Finally got my FRAMUS COBRA!!@!@ [Archive] - Harmony Central Musician Community Forums

Evan666

09-02-2005, 03:47 PM

Just bought it at wild west guitars here in riverside, got a screaming deal for the head i paid 1900, brand new in box with a footswitch, and the straight cab for 600.

2500$ for a new framus cobra half stack, fucking awesome! im still in shock, i get to pick it up tuesday!

full review will follow as soon as i get it
:cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

rgt320

09-02-2005, 03:49 PM

:cool:

pan

09-02-2005, 03:49 PM

Nice man, congrats on your new amp. I am thinking of selling my powerball and buying cobra instead. Post some pics and a review If you´ll have some time(probably you´ll be too busy playing the amp ;) ) Take care

Aljosa

sonixx

09-02-2005, 05:21 PM

Excellent and congrats... :)

textdivine

09-02-2005, 05:58 PM

Smoking deal! Congrats!

cobrahead1030

09-02-2005, 11:49 PM

badass

just had a gig with mine tonite...and another tomorrow...never fails to perform like a champ :cool:

naskonja

09-03-2005, 02:42 AM

congrats man! fuck i need to visit that place, what other higher end amps to they cary?

angelspade

09-03-2005, 05:13 AM

Originally posted by cobrahead1030
badass

just had a gig with mine tonite...and another tomorrow...never fails to perform like a champ :cool:

How does the Cobra do in terms of cutting through?...I love the tones (Unearth/Derek's sound clips) but it sounds maybe a touch "hollow". Do you have to really push the mid frequencies to get some cut / projection?...would you say it slices better or worse than say, a Mesa recto?...I am very interested in this amp, havn't heard anything quite like it in terms of tone. It's almost sounds like the bastard child of a 5150 and a dual rectifier...your thoughs are appreciated. Thank you.

sonixx

09-03-2005, 05:41 AM

Originally posted by angelspade

... It's almost sounds like the bastard child of a 5150 and a dual rectifier...your thoughs are appreciated. Thank you. yeah... mine is slightly more scooped than my 5150... but the bottom end on the Cobra is just fabulous... the tone is smooth and edgy at the same time... great amp.

Tyler N

09-03-2005, 05:53 AM

Evan, tuesday you will be a very happy man. This amp is wonderful.

angelspade - The amp cuts like a hot knife through butter.

AlexWade

09-03-2005, 11:38 AM

Hey guys, I'm interested in getting a Cobra (like many of us hahaha) but my only concern is, one of the guitar players in my old band had one and he had a hard time getting it to cut through the mix of the band. We were metalcore-ish in the vein of Unearth, As I Lay Dying.. etc. etc. so while his mids weren't scooped ALL the way out, they were about 7 or 8 o'clock. Was it just due to his settings or is the amp known to not cut as good? Oh yeah... and he had a quad of KT-88's in that bad boy and the low end pretty much disembowled anyone who walked infront of it hahahaha. Any input would be appreciated... thanks!

Alex

sonixx

09-03-2005, 11:41 AM

maybe different speakers and/or different PUPs would help

guitarman967

09-03-2005, 11:52 AM

Originally posted by AlexWade
Hey guys, I'm interested in getting a Cobra (like many of us hahaha) but my only concern is, one of the guitar players in my old band had one and he had a hard time getting it to cut through the mix of the band. We were metalcore-ish in the vein of Unearth, As I Lay Dying.. etc. etc. so while his mids weren't scooped ALL the way out, they were about 7 or 8 o'clock. Was it just due to his settings or is the amp known to not cut as good? Oh yeah... and he had a quad of KT-88's in that bad boy and the low end pretty much disembowled anyone who walked infront of it hahahaha. Any input would be appreciated... thanks!

Alex

Well the first thing I'd point out is that KT-88's have a very flat frequency response when compared to any tube but especially EL-34's which have alot of midrange bite to them. I wouldn't recommend the Kt-88's in that amp if you want CUT. Did he have the amp modded to use them in it? I don't think you could just through them in and adjust the bias, you'd need to change some resistors. Also, you didn't say if your friend used the Crunch or Lead channel for his rhythm sounds, the latter is more compressed and is better off for leads IMO. I'd say his mid setting is definitely too low. Does he run EMG's too. Those are scooped PUPS and the combo will give you too hollow of a sound(with those mid settings). What speakers? V30's would help in this senario. To answer your question, I think the amp cuts through great in my situations. It cuts way way better than the tremoverb I had prior. There certainly isn't a cutting through problem with it I can tell you that.I hear alot of marshall in this amp but the difference is that it has a lower mid that gives you that MESA Rectifier roar. Hope that helps some.:)

guitarman967

09-03-2005, 11:58 AM

Originally posted by sonixx
maybe different speakers and/or different PUPs would help

+1
Besides a Soldano SLO, I think you can have problems with alot of high gainers if these two components are fighting against you. I heard the SLO is like a laser through a fog in any situation.

guitarman967

09-03-2005, 11:59 AM

Originally posted by sonixx
yeah... mine is slightly more scooped than my 5150... but the bottom end on the Cobra is just fabulous... the tone is smooth and edgy at the same time... great amp.

