Sho~Bud Xmas Tree Coming - What To Expect?

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 28 Nov 2006 8:07 pm

I'm getting one of these amps tomorrow, just in time for Xmas....ha-ha. I've found a few threads on this model, but was wondering if any owners of the xmas tree could give me a heads-up on the general performance of these amps. First of all, I notice that there's no Mid control - is this much of an issue? Also, I read in past threads that it's not quite loud enough for some live applications and could run the risk of blowing if pushed too hard. I just blew the JBL in my Session 400, which is part of the reason why I'm getting this amp. I don't want to repeat this scenario any time soon.

Any bit of info would be appreciated. Thanks![This message was edited by Chris LeDrew on 28 November 2006 at 08:08 PM.]

Curt Langston · Post by **Curt Langston** » 28 Nov 2006 8:28 pm

First of all, I notice that there's no Mid control - is this much of an issue?

Yes, in my opinion it is. I like to have the "MID" and "FREQ. SHIFT" option, to cut way back on the 800Hz range.

IMHO of course.[This message was edited by Curt Langston on 28 November 2006 at 08:29 PM.]

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 29 Nov 2006 7:24 am

Thanks, Curt..........maybe I can employ the handy Boss GE-7.

Brad Sarno · Post by **Brad Sarno** » 29 Nov 2006 7:49 am

Chris,

The Sho-Bud circuit is kind of based on the Fender tube amp tonestacks. When you dial in a decent treble setting, you will likely get that dip at 800Hz automatically. On those types of circuits the midrange dip frequency sweeps around in relation to your treble knob setting. It seems that the ear will naturally find a treble setting that also puts that dip near 800Hz or so. Same happens on a Fender amp for many steelers. Even a Fender with no mid control. I bet you'll find that the amp voices quite nicely. Try to keep that GE-7 pedal out of there if you can avoid it. There's something real sweet and pure about those all discrete amps all by themselves.

Brad

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 29 Nov 2006 8:10 am

Great info, Brad. I certainly do not want to add an EQ between the amp and steel if it's not necessary, so this is encouraging. Much appreciated. It should be here in about a half hour, so I'll have my Pro 1 plugged into it in no time. I'm looking forward to it.

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 29 Nov 2006 10:01 am

Well, I just got it............and it distorts past 4. What a disappointment. Doesn't sound like a speaker problem. I know these amps are only about 70 watts, but is it normal for these to break up so early?

Joe A. Camacho · Post by **Joe A. Camacho** » 29 Nov 2006 11:59 am

I put a JBL K-130 in mine and it has plenty of headroom, enjoy it!

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 29 Nov 2006 12:43 pm

Mine has a grey JBL M31 which sounds great. I tried it into my Session and it sounded spectacular. So now I know it's not the speaker, which is a relief.

robert kramer · Post by **robert kramer** » 29 Nov 2006 1:21 pm

Chris, I own one. Expect tone.

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 29 Nov 2006 2:45 pm

Robert,

That's what I'm hoping. The latest is that I almost created an electrical fire when I plugged it in. The plug is the original 2-prong with black tape in some spots. When I plugged the amp in again, after having it unplugged for a while, a spark came out of the outlet and turned the amp plug prong black. Is it safe to plug it back in again, or what? Ahhhh.......

This amp might be going back to where it came from, unless someone can convince me that the repairs/parts are not going to sink me. Anyone?

robert kramer · Post by **robert kramer** » 29 Nov 2006 3:07 pm

Chris, I would have an amp tech replace the power cord and then try it again. These amps are not easy to work on. The power amp is in the chassis but the pre-amp is in back of the square frame surrounding the tone controls. E-mail me your address and I will send the schematic.

Bobby Boggs · Post by **Bobby Boggs** » 29 Nov 2006 5:14 pm

Sho~Bud Xmas Tree Coming - What To Expect? A lot of down time

Sorry, just my experience. If you like the tone? Buy 2. That way, you'll have one to play while the other is in the shop. Again. Just my experience.[This message was edited by Bobby Boggs on 29 November 2006 at 05:17 PM.]

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 29 Nov 2006 5:14 pm

Thanks, Robert. I'll do that.

