Recieved my new Nashville 400......

[Dave Robbins]

Here again, I maintain that if you listen to an amp "before" you buy it decisions like whether or not a "mod" is needed is just not necessary. If you like the sound of a previous amp, don't go buy something new and then try to "modify it" to sound like the old one or something other than what it is.
Personally before I would modify my Nash'400 because I didn't like the sound of it I would look at something else, probably the new 1000 which already comes with the mod, etc, if that was the sound I wanted. Also, I have found that no two amps sound "exactly" alike anyway! That was the case with three Nash' 400's I had here at the house. I had a '90 with 1501, a '91-92 with a 1501, and I have a post 95 with a 1501 and factory mod. They are all different as night and day! I have found that the latter of the three is my least favorite with the "mod" just not to my liking at all! My favorite is the '90 with no mod. Those who have heard these two amps together have agreed with me. Once they're being played in a live setting, "full tilt boogie," the "pre mod" amp penetrates much better. Of course I realize that not everyone plays "professionally" or even in settings that require an amp to really show what it's got. I don't "baby" mine. They're work horses and tools of the trade . They have to put out or they get left behind.
Too many people go out and buy Nash'400's and don't really know whether they have a mod or not, let alone what year the amp is, and then "hear about or read about on the forum" how necessary a mod is for their amp. So they either try to "modify it theirself" (because someone says it will be easy!) or take it to someone who gladly excepts their money to put a "mod" in it! I really doubt that many people even know the difference! If someone does this to their amp and then don't like the sound later on then that amp is going to be traded or sold to someone else and they'll be looking for a new amp then.
Try the amp first, and be careful about making "mods" simply because someone tells you your amp needs it. If you like the sound stick with it. If you don't, don't buy it!
Make sure you like what you got "before" you buy it and "mods" will become a "moot point."

Dave

[Jim Smith]

Dave, I know what you're saying but "try before you buy" is pretty hard to do when you live 200 miles from the nearest store that stocks one, or the nearest steel player that has one. Then it's another chore to get either of them to let you try it on a gig.

When I got my Session 400 I had to drive from Springfield, Mass to Manny's in New York City to get it, they were the closest dealer that had any. There was no trying it out, just give them your money and be glad they let you buy it.

I know most steel players love Peaveys, but I've had terrible luck with even when I was using them to promote Dekleys. I went through three Session 400's that even the factory couldn't keep working for more than a month, and I was playing mostly sit-down gigs. I later bought a Session 500, didn't like it either and ended up trading it even for an Evans FET 500. I loved the sound and played it for 20 years with the only problem being a worn out power transistor.

When I decided to go rack mount, I talked to GD Walker at the Dallas Steel Show about his Stereo Steel rig. I tried it in his booth, but of course had to keep the volume down. The only "trial" I had was listening to Maurice Anderson and Hal Rugg play them on their sets. I've had mine for almost three years now and couldn't be happier.

Most folks can only go by word of mouth when buying steel guitar equipment. We don't have the luxury of a steel guitar store in town where you can try things out before you buy.

------------------
Jim Smith jimsmith94@home.com
-=Dekley D-12 10&12=-
-=Fessenden Ext. E9/U-13 8&8=-

[Dave Robbins]

Jim,
I understand about not having a store close by to try things out,BUT, that is still no way to buy something.I doubt you would buy anything else that way. What happens if you get it home and don't like it? Apparently you have been in that situation, too.
I would rather be responsible for encouraging someone to be careful, than for encouraging them to buy something on someone else's word and then find they aren't happy with it and then encourage them to spend additional money by someone's recommendation on trying to modify it to sound like they think it should sound! Just don't make sense to me.
As you yourself have found out, there are "many" amps to choose from. All amps are a costly investment, so a person should be sure first before they buy. And frankly, I wouldn't buy an amp from someone who wouldn't let me at least try it out in the store first, especially if I had to drive 200 miles!

Dave (easy, I guess, for me to say, I've got four different amps, numerous different steels, "and" a rack system for the studio. ) <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Dave Robbins on 17 November 2001 at 10:19 PM.]</p></FONT>

[Jack Stoner]

There are many items that are bought without trying them out. And not just guitar (or steel) amplifiers.

If that were the case most "mail order" companies would dry up.

Very few steel guitar players have the luxury of going to the local dealer and trying out amps or steel guitars (Bobbe Seymour would practically dry up if he had to rely only on walk-in sales). Or for that matter have the network of musicians, such as Nashville, to even discuss equipment and options.

I've lived in Nashville and it's totally different that living in "podunk". I was able to talk to many musicians and find out what was the "latest sound" or "what was hot for recording", etc.

Sound is also in the ear of the person. What one likes or thinks is the best thing since girls, someone else may think is crap. I've been at steel shows and someone will comment on how great someones sound is (guitar or amp) that is picking and I will think it sounds like crap, or vice versa.

Many people rave about the old Emmons PP sound. I had a 71 D-10 (bought new) that I played for 12 years. It had the classic PP sound. I went to my current guitar (Franklin) in late 82 and am completely happy with the sound (and better playability than the old PP). I have no desire to buy a used PP. Many love the old Sho-Bud sound - I've never liked the Sho-bud sound. Many love the Fender Twin amp sound, I played through one and like the switch from Emmons to Franklin when I went from the Twin to the Peavey Session 500 there was no looking back.

[Dave Robbins]

Jack,
as to the early part of your last reply I tend to agree in part. There are some things that don't necessarily have to be tried before you buy, but I usually know what I'm getting before I buy it. It keeps me from "piling" up a lot of "useless" junk! Guitars and amps are another thing, they're just too expensive to "buy and try!"
As for the latter part of your response, it basically confirms exactly what I was trying to say. Guitars and amps all have a character of their own and finding what "really" turns your ear is what is important. Like I said before, that's the reason why there are so many different models and brands available. Don't just rely on other people's comments and opinions. It's what "you" like that is important. Although I am an old "Sho-Bud" guy, I found that it was the "Emmons" sound that I was always trying to acheive. They "only" way I could get it was by playing an Emmons and have done so ever since.I have however heard many others achieve a "beautiful" tone while playing a Sho-Bud.
I'm the same way by my amp. There is a certain way I go about setting up my tone and a certain sound I look for that centers around the "mids". The only way I can get it is with the older type Peavey amp. Although there are many other brands and models, there are just certain things and a certain sound I expect in order to get what pleases me ear and makes me play my best. I know what I like, and I know what to look for, and that keeps me a happy camper! I repeat, it keeps me from having a lot of useless junk!

Dave