Really? Mine has more mids by far than any 5150 I've ever played. It will definitely make a difference with speakers though. I have too turn down the mids with my v30's.

guitarman967

09-03-2005, 12:03 PM

Originally posted by angelspade

How does the Cobra do in terms of cutting through?...I love the tones (Unearth/Derek's sound clips) but it sounds maybe a touch "hollow". Do you have to really push the mid frequencies to get some cut / projection?...would you say it slices better or worse than say, a Mesa recto?...I am very interested in this amp, havn't heard anything quite like it in terms of tone. It's almost sounds like the bastard child of a 5150 and a dual rectifier...your thoughs are appreciated. Thank you.

If you mean Unearth's recorded tone, I don't think they were using Framus amps yet. Live Unearth's tone kills. Also pay attention to what channel you're listening to on Derek's clips. I think there's only one Crunch Channel clip that SETH does and it will give you a better idea of what the amp's capable of doing regarding cutting through. The Lead Channel is darker and more compressed like a Rectifer. I don't use it for rhythm sounds. The Crunch Is really more like the bastard child of a JCM800 with the low mid of a Rectifier.

AlexWade

09-03-2005, 12:09 PM

Originally posted by guitarman967

Well the first thing I'd point out is that KT-88's have a very flat frequency response when compared to any tube but especially EL-34's which have alot of midrange bite to them. I wouldn't recommend the Kt-88's in that amp if you want CUT. Did he have the amp modded to use them in it? I don't think you could just through them in and adjust the bias, you'd need to change some resistors. Also, you didn't say if your friend used the Crunch or Lead channel for his rhythm sounds, the latter is more compressed and is better off for leads IMO. I'd say his mid setting is definitely too low. Does he run EMG's too. Those are scooped PUPS and the combo will give you too hollow of a sound(with those mid settings). What speakers? V30's would help in this senario. To answer your question, I think the amp cuts through great in my situations. It cuts way way better than the tremoverb I had prior. There certainly isn't a cutting through problem with it I can tell you that.I hear alot of marshall in this amp but the difference is that it has a lower mid that gives you that MESA Rectifier roar. Hope that helps some.:)

no he didn't have it modded for the KT-88's but he did have it biased so it could use them without damaging it, and he did use the lead channel as the rhythm, because like you said it has that more "punishing type" rectifier sound. and yes he ran EMG's so pretty much everything you suggested that could be wrong, was hahahahaha, so I guess I know the answer now. But he was using a Mesa Rectifier cab with V30's so at least that was helping.

cobrahead1030

09-03-2005, 12:22 PM

Originally posted by angelspade

How does the Cobra do in terms of cutting through?...I love the tones (Unearth/Derek's sound clips) but it sounds maybe a touch "hollow". Do you have to really push the mid frequencies to get some cut / projection?...would you say it slices better or worse than say, a Mesa recto?...I am very interested in this amp, havn't heard anything quite like it in terms of tone. It's almost sounds like the bastard child of a 5150 and a dual rectifier...your thoughs are appreciated. Thank you.

i've owned and gigged with a recto, and i have to say the cobra fits in the mix much better...it's clear as a bell without having ear piercing highs; with the right settings the midrange on this amp is just huge sounding and it's got a snarl that is like no other amp i've played

i usually have the mids around noon, so i'm not really pushing the mids but they're not hiding either...i'd say it's more like a bastard child of a boosted jcm800 and dual rectifier

guitarman967

09-03-2005, 12:23 PM

Originally posted by AlexWade

no he didn't have it modded for the KT-88's but he did have it biased so it could use them without damaging it, and he did use the lead channel as the rhythm, because like you said it has that more "punishing type" rectifier sound. and yes he ran EMG's so pretty much everything you suggested that could be wrong, was hahahahaha, so I guess I know the answer now. But he was using a Mesa Rectifier cab with V30's so at least that was helping.

