From djacques@csulb.edu Sun Oct 03 07:37:46 2010
Subject:Re: Looking for Combo Amp Advice: Acoustic Image Coda+, Traynor K2, Leslie 2010MkII

Easy. The electrovoice 360.
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From: "techdad5@verizon.net"
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Date: Sun, 03 Oct 2010 14:01:54
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Reply-To: CloneWheel@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [CWSG] Looking for Combo Amp Advice: Acoustic Image Coda+, Traynor K2, Leslie 2010MkII

I posted this message in the Nord Electro Group as well. My apologies to those of you who subscribe to both groups.

Hello all. I'm looking for some insight on these amplifiers. I'm getting back into playing after being away a few years. I have an E3-73, and use a Yamaha PSR-S710 as a "backup band" for my home practice purposes. I use the E3 for piano, electric piano and B3, with jazz and classic rock as my main styles of music.

I recently joined a community jazz big band, and will play small gigs with them, and possibly a small jazz/rock combo with other friends. I have no aspirations for large gigs; I'm just doing this to have some fun. I can never see playing for audiences larger than 50-100 people.

I own an old Gorilla GB-20 bass/keyboard amp, which is small and sounds awful. I also own and older Crate KX-220 which is large, heavy and sounds awful. I'd like to buy something with better sound quality to take to rehearsals and on the gigs. Without hearing any of them in person, I've narrowed it down to these three amps based on features.

I'm looking for something small and light. It should have enough clarity to handle acoustic piano without coloring it, and enough richness to handle the B3 emulation (including bass) without distorting.

I use the E3's leslie effect and distortion, which work fine for my needs. I have no intention to add a Ventilator or preamp at this point.

I like the weight of the Coda+, but am concerned about the solid state amp. The AI amps are valued by jazz bassists, which is a great endorsement, but bottom end from the B3 is different than bottom end from an upright bass. The AI amps seems very tolerance of low-ohm loads, which means there is stacking opportunities in the future should I need more oomph.

The K2 seems like a very versatile amp with the tube amp, and has a more attractive price. I'm concerned, though, about the weight and whether it's bottom end can carry the organ sound. Once again, using its direct out, there's always an option to put a powered subwoofer with it, but I'd prefer to not carry as much stuff. I looked at the K4, which has more power, features, a larger woofer, but I don't want to haul a 60 lb. amp all over the place.

Finally, I'm intrigued by the 2101MkII. It appears to be very versatile. It's got the smallest woofers of these three, so bottom end is a significant concern. It's also the heaviest of the bunch.

I sincerely appreciate whatever real-use insights and experiences from the knowledgeable members of this group could impart on me regarding these amps. They are all hard to find to audition in person, so maybe your input can help me narrow it down a bit.

Sincere thanks in advance of your wisdom.

Mike


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