This started out as a question about effects loops; however, I found another thread that answered my question. So, I'm changing the title and I'm posting my thoughts about the Quilter Pro Block.

First, after having my Pro Reverb conk out on me during two gigs over the summer, I decided to get a backup. For a while, I thought about getting a new amp, but, for now, I'm staying with the Pro Reverb.

So, I bought a Quilter Pro Block as a backup. I got it yesterday, it fits in my gig bag and I think it'll do well as a backup.

The Pro Block has a good sound, but it would be better with an EQ pedal, because the EQ adjustment on the Pro Block is limited. It also sounds more solid-state than I was hoping for, but it's not as solid-state sounding as my Crate Power Block. Still, neither really has what I call "ghost notes." That is, the envelope of nuances that surround notes with a tube amp. Not sure if I'm describing it correctly, but the notes on a solid-state amp don't usually have that fullness or the nuances or whatever it is that I call "ghost notes" that surround notes. The Quilter isn't as sterile as the Power Block, but it still sounds solid-state to my ears. There also a solid-state clipping (not sure if that's really what it's called) at higher volumes with the treble turned up. I needed to adjust the EQ to have more bass in order to get rid of that clipping. Like I said, an EQ pedal would probably improve the sound a lot.

Regarding the volume, it's not "Showman loud," but there's definitely enough volume. I don't see myself giving up on tube amps, but the Quilter Pro Block is a great backup. I like that it has reverb and I also like that it can accept 8 ohm or 4 ohm speaker loads.

So, that's my revision from my initial post, which was a question about effects loops. I'll leave my second post as is.

Last edited: Oct 11, 2016 21:54:45

Quilter amps are solid state but they are analog, not digital.

"Digital processing has its place (we use a high end digital reverb chip for instance) but you can’t beat analog circuitry for instant response and full dynamic range. The Quilter preamp uses the latest ultra-low-noise opamps, active EQ circuits, and unique distortion processing to produce amazingly flexible and musically satisfying tones, from clean to mean."

Thanks for setting me straight! I shouldn't have said "digital." I edited my post to say "solid-state." I played some more over the weekend with the Pro Block running into my 1x15 JBL D130 cab. I definitely would use the Pro Block for any gig, without hesitation. I still prefer the tube sounds of my Pro Reverb and Deluxe Reverb; however, it's nice that the Pro Block stays cleaner at higher volumes. That could be useful in some situations. I do wish that it had more EQ. The Limiter control is interesting, but I don't notice a lot of difference in the range with the pot. Considering how little variation there seems to be, at least to my ears, it seems to me that Quilter could have just wired the Limiter set around 2:00 level into the circuit, instead of having an actual pot for it. For me, Bass, Mid and Treble pots would be more useful than the Limiter, Tri-Q and Hi Cut controls.

I found this nice little (and cheap) EQ pedal on Ebay that I use with my Pro Block - made all the difference in the world.
Talent GT-EQG EQUALIZER 5-Band EQ

Bill S._______

HELLDIVER on Facebook

"Regarding the volume, it's not "Showman loud," but there's definitely enough volume. I don't see myself giving up on tube amps, but the Quilter Pro Block is a great backup. I like that it has reverb and I also like that it can accept 8 ohm or 4 ohm speaker loads."

"I played some more over the weekend with the Pro Block running into my 1x15 JBL D130 cab."

As you know I reviewed already and I have been using the Pro block before it actually came out last January. I even recorded live on KFJC without a reverb tank or pedal. I used for long teh Tone Block before and now even using Bass Block for bass. Let's say I am "Quilter" artist but before arguing about a volume comparison with a Showman I would be careful.

I own (and ofter use) a 1962 double Showman, yes 100W on 4ohms and 180 peak - like Dick Dales says. I am a complete Brownface guy, 100%. The Pro Block, like the Tone Block, are actually more powerful. Do not confuse the power of the amp with the volume derived by the speaker surfaced used.
If you use the Pro Block on a 2x15" JBL D130's I'd be careful, because you will blow the speakers sooner or later. This is why the Pro Block is a good companion with speakers like the Eminence EPS-15C, because they get up to 300W.

