Would you trade a Gibson Flying V & a 50w Marshall head for a Splawn Modded Plexi RI?

[deftgala]

This thread is for guitar players familiar with Splawn modded amps and know what they may sound like, or have even played through one.

There is one in Toronto and it's not everyday something so cool makes it's way up from California. I just wonder if a 100 watt Plexi RI would be too much. It was just a couple of weeks ago that I posted the thread mentioning that my band thought the DSL 50 watter was a bit overpowering (although they do love it too death)...

He's asking $2000CAN (apx. $1750USD).

But would you trade a Gibson '76 Flying V RI (a bit beat up) and the DSL for the Splawn modded Plexi?


Angelo.

[inter]

I'd ask if he's putting a warranty on the splawn and have it checked out by an independant amp guy, or at least make sure it's 100% by playing it for an hour+. I'd check out if you can't get more money on ebay for your gear.....

If it has the goods, the DSL2000 isn't doing it for you and the splawn has the cool sound your looking, go for it, it's great to get inspired by a cool tone. The splawn's are pretty rare and will hold it's value.

Dirty craig was flogging these a little while ago, he very did a cool clip of his splawn. It sounded really nice with a high output pickup (I think Craig was using a JB Wolfgang). Smooth high gain mar4shall plexi tone.

[Jeff_H]

The only downside I see to the Plexi is that with no master volume, you are going to have more volume issues than you ever had with the DSL 50. The Splawn Plexi is a far superior amp tonally, and is worth far more than the DSL, but I'm not sure it's the solution to a situation where a DSL 50 is a bit overpowering. The Splawn will be foot switchable between rythym and lead, and have a lead boost, but I would want Scott's clean mod as well, so you essentially have a 3 channel amp with a lead boost built in.

I would personally look for a master volume amp that has been modded by Splawn, 2203, 2204, something along those lines...or better yet one of his Pro Mods or Quick Rods that he has hand built.. Scott may be able to add a master volume to a Plexi, I'm not sure about that though. I know it's harder to come across these amps in Canada, but with the connections we have here on the board, not to mention that I live about 30 minutes from Scott's shop, we could figure out a way to get you exactly what you want, and get it to Canada without it costing a fortune in shipping.

That's my take....

[deftgala]

thanks for the responses. I've checked the website and the different mods available and what they cost. I've lsitened to the clips and some of them have some serious tone. I know the plexi in my area is the quick mod with the 3 channel switcher. He's dropped his price considerably since first psoting it on the local website. I guess there weren't really any takers, until now. He has one person interested in it other than me.

If my DSL can somehow be modded, I am going to email Scott and ask him what he might consider because I'm attached to it because of everything it already has to offer. It would be difficult to part with. I really appreciate the advice and knowledge (the both of you) and the offer to check it out for me in person (Jeff).

The quest for the tone I hear in my mind continues.

Angelo.

[Jeff_H]

thanks for the responses. I've checked the website and the different mods available and what they cost. I've lsitened to the clips and some of them have some serious tone. I know the plexi in my area is the quick mod with the 3 channel switcher. He's dropped his price considerably since first psoting it on the local website. I guess there weren't really any takers, until now. He has one person interested in it other than me.

If my DSL can somehow be modded, I am going to email Scott and ask him what he might consider because I'm attached to it because of everything it already has to offer. It would be difficult to part with. I really appreciate the advice and knowledge (the both of you) and the offer to check it out for me in person (Jeff).

The quest for the tone I hear in my mind continues.

Angelo.

Angelo, for what it's worth, also give Jeff Seal a shout on modding your DSL. He is the one who modded my 2205 circuit, and it really is a nice amp. I'm not sure to be honest if Scott is working on 2 channel amps, since his website says he starts with any single channel Marshall as a base. I also know that Vodoo Amps offers mods on the DSL. The prices are fairly similar across the board, what it comes down to is who do you trust, and who will give you the best service.

You also have to ask yourself is the DSL worth the price you paid for it, plus the mods? What else can you get for that combined dollar amount? Can you get a Rivera, Bogner, Two Rock...that type of amp or close for the same $$? You are taking your chances when it comes time to sell and amp that has been modded. You definately reduce your potential base of buyers. Many amature or novice buyers are reluctant to buy a modded amp, and those who are looking to buy a modded amp have very specific wants and needs that your amp may not match. I'm a fan of having them modded obviously, but you have to be aware of all the costs potentially involved.

Annother thing....what is it about the DSL that you don't like? Perhaps it's something that we could work on modifying thru different tubes or speakers in your cab? Sometimes some small changes can make big differences in tone.

Let's talk a little more about what you don't like before we dive off the deep end and mod that amp.

[Gearjoneser]

Nah, I wouldn't. I'd sell the DSL for $650 and the V for $650, and buy a Custom 50W Splawn amp. It's better to get cash than to trade. Then, you can buy exactly what you want, a Splawn, not a Marshall with a couple mods.

[The Golden Boy]

First, is the V a '76 reissue of the '67 reissue of the '58 V, or a newer reissue of the '76 reissue of the '67 reissue of the '58 V?

Second, I like amps, I like boutique amps, but I have absolutely no idea who Splawn is, or why his mods would garner that much money. For any nifty modded piece, there's going to be somebody- even an informed buyer, that sees a nice amp that's been boogered with.

Unless he has a hella post pi master volume, you'll need an attenuator with a plexi style amp.