reverb tank vs surfy bear fet?

horax

Joined: Mar 23, 2011
Posts: 518
colorado springs
United States

Posted on Jun 07 2016 08:06 AM

For those who have played both, which is your preference and why?

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eddiekatcher

Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2778
Atlanta, GA
1 News Pin

Posted on Jun 07 2016 09:21 AM

I have several Fender units and lately I've been using my Surfy Bear almost exclusively. They are both great.

For the guy that isn't interested in laying out big $$$'s for a Fender unit, (re-issue or vintage tank), or wants to take the cosmetics in a different direction, the Surfy Bear is as good as it gets.

I am particularly happy with the guitar's dry sound coming through the Surfy Bear. I didn't realize how that was getting a bit lost in the Fender units but it comes through big clean and bold in the SB. I like that a lot and the cost is better than a pedal of which I've not yet found one that sounds particularly good.

All good choices. Didn't help a bit, did I?

ed

—

Traditional........speak softly and play through a big blonde amp. Did I mention that I still like big blonde amps?

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horax

Joined: Mar 23, 2011
Posts: 518
colorado springs
United States

Posted on Jun 07 2016 11:57 AM

hahaha!

It does sound like a more cost friendly solution.
I can solder. I just don't know about building a cab or whatever is needed.
I don't have many tools, really.

What would you recommend if I went hte surfy bear route?

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eddiekatcher

Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2778
Atlanta, GA
1 News Pin

Posted on Jun 07 2016 12:05 PM

There are a lot of different approaches to the Surfy Bear cosmetics wise on the build thread. You can probably chase down sonichris up in south Denver and contract him to build you a cab. He does amazing work.

In a pinch you could build a wood box and paint it with black spray paint. The guys with the metal tool boxes have a good thing going.

Richard pointed out a source of suitable and affordable cabs he found on the internet. Maybe he will chime in the info.

ed

—

Traditional........speak softly and play through a big blonde amp. Did I mention that I still like big blonde amps?

Top

JObeast

Joined: Jul 24, 2012
Posts: 2762
Finknabad, Squinkistan
Turkmenistan

Posted on Jun 07 2016 12:15 PM

Borax,
Just use a metal toolbox of sufficient length. No need to get into cabinetry. you can also stow things in the left over space above the pan, or house two pans and circuit boards in it for a stereo FET reverb unit.

All you need is a soldering iron, power drill for mounting, screwdriver and pliers.

Ed posits a stronger dry guitar signal through the Surfy Bear than through the Fender. This argues that the FET Reverb is a real improvement over the 50+year old design of the original.

.horax wrote:

hahaha!

It does sound like a more cost friendly solution.
I can solder. I just don't know about building a cab or whatever is needed.
I don't have many tools, really.

What would you recommend if I went hte surfy bear route?

—

Squink Out!

Top

horax

Joined: Mar 23, 2011
Posts: 518
colorado springs
United States

Posted on Jun 07 2016 12:28 PM

Sounds like the way to go, if you ask me!

maybe I could build something wooden and either finish the wood with dye to make it look nice and boutique....but I'd like something in a surfy context. Maybe like aqua blue sparkle finish or something like that.

So if I'm reading correclty, the pack comes wiht the PCB board and all the things needed. Then I need to solder the board and set up the connectiosn to the pan and mount it and tha'ts it?

Top

horax

Joined: Mar 23, 2011
Posts: 518
colorado springs
United States

Posted on Jun 07 2016 12:34 PM

actually, I have a better idea to better match my rig.
This will be cool, and I haevn't seen one of these done yet.

If I start soon, I will post a build thread.

Top

Badger

Joined: Nov 16, 2013
Posts: 4537
Wisconsin
United States

Posted on Jun 07 2016 04:22 PM

horax wrote:

If I start soon, I will post a build thread.

Can't wait to see it. Obviously there's no interest in the Surfy Bear because this existing thread has ONLY gone to 60 pages....

—

Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel

DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.

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JObeast

Joined: Jul 24, 2012
Posts: 2762
Finknabad, Squinkistan
Turkmenistan

Posted on Jun 07 2016 06:14 PM

How about a tool box finished in heavily clearcoated largeflake candy apple red auto finish, with a control plate hand painted and pinstriped? That would be badass Kustom.

The kit has all the parts, but you need a switching-type wall wart or equivalent.
I think you can download a graphic file of the control plate from Bjørn's site. Print the faceplate or otherwise render it on the top front of your box and drill appropriately sized holes for the pot shafts and jacks in the places shown on it.
You also have to place holes for a screw that pierces the center of the FET pc board and some arrangement for a chassis on which to mount the RCA female output jacks. I used a piece of stiff aluminum that is bent at a right angle. I mounted it to chassis of the unit (the toolbox lid) with some silicone washers to isolate it.

You have to get yourself a bulb if you want it to have a power indicator. If you choose a LED you need to put a 100k resistor on it.
Or does the new kit come with a bulb?