Ernest Cawby · Post by **Ernest Cawby** » 29 Nov 2006 5:20 pm

Lonnie Portwood plays one of these with his Wallace, best sound I ever heard on lead guitar, I can tell when he uses another amp by just listening. I have a shobud custom it sounds great for steel but not loud enough for out door gigs. But my Vegas 400 covers it all sound and volume.

ernie

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 29 Nov 2006 5:22 pm

Bobby,

It's quickly shaping up to be that very scenario. Hopefully my amp tech can do some magic and make it more reliable. He's pulled a few rabbits out of his hat before. It's at his shop tonight. If it proves pricey, it's going back to the seller tomorrow afternoon. I've got my fingers crossed. At least I'll know not to push the amp too hard, if it gets fixed properly.

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 29 Nov 2006 5:25 pm

Ernest, I know what you mean by tone...........it does sound great, but this one is breaking up like a 5-watt amp. At 3 or 4 it starts to distort and compress. Weird. Anyhow, my fingers are crossed that good news comes down the pipe later tonight.

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 29 Nov 2006 6:06 pm

The FET's in the power amp aren't being made anymore, I don't think. I found a couple and changed 'em out, made all the difference in the world! Those are fine-sounbding amps, when they're up and running right!

James Morehead · Post by **James Morehead** » 29 Nov 2006 6:14 pm

Hey Chris, That JBL M31 is a great sounding speaker. I believe it's the same as a D130F, just a touch newer. You may need a recap job, then you are good for another 40 years---at least on the caps.

Chick Donner · Post by **Chick Donner** » 29 Nov 2006 6:58 pm

I own two Single channel amps that I ploayed for years without either one ever going down on a job on me. THe most reliable amps I ever owned.

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 29 Nov 2006 7:59 pm

The tech is replacing the burned-out AC cord and getting back to me in the morning. He said it was showing varying degrees of current, and could be responsible for the power problem. Other than that, everything looks good to him and he thinks it shouldn't be a major ordeal, whatever it is. Unless, of course, we need this particular FET which isn't available anymore.........

I'm not an amp whiz, bear with me. [This message was edited by Chris LeDrew on 29 November 2006 at 08:01 PM.]

David Mullis · Post by **David Mullis** » 29 Nov 2006 9:18 pm

I had two of these amps and they sounded great! Not too hard to work on if you have some basic electronics skills. I did have a small problem with the preamp section once, so I just yanked the card out and replaced ALL of the components on it. Sort of a shotgun approach but, it worked. I didn't have too much trouble finding the FET's for mine, found 'em locally, but that was about 8 or 9 years ago. If your tech guy doesn't come up with anything you may want to get in touch with Woody Woodell......

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 29 Nov 2006 9:53 pm

That's encouraging, David..........thanks!

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 30 Nov 2006 11:48 am

Well, according to the tech it could be a lot of things. A cap job is needed first, to see if that's it. But there's no guarantee it's that, so it might need even more repairs. I'm really stumped as to what to do. I didn't exactly get a deal on the amp, so more money again is a drag. On the other hand, the speaker is great and can be used in my Session (which now has no speaker) until the Sho~Bud is fixed. The seller has offered my money back, but if I give it back it's probably the last I'll ever see of a Sho~Bud amp in these parts. And it's not like I can sit on the amp and wait for a full diagnosis - the seller wants me to $%^& or get off the pot. Hard to know what to do.....

The seller (an elderly man who is not really a musician) is convinced the problem is coming from the dirty control knobs....he doesn't even believe the amp needs work. So a discount is out of the question. I guess he just wants it back to resell it again.

Help....[This message was edited by Chris LeDrew on 30 November 2006 at 11:50 AM.]

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 30 Nov 2006 12:01 pm

In a world of really good sounding amps, and there are a lot of them out there, I'd ditch this one. Your tech cannot nail down the problem (you are fortunate to have an honest assessment) so it has the potential to be a real money pit where, after sinking one bill in to it, you can't afford not to sink another. If it still has problems after a couple of operations, you are in it for significant $$ and you can't sell it as anything other than a project amp at deep discount. The only reason to want this amp is for the coolness factor. Otherwise I seriously doubt that it is a much better sounding amp than a good handful of other good sounding amps. How much money are you willing to pay for that coolness? How much frustration are you willing to endure? Could be a $1500 amp in the end. How much great amp can that kind of money buy? I'd give it back and count my blessings that I'm rid of a potential deep headache.

robert kramer · Post by **robert kramer** » 30 Nov 2006 1:15 pm

I agree with Jon Light. This sounds more trouble than it's worth.