Webb Amplifier Update

Tom Bradshaw · From: Walnut Creek, California, USA

I have received many inquiries regarding my progress in getting production started on the Webb amps. It will be a few more months before I'll be able to offer them for sale. They must be perfect in every way before I'll sell them to anyone.

A frequent question asked is “What will a new Webb amp cost?” I am not yet able to determine this. However, this amp will be expensive when compared to other amps that are not a Webb. I don't think I'll EVER be able to sell these amps for less than $1500.00, while beginning runs of these amps will be much more. That worries me. So, I've come up with a plan. Whatever the price will be for the first run (20 amps), and for each production run thereafter, I will make this promise. When any subsequent run of amps allows for a reduction in price (which I expect!), all previous purchasers will receive an check from me equal to the difference in what they paid for their amp and the price of the later ones. I don't want anyone to be penalized by buying an amp in the beginning that supports my efforts to jump-start this venture. Everyone I shared this idea with told me I was nuts. I am, but I'm still going make that promise. No one has ever lost money doing business with me, and I don't intend to change my ways.

Here are some of the new Webb features and the services I'm gearing up to offer.

1. All the recommended electronic upgrades by Forumite Brad Sarno will be included. Although Webb amps are renowned for their durability and tonal characteristics, some component parts now available are simply better made than when Webb amps were built in the past. Brad has identified them and they will be in the new Webbs!
2. A chamber is provided inside the cabinet that will isolate the speaker. That chamber has four ports in the front and one large port in the back. Experimenting with the opening or closing (full or half) of the front ports will allow the user to select the degree of sound-texturing preferred. If the large back port is removed, the back sounds are released, typical of most open-backed amplifiers. Closing all the ports permits the user to have a closed-back speaker cabinet (typical of a few amps and common for extension speakers).
3. The amp will come equipped with an Eminence 8-ohm, 15" Kappalite speaker. It utilizes a neodymium magnet and weighs 8 pounds. Using this speaker reduces the amp's weight to 50 pounds, while providing a sound typical of JBL speakers (which are no longer made). This speaker is rated at 300 watts; quite adequate for the 250 RMS watts obtainable if a user chooses to utilize an extension speaker wired in parallel to achieve 4-ohm impedance. However, buyers will have the option of purchasing the amp without a speaker, permitting the use of any 15" speaker that might otherwise be preferred. A 12" speaker cannot be utilized in the cabinet because the speaker chamber is not formatted to accommodate that size, nor is a 12" speaker even recommended (I haven’t found a 12" speaker that projects the amp's sound as does the Kappalite). The first run of the new Webb amps will not be sold without a speaker chamber.
4. The cabinet’s covering will be available in black, blue, and maroon. For a small added price the amp can be covered in any color and/or fabric pattern desired by the purchaser (if feasible to obtain and install).
5. The reverb unit will still be the Accutronics brand, but mounted as the manufacturer has long-recommended (on its side), not placed in the bottom of the cabinet as has been traditional on most amps.
6. An effects loop connection will still be included as well as a Line-In and Line-Out jack. The Line-Out jack will have reduced output for connecting to recording boards in studios.
7. A protective amp cover will be standard.
8. A detailed schematic will be supplied with each amp.

Optional Purchase Items:
9. Remote reverb control. It is plugged into its dedicated jack on the back of the amp and then clipped to the leg of your guitar.
10. Remote distortion control. This control provides a mild fuzz effect if desired by the player, and plugs into the Line-In jack on the back of the amp. It too is clipped to the leg of your guitar.

Services for older Webb Amps
Apart from the new Webbs, I will offer repairs, upgrades and replacement parts for older Webb amps. The upgrades and parts can result in an older Webb amp reclaiming its "like new" appearance and have all the attributes of a new Webb amp.
The upgrades will include:
1. The installation of all the newer component parts as recommended by Brad Sarno. This would require sending your Webb amp chassis to me for an electronics technician to do the installation.
2. A newly wrapped cabinet in the color and/or material desired by the purchaser, as well as all new hardware: handle, corners and feet. This would likely be a swap: I would send the customer the completed cabinet. He would send his old cabinet back to me after transferring the chassis, speaker and reverb tank to the new cabinet.
3. Everything mentioned in No. 2, plus the speaker chamber,
4. New chassis face plates. I believe I would have to install these on an owner's Webb chassis, unless they really felt confident in doing it themselves.
5. Webb amp replacement hardware, which would be the handles, metal corners and feet.

