Ken,
I really think you will like the Freeloader. Runs forever on 1 9volt battery and so easy to dial in that "sweet spot"! And because it is battery operated it's one less thing you have to plug in! Now that I have the Roland Cube I doubt I'll even be using my RP255 for effects as I am more than satisfied with the onboard effects on the Roland! All in all...a quick and easy setup!!
I use a Black Box at home, but always take a Freeloader when I play out. The Freeloader is very compact and I really can't hear any difference in the sound between the two. I would hate to be without one of them though. I'm enjoying my recently aquired Roland Cube 80XL too, and although the onboard effects are very good, I prefer my "Wet" reverb pedal to the built-in plate reverb on the amp.
George Macdonald wrote:I use a Black Box at home, but always take a Freeloader when I play out. The Freeloader is very compact and I really can't hear any difference in the sound between the two. I would hate to be without one of them though. I'm enjoying my recently acquired Roland Cube 80XL too, and although the onboard effects are very good, I prefer my "Wet" reverb pedal to the built-in plate reverb on the amp.
I have a Digitech Hardwire digital reverb pedal which I use with my Webb. I use the on-board 80XL's delay and reverb. Both are great quality, and a few less trip hazards on stage by eliminating foot pedals. You can have pedal steel, volume pedal and amp (Cube) and that's all you need.
Show Pro D10 - amber (8+6), MSA D10 Legend XL Signature - redburst (9+6), Sho-Bud Pro 111 Custom (8+6), Emmons black Push-Pull D10 (8+5), Zum D10 (8x8), Hudson pedal resonator. Telonics TCA-500, Webb 614-E,
Robert Dominick, Would you tell us more about the Freeloader. Does it do the same thing as the Black Box? Do you have to change the 9V battery every week, month, two months..ect. Does it improve anything on the 80XL? I have the 80XL and really like it but I hear the black box is used by many XL owners. Any information you can give us about the Freeloader will be much appreciated. I always like to ask the man who owns one before I buy one.
Brad...
I used to have a Black Box but sold it after the Freeloader came out. I decided to try one out when they first became available and found that it did the same for me as the Black Box... i.e...being able to dial in that "sweet spot"! I couldn't hear any difference between the two units PLUS I liked the convenience of not having to have something else to plug in when setting up. As far as battery life...I seem to get months of use before having to change it. You are only using the battery when you are plugged into the top input jack of the Freeloader.
Robert D. Thank you very much for your quick reply...I'll order one from Mr Sarno..seems like the way to go...I'll just have to remember to unplug when not playing and stock up on some 9 volt batteries.
Well my Dodge p/u is for sale, I'm sold on the 80XL, but it's hard to justify another amp in addition to my Twin just for Pedal Steel. Unless........
Has anyone played an acoustic through an 80XL?
How did it sound?
Don Griffiths wrote:Well my Dodge p/u is for sale, I'm sold on the 80XL, but it's hard to justify another amp in addition to my Twin just for Pedal Steel. Unless........
Has anyone played an acoustic through an 80XL?
How did it sound?
Don
Check out Darvin W's earlier post on this thread.
Ken
Show Pro D10 - amber (8+6), MSA D10 Legend XL Signature - redburst (9+6), Sho-Bud Pro 111 Custom (8+6), Emmons black Push-Pull D10 (8+5), Zum D10 (8x8), Hudson pedal resonator. Telonics TCA-500, Webb 614-E,
My Martins all sound wonderful through the Cube - better, in fact, than they do through the Roland AC-60 which is supposed to be designed for the purpose!
There seems to be very little this little powerhouse won't cover - at least for my requirements. Last night I played out again, this time with my new Zum Encore and the 80XL. It sounds so good that I'm contemplating putting the same pick-up in my Emmons guitars...
Still no cover for my 80, though - I've been lazy, as I'd meant to cut up the shipping box and fashion a slip-over cover. Maybe this week?
Roger Rettig: Emmons D10, B-bender Teles, Martins, and a Gibson Super 400!
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Ha - yes it will Roger. My herd has shrunk a little with the sale of my Emmons LeGrande2, but she who must be obeyed said that 6 steels around the house was too many.
