The 5 year anniversary of buying my Super Dallas just lapsed back in December. As in all long term relationships, there have been ups and downs but over all it has been a fantastic journey. Just yesterday, I took advantage of an empty house and setup the SuperD and pine 2x12 in the living room and let ‘er rip! These are the times that remind me of what a good decision I made 5 years ago.
To quell my continuous amp gas for something different, I bought a Kemper 6 months ago. It has been a game-changer, making quality practice possible 24x7, and simplifying my gig rig. With the right profiles it is a stunning piece of tech and I totally love it. Endless options. But, alas, it’s not the Super Dallas.
Rotating thru most of my guitars, those 4 hours proved to be some of the most meaningful in months. The total experience - at gig volume - is the magic. I can sound great with cans or thru a 1x12 but that glorious, house rumbling beauty of a 50w amp at 75% pushing multiple speakers cannot be matched with the Kemper (actually, it can, but I don’t have - nor want - the sound support to make it happen). I miss this aspect of the guitar experience.
One of the characteristics that make this stand out is the ability to let each guitar have its own voice. I’ll confess: my SuperD needs my OD pedals to shine this brightly. But man, with the KTR and BB Preamp stacked, look out! The BB breathes more mid range and sculpted EQ into the path, but it doesn’t muddy or bury the guitar. And there isn’t so much gain that dynamics are squelched. The 335 is the 335 despite leaving the rig settings in the perfect spot for the DGT, Les Paul, SE245, or Vela. And being perfectly honest, that took me 3 years to find this magic combination of pedals and settings.
Realistically, protecting my remaining hearing and practicing regularly are primary goals. The SuperD may not get used as much as the previous years, but it is still my benchmark/Standard to which everything else is compared. If I get the opportunity to have my SD professionally profiled, I’m jumping at it. Even a reasonable facsimile would help me enjoy this beauty when Mrs. B doesn’t want to share in that enjoyment. And I wouldn’t have to go so long without the joy of playing my favorite amp, either. The SD will always be my favorite...happy anniversary!
To quell my continuous amp gas for something different, I bought a Kemper 6 months ago. It has been a game-changer, making quality practice possible 24x7, and simplifying my gig rig. With the right profiles it is a stunning piece of tech and I totally love it. Endless options. But, alas, it’s not the Super Dallas.
Rotating thru most of my guitars, those 4 hours proved to be some of the most meaningful in months. The total experience - at gig volume - is the magic. I can sound great with cans or thru a 1x12 but that glorious, house rumbling beauty of a 50w amp at 75% pushing multiple speakers cannot be matched with the Kemper (actually, it can, but I don’t have - nor want - the sound support to make it happen). I miss this aspect of the guitar experience.
One of the characteristics that make this stand out is the ability to let each guitar have its own voice. I’ll confess: my SuperD needs my OD pedals to shine this brightly. But man, with the KTR and BB Preamp stacked, look out! The BB breathes more mid range and sculpted EQ into the path, but it doesn’t muddy or bury the guitar. And there isn’t so much gain that dynamics are squelched. The 335 is the 335 despite leaving the rig settings in the perfect spot for the DGT, Les Paul, SE245, or Vela. And being perfectly honest, that took me 3 years to find this magic combination of pedals and settings.
Realistically, protecting my remaining hearing and practicing regularly are primary goals. The SuperD may not get used as much as the previous years, but it is still my benchmark/Standard to which everything else is compared. If I get the opportunity to have my SD professionally profiled, I’m jumping at it. Even a reasonable facsimile would help me enjoy this beauty when Mrs. B doesn’t want to share in that enjoyment. And I wouldn’t have to go so long without the joy of playing my favorite amp, either. The SD will always be my favorite...happy anniversary!