There are options for power too, such as installing a 3-prong female jack and keeping the wall wart inside the box, to attaching a power lead from an antique clothes iron for the cool cotton cover, vintage style.

But it would be sweet to see one painted and pinstriped in Ratfink style.

horax wrote:*

Sounds like the way to go, if you ask me!

maybe I could build something wooden and either finish the wood with dye to make it look nice and boutique....but I'd like something in a surfy context. Maybe like aqua blue sparkle finish or something like that.

So if I'm reading correclty, the pack comes wiht the PCB board and all the things needed. Then I need to solder the board and set up the connectiosn to the pan and mount it and tha'ts it?

—

Squink Out!

Last edited: Jun 07, 2016 18:15:57

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CrazyAces

Joined: Jul 31, 2012
Posts: 4053
Nashville, TN.
3 News Pins

Posted on Jun 08 2016 09:34 AM

Another vote for the Surfy Bear here.
We finally got to not only try one of ours out but compare it as well to my reissue tank, which sounds almost exactly like my bandmates' '63.
The Surfy Bear was able to ( to our ears) totally replicate the sound and tone of my tank.
It was a quick comparison at the end of a recording session but we found that, like Ed said, the original signal of the guitar was retained a bit better than the tank and we also liked the responsiveness of the controls, the pot/knob tapers better on the Surfy Bear.
If you want to speed things along I believe you can get Bjorn to do the soldering for you for a very reasonable charge.
This way you can order your tank and power supply and plug it all in when it arrives, check it out immediately.
My bandmate did that. I solder a lot for living and don't find it to be a fun hobby I was a bit jealous, ha ha!

Hope that adds a little, helps,

Jeff

—

http://www.facebook.com/CrazyAcesMusic
http://www.youtube.com/user/crazyacesrock
http://www.reverbnation.com/crazyacesmusic

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JObeast

Joined: Jul 24, 2012
Posts: 2762
Finknabad, Squinkistan
Turkmenistan

Posted on Jun 08 2016 10:19 AM

If it costs 70% less than the "real thing" and sounds as good, how can there be a contest on any other grounds but pure visual aesthetics - aurally (what counts for more in music?) the Surfy Bear actually has an edge on Leo's design.
I guess the only thing to do is t begin marketing the Surfy Bear in a complete package that rivals the 6G15 tanks, tolex and all. What would the best price point be? Probably the cabinetry could be contracted to another shop. I see Mojo retails them for $130.

—

Squink Out!

Last edited: Jun 08, 2016 10:30:07

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Gilette

Joined: May 04, 2014
Posts: 734
Montserrat

Posted on Jun 08 2016 10:50 AM

+1 on the Surfy Bear. You won't regret the investment.

