| userName | text |
| mdrs |
I am very happy to introduce to you our esteemed guest for tonight, Mr. Andy Fuchs of Fuchs Audio Technologies http://www.fuchsaudiotechnology.com/
Andy makes boutique amps that are as good as any on the market today. |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
thanks ! |
| mdrs |
Hi Andy, and Welcome to The String Network, and to tonight’s “Live Chat”. Before we start, I’d like to post “the rules” as a reminder to our members of how this works. |
| Millo |
HELLO! |
| mdrs |
When a member has a question, simply type “I have a question”. I’ll keep a list of names, and will ask you in order to type in your question for Andy. After your question is answered, I will give you the opportunity for a follow up question right away. Remember that Andy will be doing a lot of typing. So, please be patient and give him a chance to answer. |
| mdrs |
O.K., Andy here we go! |
| mdrs |
How old were you when you first took up a musical instrument? When did you start playing guitar? Did you have any formal musical training? Do you play out these days? |
| Dr._Ellwood |
I have a question for Andy please: |
| mdrs |
gotcha Lee |
| Hard_Tail |
i have a question |
| mdrs |
Here's a link to Andy's web site, while he's typing; http://www.fuchsaudiotechnology.com/index.php |
| mdrs |
gotcha Keith |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
Well, I grew up in a music store, so there were lots of opportunities to play drums, guitar (which Mom played and taught) and accordian, which my dad played and taught. I studied both instruments for a few years each, but mostly enjoyed doing thing at my own pace and learning on my own. I learned enough about reading, and counting to get by as a professional later on.... I started playing guitar in Junior HS, when a band I was hired to play flute in, asked me try playing rhythm guitar when I wasn't playing flute (we did Jethro Tull covers). I played for 25 years professionally, till I was 44, and now I play part time at open mics and blues jams, and trade shows...or youtube videos... I did all our original sound files, and people still bought amps despite my playing ! :) |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
I played guitar and bass btw. |
| mdrs |
How did you get into electronics? How did you end up in the amp business? |
| mdrs |
btw.....I've seen some of the YouTube vids you did, and you are an excellent player. |
| Caevan_O'Shite |
(I have a question) Hi, and thanks for my Lucky 7! |
| mdrs |
gotcha Caevan |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
I worked in Dad's store part[time after school. I got the job of taking amps up the block to the local TV store, where a friend of my Dads Al Canova did our repair work. Eventually, I started working for the TV store. I helped with delivering consoles to and from peoples houses, answered phones, swept up, and eventually started to learn diagnostics. I swapped tubes and replaced parts and learned the basics. Al was a retired Engineer from Grumman aviation, and was a remarkable diagnostician. He could trace signals with his finger !! He taught me to use another working amp to trace signals through a broken one, without major test equipment. My parents bought me lots of meters, and parts, and encouraged me alot. I eventually started building Heathkits and then got a book on guitar amps by Jack Darr. |
| mdrs |
So, you got into amp repair first? |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
The Darr book was a turning point, as it had schematics of amps, and I started putting parts together and making circuits work. Stacking tube preamps up to make distortion, more gain, and so forth. I guess in my teens I started doing custom work, and by 18 was working on 48th street fixing amps for people at We Buy Guitars. My major mods started when I ripped up a few Fender Twin Reverbs and Music Mans and put my own overdrive preamps in them. |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
Thanks for the kind words about the playing. I try my best !! |
| mdrs |
How did you end up starting Fuchs Audio Technology? |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
Yeah, it was repairs mostly. Eventually someone asked for modifications, make it brighter, make it distort and so forth. I had the chance to see some early Boogies and Dumbles and learned alot of what I'd done was being done elsewhere !! I hadn't gotten the knack of completely controlling things until later, after seeing how others had found some solutions, not all of which I agreed with... |
| mdrs |
What can you tell us about your business? How many employees do you have? Where was your first “shop”? Do you have a different shop/plant now? |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
I worked until my late 20's in the repair field, maybe 30 or so ? I realized I had hit a ceiling money-wise. I had started the tube amp repair department at a repair shop called Triple-S (who's still in business), but I couldn't make enough cash. I went into architectural sales of fire alarms, sound systems, cameras and card access. Made seriously good money. I started a family, bought a house, and eventually went back to building my own stuff at night for me. I took a few amps to open mics and jams, and guys wanted to get amps like mine !! So in 1999 Fuchs Audio was started. We bought a digital camera, microsoft front page, and put up a site. |
| mdrs |
I know that some of your Fuchs amps lines are patterned after Dumbles, and also Trainwrecks/Marshall Plexi, right? |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
It started as me only, eventually I hired a local housewife to help with the phone (when I went to work she wired and answered the phone etc), and she copied my samples to make more amps. I hired a friend of hers Aleks, who's still with us. Our staff varys depending on workload from 4 to 10 people, depending on workload, and so forth. My wife runs the finance/business, and I run Engineering and QC end of it. In the middle, Aleks supervises the amp and pedal production. |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
We'll be ten years old next year !! |
| mdrs |
Wow, how time flies! |
| mdrs |
How is the amp business these days? |
| mdrs |
