laid out. Not to mention, the price is basically the cost of both pedal combined. Why? The pedal is more complicated, but one unit with less flex should cost less than two independent units.

It's More Tempting Than I'd Like To Admit

For the reasons above, this pedal is not to be desired, right? It doesn't make any sence. I shouldn't want to buy it. That's what I though, unit I saw this:

I want to make all those sounds. You did it to me again Mike Matthews...

The Ugly Truth About The Vox AV Series

Vox unveiled its new line of amp ahead of NAMM. They are impressive to look at and they boast a list of features that sound pretty ambitious. The stand out features are: Valve Operation, Analog Amp Modeling, Adjustable bias control, and Retro-Inspired Looks.

From Vox:

Drawing upon nearly 60 years of tube amplifier design, the all-new AV (Analog Valve) Series from VOX offers players a full pallet of authentic amplifier sounds via eight, all-analog pre-amp circuits .VOX’s AV amplifiers also feature a true analog circuit design based on the classic 12AX7 tube, which lends classic, harmonically rich tones to these amps. The innovative Valve Stage section modifies the circuit to add, or reduce, brightness & bass response, and also allows users to adjust the bias and response of the power section on the fly. Additional features like a unique, sealed cabinet design, three classic effects (Chorus, Delay & Reverb), and a retro-inspired aesthetic establish the AV Series as one the most exciting, and unique, offerings in the VOX lineup.

This all looks appealing, but there are some points that are cause for concern...

Exactly How "Tube" Is It?

Vox is all too happy to call this thing Analog Value, but what seems strange is that it uses two 12AX7 tubes. If you notice, Vox usually puts a EL84 in the power section of its amps. 12AX7s are usually doing the light duty in the pre-amp section, even in 15-watt amps. The presence of the these tube make think that it is solid state that is doing the real heavy lifting in these amps. If that is the case, then it hearkens back to the old "valve reactor" line that failed to excel, despite doing something that Vox has had a great track record doing: good sounding hybrid amps (VT series and Cambridge amps.

This Isn't A New Idea

Amp modeling and on-board effects have been done before. Vox's VT series has been doing just that for years, and doing a rather decent job at it. This amp claims to accomplish its amp-tones from analog circuits rather than digital modeling. It also included a second 12AX7 tube in the "power section" and that all sounds rather exciting, but there is nothing really new to the table. I'd be impressed if there is a measurable difference between the VT and AV tones.

I Still Kinda Want One

Sure, there are somethings that look a little fishy, but the proof is in the pudding. These amps look amazing in the pictures that Vox has put out. I can't wait to see one in person. I'm more excited about playing one of these and seeing how well it stacks against the VT amps. These amp sort of remind me of the Fender Excelsior amps that came in went a few years ago. These have a few more tricks up there sleeve though. There hasn't been a price point set yet, so there is still a chance these things are overpriced/ a bargain.

Check out the update: HERE

Ugly Truth About Vox AC30 Custom Head

Yes, Just before NAMM this year, Vox announces the release of their AC 15 and 30 in a Custom Head.

From Vox:

The VOX AC Custom Series now available in classic head and cabinet set.

Based on the design of the classic AC30, the new VOX AC30CH and AC15CH are now available as a set of amp head and cabinet. Featuring a new reactive attenuator, these AC custom series units provide even more flexibility for live performance or playing at home.

Amp heads and speaker cabinet that inherit the classic VOX look and sound

Just like the other amps in Custom Series, the AC30CH and AC15CH heads utilize 12AX7 tubes in the preamp and EL84 tubes in the power amp.

The V212C speaker cabinet completes the package and features two 12-inch Celestion G12M Greenback speakers for that classic British tone.

The Normal and Top Boost channels each have a dedicated volume control, and the Top Boost channel also provides Treble and Bass tone controls. In the Master section, there’s the distinctive VOX Tone Cut and Master Volume that allow you to obtain a variety of sounds ranging from the extraordinarily sparkling VOX clean tone to a powerful, raw overdrive.

The familiar VOX Tremolo and Spring Reverb from the Custom Series are also found in the new AC30CH and AC15CH. These effects can be switched on/off using the optional VOX VFS2A foot switch.

What is a reactive attenuator?

This is a newly designed attenuator that uses VOX’s Reactor Technology to send speaker drive information to the attenuator, optimising the interaction of the speaker and amp at any volume. This allows the speaker and amp to behave in the same way at stage or bedroom levels, delivering a sense of power and tone that cannot be obtained from conventional attenuators.

So Vox is putting out a head and cab for their flagship amps... again.

They've Already Done This

That's right, Vox have offered heads for the AC30 and AC15 in the past. It hasn't been news, but here it is 2016 and they are back at it. So why now? I've always liked have a separate heat and cab. It allows me to plug into different speakers without any hard work, it separates the work load of carrying an amp, and I think it looks cool. But Vox has offered these very amps in head and cab combos before, maybe they didn't sell well and they stopped for a time. They are back now, but does that warrant any excitement?

They've Changed Things

They've given these amps an attenuator. Vox states that it uses their "reactor technology". If by this they mean the same tech they used in their "valve reactor" amps, then keep these thing away from me. The VR series of the popular AC amps were some of the worst takes on the hybrid amp concept I've ever heard from Vox.

