I happen to be searching for an amp right now. Hell, I even have the money : ) So in the middle of this search, I stumble onto this amp. The more information I see about it, the more I think that it may be the one for me. Though the sound may not be 150% pristine tube tone, I'm thinking it's 95%-99% authentic tube tone. I like it's sound. The factors that are causing this amp to win the race. 1. Tone 2. Size - I can drop it on my pedal board and I'm good for any music I want to do. All carried in a bag. No combo or head to lug around and possibly damage somehow. 3. 4 Channels 4. Recording features & Out 5. Power Soak down to less than 1 watt 6. Handles pedals several different ways. 7. Has integrated reverb 8. Loud enough for any size venue 9. Integrated noise gate. Can turn off if not needed. 10. Is an all in one solution Bedroom to stage to studio Basically, I look at this amp like this.. If I buy it, I can do anything I need to do. I am done buying amps or other stuff to accommodate stage or studio. It does it all. That's how I see it. Thanks
Just been to one of Thomas's clinics at A Strings in Pontypridd, South Wales. This amp is awesome and Thomas is an amazing player....and a nice guy too 😎👍
That Pedal Show is the best thing that happened to the internet. Please Daniel, don't stop making these videos! Such knowledge, such depth, all professionally executed, with a lovely sense of humour. Brilliant, just brilliant. All the best to you guys. And by the way, the AMP1 sounds amazing!
Having switched over to an Amp1 rig, can highly recommend these fantastic amps. So versatile, pair it with an HX effects or similar, makes for a really powerful compact setup.
I was the first one to own a AMP1 outside of Germany and I love the living shit out of it. All the channels sound great but the classic channel is just a dream. I got the chance to compare it with a plexi and is was so damn close, it nails the dynamics and feel of a tube amp and that with the size, price and weight... unbelievable!
traded my black star 60 valve amp for the blu amp 1 ,,seriously every guitarist should try one ,,ive been playing valve amps for 25 years ...never ever thought i would play through anything less ...totally agree with Justin Barnett..you have got to try one live ,i played through a 4x12 last week ..wtf .. its now part of my peadlboard ...cheers thomas,,,,
Hey Daniel! Very cool!! It would be very nice and helpful if you make a video integrating the G2 and the BluGuitar Amp 1, you know, controlling the amp presets with the G2 and using different pedals with MIDI connection!! That would be amazing!! love the t-shirt
+Daniel TheGigRig This video sold me on the BluGuitar as I can't really get on with 'multi-fx/modeller patches'. I just like knobs and pedals. I think it's bold that Thomas Blug went for an analogue design rather than modeller+powerful DSP+power amp and seems much more pedal friendly.
Coming at this as an engineer, it is INFINITELY more difficult to design analog circuits, much less ones that mimic the electrical dynamics of tubes, as opposed to throwing a well-known industry-standard DSP on your PCB and loading up an amp algorithm. DSPs sound the same every time, but they have no variance, no characteristic. Analog circuits can vary depending on the manufacturing run of the transistors, the temperature of the operating environment, etc....
Another great show, and love Thomas Blug and am suitably impressed with this device, which is hard for me to say being a die hard valve guy ......... nice work
Bought one of these last month and love it. Haven't gigged it yet but used at rehersal and the band couldn't believe the tone. Thinking about the 1x12 FatCab now to go with it for smaller gigs
I've been using the Amp1 rig for a yr or so. Everytime I think my latest modeler toy is going to reinvent my tone, I soon return to my pedal array and the Amp1 either use it to create the tonal core or use pedals for colors and gain structures. I am pondering a second one for a better stereo rig and sell the rack thing. I have not gone Fractal yet but past experience and programming time is sure to be a headache. You cannot get a bad tone on the Amp 1, more playing, less programming and the best real amp analog tones of any amp I have used.
I went with paul bielatowicz, dave bainbridge and dave brons to JHS while they tried them out for a small tour they were doing. I must say they were great. The drive sound through a good 2 x 12 was lovely. All 3 of them took one each for the tour and have used them a few times since!! Great bit of kit for fly rigs!!
Inspired by a post below, 'That pedal show t-shirt- add to cart.' Make it so, Daniel =P Great show, doesn't Thomas play blues beautifully.. If I was seeking a micro amp/ board set up, from TH-cam demos this sounds up there with any. Cheers!
I really like the concept and it sounds good from the videos. I've been looking at lighter, simplified gigging tools like a good modeller and quality SS power-amp but this option is simpler and lighter still! Just take your guitar and pedal board bags. Borrow a backline cab. Easy, hassle free. Would want to try it for myself, though.
I knew about Jennifer Batten using this amp, but wow, it was a surprise to learn that Uli Jon Roth would also use this (Cool as this amp is, I always pictured Uli as a bit of a tone purist).
Hi Dan, it would be great to get a TPS of this sort of Amp/Pedal... there seem to be several good ones on the market, like sansamp, bluguitar, Amt etc...
Is Thomas not allowed to talk about his contribution to Hughes & Kettner amps? Or does he just not want to dilute the Amp 1 brand. As I understand it he played a key role in all of those H&K amps. Stands to reason what with all the awesome stuff he put into the Amp 1. It's on my bucket list.
