Overall Rating: I wanted to like this amp, as it was setup in my ideal configuration. I spent a lot of time and $$$ trying to get the ROS to sound bigger, and add lo end, but in the end, after 5 years , I sold it. I waited a quite a while to write th...
Overall Rating: I wanted to like this amp, as it was setup in my ideal configuration. I spent a lot of time and $$$ trying to get the ROS to sound bigger, and add lo end, but in the end, after 5 years , I sold it. I waited a quite a while to write this review, just to give the amp a shot. Other amps I tried were the 59 Bassman RI, Zinky Mofo (currently using), Marshall RI head, Soldano Lucky 13, 68 Super Reverb.
Features: I started looking for mid powered combo amps a few years ago and found a Soldano Reverb O Sonic (ROS) used for a great price. This ROS was an older model (1995?); 2 Channel, shared EQ, FX loop, Reverb, 50w, 2x12 Combo.
Sound Quality: On paper, this was my ideal amp. Shared EQ didn't bother me, I liked the fact that there weren't a million knobs and pull switches, I like to "plug and play"; simpler the better!
I owned this amp for about five years, gigging and rehearsing with it almost every week. So I logged alot of hours with the ROS. The amp has a very "focused" sound, which was great for leads. But it lacked low end and sounded really small. It's tough to get a handle on, but I just could not seem to make it sound "bigger". By reading the reviews on this site, I added the famous "S" mod to add lo end (added a pinch, but not much). I swapped preamp tubes, tried KT66's and 6L6's(again no huge difference to my ears).
I play Blues/Classic/Southern Rock in my band. Main guitar is a 59 Les Paul Replica, and I was playing a PRS Artist2 at the time as well. The amp sounded a little more at home with the PRS, which made sense, due the "mid friendly" sound of those guitars.
The amp was very quiet when it was on, probably the quietest I have ever played through...
Reliability/Durability: Built like a tank, reverb tank went out (busted wire), but was easily fixed. Never used a backup.
Customer Support: Bill Sundt helped me along with everything I needed to do to this amp. Sent me parts to do the "S" mod myself, gave me advise when changing power tube styles, very patient and prompt.
Price: $600.00 USD
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