From Bob Corson - Sound Luthiers co-owner and Fat One amplifier owner comes this entry:
The Virtues of a Two Amp Rig
For several years now I have been gigging with a two amp rig, and love it. Yes there are times, depending on the size of venue, where one must stay at home. This is more of a space than a volume thing. For purposes of complete transparency, I have been using Fat One amps for the last 14 months.
For starters, here is the rig…
For spanky cleans and general headroom I use a Fat One Super with 2 10” speakers to carry a clean / modulated signal. For lead, a boost to the bottom end and to diversify my guitar tone I use a custom Fat One 1974 with two 12” speakers to carry overdrive / lead signal. I route the signal through a delay to play the clean, occasional reverb from the Super against the overdrive punch of the 1974. Despite obvious appearances to the contrary, I am not a pedal freak. In my opinion (author’s note: everyone’s opinion is different and valid) I get the best guitar tone through a clean signal to both amps. I consciously use the pedals to add colour and variety. None are “always on”. Although some nights the tuner gets more use than it should J
Background aside, let me share a couple observations on why I like a two amp set up:
1. Depth – the beef of the tone says it all. At all volumes the impact is somewhat analogous to mono vs. stereo in terms of ear attention
2. Variety – both amps on, one on and one off, mixing volumes, changing amp channels and adjusting the tone stack in each provides and endless combination of sound character.
3. Timbre – the quality of the sound, the lushness of chords, single note lines, and general fat character of the sound of any of my guitars or styles.
4. Volume – sounds great at 2, thick at 4 and has more balls than a tennis court at practice time at anything above 5.
5. Impact – I have yet to be at a gig where I have not been asked ‘what are those amps”, or, “ how do you get that sound”. The guys I play with are happy, I am happy and most important, the audience is to.
Like anything, there are also downsides to keep in mind.
1. End of Night Syndrome – guitar in one hand and amp in other is a big appeal at 1:30 or 2 in the morning. Transporting two amps, takes space in your car, care and two hands!
2. Stage Room – depending on the size of your band, and the venue, your rig takes up more real estate. It is a tough sell at small clubs.
3. Volume – you will need to spend time thinking through your pedal set up. Any boosts or overdrives will multiply your volume output. Do you want this through both amps or just one? How do you configure your board accordingly?
4. Expense – no surprise two amps are more expensive then one. To my wallet – it is well worth the investment.
Bob Corson
Exceedingly Happy Fat One Amp Customer & Co-Owner of Sound Luthiers, Inc., a Fat One Amp Distributor located in Ottawa , Ontario
To hear two Fat One’s in action check out either of the following gigs:
