Members SB900LE Posted November 23, 2007 Members Share Posted November 23, 2007 For some reason those linked Drive items have no reviews on MF, but there are other Drive amps on there that do -- check em out. Reviews on MF really run the gamut ("poor" - "good"; never or rarely "Great") [havent' checked HC reviews lately] Apparently one of the issues is Sudden Death of the unit. Sound quality doesn't get raves, but is often called "suprisingly good" or "good esp. for the price". That said, I bought two Drive guitar amps (EA30 acoustic combo; and G65 DSP 12" combo; both on clearance at MF) about 2-3 years ago and have been pleased and well-served by them. G65 DSP I don't have terribly discriminating tastes in amp sound quality but I think they're great for what I bought them for (practice rigs) and they have not malfunctioned or let me down in any way. [i also haven't pushed the hell out of em; And I take care of my equipment.] I wouldn't hesitate to use either at a small bar/type gig if I was good enough to perform out on the guitar. (but hey, that doesn't stop me with bass, does it) IMhO the tone and effects are decent but not great; maybe better than I expected, even, considering the price and that it's obviously a "budget" line of equipment; I wasn't expecting the world out of them. I think that more experienced players probably wouldn't be too happy with them once they've developed an ear for the tone of better amps, but they'll do, in my opinion. I had not used the little EA30 acoustic amp much until recently. Sometimes we practice at the lead player's tiny one-room apt. (we can't play loud there) and we've been using it as a little PA for the guit/singer (it has an xlr input; and a piezo) and it works fine for that, and, again, hasn't developed any issues (yet, heh). EA-30 acoustic Not sure I'd buy em again for several personal reasons (I've moved on, etc.) but I don't regret getting them. I'd guess that overall it might be a coin toss as to whether you get a good one (hey, maybe they just had some bad prod'n runs and made some real Luggers); beyond that, consider the price and their niche -- they're not really out to compete with the big boys in any category except price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Verne Andru Posted November 23, 2007 Members Share Posted November 23, 2007 I picked up a Drive G35 [looks like the EA-30 acoustic] used a while back for $80. It's a 35 watt SS guitar amp with 2 channels, 4 x 5" speakers, particle board construction and DSP effects. The amplifier part of it is actually quite good, all things considered, when driving descent speakers. DSP is serviceable but the high-end hiss precludes it from recording applications. There was some cabinet "buzz" requiring me to stuff a bunch of window sealer between components, and the speakers that came with it were less than stellar. I replaced 2 of them and am quite happy with it as a knock-around, coffee-shop, practice amp, grab-n-go type of thang. The remaining 2 stock speakers frap out when it's dimed, but if I need that kind of volume I have other amps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members SB900LE Posted November 23, 2007 Members Share Posted November 23, 2007 used a while back for $80. It's a 35 watt SS guitar amp with 2 channels, 4 x 5" speakers, particle board construction and DSP effects. Sounds like one on sale now at the Fiend . . . is this it? This doesn't appear to have DSP http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Drive-Vintage-G35V-35w-4x5-Guitar-Combo-Amp?sku=481632 but this 35 does; it's like my G65: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Drive-G35-DSP-35w-1x10-Guitar-Combo-Amp?sku=481626 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Verne Andru Posted November 23, 2007 Members Share Posted November 23, 2007 Wow - $40 for that 4 x 5 - now I'm depressed. I thought I got a deal at $80 LOL. Here's one at 123 for only $29! http://www.music123.com/Drive-CD300-30W-Guitar-Combo-Amp-480392-i1145329.Music123 Mine looks to be the electronics of the second one [mine has a 4 band EQ, not 3] in the chassis of the first one. If I was buying new, I'd get an acoustic - probably this one: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Drive-EA15V-2x5-15W-Acoustic-Combo-Amp?sku=480395 Their bass stuff looks pretty sick for the money. Especially the heads, as their electronics appear to be their strong suit - based on my limited experience. I would want to test a high wattage cab - especially one for bass - before I spend any money though, just to make sure it's built well enough to not blow apart under heavy use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Poltergeist Posted November 23, 2007 Members Share Posted November 23, 2007 Be Afraid.....be very afraid! +1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Verne Andru Posted November 23, 2007 Members Share Posted November 23, 2007 This looks like a hell of a deal at $150 - don't see many 200 watt 15" combo's around for that price. Closest is the Ampeg B115 and it's like $350! http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Drive-Elite-B200-Bass-Combo?sku=483084 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Verne Andru Posted November 23, 2007 Members Share Posted November 23, 2007 +1 Yeah - if you're semi-pro and above, take a pass, but if you're just starting out there are worst ways to spend your money. I have one, taken it apart and put it back together a couple of times and have used it for over a year now, and for what it is and what it cost I don't have a problem recommending them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Poltergeist Posted November 23, 2007 Members Share Posted November 23, 2007 just get a GK Backline 600 head and a decent cab... and thank me later... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Verne Andru Posted November 23, 2007 Members Share Posted November 23, 2007 Backline? I think not. I was seriously looking at the Backline 210. Made a special trip to the store to check one out. $500 and heavy as hell. Dialed in an okay sound at low levels but anything over 1/2 volume and the speakers were frapping all over the place. Would have been descent if I was willing to shell out for some new drivers, but couldn't see the point as that would have put me into Microbass territory, price-wise. I was quite disappointed with the engineering - if they can't match the speakers to the amp for a combo, what else are they not doing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Poltergeist Posted November 23, 2007 Members Share Posted November 23, 2007 Backline? I think not. I was seriously looking at the Backline 210. Made a special trip to the store to check one out. $500 and heavy as hell. Dialed in an okay sound at low levels but anything over 1/2 volume and the speakers were frapping all over the place. Would have been descent if I was willing to shell out for some new drivers, but couldn't see the point as that would have put me into Microbass territory, price-wise. I was quite disappointed with the engineering - if they can't match the speakers to the amp for a combo, what else are they not doing? not the cabs... the head... it sells for 300$ on MF for a cab, i'd get something else... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Verne Andru Posted November 23, 2007 Members Share Posted November 23, 2007 not the cabs... the head... it sells for 300$ on MFfor a cab, i'd get something else... k, but if we're talking in the $300+ range, I'd go for a Crown power amp [1400 watts bridged @ 8 ohm] and not even consider this sissy Backline stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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