For a view of the amp, please go to:

http://www.songwriter.com/bradshaw/webb_amps.php

If you attend the Texas Jamboree in Dallas next month, you can inspect and play through the Webb. The amp will be available for this at the GFI booth. Mike Sigler will be using it during his performances.

I'll provide all new information here on the Forum regarding the progress in the manufacturing of these amps. I wish to thank the dozens of interested people who have asked to be placed on the "Notification List" when the current run of amps is ready for purchase. …Tom

Tom Bradshaw · From: Walnut Creek, California, USA

Additions! For reasons I can't explain, several paragraphs were omitted from my above post. I have edited in those omissions. ...Tom

Kevin Hatton · From: Buffalo, N.Y.

Tom, I am a Webb player and will support you any way I can. When Can I send my Webb chassis to you for the upgrade service? How much will it be?

Ken Byng · From: Southampton, England

I have a feeling that you will do well commercially with this venture Tom. A quick question - will the amp have a variable voltage selector switch so that us Europeans can be included in your market place?

Ken

Morton Kellas · From: Chazy, NY, USA 1

Tom, I am glad to hear that you are incorporating the Brad Sarno recommendations. Brad modified a Webb chasis for me, and I saw a positive improvement. I'm sure with Brad's upgrade recommendations incorporated into the Webb amp, buyers will have the best tone possible, and there will be no need for mod kits to aquire a suitable tone, as is necessary with some manufacturers. You have my interest.

Dave Zirbel · From: Sebastopol, CA USA

What does the Sarno upgrade do to the sound of the Webb?

Thanks, Dave

Brad Sarno · From: St. Louis, MO USA

Basically the mod is an upgrade of some critical signal path components. As a general rule, tantalum and ceramic capacitors are not favored for audio. They tend to have a relatively harsh and overly crispy treble and also a relatively "choked" quality to lower frequencies. What happens in an amp that is already very good sounding is that it just gets a bit better. The sense of warmth, detail, and most of all, a noticeably sweeter top end.

The Webb has a number of signal path coupling stages with tantalum (and somtimes aluminum electrolytic) caps, and tone control positions where ceramic caps were being used. The upgrade to polypropylene film caps is a nice and easy way to significantly improve an already great amp design. To my mind, it simply maximizes the potential of the design without actually altering any values. It's simply a signal path quality improvement. The results are quite pleasing to the ear. With the Webb, it'll still sound and voice exactly like a Webb, but there will be a distinct tonal improvement across the board.

To me it's a general rule to get aluminum electrolytic, tantalum, and ceramic cap's OUT of the direct signal path of audio circuits. They are nearly always weak links. Some engineers aren't aware of the sonic weaknesses of these caps, so they will often wind up in some audio devices. These days, there is a lot more awareness in the audio design field of the significant tonal differences in capacitor types, so it's less common to find these lesser types of caps in good quality gear. Sometimes when a cap value is too large (like above 3 to 5uF), it's simply impractical to use film caps, but in the Webb, the values are all small enough to accomodate good quality film caps.

So the short answer is that by upgrading these cap's the result is a warmer, fuller, punchier, more detailed, richer, sweeter, better sound. To some ears it's may be only a 10% improvement. To others it's drastic, night and day. I guess it depends on how good the ears are still working.

Brad

Jerry Malvern · From: Menifee, California, USA

I had the pleasure of speaking with Tom on the phone a couple of weeks ago about my guitar. With him, there is no right or wrong, it simply has to be right. I have to sell off a few things, and then I will get on the list, but just one question. On the web site, it states the is a control for SS, hybird, and tube type sounds. How does the tube type sound?

Mike Sigler · From: Give Em A Try !

Guys
If you are going to Dallas this year you will see a Webb Amp Behind me.. Webb has always been a great product, But now with Tom building them they have a combination that cannot be topped!.... Mind you, we are not slamming any other company, But when i hit the stage, I know the punch, tone, and over all quality will be comming off that Stage from the Webb amp... Can't say much for the player !.. Laughing

But what ever you do make sure you check out the new Webb Amps while in Texas....

( If our Gonna Play In Texas, You Gotta Have Web In The Band)

Dave Zirbel · From: Sebastopol, CA USA

Thanks Brad. I'm hoping the mod will have similar results to the Lemay PV Vegas mod I had done. Bradshaw is an hour and a half away so I think I will get in line for an upgrade.

Dave Z

Kevin Hatton · From: Buffalo, N.Y.