Didn't need a magic eight ball for that one, NEXT!!:D So you can definitely make it cut right if you mess with it or just use it differently than your bud. I'd suggest Crunch channel, mids at atleast 10:00 go higher for EMGs which are already scooped. With my V30's I can turn the mids down but when I ran it with my VHT cab I had to run the mids over 12:00 because those P50's are so scooped sounding. I find that the Lead channel is too loose to use for my rhythm stuff unless I dial the gain back like a rectifier. With the Crunch you can max it out and it will remain tight and still cut because of it's tone.

cobrahead1030

09-03-2005, 12:24 PM

guitarman967

09-03-2005, 12:33 PM

Originally posted by cobrahead1030

i really have no clue what your band sounds like, but having the mids that low would be a good explanation as to why the amp didn't cut thru...i have mine around noon

Yeah at that point just use the Notch switch and it would sound better and probably cut better. This amp is really sensitive to small changes though. The type of pickup you use, the tubes, the speakers all have a major impact on the end result. More so than with other amps I've owned and played. I've even noticed that I can't hook up a ton of pedals in front of the amp like I could with my tremoverb because it degrades the tone too much just like you hear purists talking about.

angelspade

09-03-2005, 12:56 PM

Originally posted by guitarman967

If you mean Unearth's recorded tone, I don't think they were using Framus amps yet. Live Unearth's tone kills. Also pay attention to what channel you're listening to on Derek's clips. I think there's only one Crunch Channel clip that SETH does and it will give you a better idea of what the amp's capable of doing regarding cutting through. The Lead Channel is darker and more compressed like a Rectifer. I don't use it for rhythm sounds. The Crunch Is really more like the bastard child of a JCM800 with the low mid of a Rectifier.

Thanks man...I may have pull the trigger on this amp. I am not a guy who is really known to have severe G.A.S., but my ears are telling me that there is something unique about ths amp/voicing.

cobrahead1030

09-03-2005, 01:09 PM

Originally posted by angelspade

Thanks man...I may have pull the trigger on this amp. I am not a guy who is really known to have severe G.A.S., but my ears are telling me that there is something unique about ths amp/voicing.

it's a great amp...just be warned that it will let EVERY nuance of your playing come thru clear as day, if you play shit RIGHT it will sound killer, but if you hit a weak note, or palm mute something too much/too little EVERYONE will know it ;)

angelspade

09-03-2005, 01:19 PM

Originally posted by cobrahead1030

it's a great amp...just be warned that it will let EVERY nuance of your playing come thru clear as day, if you play shit RIGHT it will sound killer, but if you hit a weak note, or palm mute something too much/too little EVERYONE will know it ;)

That's not going to be a problem as my technique is literaly flawless...Ha,Ha...kidding of coarse!!!...But I did learn this lesson with my Voodoo 5150 II (very unforgiving), actually forced me to pay more attention to my picking. I've now grown to love really articulate/unforgiving amps...and when I'm feeling "off", I plug into my Mesa triple recto...Has a tendency to cover mistakes. Thank you again for your thoughts on the cobra.

The Chinese

09-03-2005, 02:04 PM

Hmmm.....

I feel like the only person in the world that didn't fall in love with his Cobra....

I felt that the Mid-Scoop was too much, so I generally play it with the mid scoop out. My setup is like this

Tom Anderson Classic w/ H2+ Bridge,->Cobra->Bogner 2x12 (V30) Or Marshall 4x12 (Late 70's w/ G12H's/V30.)

I do think it sits well in a band, but I think it's too Metal for me, do I want a dragon instead?

-Todd A.

angelspade

09-03-2005, 06:12 PM

Originally posted by Shiny_Surface

You actually have to have great technique to play fast/tight with looser amps, or else you will sound really sloppy because of the looseness.

I think that there is some validity to that statement, but I also feel that in the case of the Mesa recto, it's distinct "wall of sound" effect helps cover some inconsistancies in picking, chording and technique. Having said that, contrary to popular opinion I have always known that when good tecnique is applied and the amp is dialed in tastefully, the recto can sound plenty tight and articulate. Just my opinion.

OneArmedScissors

09-03-2005, 06:18 PM

Originally posted by AlexWade
so while his mids weren't scooped ALL the way out, they were about 7 or 8 o'clock

What the hell? Isn't that just about as low as it will go? I mean, you can't actually turn it completely to 6 o'clock, right? That is insanely scooped, man. Pretty much NO amp would sound good in a mix like that. I will never understand why people do that...

guitarman967

09-03-2005, 08:54 PM

Originally posted by The Chinese
Hmmm.....