Thing Have Stayed The Same

The Reactor Technology sounds scary, but the fact that they have given the AC15 head an effects loop is disappointing. If they had, I'd might look into changing out my current AC15 combo for a Head and Cab unit. It looks like they didn't take the time to give the little bother any upgrades, besides that attenuator... bummer

These amps might be great, but I guess we will have to wait and see when we can actually get out hands on some of them.

The Ugly Truth About Turning A 'Trasher' Into a Treasure

A few years ago I was having trouble, trouble justifying my desire to buy more gear... I'll admit. I like to play new and exciting gear. The reason that I started writing about gear in the first place was to curb my intense desire to acquire. There is only so much to write about, so in search to find something worth while and budget friendly, I took to the internet to find a deal on some musical swag. What I found was a seemingly endless bevvy of options. Used gear was the most appealing. I could find something that I was familiar with and a fairly safe investment.

This week, I was digitally flipping through The Tone Report's online magazine, and found an article about buying or finding a junker guitar and turning it into a player. I love this idea. I have attempted to do this a number of times, to different degrees of success. The plan was always to work on the guitar until it was a top notch part of my collection. What often happened was amassing a large amount of replacement parts, spending almost as much as the initial investment, and ending up with a underwhelming result. This got me thinking about the process and the value of experience. What I found wasn't too pretty.

It's Expensive

You got into this because it was cheap, but now you see that it is adding up. $100 on a guitar, $50 on some pickups from ebay, $35 on some decent tuners, $25 on new pots and wires and jacks. You're out $200+ dollars on your junker, then you have to put it all together. If you are like me, you enjoy putting everything together. The process is the best part. Assembling and soldering, It is rewarding to put something together and having it work. I was working on a SG, installing new pickups, and for some reason the neck pickup would not work. I tried to find the problem. I scratched my head and traced wires, I rewire the pots and pickup... still nothing. I finally tested the pickup... it was dead. Which brings me to my second point.

Sometime the work is just work

I know that seems a little simple, but when you drool over the parts you are going to stick into your current project you seldom foresee the issues that you'll have. The job that take a couple of solder joints, take an hour and a half. You can add a half hour to a job by knocking you parts bin off the counter you're working on. Those screws can hide in surprising places. There are only so many times you can burn your fingers and still "enjoy" the work. Even at modest prices, replacing the common parts in a build like these would run you another $100. So we've breached $300. This brings up the conversation that...

You could have bought something new

There are some decent guitars under $300. There are some more than decent used guitars for that kind of money, and what you have made is only arguably better. Best case scenario is that you start with a body and neck you enjoy and change the sound of the guitar to match you liking while upgrading the hardware to make it reliable. Or you could forego this entire process and just find a guitar that has all of these attributes. I've found that a stock guitar is going to be more reliable and cleaner looking than one that I've modified. I've changed tuners and left holes from the stock ones. Tools slip while working and give the guitar "character marks". Some of the solder work might not be as pretty. The worst thing you can end up with after all that work is something you don't absolutely love. You have something you've put you time and money into, and yet you favor your 'tried and true' over your polished gem.

Conclusion

While the process can be cathartic, the outcome can also be underwhelming. I mention it being a safe investment. Sure, you can try to turn a dime on your guitar that you've worked on, but you are charged with convincing someone to buy your customized guitar. Forget trying to get paid for all that work. You'll be working upstream to convince them to pay more than the stock guitar that you bought. Sure, you can get your initial investment back, but you are more than likely going to be upside down in the end. Having said that, I enjoyed and haven't regretted working on any of the project that I have. I enjoyed the process. To me it was a way to learn more about the instrument that is, in some ways, a part of me.

The Ugly Truth: Electro Harmonix Lester G

Today we found out that EHX has been at it again. This time they've developed a Rotary Speaker Emulator. That is a fancy way of saying it is a Leslie pedal. There are many pedal out there that help you sound more like a spinning horn, so why have EXH now released their own? Electro Hamonix is regularly adding to its already extensive line of effects, and becoming more and more well rounded with each addition. Let's take a look at what we know about this pedal.

ehx.com

It's Massive

It looks like the Lester G is a big boy. Compact in some respects, it sports eight knobs and two footswitches, it has a lot going on. I looks to take up about as much space as the Memory Man or any of their "multi-effect" pedals. Which aren't nearly as bloated as the Boss twin-type pedals. What it does have going for it is its looks. This is a good looking pedal. It seems that EHX are stepping away from there bare-metal ascetics and giving their pedals a more "premium" look. The white/cream painted boxes and matching knobs are  nicely contrasted with the graphics. Everything looks top notch, which is nice because there is a lot of 'it' to look at.

It's Pricey 

The Lester G is reported to debut at $298. That's higher than their other emulators, the "9" series. That's POG money. The Lester K is more affordable, but you are still looking at $237. There are other pedals that do similar jobs, but not with the flexibility that we see in these pedals. I not saying that this pedal is or isn't worth the price, but if you want the most flexible Leslie emulator with expression control, then you're going to pony up the cash.

It's Not Alone

Yes, this pedal is fantastically flexible, but I already own a rotary. It has a slow and fast function like the EXH. What the Lester G has going for it is its depth. Well, depth and a compressor. It looks to be an MXR or ROSS type comp with Attack and Sustain. With an added bonus: squash. The Lester K is free of all those features. Making it stand out less than it's big bother. 

Conclusion

The final word is not a word. It's the sound. Close your eyes, and listen to the sounds of this pedal. If you can't convince your self that there is an actual spinning horn in the room then move along...