Top

horax Joined: Mar 23, 2011 Posts: 518 colorado springs	Posted on Jun 07 2016 08:06 AM For those who have played both, which is your preference and why? Top
eddiekatcher Joined: Mar 14, 2006 Posts: 2778 Atlanta, GA	Posted on Jun 07 2016 09:21 AM I have several Fender units and lately I've been using my Surfy Bear almost exclusively. They are both great. For the guy that isn't interested in laying out big $$$'s for a Fender unit, (re-issue or vintage tank), or wants to take the cosmetics in a different direction, the Surfy Bear is as good as it gets. I am particularly happy with the guitar's dry sound coming through the Surfy Bear. I didn't realize how that was getting a bit lost in the Fender units but it comes through big clean and bold in the SB. I like that a lot and the cost is better than a pedal of which I've not yet found one that sounds particularly good. All good choices. Didn't help a bit, did I? ed — Traditional........speak softly and play through a big blonde amp. Did I mention that I still like big blonde amps? Top
horax Joined: Mar 23, 2011 Posts: 518 colorado springs	Posted on Jun 07 2016 11:57 AM hahaha! It does sound like a more cost friendly solution. I can solder. I just don't know about building a cab or whatever is needed. I don't have many tools, really. What would you recommend if I went hte surfy bear route? Top
eddiekatcher Joined: Mar 14, 2006 Posts: 2778 Atlanta, GA	Posted on Jun 07 2016 12:05 PM There are a lot of different approaches to the Surfy Bear cosmetics wise on the build thread. You can probably chase down sonichris up in south Denver and contract him to build you a cab. He does amazing work. In a pinch you could build a wood box and paint it with black spray paint. The guys with the metal tool boxes have a good thing going. Richard pointed out a source of suitable and affordable cabs he found on the internet. Maybe he will chime in the info. ed — Traditional........speak softly and play through a big blonde amp. Did I mention that I still like big blonde amps? Top
JObeast Joined: Jul 24, 2012 Posts: 2762 Finknabad, Squinkistan	Posted on Jun 07 2016 12:15 PM Borax, Just use a metal toolbox of sufficient length. No need to get into cabinetry. you can also stow things in the left over space above the pan, or house two pans and circuit boards in it for a stereo FET reverb unit. All you need is a soldering iron, power drill for mounting, screwdriver and pliers. Ed posits a stronger dry guitar signal through the Surfy Bear than through the Fender. This argues that the FET Reverb is a real improvement over the 50+year old design of the original. .horax wrote: hahaha! It does sound like a more cost friendly solution. I can solder. I just don't know about building a cab or whatever is needed. I don't have many tools, really. What would you recommend if I went hte surfy bear route? — Squink Out! Top
horax Joined: Mar 23, 2011 Posts: 518 colorado springs	Posted on Jun 07 2016 12:28 PM Sounds like the way to go, if you ask me! maybe I could build something wooden and either finish the wood with dye to make it look nice and boutique....but I'd like something in a surfy context. Maybe like aqua blue sparkle finish or something like that. So if I'm reading correclty, the pack comes wiht the PCB board and all the things needed. Then I need to solder the board and set up the connectiosn to the pan and mount it and tha'ts it? Top
horax Joined: Mar 23, 2011 Posts: 518 colorado springs	Posted on Jun 07 2016 12:34 PM actually, I have a better idea to better match my rig. This will be cool, and I haevn't seen one of these done yet. If I start soon, I will post a build thread. Top
Badger Joined: Nov 16, 2013 Posts: 4537 Wisconsin	Posted on Jun 07 2016 04:22 PM horax wrote: If I start soon, I will post a build thread. Can't wait to see it. Obviously there's no interest in the Surfy Bear because this existing thread has ONLY gone to 60 pages.... — Wes SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices. Top
JObeast Joined: Jul 24, 2012 Posts: 2762 Finknabad, Squinkistan	Posted on Jun 07 2016 06:14 PM How about a tool box finished in heavily clearcoated largeflake candy apple red auto finish, with a control plate hand painted and pinstriped? That would be badass Kustom. The kit has all the parts, but you need a switching-type wall wart or equivalent. I think you can download a graphic file of the control plate from Bjørn's site. Print the faceplate or otherwise render it on the top front of your box and drill appropriately sized holes for the pot shafts and jacks in the places shown on it. You also have to place holes for a screw that pierces the center of the FET pc board and some arrangement for a chassis on which to mount the RCA female output jacks. I used a piece of stiff aluminum that is bent at a right angle. I mounted it to chassis of the unit (the toolbox lid) with some silicone washers to isolate it. You have to get yourself a bulb if you want it to have a power indicator. If you choose a LED you need to put a 100k resistor on it. Or does the new kit come with a bulb? There are options for power too, such as installing a 3-prong female jack and keeping the wall wart inside the box, to attaching a power lead from an antique clothes iron for the cool cotton cover, vintage style. But it would be sweet to see one painted and pinstriped in Ratfink style. horax wrote:* Sounds like the way to go, if you ask me! maybe I could build something wooden and either finish the wood with dye to make it look nice and boutique....but I'd like something in a surfy context. Maybe like aqua blue sparkle finish or something like that. So if I'm reading correclty, the pack comes wiht the PCB board and all the things needed. Then I need to solder the board and set up the connectiosn to the pan and mount it and tha'ts it? — Squink Out! Last edited: Jun 07, 2016 18:15:57 Top
CrazyAces Joined: Jul 31, 2012 Posts: 4053 Nashville, TN.	Posted on Jun 08 2016 09:34 AM Another vote for the Surfy Bear here. We finally got to not only try one of ours out but compare it as well to my reissue tank, which sounds almost exactly like my bandmates' '63. The Surfy Bear was able to ( to our ears) totally replicate the sound and tone of my tank. It was a quick comparison at the end of a recording session but we found that, like Ed said, the original signal of the guitar was retained a bit better than the tank and we also liked the responsiveness of the controls, the pot/knob tapers better on the Surfy Bear. If you want to speed things along I believe you can get Bjorn to do the soldering for you for a very reasonable charge. This way you can order your tank and power supply and plug it all in when it arrives, check it out immediately. My bandmate did that. I solder a lot for living and don't find it to be a fun hobby I was a bit jealous, ha ha! Hope that adds a little, helps, Jeff — http://www.facebook.com/CrazyAcesMusic http://www.youtube.com/user/crazyacesrock http://www.reverbnation.com/crazyacesmusic Top
JObeast Joined: Jul 24, 2012 Posts: 2762 Finknabad, Squinkistan	Posted on Jun 08 2016 10:19 AM If it costs 70% less than the "real thing" and sounds as good, how can there be a contest on any other grounds but pure visual aesthetics - aurally (what counts for more in music?) the Surfy Bear actually has an edge on Leo's design. I guess the only thing to do is t begin marketing the Surfy Bear in a complete package that rivals the 6G15 tanks, tolex and all. What would the best price point be? Probably the cabinetry could be contracted to another shop. I see Mojo retails them for $130. — Squink Out! Last edited: Jun 08, 2016 10:30:07 Top
Gilette Joined: May 04, 2014 Posts: 734	Posted on Jun 08 2016 10:50 AM +1 on the Surfy Bear. You won't regret the investment. Top

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reverb tank vs surfy bear fet?