#1 · Jan 25, 2009 17:37 UTC
#2 · Jan 25, 2009 17:55 UTC
The Texas Boogie has my attention (under dual channel amp options). Hmmm...
#3 · Jan 25, 2009 18:15 UTC
That's what caught my eye as well Chris. I'm looking at the 40watt version but modded with 1/2 and 1/4 power switch, footswitchable boost and the ability to switch the effects loop out (preferably via a foot switch also).
Hell of a first build for a first timer like me but I figure if I'm gonna do it, I'm gonna do it right and get the amp I want.
I'm calling them tomorrow morning to talk to them..
We'll see.
Hell of a first build for a first timer like me but I figure if I'm gonna do it, I'm gonna do it right and get the amp I want.
I'm calling them tomorrow morning to talk to them..
We'll see.
#4 · Jan 25, 2009 19:41 UTC
How much is VAT in the UK (what percentage)? I'm trying to figure out my price since I wouldn't be charged VAT (of course I have shipping and duties to contend with). It might be cool to pick up an assembled kit (I don't solder shit, except for pups), and pick up a pre-done cab and speaker here.
I was thinking a 20 watt version similar to yours, but without the boost.
Keep us abreast of how it goes.
I was thinking a 20 watt version similar to yours, but without the boost.
Keep us abreast of how it goes.
#5 · Jan 25, 2009 19:51 UTC
Here's the link you need for stateside stuff Chris. http://www.torresengineering.com/. Should be right up your street and easier given that all the stuff we use is 240 volt mains.
You can do the Texas Boogie mods to a second hand Fender amp as well which would keep the cost down even more for you. Pick up a working Blues Deluxe and mod it Torres spec (I think this means replacing the PCB with a proper turret board).
Ask Howie if you don't believe me but if you can solder pups, you can solder a turret board togerther.
You can do the Texas Boogie mods to a second hand Fender amp as well which would keep the cost down even more for you. Pick up a working Blues Deluxe and mod it Torres spec (I think this means replacing the PCB with a proper turret board).
Ask Howie if you don't believe me but if you can solder pups, you can solder a turret board togerther.
#6 · Jan 26, 2009 19:30 UTC
What a trip. I was like, "when did Torres move to the UK?" They were my local shop in Saratoga, CA for years, and then they moved to San Mateo, where they still are. I guess they opened a UK shop! Now I see they are two separate entities of the same shop. torresengineering.com is the US shop.
I played a Super Texan a couple months back, it was selling for $900 used. Great sound, genuine Fender clean, and a distortion channel that had great warm, rich, overdrive. I had no money at the time, but really wish I had bought it, those things go for 2-3 grand new.
I played a Super Texan a couple months back, it was selling for $900 used. Great sound, genuine Fender clean, and a distortion channel that had great warm, rich, overdrive. I had no money at the time, but really wish I had bought it, those things go for 2-3 grand new.
#7 · Jan 26, 2009 22:03 UTC
If YOU think the OD channel was 'great' Charger, that is good enough reason for me to look at this as a realistic option.
I have to phone these guys back tomorrow and arrange a time to take my guitars and pedalboard up there an try out a few of thier amps.
Like I say.....We'll see.
It comes down too one of the Torres amps (if I can get the config that I want), a Flexi 50 or a Cornford Hellcat (with no boost option outside a pedal)as it stands. the first and last are british made amps, hence no voltage issues. The Flexi 50 I'll have to pay through the nose for (given import duties and VAT + shipping) if I import a US one OR, pay through the nose foe a 240V one and either way, never get to try it out before hand 'cos not one of the the UK dealers keep one in stock >:( :( ::).
At least if I can get Torres to agrre with my spec, I'll have a 2 channel version of a Flexi 50 even if it is voiced slightly differently from the outset. (And that can be tweeked by using different valves 8-))
I have to phone these guys back tomorrow and arrange a time to take my guitars and pedalboard up there an try out a few of thier amps.
Like I say.....We'll see.
It comes down too one of the Torres amps (if I can get the config that I want), a Flexi 50 or a Cornford Hellcat (with no boost option outside a pedal)as it stands. the first and last are british made amps, hence no voltage issues. The Flexi 50 I'll have to pay through the nose for (given import duties and VAT + shipping) if I import a US one OR, pay through the nose foe a 240V one and either way, never get to try it out before hand 'cos not one of the the UK dealers keep one in stock >:( :( ::).
At least if I can get Torres to agrre with my spec, I'll have a 2 channel version of a Flexi 50 even if it is voiced slightly differently from the outset. (And that can be tweeked by using different valves 8-))
#8 · Jan 27, 2009 04:29 UTC
Andy, IMHO of course, a switchable boost built into the amp would be the VERY first feature I've give up in an amp. One simple reason... here are TOO MANY awesome boost pedals out there, that all either do or don't have their own flavor. I actually wouldn't want a built in boost because I'd rather have the ability to select my level, flavor and EQ shape, in a boost, rather than have what was set at the factory. If the boost is preset, it seems you can never get it to the level you want, and even if it's adjustable, you still don't get to decide what it sounds like.
I like to fatten up my solos with more mids and a little gain. No built in boost lets you decide what shape or flavor you add, and many don't let you even set the level of the boost.