My amp one just went out on me. I noticed it was warm so I let it sit for about 5 minutes and it came back on. Not something that I can have happen at a gig. Has anyone experienced this? I love the amp but this is not something that I can take a chance with. I was in Modern amp when it happened.
Thought I heard a few good tones on the neck pickup, but the rest was either the standard rock/crunch you hear everywhere else or this weird can like sound.
couple of questions Daniel. 1. any good for the the bedroom player. 2. is this to replace a amp,and just use this with a cab. 3. or to use in conjunction with an amp if you want to. 4. where's me T-shirt dano
So basically its a SS amp with a little tube sticking out of it. The old Johnson Millennium amps had 2 12ax7 preamps into a SS power head, a stereo cab and effects built in. The L6 DT series is the same kind of deal minus the effects. Yamaha THR 100HD is a dual amp solid state head set up for the same price as this BluGuitar Amp 1. . .lets see a shoot out between these units to hear the difference . Compare it to a Helix and an AX8 or even an old Roland VG 99.
I personally did a shoot out when I got the Blu this week. I used three amps. And here was the result with the rating from 1-10 MESA Triple rec thru Bogner 212 rating 9 Marshall JCM 900 thru Marshall 212 rating 9 EVH 50 watt III thru Bogner 212 rating 9 AMP 1 thru all three cabs rating 5-6 guitars used were Majesty Musicman, JP 6 Musicman, Anderson droptop deluxe. Variety of pedals, Friedman, Bogner, etc. The main thing I noticed was the muddy overdrive tones. The classic seemed to be the best, the modern was very fuzzy and the low end was slop. I pulled my old Universe 7 string just for giggles and immediately turned it off. I went back to this amp three days in a row just patching pedals and going straight into the AMP 1 from the guitar and I never walked away saying "OK now thats what I was looking for". I know I have a lot more money tied up on high end amps than I do on this $800 "amp/pedal" but trust me when I say this, kick ass amps cost money because they are worth EVERY DIME. I guess my main issue is that by the time you get the looper and the footswitch, which for $800 should come with this thing, you are approaching a $1,500 price. Thomas did one demo saying that you could back the amp down to bedroom level and not lose any of the "punch" which I found to be untrue. I plugged it in at 2am when I got home and didnt want to disturb anyone and it sounded like a little practice amp thru my 212 cabs. I may yank my Fractal out of my rack and tie it into the AMP 1 but I am not expecting much of a different result. For guys out there wanting the tones displayed on the demo then this may be just perfect for you but when you get this in a room against other amplifiers its a completely different story. The end result here is like several others on this video. It's a great idea but I compare things like this to krab stick at sushi places. When they dont have real crab they use the fake stuff and its sorta kinda close to real crab but when you get the real thing you know it, this is NOT THE REAL THING for me.
There is far more to it than that. This amp is for the gigging player who wants to reduce the amount of gear they are carrying around and needs versatile, great tones. It may not be as great as some of those amps you mentioned but it has a character of its own and does the job it's designed to do.
I agree with you Wallace. The 1.500 price which you would eventually drop on it, will place it near the competition such as the Kemper KPA, although you have to buy that pedalboard to it anyway, but you get so much more options. Not just that Plexi imitation. It's a fierce competition out there, and I think this one will have a hard time competing seriously with those units, like both the Ultra Axe, and that KPA. Bluguitar tries to do a "hybrid" thing between analog /"nanotube" (which is a whole other debate about that moniker) and class d power amps. And the end result seems to end up... neither nor ... sort of. Spending that amount JUST because space and weight contraints when touring or gigging and saving your back, there are other options out there, that will do the trick equally or better. Those who are geared towards plugging directly into the PA.
Great product Mr Blug, is the tube in the Amp 1 the same as what is used in the Taurus Amplification Stomp-Head range and Vox MV50 amp heads??? Thanks for the video guys
Daniel, did you try if the Amp 1 works with your G2 switching system? I'm thinking about using the G2 with my Amp1 instead of using the Remote 1. Thanks for your answer. Cheers
Incredible engineering and technology and it does sound excellent- my one comment after watching all the demos and reviews of the Bluguitar is that it seems to lack its own 'character'- meaning all the voices sound great, but kind of generic. I've yet to hear one in person, but for those who own one, am I incorrect?
hi, i think you're incorrect, own one, it sounds and feels awesome to play, made my tube heads mostly unemployed , talking generic, most designs are based on the generic "britisch" or "american" type amps in the first place, i think character comes from the player, it sounds different than my other amps, so in that way it has it,s own character. it,s very versatile, i use al the 4 channels at gigs, all very distinguished tones. my 2 cents,
Hi Marcel- thank you for the reply. I was just curious as it's difficult to tell through TH-cam; you know how Fenders usually have their own character, as do Marshall, Boogie, Vox, etc which is why people buy a specific amp. So I was wondering if the Bluguitar has its own distinct sound. I'll check one out at some point as it seems really great.
