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NEW Memphis 40 up Next?!?
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Killa_Hertz
2320 posts
May 02, 2017
4:34 PM
I was just browsing old threads and came across that last memphis 20 thread.
I'm not going to Make any further comments about that thread or the crazy things said there .....

But .... I am just going to leave this right here for yall.

Memphis Mini

The Memphis 20

The next great "development" - Memphis 40?


Oh yea almost forgot the pedals.

MM Delay

"Harpman" Feedback pedal


What's next from Memphis Amps? Browse this Chinese site and have a guess.

Last Edited by Killa_Hertz on May 02, 2017 4:36 PM
NathanLWBC
119 posts
May 04, 2017
6:24 AM
Perhaps this may interest you.

http://lonewolfblues.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1508
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--Nathan Heck
General Manager, Lone Wolf Blues Co.
customerservice@lonewolfblues.com
zx679
18 posts
May 04, 2017
8:27 AM
It's almost funny. But in all seriousness there would be no controversy if they were priced and marketed to reflect that they are simply rebadged OEM products. That they are OEM doesn't mean they aren't functionally great products. They're probably great. I'll never know because USD 450 = CAD 617 and you can buy this guy
Vox AC10 Custom
which would have enough grunt to keep up with a loud band.

But I digress. A large amount of the branded electronics we buy are manufactured in Shenzen. The business model only works because many different brands are manufactured side by side in the same factory with only small functional differences and often only cosmetic ones. The Memphis products are no different. And honestly, that's OK. Just know what you're buying/endorsing.
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something something harmonicas...
HarpNinja
4249 posts
May 05, 2017
5:39 AM
I can't find a lot on pricing of the 40w amp. I did see a site with a unit price as low as $520. The Champ style amp is around $160 on that site.

What I can infer is that the mark up for the MM is such that a 40w version wouldn't be profitable. The 20 is $800 as is, and you can buy a used Bassman for that easily. There are a TON of great, high quality amps in the $800 to $1,000 range, IMO.
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Mike
My Website
My Harmonica Effects Blog
Killa_Hertz
2325 posts
May 05, 2017
5:43 AM
Zx. EXACTLY. There is nothing wrong with cheaply made affordable amps. Like the VHT special6, bugera v5, etc. But these amps are acceptable because they are $150 - $200. But when you take an amp in the same class and charge tripple the price .... that just ain't cool. Like you said, at that price your now in a whole other amp class. You have MUCH better options.

And these cheap amps I mention are still better quality than the MM. It's just sad.

Then you lie about it. Claim you "Developed" a new product. Selling people Dollar Store brand at Name brand prices. Again, I respect the Hustle, but damn people .... open your eyes.

Instead the customers rant and rave about how good it is. Lol. Not only did you get raped, but now your telling everyone how great it was. Wow.

The problem is .... half the people who buy these things can't play for crap anyways.... (a bit harsh to say perhaps, but true.).. so they wouldn't know good tone if it bit em in the ass. They just go along with it because everyone else says they sound great.

As far as the endorsers.... I'm sure the MM amps are decent, if given to you for free. However I would bet none of them would shell out there own hard earned scratch for one of these cardboard tolex holders.

Anyways, It is what it is .. I suppose. I'm just sayin'.
Killa_Hertz
2326 posts
May 05, 2017
5:54 AM
Exactly harpninja. A bassman or a memphis 20? Hmm. Tough choice.

It's mind blowing. I hate to show people who own these amps these websights, but sometimes if I say something remotely negative about them ... I get attacked. So I merely send them the link ... and you can tell they finally realized that they got beat. But most of the owners of these amps will fight you tooth and nail over what a great amp it is.

It's a champ circuit ... I get it .... it's nothing new. The circuit is still around for a reason. But you Just bought a cheap $100 copy for $600.

And this site is no secret. It's just some people see only what they want to see, I guess.

Last Edited by Killa_Hertz on May 05, 2017 7:56 PM
zx679
19 posts
May 05, 2017
11:29 AM
@Killa_Hertz You crack me up. I agree on all counts. Because you mention it I actually own a Bugera v5. It's a decent amp for mucking around on and was within my budget (200 USD) so I also recommend it for the budget-conscious.