This is a prime example of the power of the Forum. Brad Sarno (who is an electronics genious) took his talents and is making one of the best amos out there better through his efforts with Tom Bradshaw. Brad Sarno, Ken Fox, and some others here are authories when it comes to steel guitar amps, and we are very fortunate to have them advising us here. Thanks very much guys.

Tom Bradshaw · From: Walnut Creek, California, USA

Regarding the questions from Kevin, Ken and Jerry: I'll not be able to offer any of the upgrades, additions, and services until I finish the current run of Webbs and they are available for purchase. I'll have the cost determined at that time also. I'll look into the "variable voltage selector switch", but know it will not be available on the first run of the amps. In the past, Jim Webb provided a different transformer to accommodate European AC voltage. I'll find out about the possibility of a switch, if such a simple solution is possible. Regarding the question about the three-position tone switch, here is what Jim Webb stated in the owner's manual.
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TONE SELECTOR: There is a mystical quality that goes beyond simple "tone". It is the sound you hear in your mind after spending excessive time adjusting your amp to capture the elusive tonal quality you seek. For lack of a better word, call that elusive something "texture". The 3-position TONE SELECTOR switch is probably the one control that "finds" that sought-after texture.
Position 1: This is the tube-amp sound of old, with lots of highs, but not much bottom-end.
Position 2: This is middle ground; good clean highs and the beautiful extended low end. This is the sound long sought by hybrid amp manufacturers. It is the amp that was part tube and part solid state, being much cleaner and full-bodied, but without the harshness of the totally solid state circuitry. This position will satisfy the player who likes the sound of the old tube amps, but always wished it had better low-end response and fuller body.
Position 3: This position provides a "gutsy" solid state sound, but with much of the harshness rolled off. Steel guitarists often need to play big chords with a more mellow sound. The country music players want a cutting, crisp sound. This position provides both. But if it's the harshness you want, be creative; you have all the other controls to "dial it in".
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Perhaps Webb owners here on the Forum will add their own description to how Jim Webb described this switch. They surely have discovered aspects of this tone switch that are appealing. I've noticed that Webb owners seem to have their own preference for the position they use. …Tom

Brad Sarno · From: St. Louis, MO USA

Thanks Kevin. But honestly, I surely don't consider myself to be an electronics genius. I'm not even an EE. I just like to surround myself with geniuses so that maybe some of it will rub off on me. Wink

In fact, a few of these real geniuses have appeared right here on this forum. I like to think that my forte lies in simply helping to take already great designs and enhancing them in ways that better serve our particular needs as steel players. But thanks for the kind words my friend!

Brad

Brad Sarno · From: St. Louis, MO USA

I get where Jim Webb was going with his description of the 3-way tone selector and how he used the terminology of tube, hybrid, and SS. But I view it a bit differently. That tone selector is actually doing something pretty simple, but sonically gigantic.

Position #1 is simply a midrange dip around 375Hz. By reducing this lower midrange band, the sound is thinner and very full of upper mids and treble. That dip frequency will often work well with piezo pickups in a fiddle, eliminating the boxy, feedback-prone frequency range. I find it a bit unpleasant on steel.

Position #2 is the official "steel" setting according to a phone conversation I had with Jim Webb before his passing. This #2 setting is a big dip at about 550Hz. It gives a relatively huge bass boost. This very central to the Webb steel sound in my opinion. That frequency works very well for not only steel pickups, but also that particular cabinet size/shape.

Then position #3 is simply flat, no midrange dip. It will give a very strong midrangy sound reminiscent of an old tweed Fender like a Pro or Deluxe. Perhaps this is why Jimmy Day supposedly used this #3 setting on his Webb, since he played for years thru a tweed Fender Pro amp.

To me the real differences between tube, hybrid, and solid state has everything to do with the harmonic and dynamic content, and not necessarily the midrange voicing. So that's why I like to help describe what that 3-way selector is doing instead of using that tube/hybrid/SS metaphor.

Brad

smike · From: oakland, ca

i just switched from the two-ton JBL in my webb to the new eminence 15, and the sound is phenomenal and the amp is at least 15 lbs lighter and since tom won't come to all of my rehearsals and gigs and be my roadie, i am pretty darn happy.

bruce

Mike Black · From: New Mexico, USA

Mike Black · From: New Mexico, USA

Jay Ganz · From: Out Behind The Barn

Actually it wasn't a switch....you mean a level control.

Tom Bradshaw · From: Walnut Creek, California, USA

Mike: Yes, the remote reverb control will be available, but as a separate purchase (this was explained in my opening statement of this thread). I'm not including as standard equipment the remote reverb or the remote distortion controls because some people have no desire for them. Thus, it would be a waste (and added cost to the whole package) to offer them and not be used by the buyer).

