From jake92028@yahoo.com Tue Feb 24 19:24:24 2004
Subject:Re: Pro-145...Is it worth it?

>This little amp cost alot. For the rare few that own
one, is this amp worth the cost?<

Yes. And it doesn't really cost a lot compared to a keyboard in the
same price range; I got a great deal on mine. If players will buy
expensive keyboards, $1500-$2000 plus, to get the best rotary
simulation - when they already have a good B3 clone keyboard output -
I don't understand the logic to buy another keyboard. I said this
before, but if you've got a V5 and keyboard controller, it's all you
need. A previous question about my V5 and controller came up because
I'm playing them into a Pro-145, kind of like an 'A/B,' also because
I like the sound - the V5 is still a 'best' B3. A Pro-145 has a 70W
RMS top and 130W RMS bottom amp and 800Hz crossover, with a tube
preamp stage that's not like a Pro-3t. There is a tube gain stage
working with a preamp control that adjusts the plate load across the
tube from resistive to inductive = what players call 'tone & color.'
The MS Pro-145 was designed by a player using his 147 as the basis,
but adding tone and speed dynamics that will get you the 122 through
147 'family' sound and more.

As far as "rare few" goes, I've got serial #768 bought and shipped
from Bill Brown Organ, then #799 which was delivered to the same
store and bought by me 10 days later, in December. Somebody's buying
them, just not many CWSG members.

>Do you think that a
used leslie would be the better way to go?<

No. I love 'em but real full-size Leslies are a pain in the *ss -
and (ouch) back - to haul around and don't sound any better than a
Pro-145. I've been out night-clubbing and listened to the real deal,
also have stepped into the audience and listened while a friend
played my clone rig and Pro-145 setup. Ideally, a clone is supposed
to be a perfect copy of the original? At this point in a debate is
where I say: "That's it. Period. Waiter, check please!"

>Based on the smaller speaker, smaller cabinet, etc. it will not have
the bass or be as warm as a leslie<

Most music manufacturers are way past a 15" versus 12" speaker making
a difference with acoustic engineering know-how. Examples, Mackie
450, Peavey 200 cabinets. Per warm versus 'not-warm' :^) see text
above.

>has anyone connected a real Hammond to the Pro-145?<

Haven't seen/heard it yet; a minor tech hookup to put a phone jack on
a Hammond - then a Pro-145 would still sound like a Leslie, but loud
as two. If you're hauling a Hammond you've got two choices: As long
as I'm hauling this monster, might as well haul another - or not.

Walter j