Dan I'd really love to here your thoughts on amps like the Dr Z mini Z. I love the simplicity and the aforementioned amp basically only has a volume knob but it sounds great to me. Have to tried the Dr Z?
If this product teaches people the difference between a cheap over-seas built modeling amp and a quality solid state amp, it's a win just for that. Solid state gets such a bad rap because people equate it to your entry level Fender Mustangs and the like. The Lab Series stuff is 40 years old now, and brilliant.
I'm confused about what to buy for home recording when I dont want to mic an amp. I'm considering: Atomic Aplifire BlueGuitar Amp 1 Two Notes Torpedo Live .....and then there is software solutions such as Postitive Grid BIAS. What should I buy? :-)
+AlexisGitarre I've owned all of these. Amp1 is the only one I still have and use as my main rig and tone. Seriously, Amp 1 is not s toy or digital mimicry. This is a true amp! Go for it!
Can I ask, when you said Mitch, did you mean Mitch Keen? He was my old Music Technology lecturer! If it is can you ask him for a joke a drummer please!!!
No tubes!?? Well then I'm glad I bought Taurus Amplification's CL2 Stomp Head instead! It's the same size and sounds great, because IT HAS A REAL TUBE in it!
well...I have both, AMP1 and Taurus CL2. I kind like Tarus but I don't think it stand up against AMP1. I believe that AMP1 have a better "felling" and far more resourceful. That said, my Taurus is for sale and I'm keeping the AMP1. Also, it have a real tube and it's smaller than Taurus
A little too sketchy and too brief runthrough, of the BluGuitar amp. I've read the manual now. As there are 3 EQ bands available, Bass, Middle, Treble, I lack the Precence which is a crucial EQ on most tube amps. Why omit that one? I am also annoyed by the physical placement of the guitar input, and as such it's seemingly design to fit lefty guitar players only. The instrument should be the rightmost input, i e come first, or put at the RIGHT SIDE of the unit. And you should have a dedicated MIDI control input, and no "smart" MIDI1 which just are you proprierarity cables, and system. One separate MIDI all encompassing, and maybe another input jack for your own remote or external footswitch, if possible. Also I would love to do a recording direct with the sag and power soak, I think they could've solved this differently, as you really will have to connect their fatcab or anything else to provide the current feedback back again into the system. Also I would like to use this function (power soak sound) when using it as a "boutiqe preamp pedal" and connect to pedals after it. Of course it would have to be a poweramp-less unit then. I e providing "powersoaked" sounds into pedals next in line, and doesn't have to rely on send/return at the back. Maybe a slightly downsized verion without power amp, but included the features of the Remote1 in one box would be the next thing? Since they've separated the remote1 and the AMP1 to be placed and reside on different places, I think that "split" is kind of moot. It was meant to stay on the pedalboard anyway from the start on, so why do you have to buy and use a remote1 again on the pedalboard taking up real estate place. Although the idea, and sound may be how nice as possibly and ample variations of the sounds, it - in my eyes - turns out just like a "nice try" or "ahhh...close but no cigar"... with a strong mention and in capital letters of adding the important word "YET". Which means there's ceratinly room for ... (drum roll) AMP2 any time soon. The sooner the better. And on top of this. Whoever placed the noise gate AFTER the reverb on the AMP1?! What have Tomas Blug been smoking? Gated reverbs are soooo 80s and totally out of vouge by now. And you can't even shift the positions in presets, placing it before the reverb, which would be a no-brainer since the reverb is digital.
But this has footswitches on, and is designed not to reside on top of a cab. It is designed to stay on the floor, as well as their additional footwitch unit. Most amp heads has the front panel facing you and they should have all their inputs at their left since it is that way it goes from your guitar since you're faced with your back against the amp head all of the time, provided that you're a right hand guy. Why single out this one? you said. Why not having that design flaw adjusted from the get go then, in that case?
!?!?! most things on the floor wants the input to guitar at the right side of the board. Even the first pedal (tuner or whatever) people wants that input at the right of the stomp box, not even on the top/front of the pedal. All people I know of wants a input as far right as possible. Even the old Vox Tonelab huge pedalboard with 2 vol/exp pedals on it had it to the right, even the outputs where to the right. www.retrosynth.com/~analoguediehard/studio/guitars/vox_valvetronix/vox_tonelab-se-back-panel-full.jpg It's just bad business conduct.
As if that were the only thing. No other floorboard of any kind has this design gaffe. Period. Let's see in a year or two when AMP2 comes out. There's that midi thingy too. On top of other irks. Noise gate after reverb...if that doesn't ring any bells with you, that it's a major caveat "think-before-you-buy" I don't know what is.
Oh, I would sure think that any lefty guitar player will go "Hey, Wow finally someone thought of us!" because it will be the best thing since sliced bacon to them. But I don't think I would start to practice playing lefty anytime soon.
