Surfy Bear Metal Vs. Classic Vs. Compact.

Astrovanallen

Joined: Dec 07, 2020
Posts: 3

Posted on Dec 07 2020 11:54 PM

I’m looking to purchase one want to know from anyone who owns these, what the differences are in practice. Price and size aren’t really an obstacle to me. Am I correct that the metal and classic essentially sound the same in use, aside from the clean boost and true bypass / lack of for the classic? I can’t find any demos that reliability demonstrate that, but I’d imagine that’s the case. Can the compact still get close to an original fender unit? Is there a huge benefit to having a decay control? I was under the impression that dwell was decay. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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Gilette

Joined: May 04, 2014
Posts: 734
Montserrat

Posted on Dec 08 2020 03:08 AM

-

Last edited: Mar 03, 2022 04:57:07

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spskins

Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 3795
tn
United States

Posted on Dec 08 2020 07:24 AM

This video addresses the differences.
https://youtu.be/IktpqDk0Iqw

—

http://www.satanspilgrims.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Satans-Pilgrims/8210228553
https://satanspilgrims.bandcamp.com/
http://www.surfyindustries.com

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Astrovanallen

Joined: Dec 07, 2020
Posts: 3

Posted on Dec 08 2020 09:10 PM

spskins wrote:

This video addresses the differences.
https://youtu.be/IktpqDk0Iqw

I did watch that video. I guess it addresses the differences as well as they can be short of playing them in person. I think my real issue is that all three seem to sound great, but the compact is going to just sound more like it’s own thing because of the spring size but with the benefit of a gate and mixer preset.

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Astrovanallen

Joined: Dec 07, 2020
Posts: 3

Posted on Dec 08 2020 09:13 PM

Gilette wrote:

I've had my SB fitted with a short Acctronics pan for about one hour. I hated it. It lacks the richness and the complexity of the larger pans. I've also tried a MOD pan and found it too dark. The best results for me come from a vintage Accutronics.

I own one of the older diy models, so I can't help you with your other questions.

Cool, so you find in practice the smaller pans just don’t work as well, that’s pretty much what I wanted to know. If I could get there with the compact, save some space and have a gate to shorten the tail, would be nice. It sounds like I need to just choose between the classic or metal because emulating the fender outboard reverbs does matter to me. Then, I guess I could always replace the pan as well.

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SixStringSurfer

Joined: Sep 23, 2014
Posts: 1432
Memphis, TN
United States

Posted on Dec 05 2022 12:16 PM

The other guitar player in my band just bought a SB Metal (black) yesterday. He is wondering if they sell a carrying case to put it in when it is not in use. I don't see anything on the Surfy Industries website. Thank you for your help.

—

MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New EP Louder Than Life available on bandcamp and website. Taking guitar lessons from Jimmy Dale.

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jtrollmann

Joined: Jun 24, 2021
Posts: 135
South Bay, CA
United States

Posted on Dec 05 2022 08:28 PM

SurfyBag

It is under Accessories. The description says it fits the Surfybear Classic and Metal.

—

-John

"...enjoy every sandwich." -Warren Zevon

Fender Stratocaster American Pro II
Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue

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SixStringSurfer

Joined: Sep 23, 2014
Posts: 1432
Memphis, TN
United States

Posted on Dec 06 2022 01:05 PM

Thank you... For some reason, I had trouble finding it.

—

MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New EP Louder Than Life available on bandcamp and website. Taking guitar lessons from Jimmy Dale.

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elmorto

Joined: Feb 23, 2018
Posts: 105
Oslo
Norway

Posted on Dec 08 2022 08:52 AM

I haven't tried the full size ones, but I'm super happy with my Surfybear Compact.

The compact size and that you can switch between two reverb settings, makes it really good for gigging.

—

Beach Bomb - Black Surf from the cold waters of Norway!
https://beachbombband.bandcamp.com

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Samurai

Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2290
Kiev, Ukraine
Ukraine

Posted on Dec 08 2022 02:51 PM

I love Classic home and Compact live on scene) Guess I will keep them both.

—

Waikiki Makaki surf-rock band from Ukraine

https://linktr.ee/waikikimakaki

Lost Diver

https://lostdiver.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/vitaly-yakushin

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TheOutpost

Joined: May 26, 2020
Posts: 271
Highlands Ranch
United States

Posted on Jan 28 2023 12:46 PM

I had the Compact that got stolen once upon a time. Saved up and bought the classic but it was a bit dark for me. I am torn on going back to the compact or getting the metal.