Even on the sound (EQ needed) I would have to say something. The Quilter head are comparable to the Brownface stuff because they have about the same "kind" of sound. If one looks for a brighter and more brilliant tone, should have to check for a Blackface or a Silverface amp. Brownface is dark and heavy, this is its beautiful feature. And so the Quilter Pro Block or Tone Block sound. Of course you can add a EQ if you like it more... but I would not blame it on the Quilter head. When I play it I hardly put the tone at maximum as it gets too bright. I use Jazzmaster or Jaguar.

I all depends on the cabinet anyway. And comparing a Deluxe with a Showman or a Quilter is not possible. Different things. I like the Deluxe at 4 of volume... after 5 it gets unusable on a real stage with a proper volume, too bright, too tiny (unless it is amplified into the PA of course). And it's an open back combo. So comparing Quilter with THAT it all depends on the cabinet used.

You say:
"The Limiter control is interesting, but I don't notice a lot of difference in the range with the pot"
Man the limiter function is FUNDAMENTAL, it emulates the Tube Compression, what at the moment NO OTHER amp head can do. No other like Quilter. Having a reverb tank BEFORE getting into the amp (typical surf thing by the way, only for surf music) you manage to compress the signal already wet, and this makes the sound aggressive and cool, like on a showman played at volume 7.5. So if you say that is not very useful, I would suggest to use the amp a bit longer, and you will see how that will affect your playing.

Just my comments of course.
But to say that apart from my Double Showman I could not have a better sound than with the Quilter.

Lorenzo "Surfer Joe" Valdambrini
(www.surfmusic.net)

Last edited: Sep 27, 2016 05:30:27

Chippertheripper wrote:

Does it really say talent on it??

Yep, it took 35 years but I finally got some

Bill S._______

HELLDIVER on Facebook

Yes of course i was referring to my own experience. It is definitely subjective in terms of taste. But as I think I know the brownface sound pretty well like most of you I feel like being able to compare.

Yes setting the master volume first should be safe, although last year we blew a JBL D130 speaker keeping the volume lower than that. So always be careful. Anyway the cabinet I have been using in California last January, property of Ran Mosessco, has actually a JBL D130 in but reconed, so a bit more safe probably from a technical point of view.

The Gain control also is a matter of taste.
I have been using it at 12 o'clock and the limiter a bit more than 12 o'clock for a while. But last week on a show I found out that the sound, for some classic surf tunes, was coming out too much saturated. So I rolled the gain down and put the master volume at the maximum 200W (gain very low). This gave me the maximum headroom and a very full sound, of course less and less distorted.

I am usually using the tube compression at about 2 also. Of course it works together with the gain knob. If you give more gain you will find teh limiting more effective. But it is a matter of finding your own setting of course. It changes also depending on the volume of your guitar pickups.

Again I liked it the first time I heard this head and learnt to play with it quite efficiently. I cannot say anything bad. For ME having a 3 knows eq would make tings more complicated :), I am a fan of treble and bass, but not a fan of the MIDs

I hope to get more feedbacks from you while you will play a bit more with it.

Lorenzo "Surfer Joe" Valdambrini
(www.surfmusic.net)

Quick semi-related question. When a speaker breaks from too much power is it the cone that rips? I've had a speaker cone rip recently with a Quilter.

-Pierre
The Obsidians! (Ottawa surf)
The Obsidians debut EP

TomH wrote:

">> Kilaueas "Play The Astronauts & More" <<"

Yes! Those songs definitely sound warm enough. Great tone!

Surfer Rex has an outdoor gig in Akron, Ohio at a Halloween festival in two weeks. I'm going to use that same setup, Fender Reverb Unit and the Quilter Pro Block. We'll be mic-ed. So, I won't need to play real loud. I'll report on how it works out. Maybe we'll get a video.

p.s. I'm going to play 'JBL-D130F' by Wadadli Riders tonight on my radio show. That was probably before Surfer Joe got his Quilter, but that entire album also has great tone!

Yes please keep us posted with following opinions about the Quilter. It is very important. Even because they listen when possible to desires and opinions and if something gets really important, they might work on it for the next products.

Thanks man, that was long time ago at this point. I am glad you like those songs!

Lorenzo "Surfer Joe" Valdambrini
(www.surfmusic.net)

Quilter Pro Block 200 (head) or Mach 2 (head) have seriously moved up to the top of my WANT list.