solipsistic's Reviews

Simple but fantastic!

Simple to use but fantastic audio quality. Plenty of options without being overwhelming. 4 different types of Tremolo; tap-tempo; hold Tap switch to double the speed; singlet/doublet/triplet setting; rudimentary rhythm setting; momentary "On" mode. Very good build quality - solid-shaft potentiometers, metal-collared knobs with set screws, solid enclosure. Battery or adapter powered.

For its age it's a blast!

I bought mine used, but near mint, with two Mission Expression pedals and all the goodies (thankfully there was a manual by Laird Williams included!) This was my 2008 dream rig. It does show its age a bit with its non-movable effects, but they're laid out pretty close to how I use them most of the time. The tuner is fast and accurate, it's a pretty simple amp switcher, I really enjoy the Delays and Reverbs, and it's not really that difficult to understand (remember to read the paper by Laird Williams!) I'm having no issues with noise.

If you can get one cheap I'd recommend one. (I got mine for $200 CDN.) They're big, they're heavy, they're dated, but they're cool and sound good.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

It never fails to inspire. Even after all these years it's my favorite delay.

I've had the Alter Ego X4, on and off, for over a decade. I'm a gear head, so I've bought and sold 10 - 12 delays in the meantime - Free The Tone, Strymon, Boss, Dunlop, Fractal, SolidGoldFX, DOD... - and though they were all really, really good, every time i plug back in to the Alter Ego I get lost for a few hours. And with access to tc's Toneprint Editor I'm always able to get more than close enough to any delay type I might want. The editor is quite simple to use, too. If you want access to 90% of all delay types without having to own 50 different delays, this might be just the thing!

Not a Looker, but it's a fantastic, Pro-level stage amp!

I had one for 15 years. The black "carpet" covering looks dated but works like a charm to avoid scrapes and scuffs. Extremely versatile Clean channel with LOTS of headroom. Blackface/Silverface Cleans with more girth if you want it. The Drive channel can be tricky to dial in but it does Marshall-like grind with much more body. Definitely worth picking one up if you can find one.

Fantastic, underrated amp. A touring guitarist's dream.

An amp that should have been more popular. Think "Twin" on steroids; more available Mids, stronger, more manageable Bass. One of the most beautiful Clean tones a Combo can have. The Blue drive mode is an exploration of sheer jubilation! Every bit as beautiful as the the Clean mode, but more pop and upper Mids. Red mode has a heck of a lot of more Gain. Boost this and your Metal needs should be well met.

Built like a tank, very good Reverb, extra-good FX Loop. The stock Black Shadow speaker is perfect in the Combo.

Like a Secret Sauce for one's tone.

Didn't expect much from a one-knob boost, but Oh My Goodness, it's great! It's impossible to really describe its influence, but both Clearer and more Harmonic, with an excitement to the leading edge of each note. I used to use an EQ as Boost, but the Bows is a lot different; a lot better for guitar. If you find one, try it.

The most useful, toneful, friendly combo I've had in 45 years of playing.

It's difficult to not sound like a fan-boy with this amp. The Cleans are glorious - harmonically rich yet full. The Drive channel covers edge-of-breakup to full on distortion. It does everything so well I can't focus on just one thing. The Memphis is fantastic all-around. Both channels have three Voicing options which optimizes the EQ and gain of your guitar. 30 watts or 18 watts per channel. All four power tubes are in use in either setting. Exceptional Reverb! Plus the Reverb level drops automatically when switching to the Drive channel. Gorgeous fx loop, series or parallel.

The Memphis covers all my Fender needs and all my Drive needs with aplomb. A rare amp these days.