Members thinkpad20 Posted January 12, 2009 Members Share Posted January 12, 2009 Just want to make sure before I drop the cash... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members diocide Posted January 12, 2009 Members Share Posted January 12, 2009 Supposedly the same preamp... Not sure about the power section... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members mparsons Posted January 12, 2009 Members Share Posted January 12, 2009 Do you really need a Crate? I'd think the Axe-FX + SS power section could easily nail those tones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members glenecho Posted January 12, 2009 Members Share Posted January 12, 2009 Not sure but I can testify that they do the br00talz. Had one way way back when. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members teemuk Posted January 12, 2009 Members Share Posted January 12, 2009 So... I ran through a bunch of schematics. Couldn't locate one for GX-130C (I'm frankly not sure if I have one) but based on the ones I looked I'd say: No. Crate's GX-series amplifiers (e.g. GX-140C, GX-120 etc.) do indeed share quite a many similarities with the VH-140C design, which is not surprising because all those amps come from the same company, and they are even designed by the same person. But Crate's designs still tend to have a lot of differences in comparison to VH-140C as well. IMO, Crate's amps have different type of voicing and tone controls, they tend to be "muddier" and the structure of cascaded distortion stages is somewhat different than in Ampeg. So. These amps are very similar, have a lot of common circuit elements (e.g. the patented distortion circuit) and similar features like chorus - GX-140C even has (almost) exactly the same power amp as the VH-140C. But still, these amplifiers are not the same. I can't comment on GX-130C but based on what I've seen in every other Crate amp of the same series so far I'd say that the preamplifier very likely isn't the same as Crate's preamps tend to share more common things with each other than with the Ampeg. I'm inclined to believe that the claim that GX-130C is the same as VH-140C is an urban myth. Of course, getting a hold of the schematics would settle the issue completely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jds22 Posted January 12, 2009 Members Share Posted January 12, 2009 I'd think the Axe-FX + SS power section could easily nail those tones. This made me smile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members thinkpad20 Posted January 12, 2009 Author Members Share Posted January 12, 2009 Do you really need a Crate? I'd think the Axe-FX + SS power section could easily nail those tones. lolz, yes of course, but backup + dive rig both make for good reasons to own a cheapie that can pull off teh br00talz. Besides, believe it or not, the Axe-FX is much better at sounding like a tube amp than a solid state amp. It's actually kind of hard to get that crusty, diode-clipping metal zone kind of distortion out of it. On the other hand fat, buttery saturated distortion it can get in spades. And it's only $150 for a 2x12 combo... so I really can't go that far wrong... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bellis Posted January 13, 2009 Members Share Posted January 13, 2009 Not exactly. Back in the day, a number of us were big Crate fans (I know, I know...), specifically the GX130C, but after hearing rumors of the VH140-C and seeing Dying Fetus(?) a friend tracked one down and promptly bought. Side-by-side: they are quite similar, but the Crate definitely has a more compressed, processed, scooped; for lack of a better term, a more "Crate?" type of gain. The Ampeg does have the edge if you are looking for a slightly more traditional (natural?) distortion. Both are extremely tight and a bit solid-state-ish, but then again, you don't buy either expecting vintage tube tone right? Great amps either way for that classic death/grind sound. Cannibal Corpse/Suffocation anyone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members FrontEndLoader Posted January 13, 2009 Members Share Posted January 13, 2009 I'd say just be safe and get the ampeg. its the amp used on what I would guess are your favorite albums ever Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members 17 Tubes Posted January 13, 2009 Members Share Posted January 13, 2009 I had the Crate...and at about the same time, gitfiddler had the Ampeg. We didn't do "side by side"....BUT.... it's my opinion that the Crate is every bit as good as the Ampeg. Maybe better. After hearing and playing both amps, it boggles my mind that everyone automatically buttplugs the VH-140c. To my ears it(Ampeg) seemed harsher....not edgier, not more presence......but HARSHER. Shriller. I would have kept the Crate, except at the time I was playing with a VERY loud band.....and it didn't have the top end to keep up. Coulda been the cab/ohm load...I dunno. But at home, I could EASILY get (what *I* think of as) Dime/Zakk tones. Drop the D and wail on harmonics. Objectively...I say either one would be fine. If I had my choice, I'd pick the Crate. And if you're getting a decent price, you can't go wrong. You can unload easily if necessary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members 17 Tubes Posted January 13, 2009 Members Share Posted January 13, 2009 lolz, yes of course, but backup + dive rig both make for good reasons to own a cheapie that can pull off teh br00talz. Besides, believe it or not, the Axe-FX is much better at sounding like a tube amp than a solid state amp. It's actually kind of hard to get that crusty, diode-clipping metal zone kind of distortion out of it. On the other hand fat, buttery saturated distortion it can get in spades. And it's only $150 for a 2x12 combo... so I really can't go that far wrong... Precisely. Even though I had a Rocktron Voodu Valve and the Tonelab at the same time.....things like the Crate G130c are tools all onto their own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ENdtime Posted January 13, 2009 Members Share Posted January 13, 2009 I guess you could just compare Cannibal Corpse "The Bleeding" (Crate GX-130, if Im not mistaken. And Im sure their earlier albums may have been Crate too, but the Bleeding sounds great) and Suffo, Dying Fetus (Ampeg).. From those comparison's they seem to be in the same ballpark.. Meaning both can get pretty brutal and heavy.. I have been thinking about one of those 2 amps as well and sell off the XXX. But just remembering, when I first joined Morgue Supplier, the old guitarist used the Crate GX-130.. FOrgot about that.. Honestly for that band I think it really sounded good. Kinda dark, but with a kinda weird thin high-end.. SOunded brutal though, thats fer sure.