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Author
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Topic: Steel King amps info
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Miguel e Smith
Member From: Phoenix, AZ
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posted 14 June 2004 10:14 AM
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This info is from Shane Nicholas, the marketing manager for Fender amps... Fender is starting manufacturing this month and will show the amp at the July NAMM show in Nashville. List will be $1,000 and it will sell in most stores for $700. He did send me a spec sheet but I'll have to change my security settings for OE to be able to list it here. I'll do that as soon as I can. Mike |
Miguel e Smith
Member From: Phoenix, AZ
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posted 14 June 2004 02:20 PM
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OK, here's the spec sheet...
The World’s Most Popular Instrument Amplification...Since 1946
Steel-King™ What: It’s Fender’s first solid-state amplifier designed to handle the demands of the modern Pedal Steel Guitar with style, grace, and genuine Fender tone. It also happens to work wonderfully anywhere clean full-frequency instrument amplification is desired:
Jazz guitar
Gretsch & Guild hollowbody country fingerpickin’ styles
Latin American electric guitar styles
Reggae and “World Beat” guitar
Vintage Electric Piano!
Features Include:
200 Watts into 4 Ohms Loud & clean!
All-new preamp design tailored specifically for clean, versatile tone shaping
Genuine Fender Custom 15 Driver based on the now-collectable JBL® D130F model used by Fender in the 1960s and ‘70s. This updated 15” speaker delivers the clean, precision performance that many specialist players demand.
Speaker construction details:
Cast frame for strength
Shallow cone profile for wider dispersion and stage coverage
high flux density and large, lightweight voice coil for incredible sensitivity
aluminum center cap for distinct high-frequency response
Professional XLR line output with Level control, Ground Lift, and Pre-Post EQ
Effects loop and Tuner Output with Mute
Limiter with On-Off button prevents distortion when you play hard
Genuine Fender long-spring Reverb by Accutronics® You know it when you hear it!
Three-button footswitch included!
Fitted Cover included! Who: Pedal Steel Guitarists; Jazz, Country, Latin, and World Beat guitarists; Vintage Electric Piano players; Anyone who desires loud, clean, fat tone from their amplified instrument. Where: Designed in Scottsdale, AZ., USA. Manufactured in our facility in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. When: Launch at the Summer NAMM show, July 2004; begin shipping immediately after.
Why: Fender is the world leader in instrument amplification, but there are niche markets and specialty players that we have yet to reach. Steel Guitarists belong to one tight-knit community that we have begun to reach out to. It’s only natural, really…Leo Fender made Steels before he made a “standard” guitar!
MSRP: $999.99 USD
Weight: 66 lbs.
Height: 21” Width: 20” Depth: 12.5”
Part # 228-9500-000 (120V) UPC# 717669302559
228-9507-000 (100V)
228-9506-000 (230V EURO)
228-9504-000 (230V UK)
228-9503-000 (240V AUS)
JBL is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.
Accutronics is a registered trademark of Sound Enhancements, Inc. |
Doug Earnest
Member From: Branson, MO USA
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posted 15 June 2004 06:57 AM
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OH BOY !!!! I can't wait to hear one. ------------------
Doug Earnest
The only Zum Keyless U12, Fender Cyber Twin |
Pete Burak
Member From: Portland, OR USA
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posted 15 June 2004 07:58 AM
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Guitar Center is the Fender dealer in my area. Which means, like so many reputable steel guitar product dealers offer (Hilton, Sarno, etc...) I'll have a 30 day, no questions asked, trial period.
All hail The King!
(uhhh... is this amp gonna have that built in tambourine effect like this one? http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum11/HTML/005008.html )
[This message was edited by Pete Burak on 15 June 2004 at 10:37 AM.] |
Rex Thomas
Member From: Thompson's Station, TN
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posted 15 June 2004 07:23 PM
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...and away we go.
THANX, MIKE! |
Boo Bernstein
Member From: Los Angeles, CA
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posted 18 June 2004 02:29 PM
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Hey, Mike -- Do you have the control configuration? Is it just treble, mid, bass or is there a control to focus on different frequencies? Are the tone controls active with boosts? Is there a presence control? Thanks in advance. Boo |
Rex Thomas
Member From: Thompson's Station, TN
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posted 18 June 2004 06:37 PM
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Here Boo; Mike goes into the controls some in the "thread within the thread", third reply down in this thread: http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum11/HTML/005193.html
As far as I'm concerned, competition improves the breed, so bring it on. |
John Floyd
Member From: Somewhere between Camden County , NC and Saluda S.C.