—

Social Media
https://www.facebook.com/TheOutpost/
https://www.instagram.com/theoutpostmusic/
Music
https://theoutpostmusic.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/theoutpostmusic/
Merch
https://the-outpost-merch-store.printify.me/products

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Samurai

Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2290
Kiev, Ukraine
Ukraine

Posted on Mar 11 2023 05:06 AM

TheOutpost wrote:

I had the Compact that got stolen once upon a time. Saved up and bought the classic but it was a bit dark for me. I am torn on going back to the compact or getting the metal.

That’s interesting cause I find Classic brighter. I turn Tone on Compact almost all the way up, then it’s also bright. Probably that’s because of the SurfyPan in Classic?

—

Waikiki Makaki surf-rock band from Ukraine

https://linktr.ee/waikikimakaki

Lost Diver

https://lostdiver.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/vitaly-yakushin

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TheOutpost

Joined: May 26, 2020
Posts: 271
Highlands Ranch
United States

Posted on Mar 11 2023 09:12 AM

Samurai wrote:

TheOutpost wrote:

I had the Compact that got stolen once upon a time. Saved up and bought the classic but it was a bit dark for me. I am torn on going back to the compact or getting the metal.

That’s interesting cause I find Classic brighter. I turn Tone on Compact almost all the way up, then it’s also bright. Probably that’s because of the SurfyPan in Classic?

Could be. I went back to the Compact and love it. I’m thinking of adding a Metal to my rig though

—

Social Media
https://www.facebook.com/TheOutpost/
https://www.instagram.com/theoutpostmusic/
Music
https://theoutpostmusic.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/theoutpostmusic/
Merch
https://the-outpost-merch-store.printify.me/products

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spskins

Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 3795
tn
United States

Posted on Mar 11 2023 08:31 PM

The Classic is not true bypass (like the original Fender unit) so it is darker. The Compact is true bypass so it doesn't color the sound at all.

—

http://www.satanspilgrims.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Satans-Pilgrims/8210228553
https://satanspilgrims.bandcamp.com/
http://www.surfyindustries.com

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LittleKahunaCraig

Joined: Jan 09, 2008
Posts: 390
Orange County, CA
United States

Posted on Mar 12 2023 11:29 PM

Astrovanallen, where are you based? I’m in so cal, Orange County, and have all 3 you can come over and play and decide for yourself.