I just got one of these this week and I am seriously having issues getting the tone I want out of it. The overdrives are just mushy to me. I tried some high end pedals in front of it and that helped but seriously are you going to pay $800, like I did, for a small power amp to push your pedals. I know a lot of guys on here love this thing but compared to my other gigging amps I'm just not getting the tightness and punch out of it and the front just sounds mushy and thin. You guys can all start saying Im an idiot if you want but this in a room next to an EVH or Marshall or my main Mesa and theres no comparison. The fact that its made in China just makes me feel worse about it. You couldn't manufacture this in Europe at $800 a pop? Also, there has been nothing mentioned about the nano tube life? What happens when that tube fails? Its soldered into the main board so you cant just pop in a new tube right? I have the fear that if I did take this out on a gig as my main amp the nano tube would fail and I would be stuck. I may take it out in my case as a backup just in case something else goes wrong but when I drop D and play unchained on my Mesa or Marshall it makes my hair stand up on the back of my neck, when I did it with this amp it sound like total mush. I am going to tweak it a little more to see what happens but so far, on a scale of 1-10 Im giving it a 6. To me, for the price paid, this amp should come with a separate footswitch controller. I dont want this on my board, I dont want to have to deal with speaker cabling running from the pedal board all the way around to the cabs. I have not tried this for recording but I am going to give it a shot this weekend. Its a cool piece but if you're looking for serious balls and tight crunch and no mush this doesnt appear to be the one for me!
Richard Wallace there has actually been a lot mentioned about the tube! Its expected to last 3 times longer than a 12ax7 and is wired with low voltage which doubles its life again, effectively giving thousands of hours of play time. It will out last you! As for the sound, I bought one too and gigged with it for the first time last night. Where I live, the stages in our local pubs and clubs are all tiny, I bought it for the space saving as much as anything but next to my AC30, the tone of this thing just sucked! I dont know if I set it up wrong but I found it to be brittle and harsh, the boost function is useless cause it doesnt boost volume enough for a solo boost. I struggled to be heard all night. In my opinion, it suffers the same issue all SS amps have...no balls. Im very dissapointed.
+Esben Solgaard Portugal is not Sri Lanka you know :) it doesnt depend on the wallet but on the field. Is there an with so many features at that price point ?
Thomas is a top notch guy first of all and his playing is inspirational. The Amp1 is a game changer in the industry.
I happen to be searching for an amp right now. Hell, I even have the money : )
So in the middle of this search, I stumble onto this amp.
The more information I see about it, the more I think that it may be the one for me.
Though the sound may not be 150% pristine tube tone, I'm thinking it's 95%-99% authentic tube tone. I like it's sound.
The factors that are causing this amp to win the race.
1. Tone
2. Size - I can drop it on my pedal board and I'm good for any music I want to do. All carried in a bag. No combo or head to lug around and possibly damage somehow.
3. 4 Channels
4. Recording features & Out
5. Power Soak down to less than 1 watt
6. Handles pedals several different ways.
7. Has integrated reverb
8. Loud enough for any size venue
9. Integrated noise gate. Can turn off if not needed.
10. Is an all in one solution Bedroom to stage to studio
Basically, I look at this amp like this..
If I buy it, I can do anything I need to do. I am done buying amps or other stuff to accommodate stage or studio. It does it all.
That's how I see it.
Thanks
Got this amp guys and it's changed my rig. Brilliant idea. It's on my board !!
same here awesome piece off kit ....no more heavy combos!!!!!..sounds brilliant youtube does not do this amp justice
Just been to one of Thomas's clinics at A Strings in Pontypridd, South Wales. This amp is awesome and Thomas is an amazing player....and a nice guy too 😎👍
That Pedal Show is the best thing that happened to the internet. Please Daniel, don't stop making these videos! Such knowledge, such depth, all professionally executed, with a lovely sense of humour. Brilliant, just brilliant. All the best to you guys. And by the way, the AMP1 sounds amazing!
Making Fridays so much better than they already are... Thanks Dan!
Having switched over to an Amp1 rig, can highly recommend these fantastic amps. So versatile, pair it with an HX effects or similar, makes for a really powerful compact setup.
I did the same thing. I wish I had stumbled onto it prior to the pandemic when I was touring, would have made travel so much simpler and efficient
Is there any noticeable latency when changing presets?do you use hx to change channels to the amp1 ?
I was the first one to own a AMP1 outside of Germany and I love the living shit out of it. All the channels sound great but the classic channel is just a dream. I got the chance to compare it with a plexi and is was so damn close, it nails the dynamics and feel of a tube amp and that with the size, price and weight... unbelievable!
traded my black star 60 valve amp for the blu amp 1 ,,seriously every guitarist should try one ,,ive been playing valve amps for 25 years ...never ever thought i would play through anything less ...totally agree with Justin Barnett..you have got to try one live ,i played through a 4x12 last week ..wtf .. its now part of my peadlboard ...cheers thomas,,,,
His cabinet/speaker design is equally impressive.
Hey Daniel! Very cool!!
It would be very nice and helpful if you make a video integrating the G2 and the BluGuitar Amp 1, you know, controlling the amp presets with the G2 and using different pedals with MIDI connection!! That would be amazing!!
love the t-shirt
Totally agree with u here
what a humble, brilliant guy....seriously considering this rig...
It would be nice to have another video going through all the tones of this amazing amp!
