Formula Preamp questions

[lttoler]

I am debating about getting a Formula preamp. Is this a very versatile amp for all styles if it has been modded? I play in a rock cover band doing stuff from classic rock to more metallish stuff. Also, what price range should I be looking at? Thanks!

 

[Tubes Rock!]

Anywhere between $450 - $550 USD.

 

[lttoler]

Okay thanks! Are they very versatile?

 

[Tubes Rock!]

It's cleans are nice, but I guess it really depends on your style of playing. The gain isn't that great, there is a mod supposedly to improve this channel, but it's nothing like a Quad or Studio Pre or Recto Pre... If your into a semi clean and crystal clean, this preamp is for you...

 

[JT_Marshmallow]

I looked into this preamp a while ago and read a lot of reviews at the time. The reviewers' consensus was that its got a fabulous clean channel but a rather generic distortion mode. If you want a terrific clean channel and an angelic distortion mode, go for a Studio Preamp. It will run you about the same amount of money as a Formula.

On the other hand, if your favorite way to use distortion is to run different pedals into an amp's clean channel (Joe Satriani does this with Peavey amps) this should provide a great clean channel for doing so.

 

[lttoler]

does the generic sound apply to the stock version or the modded version?

 

[JT_Marshmallow]

My knowledge is based on the stock circuit. Most amp mods usually don't make the tone go from generic to angelic, though I'm sure it improves it somehow.

 

[daveyboogie]

I modded my Formula last year and I'm now 'reasonably' happy with it. As mentioned, the cleans and crunch sound great but the lead still isn't quite there even with the mod. The modded lead is a definite improvement IMO but the tone is still more like a heavy crunch rather than a searing overdrive: turn the gain right up and the mids and highs seem to get all the drive while the bass stays relatively clean in comparison. Not really any good for metal but OK crunchy rhythm work. Carefull use of the EQ can get some very usable tones too.

Basically, you'll probably just end up buying a quad (like I just did!)