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something something harmonicas...
John M G
131 posts
May 05, 2017
10:58 PM
A bit off topic, but the guy doing the demo for the Memphis 20 and Memphis 40 is the same Lawrie Minson that had the Minson Hot Harps built that I've got advertised in the 4 sale thread.
Now that's a coincidence!
SuperBee
4676 posts
May 05, 2017
11:07 PM
That is interesting John. I noticed Laurie said he is importing the amps. I also enquired about that low-power twin; it was gonna cost me about $1000 Au$tralian to land one here. I'd be interested to contact Laurie to see what he'll do one at.

Volume discounts are the only way to go with these things
6SN7
704 posts
May 06, 2017
4:42 AM
none of this is new news, and there's not even enough of a story to whip RD into a lather. The MM is a modified chinese clone, so what. So is most your clothing , appliances, etc. As for all the outrage regarding the markup, please, that's business. And clearly, not a bad one because these "5 watt wonders" have taken the harp world by storm over the past few years and a bunch of them have been sold may it be a windy city, MM, HT, etc.
The marketing of these units has taken a page right out of marketing branded items, right down to celebrity endorsements. And boy do they sound fantastic when a player who has the technique down can make these amps roar. "Sound like Nic, Ronnie, Jerry, etc." Nothing crazy about that, like at those Eric Clapton amp ads, same deal.
What is a little nuts, is there are some buyers who think these amps are the "magic pill" that is going to whisk them away from their wheezy toneless lip pursing to the land of chicagoland crunch and massive tone. Think I'm kidding? I see thread are forums all the time of folks saying their amps must be broken or need a different tube or some mod to get that crunch. Instead, they should be taking a lesson in achieving acoustic tone.
I recently did a jam and the harp player had a harp10 but complained it had no crunch. He described his playing a "lip pursed, single notes, clean like Jason." I gave him a 10 minute TBing lesson and showed him a few 14, 25, chords and pretty sound he was getting the amp to roar. First time n 30 years he ever used his tongue.

Last Edited by 6SN7 on May 06, 2017 4:44 AM
Killa_Hertz
2331 posts
May 06, 2017
9:06 AM
Just because a bunch of people bought them doesn't make them good amps. People are stupid. Generally they just follow the heard and regurgitate others opinions as their own.

And I've heard Nic playing both the vht and the mm. The mm sounds like ass. I've never heard a demo of that amp that I liked. Ronnie, JD, Nic ... nobody sounds good through that amp. It's just missing something. Maybe it's in the cheap cab ... it would make sense because so many people use the MM as not much more than a tweed tube preamp. Running it line out into a bigger solid state amp, like a quilter.

Your marketing argument is not exactly sound either. Most other companies have an original product. If Nike started selling Payless BoBo's for $150 you don't think people would notice? Price to quality ratio is WAY off. Not to mention that your trying to rationalize the fact that you got beat by said "markup".

Do what you want man. I work too hard for my money to throw it away.

I'm done with this conversation. It's been had before. I just wanted to share those links with those who still had doubts.

Last Edited by Killa_Hertz on May 06, 2017 9:14 AM
JInx
1308 posts
May 06, 2017
11:17 AM
Over inflated bullshit modern marketing jam is par for the course here. From players, teachers and gear sales...it's a meat puppet gumbo
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6SN7
705 posts
May 07, 2017
4:45 AM
@Killa Hertz--"It sounds like ass" What the heck does that mean?
You are some steamy mess my friend. You start a thread that is another slam at a 5 watt wonder and them get all bitchy, stamp your feet and then say "I'm done." Yeah, I bet, you'll be lurking around to see what more dreck you can muck and dollars to donuts, you won't be able to help yourself and jump right back in again.

I'm not even going to bother to explain what I said as it's pretty clear and here's a revelation , i'm more in agreement with you than you think, but you just want to be a joker, go ahead.

