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Help w/Dr. Z choice. Aiken?

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9/29/2000 7:18 AM

Help w/Dr. Z choice. Aiken?

Any Z owners in here? I've yet to try one out. None to be found in my area. I went to the Chaplin site and checked out the audio clips. They all sound they same to me, which I'm sure they're not, which brings me to my question. Is there a current model that will capture the fire of my Plexi Superlead on 10, but in a 15-45 watt package? I'm not really into the Vox or Hiwatt thing. Think early VanHalen. OR, should I look elsewhere? Perhaps the new Aiken Invader, Cage, Blues Pearl?? Thanks!Jeff

9/29/2000 12:25 PM

The Carmen Ghia is the Dr Z that is often compared to a baby Plexi. I played through one once and it's one cool little amp although I couldn't make any comparisons to a real Plexi, having never played through one.

The AX84 November, designed by Randy Aiken, mates a Plexi preamp to an EL84 power amp. I've built one and it sounds great, IMO. I think his Invader refines that design and adds a bunch of features like reverb, line out, etc.

Lee

9/29/2000 1:34 PM

Jeff,

I haven't tried out the other amps you mentioned, but I did have the pleasure of checking out Randall Aiken's new Invader amp at the Nashville N.A.M.M. show. I think it may be just what you're looking for (a current model that will capture the fire of a Plexi Superlead on 10, but in a 15 watt package). The built-in power attenuator is way cool, and doesn't change the tone as it's turned down; I also thought the reverb (3-knob!) was very nice. Two thumbs up!

Ray Ivers

9/30/2000 2:33 AM

Jeff,

If you are looking to buy one, call up Bill Chapin and ask him. Bill's a good guy and very straight up and knows his tone. He builds some damn fine guitars too. It's just him and his wife, so he doesn't always have a long time to chat sometimes, but he'll steer you in the right direction and sell you what you are wanting.

Try playing the sound samples through your stereo instead of your computer speakers and you might pickup a little more of the tonal flavor. I've seen how Bill made those recordings and he goes through a lot of effort to get something representitive of the amp's sound rather than something flattering.

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