—

Craig Skelly

Little Kahuna
www.littlekahunamusic.com
The Breakaways
The Curl Riders

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Astrovanallen Joined: Dec 07, 2020 Posts: 3	Posted on Dec 07 2020 11:54 PM I’m looking to purchase one want to know from anyone who owns these, what the differences are in practice. Price and size aren’t really an obstacle to me. Am I correct that the metal and classic essentially sound the same in use, aside from the clean boost and true bypass / lack of for the classic? I can’t find any demos that reliability demonstrate that, but I’d imagine that’s the case. Can the compact still get close to an original fender unit? Is there a huge benefit to having a decay control? I was under the impression that dwell was decay. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Top
Gilette Joined: May 04, 2014 Posts: 734	Posted on Dec 08 2020 03:08 AM - Last edited: Mar 03, 2022 04:57:07 Top
spskins Joined: Feb 27, 2006 Posts: 3795 tn	Posted on Dec 08 2020 07:24 AM This video addresses the differences. https://youtu.be/IktpqDk0Iqw — http://www.satanspilgrims.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/Satans-Pilgrims/8210228553 https://satanspilgrims.bandcamp.com/ http://www.surfyindustries.com Top
Astrovanallen Joined: Dec 07, 2020 Posts: 3	Posted on Dec 08 2020 09:10 PM spskins wrote: This video addresses the differences. https://youtu.be/IktpqDk0Iqw I did watch that video. I guess it addresses the differences as well as they can be short of playing them in person. I think my real issue is that all three seem to sound great, but the compact is going to just sound more like it’s own thing because of the spring size but with the benefit of a gate and mixer preset. Top
Astrovanallen Joined: Dec 07, 2020 Posts: 3	Posted on Dec 08 2020 09:13 PM Gilette wrote: I've had my SB fitted with a short Acctronics pan for about one hour. I hated it. It lacks the richness and the complexity of the larger pans. I've also tried a MOD pan and found it too dark. The best results for me come from a vintage Accutronics. I own one of the older diy models, so I can't help you with your other questions. Cool, so you find in practice the smaller pans just don’t work as well, that’s pretty much what I wanted to know. If I could get there with the compact, save some space and have a gate to shorten the tail, would be nice. It sounds like I need to just choose between the classic or metal because emulating the fender outboard reverbs does matter to me. Then, I guess I could always replace the pan as well. Top
SixStringSurfer Joined: Sep 23, 2014 Posts: 1432 Memphis, TN	Posted on Dec 05 2022 12:16 PM The other guitar player in my band just bought a SB Metal (black) yesterday. He is wondering if they sell a carrying case to put it in when it is not in use. I don't see anything on the Surfy Industries website. Thank you for your help. — MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New EP Louder Than Life available on bandcamp and website. Taking guitar lessons from Jimmy Dale. Top
jtrollmann Joined: Jun 24, 2021 Posts: 135 South Bay, CA	Posted on Dec 05 2022 08:28 PM SurfyBag It is under Accessories. The description says it fits the Surfybear Classic and Metal. — -John "...enjoy every sandwich." -Warren Zevon Fender Stratocaster American Pro II Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue Top
SixStringSurfer Joined: Sep 23, 2014 Posts: 1432 Memphis, TN	Posted on Dec 06 2022 01:05 PM Thank you... For some reason, I had trouble finding it. — MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New EP Louder Than Life available on bandcamp and website. Taking guitar lessons from Jimmy Dale. Top
elmorto Joined: Feb 23, 2018 Posts: 105 Oslo	Posted on Dec 08 2022 08:52 AM I haven't tried the full size ones, but I'm super happy with my Surfybear Compact. The compact size and that you can switch between two reverb settings, makes it really good for gigging. — Beach Bomb - Black Surf from the cold waters of Norway! https://beachbombband.bandcamp.com Top
Samurai Joined: Mar 14, 2006 Posts: 2290 Kiev, Ukraine	Posted on Dec 08 2022 02:51 PM I love Classic home and Compact live on scene) Guess I will keep them both. — Waikiki Makaki surf-rock band from Ukraine https://linktr.ee/waikikimakaki Lost Diver https://lostdiver.bandcamp.com https://soundcloud.com/vitaly-yakushin Top
TheOutpost Joined: May 26, 2020 Posts: 271 Highlands Ranch	Posted on Jan 28 2023 12:46 PM I had the Compact that got stolen once upon a time. Saved up and bought the classic but it was a bit dark for me. I am torn on going back to the compact or getting the metal. — Social Media https://www.facebook.com/TheOutpost/ https://www.instagram.com/theoutpostmusic/ Music https://theoutpostmusic.bandcamp.com/ https://soundcloud.com/theoutpostmusic/ Merch https://the-outpost-merch-store.printify.me/products Top
Samurai Joined: Mar 14, 2006 Posts: 2290 Kiev, Ukraine	Posted on Mar 11 2023 05:06 AM TheOutpost wrote: I had the Compact that got stolen once upon a time. Saved up and bought the classic but it was a bit dark for me. I am torn on going back to the compact or getting the metal. That’s interesting cause I find Classic brighter. I turn Tone on Compact almost all the way up, then it’s also bright. Probably that’s because of the SurfyPan in Classic? — Waikiki Makaki surf-rock band from Ukraine https://linktr.ee/waikikimakaki Lost Diver https://lostdiver.bandcamp.com https://soundcloud.com/vitaly-yakushin Top
TheOutpost Joined: May 26, 2020 Posts: 271 Highlands Ranch	Posted on Mar 11 2023 09:12 AM Samurai wrote: TheOutpost wrote: I had the Compact that got stolen once upon a time. Saved up and bought the classic but it was a bit dark for me. I am torn on going back to the compact or getting the metal. That’s interesting cause I find Classic brighter. I turn Tone on Compact almost all the way up, then it’s also bright. Probably that’s because of the SurfyPan in Classic? Could be. I went back to the Compact and love it. I’m thinking of adding a Metal to my rig though — Social Media https://www.facebook.com/TheOutpost/ https://www.instagram.com/theoutpostmusic/ Music https://theoutpostmusic.bandcamp.com/ https://soundcloud.com/theoutpostmusic/ Merch https://the-outpost-merch-store.printify.me/products Top
spskins Joined: Feb 27, 2006 Posts: 3795 tn	Posted on Mar 11 2023 08:31 PM The Classic is not true bypass (like the original Fender unit) so it is darker. The Compact is true bypass so it doesn't color the sound at all. — http://www.satanspilgrims.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/Satans-Pilgrims/8210228553 https://satanspilgrims.bandcamp.com/ http://www.surfyindustries.com Top
LittleKahunaCraig Joined: Jan 09, 2008 Posts: 390 Orange County, CA	Posted on Mar 12 2023 11:29 PM Astrovanallen, where are you based? I’m in so cal, Orange County, and have all 3 you can come over and play and decide for yourself. — Craig Skelly Little Kahuna www.littlekahunamusic.com The Breakaways The Curl Riders Top

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Surfy Bear Metal Vs. Classic Vs. Compact.