Last Edited by 6SN7 on May 07, 2017 4:48 AM
1847
4106 posts
May 07, 2017
7:19 AM
14 blow 14 draw and 25 blow are octaves not chords.
6SN7
707 posts
May 07, 2017
7:55 AM
@1847-yes octaves, point is, the guy had never ever blown two notes at once
Goldbrick
1802 posts
May 07, 2017
8:04 AM
I live in a pretty big city -play in two bands and see a lot of other players.
I have never seen one of these harp specific amps
I wonder how many are sold? I think if it was significant, one of the majors would offer one.
I believe Hohner had one out for a while but I never saw one in person so I gather it didnt do very well
Fil
307 posts
May 07, 2017
8:38 AM
Goldbrick, do you mean just the MM, or are you including others like the Harp Gear and Harp Train? Thanks.
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Phil Pennington
Goldbrick
1803 posts
May 07, 2017
11:32 AM
I havent seen any harp specific amps here.

Just guitar amps or PA
ME.HarpDoc
243 posts
May 07, 2017
4:12 PM
I was just at a workshop with Ronnie Shellist. He sounded great through the MM. He sounded great through my HT 10. I've heard him locally through a vintage 5w tube amp ( can't remember the make). He sounded great.

I heard both Ronnie and Nic demo the Memphis 20. They sounded great. I got to play through the M20 right after them. It didn't make me sound any better.

Killa and others are right when they say video demos don't sound that great. I saw the video. It doesn't match the really good sound coming out of these players. They are good amps.

But the point of the original post was about the marketing and markup of the product. Killa just presented the facts. He doesn't deserve the personal attack and maybe he shouldn't have generalized about the stupidity of another's opinion. It's unfortunate when differing opinions become personal slams.
6SN7
708 posts
May 07, 2017
5:03 PM
If you are suggesting I personally attacked Killa, you are sadly mistaken.
as for you thinking what I said was stupid, why don't you articulate your thoughts rather than call my opinion a personal slam.
chromaticblues
1775 posts
May 08, 2017
8:22 AM
Is this a bad time to say I like small single ended amps! I once saw a guy playing a early 50's Silvertone with 5y3, 6v6 and 6sj7 tubes with a 6 inch speaker and it sounded nice and sweet with an undistorted full tone. With those tubes it probably had about 3 1/2 watts. This duo was playing in the corner of this huge room without being miced.
Tuckster
1580 posts
May 08, 2017
8:38 AM
5 watt amps certainly have their place. Mostly in a duo or small quiet band. You can really get them easily into the crunch zone. Caveat emptor on what you pay for one. Have you seen the price of Seydel's Hyperamp? They don't even list the wattage in the specs.
nacoran
9455 posts
May 08, 2017
9:45 AM
Keep in mind guys- China still doesn't have great patent protection. It's quite possible for a company to go to them for manufacturing with suggestions for a product with X modification. They do business for a bit and then the company starts manufacturing knockoffs in the same factory.

And, of course, patents are expensive, so a lot of people skip that step.

It's no secret Rick ruffles some feathers, but a lot of people like his amps. Are they overpriced? I haven't played one to compare it so I'll stay out of it, but he does seem to be selling them, and he does seem to be getting some big name customers.

And like I said in the other thread, it's fine to offer guidance when people ask for it, but please refrain from starting posts with the goal of attacking a product. If you have a bad experience with a product, by all means share (once) if you've gone through the normal steps to try to resolve the issue, and if other people specifically ask about a product, share your experiences.

This thread isn't either of those though.

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Nate
Facebook
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First Post- May 8, 2009
Killa_Hertz
2345 posts
May 08, 2017
10:01 AM
Sorry Nate. Perhaps in bad taste.

This wasn't out of the blue. It was a response to a comment I made in the other memphis 20 thread where I was basically called a liar for saying " isn't it more accurate that Rick "decided to order the 20" instead of "developed a new product"." So I merely posted the links to the sites above. Btw, your theory could be true elsewhere, but the Memphis 20 has been on this site for quite a while longer than even the announcement of the "development plans" of the Memphis 20. That's why I draw attention to the Memphis 40. As you see its on this site already.....

Anyways,I'm over it.