I feel like the only person in the world that didn't fall in love with his Cobra....

I felt that the Mid-Scoop was too much, so I generally play it with the mid scoop out. My setup is like this

Tom Anderson Classic w/ H2+ Bridge,->Cobra->Bogner 2x12 (V30) Or Marshall 4x12 (Late 70's w/ G12H's/V30.)

I do think it sits well in a band, but I think it's too Metal for me, do I want a dragon instead?

-Todd A.

Maybe, but you'd have to elaborate on what you didn't like about the Cobra. Also, maybe what you didn't like about it could be fixed with different speakers, PUPS or tubes and settings. The way I look at it is that all amps leave something to be desired for the most part and you have to tweak other aspects to make them right. Some of the best Metal tone I've ever heard was Dimebag Darrell's of Pantera and his rig was as far from the stock Randall as you could get.

guitarman967

09-03-2005, 08:56 PM

Originally posted by OneArmedScissors

What the hell? Isn't that just about as low as it will go? I mean, you can't actually turn it completely to 6 o'clock, right? That is insanely scooped, man. Pretty much NO amp would sound good in a mix like that. I will never understand why people do that...

On the Cobra I set them as high as I can right before I start to hear the sound start to become undefined and then I back them off. This point is different depending on the guitar and Speaker cabinet.

guitarman967

09-03-2005, 08:58 PM

Originally posted by angelspade

That's not going to be a problem as my technique is literaly flawless...Ha,Ha...kidding of coarse!!!...But I did learn this lesson with my Voodoo 5150 II (very unforgiving), actually forced me to pay more attention to my picking. I've now grown to love really articulate/unforgiving amps...and when I'm feeling "off", I plug into my Mesa triple recto...Has a tendency to cover mistakes. Thank you again for your thoughts on the cobra.

If you think the 5150 is unforgiving you will be in for a shock on the Cobra's Crunch Channel. I think the two amp's are in a different league in that department but I didn't catch if your's was modded or something. Anyway, what didn't you like about the Powerball you sold?

angelspade

09-03-2005, 09:33 PM

Originally posted by guitarman967

If you think the 5150 is unforgiving you will be in for a shock on the Cobra's Crunch Channel. I think the two amp's are in a different league in that department but I didn't catch if your's was modded or something. Anyway, what didn't you like about the Powerball you sold?

Well a stock 5150 II is somewhat forgiving (although less so than my recto), But after the Deluxe Voodoo mod...well let's just say you need to bring your a game in terms of technique. As far as the powerball is concerned, I hate to keep relating my negative feelings regarding this amp mainly because it has many hardcore fans here at the forum, but you asked so here goes:

1) when pushed (volume) the tone begins to take on a harsh, overcompressed...almost solid state character (even with the gain at 11:00). Just doesn't sound natural or "real" enough for me.

2) Plagued by noise and high pitched, non-pleasing feedback.

3) Because of it's voicing it literaly dissapears in a band situation, least "cutting" high gain amp I have ever tried.

4) serious lack of volume, and more importantly "punch". quietest 100 watt amp I have heard yet. My Voodoo 5150 II has greater precieved volume with the post gain (volume) on 4 than the powerball cranked.

Sorry but that is what my ears told me (and yes, I tried several different cabs and worked with the settings for about a month) . Just my opinion...and I am clearly insane because the majority of forumites swear by this head.

guitarman967

09-03-2005, 09:47 PM

Originally posted by angelspade

Well a stock 5150 II is somewhat forgiving (although less so than my recto), But after the Deluxe Voodoo mod...well let's just say you need to bring your a game in terms of technique. As far as the powerball is concerned, I hate to keep relating my negative feelings regarding this amp mainly because it has many hardcore fans here at the forum, but you asked so here goes:

1) when pushed (volume) the tone begins to take on a harsh, overcompressed...almost solid state character (even with the gain at 11:00). Just doesn't sound natural or "real" enough for me.

2) Plagued by noise and high pitched, non-pleasing feedback.

3) Because of it's voicing it literaly dissapears in a band situation, least "cutting" high gain amp I have ever tried.

4) serious lack of volume, and more importantly "punch". quietest 100 watt amp I have heard yet. My Voodoo 5150 II has greater precieved volume with the post gain (volume) on 4 than the powerball cranked.

Sorry but that is what my ears told me (and yes, I tried several different cabs and worked with the settings for about a month) . Just my opinion...and I am clearly insane because the majority of forumites swear by this head.