It's on the cards John
+Daniel TheGigRig This video sold me on the BluGuitar as I can't really get on with 'multi-fx/modeller patches'. I just like knobs and pedals. I think it's bold that Thomas Blug went for an analogue design rather than modeller+powerful DSP+power amp and seems much more pedal friendly.
+Daniel TheGigRig Please let this happen, with settings specs!!!! I beg of thee!
Coming at this as an engineer, it is INFINITELY more difficult to design analog circuits, much less ones that mimic the electrical dynamics of tubes, as opposed to throwing a well-known industry-standard DSP on your PCB and loading up an amp algorithm. DSPs sound the same every time, but they have no variance, no characteristic. Analog circuits can vary depending on the manufacturing run of the transistors, the temperature of the operating environment, etc....
My amp 1 arrives tomorrow and will be gigged live Sunday!
Another great show, and love Thomas Blug and am suitably impressed with this device, which is hard for me to say being a die hard valve guy ......... nice work
I have a love/hate relationship with That Pedal Show.
Love: entertaining and educational!
Hate: costs me so much money!
Bought one of these last month and love it. Haven't gigged it yet but used at rehersal and the band couldn't believe the tone. Thinking about the 1x12 FatCab now to go with it for smaller gigs
Got one too. Absolutely killer
ive used mine through a crappy small vs Marshall 4x10 ....could not believe the tone...
+Bill Cooke I would rather build an Electro Voice TL-806 clone, loaded with a WGS12L. In fact, I plan to do just that in a few months.
have mine for a week now, it,s on my pedal board replacing my 30 kilo brunetti,
I've been using the Amp1 rig for a yr or so. Everytime I think my latest modeler toy is going to reinvent my tone, I soon return to my pedal array and the Amp1 either use it to create the tonal core or use pedals for colors and gain structures. I am pondering a second one for a better stereo rig and sell the rack thing. I have not gone Fractal yet but past experience and programming time is sure to be a headache. You cannot get a bad tone on the Amp 1, more playing, less programming and the best real amp analog tones of any amp I have used.
Sorry for not commenting about the amp, but your T-shirt stole the show! Sounds like we all want one!
Ha! Yeah, we're working on it :))
+Daniel TheGigRig please be sure to included all sizes im 4xl large american
I went with paul bielatowicz, dave bainbridge and dave brons to JHS while they tried them out for a small tour they were doing. I must say they were great. The drive sound through a good 2 x 12 was lovely.
All 3 of them took one each for the tour and have used them a few times since!!
Great bit of kit for fly rigs!!
Great video, I love Thomas's music, great player
Inspired by a post below, 'That pedal show t-shirt- add to cart.' Make it so, Daniel =P
Great show, doesn't Thomas play blues beautifully.. If I was seeking a micro amp/ board set up, from TH-cam demos this sounds up there with any.
Cheers!
Impressive sounding amp, and a truly impressive guitarist, too ! Win / win for me !
There is an ad on the video before, that shows someone singing into a sm57 and recording their guitar with an sm58.
I really like the concept and it sounds good from the videos. I've been looking at lighter, simplified gigging tools like a good modeller and quality SS power-amp but this option is simpler and lighter still!
Just take your guitar and pedal board bags. Borrow a backline cab. Easy, hassle free. Would want to try it for myself, though.
I just ordered my That Pedal Show shirt YES, but man I love the shirt your wearing in this Video Dan.. Dang I would of loved that one
cool new shirt with the TPS logo on it. I WANT ONE!
Whup! "That Pedal Show" t-shirt? Where can I add to cart?
Great show! Now that blubox is out, and some other new IR boxes (digitech cabdryvr) I hope you can do a show on cab simulators. Cheers!
Gilmour was referring to the volume of his sound not the tone or warmth.
I knew about Jennifer Batten using this amp, but wow, it was a surprise to learn that Uli Jon Roth would also use this (Cool as this amp is, I always pictured Uli as a bit of a tone purist).
I went to see Dave Bainbridge recently Daniel, and he was using one. Awesome tone!! :-)
Hi Dan, it would be great to get a TPS of this sort of Amp/Pedal... there seem to be several good ones on the market, like sansamp, bluguitar, Amt etc...
Glad to see you Dan starting to step out of the box lol
You guys need to check out the AMT Stonehead 50ss AMP
Is Thomas not allowed to talk about his contribution to Hughes & Kettner amps? Or does he just not want to dilute the Amp 1 brand. As I understand it he played a key role in all of those H&K amps. Stands to reason what with all the awesome stuff he put into the Amp 1. It's on my bucket list.
I Would love to have heard Daniel play the amp. Please try it in a different show.
Daniel I love your t-shirt! Do you sell them? Or is there any way I can get one? :D
My amp one just went out on me. I noticed it was warm so I let it sit for about 5 minutes and it came back on. Not something that I can have happen at a gig. Has anyone experienced this? I love the amp but this is not something that I can take a chance with. I was in Modern amp when it happened.
Thought I heard a few good tones on the neck pickup, but the rest was either the standard rock/crunch you hear everywhere else or this weird can like sound.
Wow. This is brilliant!!!
I want a cool amp1 T shirt as well
should come with my order i hope!!!!