Jeff Surratt sent me a picture of my guitar at the finisher's - pre assembly (tinted and lacquered), and it looks absolutely gorgeous as do all of his guitars. Just under 5 weeks to go, and my Dallas weekend kicks off with the Thursday seminar with Mike Johnston. So many highlights for me - but picking up my new D10 Show Pro is top of my list.
Show Pro D10 - amber (8+6), MSA D10 Legend XL Signature - redburst (9+6), Sho-Bud Pro 111 Custom (8+6), Emmons black Push-Pull D10 (8+5), Zum D10 (8x8), Hudson pedal resonator. Telonics TCA-500, Webb 614-E,
It'll be interesting to hear how you feel the Show-Pro will sit in the hierarchy of your collection. I can gaze at the Facebook photos of their guitars-awaiting-completion for hours; some of the old ZBs were lovely but these are better.
Topic-drift, but carrying the new 'Encore' in and out of last night's gig (as well as the Roland - no add-on effects last night: I used the amp's) caused me to ponder the LG111 and its horrific weight! The heaviest thing in my 'chain' was my Steelers' Choice seat!
Roger Rettig: Emmons D10, B-bender Teles, Martins, and a Gibson Super 400!
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Funny you should say that Roger, but I do have my favourites to gig with out of my guitars. My Emmons push pull is my #1 guitar, followed very closely by my Sho~Bud. Neither are modern guitars, but just have that X factor that makes me go to them first. My MCI has great tone, and I will take that out sometimes. The Mullen sounds OK - quite bright, but controllable. Modern guitars do have very similar signature tone. I have made you aware privately of my assessment of the Zum guitar - fantastic mechanics, but with a tone that is unlike that of my Emmons or Sho~Bud which I set as the bench marks.
3 of my guitars have split lightweight and wheeled cases. The Bud, Emmons and Zum. Makes a hell of a difference, especially when you have to negotiate stairs.
I once carried a D10 ZB all the way from Eric's shop to Maidstone train station - about three quarters of a mile. Made me wish I'd driven, as I swear my right arm was 6 inches longer when I got there.
Show Pro D10 - amber (8+6), MSA D10 Legend XL Signature - redburst (9+6), Sho-Bud Pro 111 Custom (8+6), Emmons black Push-Pull D10 (8+5), Zum D10 (8x8), Hudson pedal resonator. Telonics TCA-500, Webb 614-E,
Don Griffiths wrote:Well my Dodge p/u is for sale, I'm sold on the 80XL, but it's hard to justify another amp in addition to my Twin just for Pedal Steel. Unless........
Has anyone played an acoustic through an 80XL?
How did it sound?
I've played a couple Martin acoustics thru it, both with piezo pickups and w/wo an acoustic Di. Worked great. I also played a Kawai K5 thru it. I've driven external 15" cabs with it also. I also drove a powered sub. I've experimented with the AC-60 in the past, and for whatever reason, I think the cube 80 does about everything better. About the only thing that might be missing on an 80 is an xlr in. I can't imagine a more versatile, all-in-one box that fits in the front seat of a compact car, and can easily be toted by your girlfriend.
Anyone wanting one go to Austin Bazaar, I just purchased one, going price 379, shipped free and I noticed it came with a 10% discount, my total cost shipped, $341.10
Ray Thomas
Livesteel Strings Dealer
Call 919-920-5482
Text rayssteel@gmail.com or email
Justice The Judge SD-10, 2007
Justice Pro Lite SD-10, 2011
Quilter Steelaire
Quilter Labs Tone Block 202 Head
Roland Cube 80-XL
American Stratocaster - Yamaha Bass Guitar
1 Fender Telecaster Nashville Edition
Ham Call: N4BHB
I got my 80XL from zZounds.com. They do pay as you play plans and will match other online coupons. I told them about a $50 off deal Guitar Center had going and they matched it. So I'm paying $349 for it in 4 equal payments, no interest. Just a small $3 processing fee. Great deal if you are on a budget like I am! I believe other online stores have pay as you play plans as well. I'm not endorsing zZounds, just saying there are options out there.
Rob Harmon
Bettendorf, IA
Currently do not own a steel, but I still love and respect the instrument so much!
Darn you guys....now you have me wanting to buy one of these amps. I sent the Austin Bazar info in to ZZ Sounds and they have come back with a price of $330 shipped.
