I want a Science Amplifier

[Holy Schnikes]

I could even do without the second channel

Sho 'nuff.

The dual channel design is what makes it unique imo. Plenty of utilitarian single channel amps available already but a good sounding multi-channel minus the overdone options is hard to come by.

[Bellyheart]

That's true. I just keep hoping someone makes a volume-gain-tone amp in the 80-100 watt range. Honestly, the Hellhawk will more than likely be where I land.

[Science Amps]

That's true. I just keep hoping someone makes a volume-gain-tone amp in the 80-100 watt range. Honestly, the Hellhawk will more than likely be where I land.

I have considered a no-verb version of the Street Sweeper. I think I could actually fit that in a Shiv size headbox (21" W) or maybe the new Mother size (24" W). Don't know if that would be too boring with out the verb though since it's pretty much a clean machine... It would definitely bring the cost down, which is great!

[the_wallcrawler]

Really interested in these amps. Looking for some opinions.

I primarily play punk/hardcore/melodic metal in the comfort of my home. I have a Recto from my old band days for those purposes. What I'd like to add to the collection is something that could do something approaching Hot Water Music type Marshall/Orange tones, but more importantly be very open for pedals. I'd really like to start building a board - delays, reverbs, fuzz, overdrive - the whole gamut essentially.

Sounds like Decolonizer can hit the Marshall/Orange tones, but also overlaps somewhat with the Recto. Hellhawk and Shiv may be the better options for pedals while still having some built in gain/overdrive tones (as opposed to Sweeper).

Thoughts?

[whoismarykelly]

Really interested in these amps. Looking for some opinions.

I primarily play punk/hardcore/melodic metal in the comfort of my home. I have a Recto from my old band days for those purposes. What I'd like to add to the collection is something that could do something approaching Hot Water Music type Marshall/Orange tones, but more importantly be very open for pedals. I'd really like to start building a board - delays, reverbs, fuzz, overdrive - the whole gamut essentially.

Sounds like Decolonizer can hit the Marshall/Orange tones, but also overlaps somewhat with the Recto. Hellhawk and Shiv may be the better options for pedals while still having some built in gain/overdrive tones (as opposed to Sweeper).

Thoughts?

The Decolonizer would probably be right up your alley. Its a fuller tone than a Rectifier with more low mid emphasis instead of high mids. Takes pedals great.

[the_wallcrawler]

The Decolonizer would probably be right up your alley. Its a fuller tone than a Rectifier with more low mid emphasis instead of high mids. Takes pedals great.

I agree it would be right up my alley. I guess the biggest problem is I'm unsure what alley I'm looking to fill. I very much enjoy my Recto and the high gain sounds of the Decolonizer sound amazing. But the more I read the more I also am intrigued by the Shiv and Hellhawk. Since I have no real aspirations to play in a band again, I like the power scaling stuff on the Shiv. I also like the sounds of the push/pull on the clean channel Schnikes had done on his Decolonizer. Time to get a raise.

[PeteeBee]

I feel your pain. Figuring out which amp is hard. I plan on getting a science in a few months when the funds line up, but I can't nail down which one. Good thing I have time to wrestle with it.

I play lots of post rock, also some punk/powerviolence. I've also been doing some experimental synth and guitar weirdness. Lastly I play jazz with my uncles somewhat regularly. My current rig (micro terror through orange 2x12) can't really do any of this well except punk and noise. Strangely, the thing that is most motivating my search is I have been incorpating jazzy voicings into the post rock stuff, and the micro terror can't come close to articulating the notes if I'm playing some triad on the low strings. I'm leaning towards street sweeper for the reverb and headroom for jazz and post rock, then just get nasty with pedals for heavy stuff.

I'm drooling just thinking about it.

[lefchr]

So I didn't really have any real desire for a new amp. After reading this thread I now want a hellhawk and mother. I'd personally go for orange and ivory tolex from the option shown. Nothing I'll be worrying about anytime soon, unless some amp funds magically appear. I didn't even like the design when I first saw them now I think they are fantastic looking.

[whoismarykelly]

For those interested in how the Decolonizer sounds with a variety of settings and styles I recorded a few clips this morning. These are all straight into the amp with no effects.

Humbucker guitar > Decolonizer > 4x12 w/ Eminence Lil Texas > SM57 > Focusrite Pre > Garageband

Clean


Mid Gain + mode


High Gain + mode


High gain ++ mode


High gain ++ mode

[AngryGoldfish]

Man, that's some meaty-assed midrange. I got a protein overdose on that shit. Nice! I loved the second and third clips.

[Tristan]

Wow, it's completely different than I expected, a very very modern sound, lots of high mid sizzle too, sounds good though.

[whoismarykelly]

Wow, it's completely different than I expected, a very very modern sound, lots of high mid sizzle too, sounds good though.

Its worth pointing out that I set the amp up for a sound I like which may be different than how other people would use it. There is lots more bass and treble to be had and room on either side of the midrange control. You could have both way more and way less gain. These are somewhat middle-of-the-road tones that capture the voice of the amp but you could get many more sounds out of it.

I actually think this amp sounds less modern in voicing than some other Marshall-type amplifiers. The Decolonizer has more of a raw edge like a V4 or a JMP than my Splawn does. Its less refined in the high end which is a lot like vintage gainy heads compared to modern ones that want to sound like a an EQed and mastered recording.

The cool thing about Alex is he will adjust the circuit if you have specific requests. Both my heads are the stock configuration but I know there are others with custom elements in their Science heads.

[Holy Schnikes]

^ Agreed.

While the Decolonizer has plenty of mids and low mids to offer, the EQ is powerful and allows you to dial it to taste. I don't feel it's very modern sounding either, kinda walks the line between modern and vintage tones imo. Very well voiced.

[Tristan]

Sure, I hear that raw throaty midrange roar thing in there too, it doesn't seem to be one of those smoother gainy amps as you mention.
In your clips it reminds me a bit of a Custom Audio OD100 but then with punch and balls, more rock 'n roll lets say, it also seems quite a bit leaner and tighter than for instance a Marshall Plexi.
Altogether it makes me feel like it's a more modern voiced amp than I expected but of course I don't have the thing here so I'm not speaking out of real life experience with it.
Thanks for the clips, it's cool hearing those sounds!

[OddKnowledge]

i'm lusting for those Decolonizer cleans.