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posted 19 June 2004 12:47 AM
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Everything that I've seen about this amp looks pretty good, but how does it compare to a Nashville 1000. The NV 1000 is lighter, about the same price, has a 100 watts more output, and has a proven record as far as its sound, also made of a Good Plywood Cabinet. The only Negative thing about the NV 1000 is the reverb.and hardly anybody uses it anyway.Nashville™ 1000
Item # 00375340
MSRP: $1,049.99
The benchmark for pedal steel amps.
Features
Digital power amp (300 Watts RMS at 4 Ohms) with switch-mode power supply
High-definition, low noise analog input
Lightweight
15 inch Black Widow® 1501-4 speaker
DDT™ compression for speaker protection
Pre-EQ patch send and return (volume pedal patch)
Footswitchable post-EQ effects loop send and return
Active low, mid, mid shift, high, presence tone controls
Reverb
Preamp output, power amp input patch capability
Footswitch for effects loop and reverb
Pre-gain control
Master gain control
Footswitch included
Dimensions and Weight
Unpacked: 20.50" H x 26.50" W x 11.38" D - 57.10 lbs.
Packed: 24.75" H x 30.00" W x 15.00" D - 67.00 lbs.
[This message was edited by John Floyd on 19 June 2004 at 12:55 AM.]
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Doug Earnest
Member From: Branson, MO USA
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posted 19 June 2004 06:41 AM
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I'm looking forward to a "tone shootout" between these two amps. I hope Fender uses a plywood cabinet instead of the particle board used on some of their newer amps. ------------------
Doug Earnest
The only Zum Keyless U12, Fender Cyber Twin |
Kevin Hatton
Member From: Amherst, N.Y.
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posted 19 June 2004 07:06 AM
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I'll bet on the Fender.
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Bob Storti
Member From: Matthews, North Carolina, USA
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posted 19 June 2004 04:40 PM
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My money is on the Nashville 1000 - I'm not overly impressed with much of anything Fender has put out for amps in the last 10 years. The specs on the Steel King aren't showing me anything really great. No offense to those that love Fenders. Alot of great players do and more power to them. I guess I'll always be a Peavey guy (and proud of it). Just my 2 cents.Bob ------------------
Carter D10 8P/6K, Sho-Bud Pro I 3P/3K, Peavey Nashville 1000, Goodrich LDR Volume Pedal, TC Electronics M300 Effects Processor, BBE 482i Sonic Maximizer
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Gino Iorfida
Member From: Oakdale, Pennsylvania, USA
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posted 19 June 2004 05:56 PM
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Won't have the 'tambourine effect' going on... that problem was due to power tube microphonics. Chances are the tubes were not microphonic when they left the factory, however the shipping caused them to go microphonic. When playing with that massive speaker, and low end once again, it's quite possible to induce it.
BUT since the Steel King is solid state, you CAN"T have microphonic tubes 
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James Morehead
Member From: Durant, Oklahoma, USA
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posted 20 June 2004 03:51 PM
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Fender will have to hustle a little to win back the market. I am still using the old stuff and love it. I wouldn't be too interested in the newer products, though. |
Dana Wayne
Member From: Tallahassee, Fl
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posted 21 June 2004 03:59 PM
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Just got one of the Steel-King prototypes. ......took it out of the box, plugged in , and WOW!. very impressive! it's one of those amps that sounds good no matter where the controls are set. way to go Fender! |
Bill Ford
Member From: Graniteville SC Aiken
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posted 21 June 2004 04:17 PM
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If it sounds like I remember my old Super reverb, W/ 4..10s (silverface)sounding, I probably may be convinced to get one.
Really got a lot of compliments on it,great tone, power to spare,never ran the volume over 4 on the dial. Played little clubs, big clubs, outside,back porch jams,traded it for a Tele for my son when I gave it up in 79...Wish I had it now just to hear what it would sound like.Bill |
Vann Cranford
Member From: Ayden, North Carolina, USA 28513-7004
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posted 21 June 2004 07:05 PM
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One comment to add about the mention of a bad sounding reverb on the Nashville 1000 is that since July 2003 Peavey has been shipping the 1000 with a 3 spring reverb in it like the Nashville 112 has in it. This is according to Mike Brown in a phone conversation that I had with him recently.
