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This is a short Fender Rhodes amplification test
comparing a Roland KC-350 keyboard amp and a
Fender Twin Reverb.
The signal is then split using a boss AB switch
where the KC-350 is connected to channel A and the
fender twin is connected to channel B.
The signal on channel A goes through a tube
pre-amp and then into the KC-350.
The signal on channel B goes directly into the
Fender Twin Reverb.
The recordings where made using identical
microphones and settings on both amps.
The final recording is made by connecting the tube
pre-amp directly to the mixer.
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October 6. 2007
Thank you !
Well, do you need a tube amp to get a great Rhodes
sound ? In general: NO ! Many tube amps drain
the dynamics from the characteristic Rhodes sound.
Unless you go for a more harsh and cutting sound,
you should look for alternative amplification.
Many Rhodes recordings that you can hear on
records are recorded directly from the harp of the
Rhodes using a DI-box or pre-amp. There is no need
for tubes, unless you want to crunch things up a
little bit. High quality solid-state pre-amps will
do a very good job ! Actually I have used a
Crunch Master in this video. I have owned the
device since 1988 and I am quite happy with it.
What makes it very special is that it's not only a
pre-amp, but also a 1 watt power amp, providing
the more nice sounding power-amp
crunch/distortion. If you want to try it with the
Rhodes I recommend you to use the cab-output (it
has a cabinet simulator and power-soak built-in).
Eq'ing is important and I find the Eq options of
the Crunch Master very satisfying for the Rhodes.
A good full-range keyboard amp, a PA or a direct
connection to the mixer in a studio will provide
you with a great Rhodes sound. But of course, if
you like the hard tube sound, a Fender guitar amp
is the right choice (the Twin Reverb is ok, but
not the best!). For an example of that kind of
Rhodes sound, listen to Santana's "Samba De
Sausalito" from the "Welcome" record, or even
better the "Lotus" live album. The late great
Richard Kermode is playing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c86e3e9fX7A
But after all this please remember, that 95% of a
great Rhodes sound depends on your piano. I have
had several Rhodes pianos and some of them, even
though they were in mint condition, could just not
be adjusted to sound good. This is strange, but
that is how it is. You can get a great sounding
MkII that you do anything with and it will always
sound great. You can also get a bad sounding MkI
suitcase and no matter what you do with it and no
matter what amp or preamp you use, it will sound
boring. Focus on the piano first and then find the
amplification that you like.
I will post more videos when I find the time to
make them. Until then... Stay strong ;-)
Tags : Fender Rhodes Twin Reverb Roland KC-350 |