Great video by the way . I really enjoy this channel !!!
couple of questions Daniel. 1. any good for the the bedroom player. 2. is this to replace a amp,and just use this with a cab. 3. or to use in conjunction with an amp if you want to. 4. where's me T-shirt dano
I saw this a couple of months ago, and now your vid has made me even more curious. Of course my bank account is saying NO NO NO. :)
So basically its a SS amp with a little tube sticking out of it. The old Johnson Millennium amps had 2 12ax7 preamps into a SS power head, a stereo cab and effects built in. The L6 DT series is the same kind of deal minus the effects. Yamaha THR 100HD is a dual amp solid state head set up for the same price as this BluGuitar Amp 1. . .lets see a shoot out between these units to hear the difference . Compare it to a Helix and an AX8 or even an old Roland VG 99.
I personally did a shoot out when I got the Blu this week. I used three amps. And here was the result with the rating from 1-10
MESA Triple rec thru Bogner 212 rating 9
Marshall JCM 900 thru Marshall 212 rating 9
EVH 50 watt III thru Bogner 212 rating 9
AMP 1 thru all three cabs rating 5-6
guitars used were Majesty Musicman, JP 6 Musicman, Anderson droptop deluxe. Variety of pedals, Friedman, Bogner, etc. The main thing I noticed was the muddy overdrive tones. The classic seemed to be the best, the modern was very fuzzy and the low end was slop. I pulled my old Universe 7 string just for giggles and immediately turned it off. I went back to this amp three days in a row just patching pedals and going straight into the AMP 1 from the guitar and I never walked away saying "OK now thats what I was looking for". I know I have a lot more money tied up on high end amps than I do on this $800 "amp/pedal" but trust me when I say this, kick ass amps cost money because they are worth EVERY DIME.
I guess my main issue is that by the time you get the looper and the footswitch, which for $800 should come with this thing, you are approaching a $1,500 price. Thomas did one demo saying that you could back the amp down to bedroom level and not lose any of the "punch" which I found to be untrue. I plugged it in at 2am when I got home and didnt want to disturb anyone and it sounded like a little practice amp thru my 212 cabs.
I may yank my Fractal out of my rack and tie it into the AMP 1 but I am not expecting much of a different result. For guys out there wanting the tones displayed on the demo then this may be just perfect for you but when you get this in a room against other amplifiers its a completely different story.
The end result here is like several others on this video. It's a great idea but I compare things like this to krab stick at sushi places. When they dont have real crab they use the fake stuff and its sorta kinda close to real crab but when you get the real thing you know it, this is NOT THE REAL THING for me.
There is far more to it than that. This amp is for the gigging player who wants to reduce the amount of gear they are carrying around and needs versatile, great tones. It may not be as great as some of those amps you mentioned but it has a character of its own and does the job it's designed to do.
I agree with you Wallace. The 1.500 price which you would eventually drop on it, will place it near the competition such as the Kemper KPA, although you have to buy that pedalboard to it anyway, but you get so much more options. Not just that Plexi imitation. It's a fierce competition out there, and I think this one will have a hard time competing seriously with those units, like both the Ultra Axe, and that KPA. Bluguitar tries to do a "hybrid" thing between analog /"nanotube" (which is a whole other debate about that moniker) and class d power amps. And the end result seems to end up... neither nor ... sort of.
Spending that amount JUST because space and weight contraints when touring or gigging and saving your back, there are other options out there, that will do the trick equally or better. Those who are geared towards plugging directly into the PA.
Whens Thomas back??? just got the amp1 and remote1,,, sounds pretty damned good so far :)
Great product Mr Blug, is the tube in the Amp 1 the same as what is used in the Taurus Amplification Stomp-Head range and Vox MV50 amp heads??? Thanks for the video guys
What a great guitarists and great idea for a preamp, etc,.
These look awesome!! definitely want to pull the trigger on one real soon 👍
Very cool Video! Thanks!!!
Daniel, did you try if the Amp 1 works with your G2 switching system? I'm thinking about using the G2 with my Amp1 instead of using the Remote 1. Thanks for your answer. Cheers
I've just ordered the Blug Blu box cab simulator
Haha squeaky chair makes another video appearance eh? They shoulda built it true bypass...
Sorry, I don't understand. Are you asking me what true bypass is?
Ohhhhhhh , heh clever. I think I would've gotten TRUE bypASS
Not sure if talking to himself, or the other guy deleted his comment.
To be honest, the tone here is nothing like Thomas' tone on stage.
This sounds good, but I'm curious to hear the drive channel of the amp
+Mannes There are 3 drive channels. Vintage, Classic and Modern.
Link for t shirt please?! :) great video guys! :)
Incredible engineering and technology and it does sound excellent- my one comment after watching all the demos and reviews of the Bluguitar is that it seems to lack its own 'character'- meaning all the voices sound great, but kind of generic. I've yet to hear one in person, but for those who own one, am I incorrect?
hi, i think you're incorrect, own one, it sounds and feels awesome to play, made my tube heads mostly unemployed , talking generic, most designs are based on the generic "britisch" or "american" type amps in the first place, i think character comes from the player, it sounds different than my other amps, so in that way it has it,s own character. it,s very versatile, i use al the 4 channels at gigs, all very distinguished tones.
my 2 cents,
Hi Marcel- thank you for the reply. I was just curious as it's difficult to tell through TH-cam; you know how Fenders usually have their own character, as do Marshall, Boogie, Vox, etc which is why people buy a specific amp. So I was wondering if the Bluguitar has its own distinct sound. I'll check one out at some point as it seems really great.