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members TheEsupremacy Posted January 13, 2009 Members Share Posted January 13, 2009 Just want to make sure before I drop the cash... Wait for the Ampeg. They pop up used from time to time. You'll like it better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members 17 Tubes Posted January 13, 2009 Members Share Posted January 13, 2009 Wait for the Ampeg. They pop up used from time to time. You'll like it better. No he won't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Say Ocean Posted January 13, 2009 Members Share Posted January 13, 2009 No he won't. Do you have experience playing both amps in a death metal situation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members cobrahead1030 Posted January 13, 2009 Members Share Posted January 13, 2009 i've played the gx130c in comparison to my ss150, and i can tell you they do sound different...the ss150 is a little smoother and more full sounding that being said i think they're both pretty sweet deals if you find em cheap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members 17 Tubes Posted January 13, 2009 Members Share Posted January 13, 2009 Do you have experience playing both amps in a death metal situation oooh! DO you have experience eating bananas in a South American Republic? Jeezus H. Christ.....now I have to do a formal interview with a resume to post? I told you I played both amps....I don't see you giving shit to anyone else in the thread. What death metal band did the scared out of his mind Esupremacy tour with...while playing both amps? You didn't check HIS resume. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Say Ocean Posted January 13, 2009 Members Share Posted January 13, 2009 oooh! DO you have experience eating bananas in a South American Republic? Jeezus H. Christ.....now I have to do a formal interview with a resume to post? I told you I played both amps....I don't see you giving shit to anyone else in the thread. What death metal band did the scared out of his mind Esupremacy tour with...while playing both amps? You didn't check HIS resume. Just asking because you're constantly a contrarian, and you also don't seem to be the type into death metal Jeez, just a little question, no need to get your panties in a bunch :poke: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Sex Panther Posted January 13, 2009 Members Share Posted January 13, 2009 Jeez, just a little question, no need to get your panties in a bunch :poke: Hi, I'm 17 Tubes, I don't believe we've met. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members 17 Tubes Posted January 13, 2009 Members Share Posted January 13, 2009 Just asking because you're constantly a contrarian, and you also don't seem to be the type into death metal Jeez, just a little question, no need to get your panties in a bunch :poke: "just a little question"... I don't see you asking this to everyone else that posts in every thread. Why do you assume so much? You were worried about my credentials?....you think I don't play in bands?...I absolutely MUST play out in a death metal band?...what? If I would see you giving anyone else the 3rd degree...I certainly WOULDN'T "get my panties in a bunch" (isn't there some new phrase for that now?). So ESupremacy EMPHATICALLY said that think would definitely like it better...but you won't question THAT. I did...but you hassled me? Crap, THAT was pretty dman dumb to say...."you WILL like it bettter"....and I "contradicted" that idiocy, and it's ME you singled out? "contrarian"....well, when it's required. Also...I don't see "death metal" in thinks' posts...so....... all fuck it...it don't matter...never mind. G'night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Say Ocean Posted January 13, 2009 Members Share Posted January 13, 2009 "just a little question"... I don't see you asking this to everyone else that posts in every thread. Why do you assume so much? You were worried about my credentials?....you think I don't play in bands?...I absolutely MUST play out in a death metal band?...what? If I would see you giving anyone else the 3rd degree...I certainly WOULDN'T "get my panties in a bunch" (isn't there some new phrase for that now?). So ESupremacy EMPHATICALLY said that think would definitely like it better...but you won't question THAT. I did...but you hassled me? Crap, THAT was pretty dman dumb to say...."you WILL like it bettter"....and I "contradicted" that idiocy, and it's ME you singled out? "contrarian"....well, when it's required. Also...I don't see "death metal" in thinks' posts...so... .... all fuck it...it don't matter...never mind. G'night. I generally ignore ESupremacy And think generally plays death metal, so I was just wondering. Relax, take your pills and go to sleep Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rockitsauce Posted January 13, 2009 Members Share Posted January 13, 2009 I talked about this with 17 tubes the other day when we were playing the amps. BTW Steve, I want that Hamer! Or its equivalent. Something about that pickup and small size of that badboy has me jonesin for one. I had both an ampeg vh140c and a crate g130cxl (not exactly a gc130) at the same time. I will tell you that both those amps had different mid character. I could not stand the mids on the the crate so I scooped it all the time. They were harsh to my ears and seemed to have the same mid spike as a v30 speaker. That being said, it was not quite as gainy as the ampeg but had tons of gain on tap and was easily capable of doing death metal. The ampeg had more gain than was usable IMO but the mids were more tolerable. It had more of a grainy distortion than the crate. It was also a bit darker in its voicing. The ampeg was fragile and had some volume swell problems and stuff. I wouldnt hesitate to buy another crate and if I ran into the VTX, I might buy one if cheap enough. The ampeg however, is so ridiculously priced on the bay that I wouldnt be able to justify it. Im not talking the combo, I mean the head which goes for up to $600 on the bay. On another note, me and 17T had his vox tonelab into a deluxe reverb getting tones that were pretty close to the ampeg the other day. Close in gain voicing but smoking in volume and punch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RaceU4her Posted January 13, 2009 Members Share Posted January 13, 2009 17 tubes is right, the crate is a little smoother and has a little less low end than the ampeg, though they are very similar. the clean and chorus i actually like more on the crate. if you like one, you are gonna like the other. listen to my band for gx130c tones! www.myspace.com/creationct Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members dreamspace Posted January 13, 2009 Members Share Posted January 13, 2009 Crate GX-130C = Mrak V but don't tell anyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bdubbs Posted January 13, 2009 Members Share Posted January 13, 2009 I had the GX130c. It was decent chorus was actually good. Problem is it didnt' cut it in a band situation. The poweramp let it down. But otherwise a mediocre cheap amp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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