Repeat after me: Pedals are not the enemy. Pedals are your FRIENDS! ;D ;D
I like to fatten up my solos with more mids and a little gain. No built in boost lets you decide what shape or flavor you add, and many don't let you even set the level of the boost.
Repeat after me: Pedals are not the enemy. Pedals are your FRIENDS! ;D ;D
#9 · Jan 27, 2009 07:55 UTC
That's a VERY good point Howie and one I completely agree with. Except the Torres Texas Boogie comes with a switchable gain boost as standard. I wanted to know if they can mod the switching from a pull-knob (standard) to a footswitch option.
Trust me...If this thing does not take pedals well, Torres will NOT be seeing the colour of my cash.
Trust me...If this thing does not take pedals well, Torres will NOT be seeing the colour of my cash.
#10 · Jan 28, 2009 17:49 UTC
DreamTheaterRules — Jan 27, 2009ARepeat after me: Pedals are not the enemy. Pedals are your FRIENDS! ;D ;D
Pedals are your friends.
However humping the pedal board around is just another thing to carry, and as a lifelong bricklayer, I don't want to pick up anything that I don't have to pick up anymore.
All I really want from an amp is 2 channels with cleans, overdrive, and reverb. (Enter the dragon, Egnater Renegade 50) Then pedals not needed (I hope)
#11 · Feb 26, 2009 09:52 UTC
A friend of mine, a guitarist I was in a blues band with about 2 years ago, has built and modified a few Torres designs. The first one he did was a Super Texan. Sounded sweet. He go some Hemp Cone speakers for it. That amp he built to Dan's exact specs, but on his next couple he bgan makin gslight mods to the Torres designs.
He has made some kind of Plexi clone that I keep hearing about but have yet to actually get out and hear him play it.
What he has told me is that Dan Torres is a real easy guy to work with and he may not be the quickest to return an email, but if he does provide after the sale help for his kits and such. He also listens to feedback and, at least in the case of my friend, has actually been helpful with modifying his designs. My old Carvin Nomad actually had a combination Hasserl / Torres mod kit in it. Eric (my friend) began with the plan to just do the Hasserl mods to it but at the same time he was getting the parts for his Super Texan together so he consulted with Dan on a few ideas.
I would love to buy an amp or two from him, but when the time comes I'll probably have Eric build me one from the ground up.
He has made some kind of Plexi clone that I keep hearing about but have yet to actually get out and hear him play it.
What he has told me is that Dan Torres is a real easy guy to work with and he may not be the quickest to return an email, but if he does provide after the sale help for his kits and such. He also listens to feedback and, at least in the case of my friend, has actually been helpful with modifying his designs. My old Carvin Nomad actually had a combination Hasserl / Torres mod kit in it. Eric (my friend) began with the plan to just do the Hasserl mods to it but at the same time he was getting the parts for his Super Texan together so he consulted with Dan on a few ideas.
I would love to buy an amp or two from him, but when the time comes I'll probably have Eric build me one from the ground up.
#12 · Feb 26, 2009 19:05 UTC
The Texas Boogie I'm looking at is realy the same amp as the Super Texan but with a little more gain available from the crunch/OD chanel Shaun.
Having looked VERY closly at what "I" want from a gigging amp, this baby is the one for me. I get everything I use on the Roadking, in a P2P head, with the option of swapping to any power amp valve I want (like a Flexi50) but with the whole package able to run at studio/house volumes or small venue volumes at the flick of a switch. (10watt/20watt/40watt if you go with 6V6 valves and the option to build in an attenuator)
I can't wait to get this project started (need a smiley for "champing at the bit").
You really ought to look into it Shaun.....And you Harv. Torres in the UK will quote you for a pre-built amp to your spec. I can't see that Dan doesn't offer the same for the US...
Having looked VERY closly at what "I" want from a gigging amp, this baby is the one for me. I get everything I use on the Roadking, in a P2P head, with the option of swapping to any power amp valve I want (like a Flexi50) but with the whole package able to run at studio/house volumes or small venue volumes at the flick of a switch. (10watt/20watt/40watt if you go with 6V6 valves and the option to build in an attenuator)
I can't wait to get this project started (need a smiley for "champing at the bit").
You really ought to look into it Shaun.....And you Harv. Torres in the UK will quote you for a pre-built amp to your spec. I can't see that Dan doesn't offer the same for the US...
#13 · Feb 26, 2009 19:17 UTC
Something I forgot to mention in the last post....
Having spoken to Barry Vyse at Torres (UK) today, something I didn't realise is that when you buy a kit from Torres, whatever you spec in the options list, you get as part of the schematic AND in the instruction manual. SO...If you spec a Super Texan with 6L6 PV's and no reverb but you want the attenuator built in to the chassis and the bias adjustment option.....The parts, schematic and step-by-step instruction manual you recieve with the amp will be taylored to that exact build 8-).
Having spoken to Barry Vyse at Torres (UK) today, something I didn't realise is that when you buy a kit from Torres, whatever you spec in the options list, you get as part of the schematic AND in the instruction manual. SO...If you spec a Super Texan with 6L6 PV's and no reverb but you want the attenuator built in to the chassis and the bias adjustment option.....The parts, schematic and step-by-step instruction manual you recieve with the amp will be taylored to that exact build 8-).