Jay: You are correct.

...Tom

Mike Black · From: New Mexico, USA

Don McClellan · From: California/Thailand

Hi folks, I'd just like to say that I bought a new Webb amp from Tom Bradshaw about 5 months ago and I could not be happier with it. I've never sounded better! Also, Tom is a wonderful person to do business with. He is much more interested in offering a high quality product and unbeatable customer service than he is in making a profit and that shows in everything he does concerning steel guitars. Thanks again Tom, Don McClellan

Ken Fox · From: Nashville GA USA

The use of tantalum caps was the key factor in the sound obtained in the Neve preamps. These preamps were well known in the studio environment for there tube like tone! The reason is the distortion they do produce is even harmonics. Oddly most of us like a tube sound, ala the Fender amp tone! While the use of film caps does make a very smooth amp it may not be the sound that a lot of folks like! I notice more and more of the steel players are using a Black Box or a Revelation Tube preamp to get back that tube edge.

The mod I do on the Session 400 amps is Brad's own mod with film caps. A smooth sound is achieved after that mod.

The mod I do for Nashville 400 amps uses tantalum caps for audio coupling. Hands down, I prefer the Nashville amps tone. That little bit of extra grit is what a lot of folks have been looking for.

The other mod in the N-400 is the Burr Brown audio chip. A JFET based technology that again emulates tube tone! Same chip used in the Profex 2, Vegas 400 and other mods. Again a warmer tone for the transistor amp.

Mayne not everyone's cup of tea! However changing the design of the Webb by deleting those tantalum caps will in fact alter the sound, for the better for some folks and worse for others. Whose to to say what is right, it is a matter of personal taste.

The history of transistor amps is interesting. The first ones were not well accepted as they produced distortion that was unpleasing to the ear.

When the transistor amp clips, it produces more odd-order harmonics (and in its worst case can sound hollow and dry), whereas tube distortion produces even-order harmonics. Tube distortion sounds warmer.

The trick now became to make a more powerful amp that might not clip as easily. Along came 200 watt amps. Next the problem was getting a speaker to handle the power! The JBLs in Peavey amps were soon replaced with Black Widows.

Next Peavey came out with the DDT (distortion detection technique). This keep the amp from ever going into distortion. Saves speakers and sounds so much better to the ear. Even the Nashville 112 has a wonderful circuit (maybe the same DDT) that allows the amp to get to the max output without distortion!

For some of us the transistor sound is the very best for steel guitar, to other tube sound is still preferred. Both are great concepts. It is a matter of what you want to hear.

Kevin Hatton · From: Buffalo, N.Y.

Ken, that is a brilliant analysis. Right on the mark. The reason I play a Webb amp is for those harmonic overtones produced by those Tantalum caps. I wouldn't want it any other way. I do not want a smooth sound. I want growl and harmonic overtones ala Fender tube amps. Webb amps get that sound in a solid state. I think that Tom Bradshaw should offer it both ways. I really cannot stand the smooth sterile sound of Peavey amplifiers. They leave me cold. By playing a vintage guitar that produces overtones (ZB Custom) along with the Webb amp I can nail the sixties vintage sound, that edgy sound. I for one do not like mellow or warm tone steel tones. Give me bright edge and twang.

James Quackenbush · From: Pomona, New York, USA

Many times we see amps that get re-issued and for the most part , the only thing in these re-issues that's the same as the originals is part of the name !!.... They are NOT improved upon, simply made cheaper, and less costly ( sometimes ) and mass produced , and folks buy them as the company rests on thier laurels .... I am really proud of Tom, Brad, and the rest of the folks who had input on this Webb amp for TRUELY making it a better amp, and one that will actually sound BETTER and not just another hype amp ... To truely listen to what forum members have to say, and put it to good use is one of the few times we as pedal steel players get to voice our opinions, and watch an amp that we can all be proud of come to fruition ...And when was the last time you got a rebate when the price of an amp dropped ??....When was the last time you saw the price of an amp DROP ???..... This is business at it's finest, and I commend Tom for his efforts ... When Tom takes on adventures like this one, and Brad continues to come out with the products that he does, it does my heart good to know that the pedal guitar is alive and kickin !!!.... Thanks to all involved ....Sincerely, Jim

Ken Fox · From: Nashville GA USA

I agree James. If Tom Builds it, then it will be to the same or higher standards!

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