Feature:
Dual reverb is cool. I haven't tried running my pedals through FX loop, I'm hesitant to try don't know why. Some say it cleans up the overall sound and the extra db boost switches on the BV's front panel do provide more volume SOMETIMES a problem, depending on type of pedals. Some guitarists use all different brands, which is a tonal nightmare, requires separate Power Supply for each pedal and yes, will affect the volume straight and FX on. Be consistent if ya can.
Quality:
I LOVE THE 'OL SILVER, METAL MANHOLE COVER FINISH LIKE THE MESA BOOGIE RECTIFIER, BUT WILL CRATE GO FOR THAT? PLEASE DO, I'M SURE IT WOULD ADD ATTITUDE. LOVE THE REFLECTIVE BACKING PLATE, TUBE GLOW AND ABLITIY TO SEE WHEN THEY ARE ABOUT TO GO SUPERNOVA.
Desirability:
I'M THINKING ITS JUST ORIGINAL IN ALL ASPECTS. WHAT I WANT TO ADD TO IT IS THE CRATE "V"S THAT YOU NEVER SEE EXCEPT IN THE "ARTISTS" PART OF THE CRATE MENU, THOSE TRIPLE EQ KNOBS CH 1, 2, 3, 4 - WHAT ARE THOSE BEASTS?
Sound:
This amp is definetly a "bright" amp however just keep the clean channel treble at 9:00, bass at 10;00, mids at 12;00, and for most p/u's and type of guitar played, it should sound warm with a hint of frost. From here, the volume knob needs to be dialed with extreme caution, c'os this is one LOUD amp. I haven't played live with the BV however once, and only once, I dialed in around 12;00, stepped on my Metal Zone and..........well, I may as well have stuck my head inside an F15 Tomcat's rear end with afterburner fired up. The tone was as close to Dimebag as I dare even admit. In a studio with top dollar acoustic treatment, I can only imagine brute force euphoria. Now, I play a red Guild Aviator, HB / SC / SC config with tone knob pull up split to SC feature. MY GUESS IS NO ONE HAS A CLUE WHAT A GUILD AVIATOR IS. Hmmm, maybe a Jackson Dinky, I dunno. Next, my homemade stomp box board houses Boss pedals: Digital Tuner / power supply in one, Noise Supressor, Compressor, Ernie Ball wah wah (the newest version, very very cool wah with bright green led's when on) Flanger and finally the Metal Zone. Yeah, I know, most would put the Flanger after the MT, however I love the sound, its Hendrix / Robin Trower, Bill Nelson. I've learned how to step on both pedals simultaneously which shuts the Flanger off, MT on and visa versa, or both on. Oh, and channel switcher, latch type (Boss). The dirty channel is great for AC/DC, Stevie Ray Vaughn etc. rhythm and solo's however won't do molten nu-metal. Use clean ch and your favorite distortion pedal for that.
Ease of Use:
I'm running this monster into a Crate 4X12S I purchased brand new in 1999, has the same "large font" name plate as the BV except the amp's is a Gold color, the cab's silver. I've heard this cab is a rarity now, sought after for whatever reason. Its stereo, like the newer models, but how do you run stereo unless you have a true Stereo Head? The Flexwave is advertised as "raw stereo power" but how?
Support:
Ain't used it yet.
Overall:
I will keep it as long as it keeps on glowing. I'd like to add a 4X12 straight front cab, then build on those super high end V's or whatever they are called. As mentioned above.
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