Me_harpdoc.... fair enough, I've never heard the amp in person. But with SO MANY demoes... I just figured ONE would sound decent.
1847
4110 posts
May 08, 2017
10:10 AM
its pretty much a stretch to expect high fidelity from a you tube video, especially if it was shot using a phone.
6SN7
711 posts
May 08, 2017
10:13 AM
The uninformed talking to the misinformed
I'm sorry Nate , but this was a hit piece from the get go and the poster has even less respect for those that buy one
Sad....
Killa_Hertz
2346 posts
May 08, 2017
10:16 AM
Yea 1847 that'she true. But I have heard many other amps via youtube videos and I like the sound they get. Like the vht for example .. some of the videos sound rough, but if you watch a few you ll surely get a couple that sound good.

Plus there are a few head 2 head videos in which one amp sounds good but the mini doesnt.

Out of all the mem mini vids I have seen I haven't liked a single one. Maybe it's just me.

However I will say that the short demo of the Memphis 20 that Ronnie did in his garage ... he got some good sound out of that thing.
Tuckster
1583 posts
May 08, 2017
10:22 AM
BTW-I was in Memphis when Rick had a showcase for the Memphis 20. Bunch of good harp players there and they all sounded good thru it. Also some less stellar players there and it didn't make them sound any better. Toward the end,everything got way too loud and the amp couldn't keep up.
Goldbrick
1805 posts
May 08, 2017
10:40 AM
Buy a Fender Champ- try some mic options and cupping techniques. It holds its value-its a classic and you can use it for guitar too.

I guess some folks already drank the Kool Aid so Killa darkened their day
Friends dont let friends buy Chinese junk. Yet another reason to despise Nixon ( as if more were needed )
chromaticblues
1776 posts
May 08, 2017
11:18 AM
@Tuckster No I'm not familiar with the Seydel amp. Is that another rebranded Chinese amp?
chromaticblues
1777 posts
May 08, 2017
11:25 AM
@Goldbrick I agree the down side of your Champ idea is there a really nice 1964 I'd love to own for sale now, but it cost $900. I don't know what the MM sells for, but if it is under $500 and plays well with no issues. Relatively that's not bad! I have no knowledge of new amps what so ever so I don't even know why there is even a problem Rick or his products? First off he is a business man! As long as he isn't lying or not honoring warranty issues? Everything else is just opinion. Sharing one's opinion, but do so in an adult respective manner!
1847
4112 posts
May 08, 2017
11:43 AM
here is a nice amp

$250.0
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.600_439660165
1847
4113 posts
May 08, 2017
11:45 AM
even better is thisamp with very little effort you can find great deals
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.600_439660165
Tuckster
1584 posts
May 08, 2017
11:50 AM
chromaticblues: Here is a link to their site:
http://www.seydel1847.de/epages/Seydel1847.sf/en_US/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Seydel/Products/905105

Oops-I missed it. 15 watts. The specs lists it as 15VA which is an odd way to put it

Last Edited by Tuckster on May 08, 2017 11:54 AM
didjcripey
1079 posts
May 08, 2017
2:22 PM
'Friends don't let friends buy chinese junk'.... the chinese now make some top quality products. Remember when 'made in Japan' meant it was rubbish, now its some of the best... China is at that stage now. Look at the eastops.

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Lucky Lester
SuperBee
4680 posts
May 08, 2017
3:04 PM
I don't have an opinion worth much about the sound of the amp, but I don't think the mark up is over the top.
There's a fair bit of difference between buying that unit from the manufacturer and buying it from a local reseller.
I dunno if the cap changes are made in factory or when landed in US. But if you do it yourself you just blew your warranty. If you bought direct from China you effectively didn't have a warranty though.
I also dunno what you pay for the speaker in US. It's not the entire markup, but it's a chunk.
If people like the way the amp sounds, that's when you start looking at price. Price is a function of the market. If Rick is selling a lot of these and still in business, it follows that the price is about right.

