ArtS
Joined: May 09, 2008
Posts: 1417
Isle of Kent, MD
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Posted on Jul 21 2020 10:07 AM
All,
The Fender tank (reissue) I bought years ago used has never performed like I need it to, retubed, cleaned, but not enjoying it. Doesn't sound as nice as Jim's (my bassist/2nd gtr) older unit.
Anyway, heard a lot of good things about surfy bear and would like to downsize and get away from the tubes.
Need nuanced differences between the Classic and Metal for anyone who has played/heard both. Thanks, I looked for a thread, so if I missed it, please point me in the direction. Otherwise surf geeks, I need your input!!!!!!
(FYI-Already saw Facebook video from SurfyBear, would like you'all's take)
— Surf.The most dangerous of genres...
Surfcat
MARCH OF THE DEAD SURFERS! (2024) - Agent Octopus
UPDATED Agent Octopus Bandcamp with videos
YOUTUBE - Agent Octopus Surf
Last edited: Jul 21, 2020 10:22:11
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JONPAUL
Joined: Apr 29, 2010
Posts: 2472
Venice, CA
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Posted on Jul 21 2020 01:13 PM
Hey ArtS,
This is a very good question. For those that haven't had the opportunity to try all 3 Surfy Bear reverb products in person, here's how I break it down in the most simple, practical terms...
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Classic This is really all about tradition, aesthetic and vintage vibe. Controls and appearance just like a traditional tube outboard unit, just much smaller and lighter.
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Metal A look, footprint and features for a more "modern" player used to certain newer advancements in a pedal. It has an on/off switch with a light, the ability to utilize a separate foot switch, true bypass and, the BIG difference in functionality, it has an additional volume knob for even further tone adjustment.
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Compact Take the metal, shrink it down considerably, and add a built-in "DRIP SWITCH" that allows you to alternate between two different levels of reverb. Maybe you have a song that requires both heavy drip and light reverb. This allows you to switch between the two on the fly with the simple tap of a switch, rather than physically have to change the settings on your traditional outboard unit and back. And the BIG new advancement with the Compact is the DECAY knob, which lets you dial in your reverb even more by adjusting the tail. And of course, the size! You cannot imagine how good the sound is that comes out of this little guy! Honestly, I was very skeptical that the smaller size and different spring configuration would drip as much, but it does and is amazing!
I hope this makes things a little clearer regarding the differences between these three incredible products! It really comes down to your own personal applications and requirements. Notice that I didn't mention anything about the differences in the actual sound. This is because all 3 sound incredible and provide a true spring reverb satisfaction. Honestly, you can't go wrong.
— Insect Surfers
The Tikiyaki Orchestra
The Scimitars
Lords Of Atlantis
Fiberglass Jungle - Surf Radio
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ArtS
Joined: May 09, 2008
Posts: 1417
Isle of Kent, MD
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Posted on Jul 21 2020 02:01 PM
JonPaul,
Thanks! Leaning towards the classic. A few more $$$, but I think that would fit my style better.
— Surf.The most dangerous of genres...
Surfcat
MARCH OF THE DEAD SURFERS! (2024) - Agent Octopus
UPDATED Agent Octopus Bandcamp with videos
YOUTUBE - Agent Octopus Surf
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Skiltrip
Joined: Mar 09, 2014
Posts: 92
New York
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Posted on Jul 21 2020 07:14 PM
Agree with JonPaul on how amazing the Compact sounds. I was skeptical as well. I bought both the Compact and Metal version because I had to see for myself. It's crazy how similar they actually can sound. The build and design on the Compact is incredible too.
— Guitarist for Northern Tides from Hudson Valley, NY.
Northern Tides on FB
Last edited: Jul 21, 2020 19:14:56
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ArtS
Joined: May 09, 2008
Posts: 1417
Isle of Kent, MD
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Posted on Jul 21 2020 09:27 PM
Thanks guys, sounds like I can't go wrong with any unit. Appreciate the input.
— Surf.The most dangerous of genres...
Surfcat
MARCH OF THE DEAD SURFERS! (2024) - Agent Octopus
UPDATED Agent Octopus Bandcamp with videos
YOUTUBE - Agent Octopus Surf
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spskins
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 3796
tn
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Posted on Jul 21 2020 09:46 PM
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derekirving
Joined: Nov 03, 2011
Posts: 660
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Posted on Jul 22 2020 02:12 PM
To me the Metal version is a bit darker and modern sounding where as the classic is brighter and more traditional (6G15) sounding. I had the metal version for a while but I couldn't get the brightness/dwell to do what I needed.
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ArtS
Joined: May 09, 2008
Posts: 1417
Isle of Kent, MD
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Posted on Jul 22 2020 02:49 PM
derekirving wrote:
To me the Metal version is a bit darker and modern sounding where as the classic is brighter and more traditional (6G15) sounding. I had the metal version for a while but I couldn't get the brightness/dwell to do what I needed.
Thanks! That's good to know. SPskins, already saw video.
— Surf.The most dangerous of genres...
Surfcat
MARCH OF THE DEAD SURFERS! (2024) - Agent Octopus
UPDATED Agent Octopus Bandcamp with videos
YOUTUBE - Agent Octopus Surf
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ArtS
Joined: May 09, 2008
Posts: 1417
Isle of Kent, MD
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Posted on Jul 22 2020 03:40 PM
ALL THANKS FOR HELP.
JUST ORDERED MINE, CLASSIC SHOULD BE HERE EARLY NEXT WEEK!!!
SUPER EXCITED!!! 
— Surf.The most dangerous of genres...
Surfcat
MARCH OF THE DEAD SURFERS! (2024) - Agent Octopus
UPDATED Agent Octopus Bandcamp with videos
YOUTUBE - Agent Octopus Surf
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Surfysonic
Joined: Oct 17, 2009
Posts: 530
Walkersville, MD
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Posted on Jul 25 2020 08:41 AM
I just got my classic blonde earlier this week - loving it! I plan to make a video demo comparing it with my '64 Fender Reverb Unit and my various reverb pedals. 
— The doofus formerly known as Snorre
Surfysonic on YouTube
World Famous Philistines: 2014 - 2015
K39: 2013 - 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv9JADQ4ukw
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ForTheLoveOfIvy
Joined: Jul 20, 2020
Posts: 9
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Posted on Jul 29 2020 06:42 AM
I got my Metal yesterday. Love this pedal. I've got to say that of course everyone's gear varies but with my set up I don't find this pedal in any way dark...I'm using a guitar with a single vintage bridge Dynasonic. I like the tone at 4 on the pedal...that's plenty bright with my Headstrong Litl King S (suped up Princeton style amp).
The only issue I've encountered was buzzing caused by the Voodoo Labs PP2+ which I am using to power the other pedals. I moved it a few inches from the Surfy Bear on my board and now its fine.
Couldn't be happier with this pedal.
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ArtS
Joined: May 09, 2008
Posts: 1417
Isle of Kent, MD
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Posted on Jul 29 2020 06:19 PM
Surfysonic wrote:
I just got my classic blonde earlier this week - loving it! I plan to make a video demo comparing it with my '64 Fender Reverb Unit and my various reverb pedals.
Looking forward to the shootout!!!!
— Surf.The most dangerous of genres...
Surfcat
MARCH OF THE DEAD SURFERS! (2024) - Agent Octopus
UPDATED Agent Octopus Bandcamp with videos
YOUTUBE - Agent Octopus Surf
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