If any of you have not heard or played through the new 1000, then you have missed a treat. I agree with John Floyd that the reverb on the first 1000s(2 springs) sounded terrible. However, my new 1000 is hard to beat. It has made me want to stop playing my two Nashville 400s.
Just wanted to clarify the improvement that Peavey has made on the 1000. Vann |
Rex Thomas
Member From: Thompson's Station, TN
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posted 21 June 2004 08:05 PM
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Well ok; another person whos opinion I trust is impressed with the Steel King. Looking forward to a test drive...[This message was edited by Rex Thomas on 21 June 2004 at 08:06 PM.] |
Mike Brown
Member From: Meridian, Mississippi USA
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posted 22 June 2004 05:19 PM
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Vann is correct. The Nashville 1000 reverb was changed to the 3 spring Accutronics in mid July. However, thousands of players are very satified with the 2 spring on earlier Nashville 1000's. Try one out at most all steel shows when you get a chance or at your Peavey dealer. Mike Brown
Peavey Electronics Corporation |
Rex Thomas
Member From: Thompson's Station, TN
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posted 22 June 2004 05:40 PM
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...and I'm one of those VERY satisfied players. Matter of fact I prefer my 1000's 2 springer (& I had quite a few exernal reverbs; Alesis, Lexicon, T.C. Ele.) & the ONLY reason I'll turn it off & use an external reverb is if I'm put on a wobbly stage next to a drummer named BLUTO. Otherwise, as a rule I'll use NO effects other than my 1000's verb.
Though I'm anxious to try out the Steel King, having said that, the direct out of the Steel King is going to have to come out swinging because my 1000's direct out sounds LOVELY. I've seen some guys posting that it doesn't work for them, but my 1000's line out sounds great, like it's straight out of a speaker miked with an old U-47 (well to me anyway). No tell-tale direct sound whatsoever.
I'm glad Fender wants to give us another choice, but it's going to have some TOUGH competition.[This message was edited by Rex Thomas on 22 June 2004 at 05:41 PM.] |
Earnest Bovine
Member From: Los Angeles CA USA
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posted 22 June 2004 05:51 PM
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quote:
on a wobbly stage next to a drummer named BLUTO.
or background vocalists "The Three Tons Of Joy" |
Rex Thomas
Member From: Thompson's Station, TN
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posted 22 June 2004 07:09 PM
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YIKES!!   |
John Floyd
Member From: Somewhere between Camden County , NC and Saluda S.C.
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posted 22 June 2004 10:31 PM
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Glad to hear Peavey has Cleaned up the Reverb Problems in the NV 1000 and By the way, I really like the appearance of the NV 1000. Its a Good looking amp. Good Styling.I guess its about time I bought one, for the times when I don't want to haul my rack rig with the 2 PX 300's. Having someone like Mike Brown at Peavey makes this an easy decision and a no brainer.[This message was edited by John Floyd on 22 June 2004 at 10:39 PM.] |
Rex Thomas
Member From: Thompson's Station, TN
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posted 23 June 2004 10:40 AM
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Yep, me happy with my 1000.
Nonetheless; BRING ON THE KING! |
Joey Ace
Sysop From: Southern Ontario, Canada
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posted 30 July 2004 06:40 AM
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quote:
"No offense to those that love Fenders... "
Serious question:
Does anyone really love any new Fenders? I know there is an army of players that love the old tube, USA made Fenders, and rightly so. I'm not aware of any recent Fender amps that have a great reputation.
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Brad Bechtel
Moderator From: San Francisco, CA
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posted 30 July 2004 08:09 AM
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Actually, I'm a big fan of the lower end Fender tube amps. The Pro Junior and Blues Junior amps are great low powered amps, perfect for many people's needs.