As to the OP, I'd think it unlikely the low-power twin will make it to the US. The market for big amps is much smaller and a heavy combo unit like that seems unlikely to have much appeal
Goldbrick
1807 posts
May 08, 2017
3:54 PM
@ Chromatic
I like the fender Pro Jr with a lower gain preamp tube
Some guys also like a Weber speaker and price is still decent
Killa_Hertz
2354 posts
May 09, 2017
4:59 AM
Superbee I think the main reason he sells so many is because

it's mostly new players just following the heard. They ask on Facebook"which amp should I get?" And all they hear/see is mem mini and lone wolf pedals. So that's what they buy. Plus they don't have the experience to know what other great vintage amps are out there. Or the experience to know what good tone is. I don't like to knock people's playing, but come on .... you ve heard the Facebook videos. All their new gear, sounding like somebody is torturing a racoon.
And ofcourse once they bought it, no one wants to admit that their amp sucks.

I think your better off with a weber kit than one of these hunks. But what do I know? Silvertone amps can be had way cheap and they sound killer. Shoot I just picked up a new tone tube record player with 2 channels, mic input, gain, tone, master .. 25 watt dual 6v6 push pull. And a speaker cab with a decent 12" speaker. $100. This things got some solid tone. The tubes in it are worth double that.

A few months back I bought a Masco MA17 at a flea market for $25. No joke.

I mean to each his/her own, but for that kinda money I could buy a FEW nice vintage pieces.

Last Edited by Killa_Hertz on May 09, 2017 5:07 AM
6SN7
714 posts
May 09, 2017
6:52 AM
@ Killa,
I agree with you that a used Silvertone is a better value than one of the 5 watt wonders. I recently saw a Supro w/ a 6x9 speaker, absolute killer amp, going for 300$ at a FB site and nobody was touching it. Crazy....

And sure, I'd probably go with your flea mkt/pawn shop/yard sale purchases also. I have owned a silvertone 1481 and a masco17 and while they were fun to play, they required work at some point. I mean, they are old and 9 out of 10 they need maintenance, whether its a cap job, new tubes or a 3 prong plug. That's additional money and hassle. And at the end of the day, I rarely used them to gig because they weren't loud enough or were prone to being unreliable.

So along come the 5 watt wonders and what do they offer? A solid new amp, that works right out of the box, specific to harp and a line out that enables one to play at a blues jams. Advertising/marketing for these amps is aimed squarely at beginner-intermediate players who are looking for an entry amp to use at home and maybe bring to the local jam. Social media has plenty of videos of Johnny Sansone, Ronnie Shellist, Nic Clark, Jerry Portnoy, the list goes on. Whether these guys use them exclusively on stage is beside the point (yes, I'm sure that bugs many folks.) So for 500$ you can have one of these delivered right to your door and you are good to go.

Now, it's clear you enjoy vintage amps and think they are a better value. I personally agree with that as I own a 57 Gibson GA45, a 58Tweed Deluxe and a 55 National Tremotone. These amps are all in great shape because I can afford to maintain them and here's the reality: I can afford this hobby. Many others can't. Or don't want to put up with the hassle. To each his own.

Finally, you comment that one is better off with a weber kit, absolutely!! I was leaning towards a MM but bought a Weber Tweed Princeton kit. It's more expensive than a MM, and then you have to do 5000 solders, lol! But the learning experience was invaluable to me. But you know, that's me and others might not have the patience, interest, time or money to do that.
1847
4114 posts
May 09, 2017
7:28 AM
"specific to harp"

a harp king has anti feed back circuitry. that would be considered harp specific.

a champ clone is a champ clone. works for guitar as well as harp.
Fil
316 posts
May 09, 2017
7:35 AM
Killa, how about just leaving it at to each his own. (Nate, I know I should just stop there, but can't help myself.) It's pretty clear you don't like the amp, and pretty clear you think most people who have bought it are too ignorant to know better. It should be clear that there's a lot of subjectivity to it. Full disclosure...I have an MM. Did I pay too much? Maybe. I think a lot of harp stuff is over priced. Sound good to me? To each his own. Am I inexperienced? Intermediate. Did I shop and compare? For months as best I could. Do I think most people are stupid? My momma taught me better than that. I learned a long time ago to be skeptical of opinions as adamant as yours. My papa taught me humility.
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Phil Pennington
Killa_Hertz
2358 posts
May 09, 2017
9:50 AM
Look it's the same no matter what your into.