Dan I'd really love to here your thoughts on amps like the Dr Z mini Z. I love the simplicity and the aforementioned amp basically only has a volume knob but it sounds great to me. Have to tried the Dr Z?
If this product teaches people the difference between a cheap over-seas built modeling amp and a quality solid state amp, it's a win just for that. Solid state gets such a bad rap because people equate it to your entry level Fender Mustangs and the like. The Lab Series stuff is 40 years old now, and brilliant.
Awesome!
For live use I’m hoping the trim pots on the side can allow a jump in volume for solos?? Great bit of kit
Use the built in boost or you set a channel with a higher volume.
I'm confused about what to buy for home recording when I dont want to mic an amp. I'm considering:
Atomic Aplifire
BlueGuitar Amp 1
Two Notes Torpedo Live
.....and then there is software solutions such as Postitive Grid BIAS.
What should I buy? :-)
amp 1 .......seriously...perfect for home recording
+Karl-Henrik Arendt Torpedo reload is the best unit. cause it's what you need.
+CamilleDeveveraux thanks :)
+AlexisGitarre I've owned all of these. Amp1 is the only one I still have and use as my main rig and tone. Seriously, Amp 1 is not s toy or digital mimicry. This is a true amp! Go for it!
Actually sounds better than a Quilter imo, obviously I dont have either
The big problem for me is the drop out when engaging the boost
It sounds really jarring
Did he play the Amp1 through a speaker of another amp or directly to a mixer console?
Can you get a really good clean Fender amp likewise sound from a BluGuitar Amp1?
What speaker setup do you need with this. Can I use a 1 x 12 30w for e.g.?? Thanks in advance if you get time to reply.
Can I ask, when you said Mitch, did you mean Mitch Keen? He was my old Music Technology lecturer! If it is can you ask him for a joke a drummer please!!!
What overdrive pedal at 10.25? Sounds like you say "Vibe Overdrive"?
Is this a good product to put some pedals in and listen trough headphones? I generally play at home 80% of the time with headphones
ps: and would you Dan, gig with one?? Acid test time.
How pricey is this unit? it sure sounds great!
+JH Scofield £449 From Hotrox in Birmingham UK
Thank you!
can you adjust the output power? so that it'd be quieter for home use
i wish he used his strat but he sounds killer anyway.
Hi Daniel, I know you're exited about your guest here, but please try to hold yourself back, and let your guest finish his sentences, if you can ;-)
You still have to crank the output section to get power tube drive?
This may be stupid to say, but aren't most bass amps nowadays tiny, loud and more gigable than guitar amps twice the size.
Make a Tv Show!
No tubes!?? Well then I'm glad I bought Taurus Amplification's CL2 Stomp Head instead! It's the same size and sounds great, because IT HAS A REAL TUBE in it!
well...I have both, AMP1 and Taurus CL2. I kind like Tarus but I don't think it stand up against AMP1. I believe that AMP1 have a better "felling" and far more resourceful. That said, my Taurus is for sale and I'm keeping the AMP1. Also, it have a real tube and it's smaller than Taurus
Yes this has a tube
Throw away that squeaky chair, for Pete's sake!
GET IN THE CHOPPER!
10:29 와 ㅋ
Thinking about pickin up a treble booster- any of u guys know where's the best placement for those- before or after overdrive?
I would last treble booster before OD, it's s great sound - th-cam.com/video/xUfyQPeuUtI/w-d-xo.html
thanks for the reply! one more question if u will- any advice on placement of treble boost before or after vibe pedal (if starting chain with vibe)
+Anthony Ziomek I'd put it after
Jennifer Batten and who was that other guy?
Uli Roth
Who's the other artist he mentions at 16:11 ?
Found it.. Uli Jon Roth from the Scorpions.
A little too sketchy and too brief runthrough, of the BluGuitar amp. I've read the manual now. As there are 3 EQ bands available, Bass, Middle, Treble, I lack the Precence which is a crucial EQ on most tube amps. Why omit that one? I am also annoyed by the physical placement of the guitar input, and as such it's seemingly design to fit lefty guitar players only. The instrument should be the rightmost input, i e come first, or put at the RIGHT SIDE of the unit. And you should have a dedicated MIDI control input, and no "smart" MIDI1 which just are you proprierarity cables, and system. One separate MIDI all encompassing, and maybe another input jack for your own remote or external footswitch, if possible.