No these are all the things I've heard too. What I do when researching a piece of gear is I'll look at reviews like on the HC reviews. If something is mentioned a bunch of times you know that there's an issue and that's evident by the HC user reviews. I've heard the quietest high gainer comment, the Not cutting through comment, the Solid State comment, and the microphonic feedback, reall need a noise gate comment over and over again so I think there's something to it myself.:mad:

angelspade

09-03-2005, 09:50 PM

Originally posted by guitarman967

No these aer all the things I've heard too. What I do when researching a piece of gear is I'll look at reviews like on the HC reviews. If something is mentioned a bunch of times you know that there's an issue and that's evident by the HC user reviews. I've heard the quietest high gainer comment, the Not cutting through comment, the Solid State comment, and the microphonic feedback, reall need a noise gate comment over and over again so I think there's something to it myself.:mad:

Thanks for you're understanding, because everyone (or almost everyone) seems to think I'm a few bricks short of a pile.

guitarman967

09-03-2005, 09:55 PM

Originally posted by angelspade

Thanks for you're understanding, because everyone (or almost everyone) seems to think I'm a few bricks short of a pile.

No it's a bedroom amp I think, I don't see many Pro's using them. It's kinda like how cool a metal zone is when you're a kid until you use it in a band and it's sounds like your playing lead chainsaw. It just doesn't work like it did in your bedroom. I'm assuming, I've never played/owned one but I certainly would like to try one and get my take on this hyped amp.

OneArmedScissors

09-03-2005, 10:00 PM

I can't really know this, but it seems to me that people play Powerballs too scooped. Practically every clip of them that I have heard is scooped. Their voicing seems to be of rather dark character to me, which does not help there. Scooped just does not work in a band. I might be generalizing there, but it holds true more often than not.

guitarman967

09-03-2005, 10:29 PM

Originally posted by OneArmedScissors
I can't really know this, but it seems to me that people play Powerballs too scooped. Practically every clip of them that I have heard is scooped. Their voicing seems to be of rather dark character to me, which does not help there. Scooped just does not work in a band. I might be generalizing there, but it holds true more often than not.

I don't think they can help it, I've heard that it just has a really scooped voicing. Don't get me wrong I'd like to try one out for myself, I'm not bagging on it until I know for sure.

the_chief

09-03-2005, 10:56 PM

I paid $2350 total for mine( Cobra head and Dragon cabinet)- but don't ask me where 'cause I will not tell as they are not available for that price any more

you guys did know thet Framus amp prices jumped up didn't you?

on the crunch channel I run my mids around 2 or 3 o'clock

angelspade

09-04-2005, 04:23 AM

Originally posted by guitarman967

No it's a bedroom amp I think, I don't see many Pro's using them. It's kinda like how cool a metal zone is when you're a kid until you use it in a band and it's sounds like your playing lead chainsaw. It just doesn't work like it did in your bedroom. I'm assuming, I've never played/owned one but I certainly would like to try one and get my take on this hyped amp.

I guess I sometimes wonder how many of the forum members who swear by this amp actually ONLY play in their bedrooms (not that there is anything wrong with that)? And your right, hardly any national touring acts (that I know of anyways) use this amp as part of their main backline. I'll tell you this...when I first plugged it in at home I felt pretty good, not great, but good. The following day at band rehersal is when things began to head south. Just my opinion.

Evan666

09-04-2005, 03:19 PM

Its cool man, All input is appreciated!

pan

09-04-2005, 03:21 PM

Hey Evan666, how do you like the Cobra so far?

Kyle DiSanto

09-04-2005, 07:43 PM

The framus cobra cuts through the mix better than any amp that I have owned/used live..and thats quite a few. A 5150 cuts but it also dominates the rest of the band, a marshall cuts well but can sound thin(essp compared to the framus) A mesa cuts very well in modern mode channel 3 but it can sound muddy. Engls sound great but to me the one flaw is that while they cut..they can sound thin.

The framus cobra on the other hand is capable of giving you great bass, mids and highs while not being overwhelming in those departments. I run my framus with a cobra cab(governors) and a mesa cab(vin30's). I use EMGs and my tone knobs hang around 12..bass under, mids 1130...treble noon and the result is great. VERY hotrodded marshall sound. I never had a problem cutting through when I played and every amp I have put up against the Framus has lost. My 5150 would kill the framus becuase it had soo much treble, my freinds mesa was too mushy...
On my last note, I have said this before and I will say it many more times...the Framus is very much so designed to be cranked up a bit. The power section of this amp adds soo much character to the amp is great. So get those tubes cooking and start playing!

KYLE