Digitech & MFX Amps
First off, a comment.
If any one of us was stranded somewhere for a length of time, and all you had was a Pignose and an old Kent guitar with microphonic pick-ups, I think most of us would make do, and get the most out of the situation. Apply this theory to Line6, Roland V series, Fender Cyber Twins, Behringer V-ampires, or any other modeling amp. All these amps can be tweaked and manipulated until the individual recieves the highest benefit from each. This is to say, I wouldn't kick any of them out of bed without living with them for a time. They are all capable in their own way of delivering professional, (if not personal), satisfaction.
That being said, my question;
Why hasn't Digitech entered the Amplifier arena?
With Digitechs advances in the Modeling and FX fields, it seems like a logical move. Imagine a GNX3K's abilities built into a Combo or head.
It seems like they could make something that could rival or surpass, anything thats out there. I'm sure that there are a number of reasons why they don't pursue this, but I can't buy any of them.
Anyone have thoughts on this? :?:
If any one of us was stranded somewhere for a length of time, and all you had was a Pignose and an old Kent guitar with microphonic pick-ups, I think most of us would make do, and get the most out of the situation. Apply this theory to Line6, Roland V series, Fender Cyber Twins, Behringer V-ampires, or any other modeling amp. All these amps can be tweaked and manipulated until the individual recieves the highest benefit from each. This is to say, I wouldn't kick any of them out of bed without living with them for a time. They are all capable in their own way of delivering professional, (if not personal), satisfaction.
That being said, my question;
Why hasn't Digitech entered the Amplifier arena?
With Digitechs advances in the Modeling and FX fields, it seems like a logical move. Imagine a GNX3K's abilities built into a Combo or head.
It seems like they could make something that could rival or surpass, anything thats out there. I'm sure that there are a number of reasons why they don't pursue this, but I can't buy any of them.
Anyone have thoughts on this? :?:
Comments
Quite honestly I'd rather they stick to the guns they have now, rather than bounce around and end up watering down the GeNetX series. I still shiver in discomfort every time I see the sheer number of amps Line 6 has at GC - Spider series and the like - as opposed to just having PODs and a Flextone or two and be done with it. Dunno... maybe I'm wrong.
Recent example: A boutique mfg, Reverend Amplification, made some terrific amplifiers, but the cost and overhead was such that they discontinued amps and moved into guitar manufacturing.
Digitech has deep enough pockets to do the amp thing, but I know there are CFO's at the top who would say, \"why spend all that $$$ and enter a market that is saturated with options...?\" The risk on ROI is too high. The payoff wouldn't be as high as you think (IMHO). No doubt they've already had numerous meetings about just such a product line.
Like ili said - their modus operandi seems to be tools to be used with whatever amp/output you like. There are many good choices already.
http://www.johnson-amp.com/
So probably the net profit was good enough...
As you may all have notice they are keeping their market under the $500 dollar mark now... They haven't done anything in the $500+ market for at least what 4+ years now?
http://www.johnson-amp.com/exit.htm
I did not expect to see that.
I guess the answer to that would be to have an alternative to the options. Johnson was one of the earliest, most powerful, MFX amps out there at the time. Despite using GSP series S-Disc technology, they were short lived. Still, I have to wonder how they would fare using the current modeling technology.
The next step was using those things from JM Series and creating Genetix modeler pedals. Problem with JM AXys, and others is one big thing..colorization. All amps/cabinet configurations color sound and problems heighten regardless of stomp floor efx, multieffects etc. The closest amp I've seen to overcome these issues are the Atomic reactor. Still, not the greatest of choices but if Digitech went that route then they are up against the SS vs Tube amp options. What's better, cheaper? SS of course, but Tube purists spending the green would have a different opinion. Next are the cabinets. It's not the amp alone that makes the natural color of the tone..cabinets are a huge part of that. Put some V30's against G1275's in the same 1960A cabinet and you get different opinions on tone. Now, add to that amp models that simulate both the amp and cabinet..what do you have? Bottom line is what is more practical in modeling? Anyone can buy a neutral PA amp, etc to run a GNX or L6 unit through. Just like when I first got the JM150 and went through the models , the big idea was stating the modeling claim as an argument to justify the cash. Same as the competitor. I can show you 10 guys that try a Vetta and 9 out of 10 would not be convinced enough to shell out 2300 on the kit. Most would spend that on an actual Marshall, Fender, and some pedals... Very hard still to convince users and purists alike. Second guessing is second nature. For some, Sdisc in the JM 150 was satisfying..read the forums and after owning the units a while..here come the second guessing. People read it...and then RIP JM150. Consequently, users form various opinions and become a go get it, or a nay sayer, just like here. Add 500 bucks to the GNX4 and see who bites. For most it's not worth the endeavor to create something as such. We built an amp that was colorless ( to a large degree) using all tube path..demo'd it for many..and most CO's saw no use in something that was not a defined tone. Most figured that users could buy a cheap Behringer PA amp and get by just as well. Our pitch died. Cost of this rack mount amp was around 850 avg by most Co's we pitched it too. Add to that , a GNX..again..one could buy a Marshall. Opinions have changed dramatically since then as modeling gets more and more accurate. Going back to what I mentioned earlier, modeling is cabinets too. Not all cabs sound the same and the models of modeled amps/cabinets when played through one type of cab..it's a new ball game!! Speakers themselves and their voice coils, type of magnets, and paper, produce a colored sound. Short answer is..it's hard to defeat all the challenges of Modeling. Play a bassman head through a 4x12 1960a...sounds nothing like a Fender..play a Marshall through a Fender 4x10...same results. Amp modeling requires an accurate cabinet model but colorless cabinets are next to impossible to fool seasoned players. Add to that , low end competitors..not worth their while. I could be wrong though!!
G3456
Comparing J-Station to GNX4, do you think there's an improvement in the newer modelers using similar technologies with more processors? Or does DT lose what Johnson had?
I too remember when I bought the JM150, J212ext, J12 controller in 97'. being escorted to that sealed room at guitar center in with the Mesa's, PRS, Roland VG88's, Chameleons, and the stuff that was hands off to experimental jammers impressing their friends. having to justify the 2500 or so for the package was a tough sell to the wife at that time. So I used my stay well pay (unused sick days) and bought my own Xmas present!! later, several of us users devised RP edit which led to newer modelers using an advanced editor software in their versions.