Like when we were kids and I had my worked out CR125 and your trying to convince me that your pep boys 4stroke 4 wheeler is just as cool. It ain't and you know it. Lol.
Goldbrick
1808 posts
May 09, 2017
10:48 AM
Lets face it getting the gear is one thing- then its another to take the time and tweak it

Buddy Guy has great skill and great equipment- still sounds good on cd but in recent years has the most shit buzzsaw tone ever in concert
1847
4116 posts
May 09, 2017
11:00 AM
what amp is buddy using nowadays? he is endorsing about ten bassman clones, you would think he could get a good sound out of any of them?
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.600_439660165
Goldbrick
1809 posts
May 09, 2017
12:00 PM
Its not the amp-its the shrill pickups in his strat and I honestly dont think he is interested anymore in his live sound

Even this demo sounds crap-- And I love classic Buddy Guy so it pains me to say it



Now hear the amp in another demo

Last Edited by Goldbrick on May 09, 2017 12:09 PM
SuperBee
4686 posts
May 09, 2017
4:12 PM
Yeah I get it. I'm just saying the MM is not exactly that same thing you can buy from the factory. It's easy to make it the same, but still not quite the same deal because you didn't buy it from a local guy.
If you're saying it's somehow dishonest of the guy selling them to market them as his own work; yeah look he's never denied it, he doesn't emphasise that aspect but you know, Ford don't emphasise that the ranger is a Mazda bt50 and that they build it in Thailand either. But it's easy enough to find that out. It's not a secret.
And I believe it's true that Bruce Collins' idea to bridge the preamp plate resistors with small caps, and the values chosen may be sufficient to validly claim some original development work went into the product. Not a lot, but some.
I get that rick told us all why small amps were useless and then started a business selling them when he realised that is where the market is. But while it's maybe hypocritical it's not a crime and it's apparently pretty good business. He did take an interest in the topic for a long time before getting in the game; he's an opportunist but not just in it simply for the money. He is part of the 'community', ran that jam in Denver a long time etc.
I don't know about the 20 but wouldn't be surprised if it's got some 'Bruce Collins' mods too. Maybe it's just a straight 5e3 clone. I'm not gonna be ordering one to find out. Sounded good in Shellist's shed the other day is all I know.

I agree you can probably do better for your dough if your interested and don't mind getting your hands dirty. A lot of people don't want that though. That's fair enough I think.
Goldbrick
1810 posts
May 09, 2017
6:28 PM
OT
Ford Ranger hasnt been sold in the US since 2012
Supposedly they are tooling up to sell it again in 2018
Joe_L
2696 posts
May 09, 2017
10:08 PM
@Goldbrick - How well do you know Buddy Guy? What makes you think that he doesn't give a crap about his live sound? He sounds pretty similar to how he has sounded since the Stone Crazy album which was recorded in 1972. People seem to enjoy ripping on Buddy, but he isn't sounding much different than he has for the past 40 years. In fact, he has said that early in his career, people didn't allow him to be himself. Stone Crazy was the first album that he was allowed to be himseIf you listen to his sound on the Live at the Checkboard CD pn JSP, he sound was pretty similar to how he sounds today. Just sayin'

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The Blues Photo Gallery

Last Edited by Joe_L on May 09, 2017 10:10 PM
Little roger
177 posts
May 10, 2017
5:06 AM
@chromaticblues
No I'm not familiar with the Seydel amp. Is that another rebranded Chinese amp?

Nope. The HyperAmp is hand-built and wired amp in Germany near the Seydel factory. Not sure I am allowed to tell you which manufacturer but they make high end products. I have the amp as I am a Seydel Endorser and I have to say it really is very versatile at 15 watts. I recently recorded a cd with it and can post a track when it is mastered next week. You can get can get an impression of if it here:

https://youtu.be/1_lY-5HQHy8
Goldbrick
1811 posts
May 10, 2017
5:40 AM



Buddy circa 2001 sure sounded good here and note that has strat has buckers and not single coils


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