Also I would love to do a recording direct with the sag and power soak, I think they could've solved this differently, as you really will have to connect their fatcab or anything else to provide the current feedback back again into the system. Also I would like to use this function (power soak sound) when using it as a "boutiqe preamp pedal" and connect to pedals after it. Of course it would have to be a poweramp-less unit then. I e providing "powersoaked" sounds into pedals next in line, and doesn't have to rely on send/return at the back. Maybe a slightly downsized verion without power amp, but included the features of the Remote1 in one box would be the next thing? Since they've separated the remote1 and the AMP1 to be placed and reside on different places, I think that "split" is kind of moot. It was meant to stay on the pedalboard anyway from the start on, so why do you have to buy and use a remote1 again on the pedalboard taking up real estate place.
Although the idea, and sound may be how nice as possibly and ample variations of the sounds, it - in my eyes - turns out just like a "nice try" or "ahhh...close but no cigar"... with a strong mention and in capital letters of adding the important word "YET". Which means there's ceratinly room for ... (drum roll) AMP2 any time soon. The sooner the better.
And on top of this. Whoever placed the noise gate AFTER the reverb on the AMP1?! What have Tomas Blug been smoking? Gated reverbs are soooo 80s and totally out of vouge by now. And you can't even shift the positions in presets, placing it before the reverb, which would be a no-brainer since the reverb is digital.
henkehakansson2004 thank you for your constructive feedback. Best comment around.
But this has footswitches on, and is designed not to reside on top of a cab. It is designed to stay on the floor, as well as their additional footwitch unit. Most amp heads has the front panel facing you and they should have all their inputs at their left since it is that way it goes from your guitar since you're faced with your back against the amp head all of the time, provided that you're a right hand guy.
Why single out this one? you said.
Why not having that design flaw adjusted from the get go then, in that case?
!?!?! most things on the floor wants the input to guitar at the right side of the board. Even the first pedal (tuner or whatever) people wants that input at the right of the stomp box, not even on the top/front of the pedal. All people I know of wants a input as far right as possible. Even the old Vox Tonelab huge pedalboard with 2 vol/exp pedals on it had it to the right, even the outputs where to the right.
www.retrosynth.com/~analoguediehard/studio/guitars/vox_valvetronix/vox_tonelab-se-back-panel-full.jpg
It's just bad business conduct.
As if that were the only thing. No other floorboard of any kind has this design gaffe. Period. Let's see in a year or two when AMP2 comes out. There's that midi thingy too. On top of other irks. Noise gate after reverb...if that doesn't ring any bells with you, that it's a major caveat "think-before-you-buy" I don't know what is.
Oh, I would sure think that any lefty guitar player will go "Hey, Wow finally someone thought of us!" because it will be the best thing since sliced bacon to them. But I don't think I would start to practice playing lefty anytime soon.
Damn, my wife is going to kill me!
I just got one of these this week and I am seriously having issues getting the tone I want out of it. The overdrives are just mushy to me. I tried some high end pedals in front of it and that helped but seriously are you going to pay $800, like I did, for a small power amp to push your pedals. I know a lot of guys on here love this thing but compared to my other gigging amps I'm just not getting the tightness and punch out of it and the front just sounds mushy and thin. You guys can all start saying Im an idiot if you want but this in a room next to an EVH or Marshall or my main Mesa and theres no comparison.
The fact that its made in China just makes me feel worse about it. You couldn't manufacture this in Europe at $800 a pop? Also, there has been nothing mentioned about the nano tube life? What happens when that tube fails? Its soldered into the main board so you cant just pop in a new tube right? I have the fear that if I did take this out on a gig as my main amp the nano tube would fail and I would be stuck. I may take it out in my case as a backup just in case something else goes wrong but when I drop D and play unchained on my Mesa or Marshall it makes my hair stand up on the back of my neck, when I did it with this amp it sound like total mush.
I am going to tweak it a little more to see what happens but so far, on a scale of 1-10 Im giving it a 6. To me, for the price paid, this amp should come with a separate footswitch controller. I dont want this on my board, I dont want to have to deal with speaker cabling running from the pedal board all the way around to the cabs.
I have not tried this for recording but I am going to give it a shot this weekend. Its a cool piece but if you're looking for serious balls and tight crunch and no mush this doesnt appear to be the one for me!
Richard Wallace there has actually been a lot mentioned about the tube! Its expected to last 3 times longer than a 12ax7 and is wired with low voltage which doubles its life again, effectively giving thousands of hours of play time. It will out last you! As for the sound, I bought one too and gigged with it for the first time last night. Where I live, the stages in our local pubs and clubs are all tiny, I bought it for the space saving as much as anything but next to my AC30, the tone of this thing just sucked! I dont know if I set it up wrong but I found it to be brittle and harsh, the boost function is useless cause it doesnt boost volume enough for a solo boost. I struggled to be heard all night. In my opinion, it suffers the same issue all SS amps have...no balls. Im very dissapointed.
10:29 =0
659€...ehh
+Esben Solgaard ehh what? is that expensive?
CamilleDeveveraux It depends on your wallet. It might be a months salary for a guy in Portugal. It could be worth 659 €, who knows?
+Esben Solgaard Portugal is not Sri Lanka you know :) it doesnt depend on the wallet but on the field. Is there an with so many features at that price point ?
Thomas is a top notch guy first of all and his playing is inspirational. The Amp1 is a game changer in the industry.