The big problem I have with the larger amps such as the Hot Rod series is that they're far too loud for my needs at any volume above 3. |
Miguel e Smith
Member From: Phoenix, AZ
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posted 30 July 2004 08:42 AM
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Since Brad bumped this to the top, I noticed Joey's question and I'll jump in on that one.I did a beta test several times on the Steel King both live and in the studio over the last 3 to 4 months. As I've mentioned in other threads, I was never, ever a fan of Fender amps for steel because I personally could not get a decent sound out of one (unlike folks like J.D. who sounded wonderful). During some of the early prototype tinkering at Fender, Sam took readings of my tone via my exisiting rack gear. He said later that the default settings on the King were still those settings. I've seen threads mention this being old technology and mention of it's weight and where it was made, but for me it comes down to what something sounds like. My experience to date is that this is a quality sounding piece of gear. I can't give you the technical reasons why, but I can tell you what my ears are hearing. I'm getting my very own unit in a few weeks and I'm looking forward to doing a new recording project with it (even the direct sound was extremely cool on the tests I did). Everyone is not going to love it and that is true for every brand on the market. However, I do think it's worth taking a spin if even it's to satisfy your curiousty. For me...yeah, I love the sound. Mike [This message was edited by Miguel e Smith on 30 July 2004 at 08:47 AM.]
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Bob Metzger
Member From: Waltham (Boston), MA, USA
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posted 01 August 2004 12:08 PM
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I agree with Brad. The Pro Jr. (especially) and the Blues Jr. are fantastic amps, although not really steel guitar amps. The Vibro King is also a good amp. I might add that I saw and heard Mitch Watkins, playing guitar with Lyle Lovett, using a Cyber-Twin and he sounded very, very good (and played great). I have not had the pleasure of using a Cyber-Twin yet myself. Of course, Fender has had their share of 'misses' in the last 10~15 years. I bought a RI Super Reverb when they first emerged (I used it as a guitar amp) and liked it initially but I eventually decided it sounds mediocre and I haven't used it in a few years (It is also the most unreliable Fender amp I have ever owned and generally Fender is a brand known for great reliability!). Until now, the only true steel amps made by Fender were the Vibrosonic Reverbs (silverface and the later custom). They can be made into fine steel guitar amps but straight out of the box, they are only good without being great. I feel these were only half-hearted commitments by Fender rather than a true re-thinking of the amplification challenges presented by modern steel guitar. However, I would say that Fender has earned the right to have any new amp product taken seriously, but like all things, the marketplace will be the final arbiter. Bob M. |
Jerry Hendrix
Member From: Manistee, Michigan, USA
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posted 10 August 2004 07:16 PM
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: Do it got`s A HEMMIE ? |
Greg Sullivan
Member From: Poughquag NY.
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posted 10 August 2004 10:24 PM
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Does anyone recall the solid state amps Fender did during the 1970's? The Scorpio and Libra amps?.[This message was edited by Greg Sullivan on 10 August 2004 at 10:28 PM.] |
Tim Whitlock
Member From: Arvada, CO, USA
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posted 11 August 2004 05:38 AM
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Yes, the infamous Zodiac series. An ill-fated attempt to introduce solid state to Fender's line of amps. These amps have a reputation as some of the worst products Fender ever built. Here's a picture of the Libra:
http://www.guitarplayers.net/pics/1968FenderLibra.jpg [This message was edited by Tim Whitlock on 11 August 2004 at 05:45 AM.] |
Dave Robbins
Member From: Nashville, Tnn. USA
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posted 11 August 2004 08:25 PM
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It's not about your favorite, your biases, or your preferences, whether it is Fender or Peavey. It is about "SOUND!" I have heard the new Steel King and beleive me or not, it "sounds" Right! It is no doubt the best sounding "steel" amp I've heard in a long time. Bar none!Dave |
Tommy M
Member From: Indiana
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posted 11 August 2004 08:50 PM
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I ordered my Steel King a few days before the NAAM show from Sweetwater Sound in Ft. Wayne, IN. and picked it up yesterday. I unpacked it last night, but didn't get to check it out until today. WOW!!! I plugged it in and did a little adjusting and experimenting. I have repeatedly returned to my steel off and on all day. I am amazed with clarity and fullness of this amp! This is what I've been wanting to hear out of an amp for a long long time. First day impression: I believe I've found a new friend!------------------
Tommy Minniear
www.ntsga.com
[This message was edited by Tommy M on 11 August 2004 at 08:53 PM.]
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Sam Marshall
Member From: Chandler, AZ USA
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posted 12 August 2004 08:21 AM
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Tommy M. - thanks for the nice review!By the way, I remember when I was a kid, a salesman at Arnold & Morgan's in Garland insisted that my Dad should not even consider a Zodiac amp. My Dad, who was in the electronics industry at that time, was determined that solid-state was the way to go in the 60's & 70's. We eventually got a solid-state Heathkit guitar amp that someone else built. Sam |
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