I'll open it up to questions after a few more preliminaries, for you members. |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
Our amps started out as a Dumble clone I built in Bassman, Music Man and Traynor chassis. I started to feel they could be enhanced, so I worked to lower noise, added an effects loop, reverb, more switching for mid and gain boosts etc. Eventually, I decided to actually make amps in my own chassis and not those of others. We do make a Trainwreck style amp, which again finds it's roots in the Trainwreck design, but with my own enhancements. The Lucky-7 and Blackjack were lower power derivatives of that same style platform. Nice little rockin amps....I'm working on a redesign now, after 3 or 4 years of making them, I want to expand on what they can do. |
| mdrs |
I’ve noticed some impressive pro endorsers playing Fuchs amps. Could you tell us about a few of them? |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
The amp business is always in flux. The "flavor of the month" club on places like the Gearpage is fascinating to watch... We're proud we've stayed the course and watched as people show up and leave the business pretty regularly....Seems anyone with an internet connection and soldering iron thinks they can be an amp maker. I've talked to many builders who have looked towards me for guidance, and man, some people are "painting by number" and not really designing much....pretty wild.. |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
We're still seeing growth at 15 to 20% per year, which we're pleased with. |
| mdrs |
That is awesome. An experienced amp tech I know is always telling me that much of the so called boutique stuff is of marginal quality. |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
We've been blessed by getting noticed slowly but surely by more and more players. Lots of times, it's a friend who tells a friend. Kenny Wayne Shepherd told Joe Bonamassa and so forth... pretty exciting. |
| mdrs |
I don't mean to put you "on the spot", but could you tell us your “Carlos story”?? You sure don’t have to, if you don’t want to!! :P |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
Well, some boutique stuff is "over-represented". Some builders are making 5 to 10-K amps that are not really living up to the pedigree they are presented-as. That hurts other builders who try to go "above and beyond". We pride ourselves on superior build quality, performance, and build quality. It takes alot to do that affordably in the US, but we try our best. I do agree, there are some boutique amps that do fall short. |
| mdrs |
Andy, did you see this question; I don't mean to put you "on the spot", but could you tell us your “Carlos story”?? You sure don’t have to, if you don’t want to!! |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
Well, Carlos was waiting an eternity for an amp, from a noted West Coast builder. In the meantime he tried other amps. He had a Two Rock, he'd requested a Fuchs for a "tone taste test" he was conducting before a new album was being cut. The "other guy" heard about it, and suddenly had an amp ready....he simply suggested that he'd like to see the Fuchs "go away" before the amp was delivered....always a bridesmaid never a bride I guess. I know Carlos owns a Train-45, a TDS and an ODS or two, as well as lots of other boutique amps. He's quite a collector, from what I hear. |
| mdrs |
I love that story!! |
| mdrs |
And, I have insider info from Guitar Center friends that Carlos IS quite the collector!! |
| mdrs |
Here's my last prelim question; I see that you have a new line of custom effects pedals. Can you tell us about them? |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
Not much more than that. It's an interesting study in human relations. Some people have a remarkable hold over others. The same guy has an amp for 6 years, which belongs to a noted LA studio player, for a repair....he's pretty controlling, and there are many stories to that effect. I like to sleep at night, and keep my customers happy, not rocket science. |
| mdrs |
It'll be Lee first, then Keith, followed by Caevan shortly |
| Dr._Ellwood |
Hi Andy! do you actually attend the shows where your amps are being used and are you backstage during performances, do you ever do on the spot setup |
| mdrs |
Andy, if you can try the pedal question, and then Lee's....sorry! |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
Well, part of the Fuchs evolution was simply to diversify. We'd been asked about a "Fuchs in a box..", so I started listening to other pedals, and started playing with my own designs. I loved getting back to playing with chips and transistors, and messing with circuits. What was going to be "a pedal" became seven, and I have another 5 or 6 more, that my wife won't let me release until the company is ready financially. It's amazing what it takes to launch a production run of anything !! Boxes, silk screens, buying powder coat material, circuit boards....it seems deceptively simple when you design it.... I keep designing and stock piling ideas, until we're ready to move with them |
| mdrs |
Here's a link to Fuchs Pedals; http://www.fuchsaudiotechnology.com/products-plush.php |
| mdrs |
O.K., Lee's on!! |
| Dr._Ellwood |
Hi Andy! do you actually attend the shows where your amps are being used and are you backstage during performances, do you ever do on the spot setup |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
I do attend some shows. It's fun. I do try to assist some users on how to dial our stuff in. Mostly it's just socializing and making sure people are happy. I also like to get a feel from customers what they want to see from us in the future as far as guitar amps, pedals, bass amps seem to be coming up alot too. Not a ton of boutique approaches to bass, which interests me. |
| mdrs |
follow up, Lee? |
| Dr._Ellwood |
OK thanks ..I will have more later: |
| mdrs |
ok |
| mdrs |
Keith, you are on |
| mdrs |
Caevan is after Keith |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
I also have to balance my time against getting out. This week I have Bonamassa in NYC and Oz Noy , an amazing fusion guitrist from Israel who lives in NUC, I plan to visit with some new amps at sound checks and so forth. |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
After a day in the shop, I'm pretty toasted, as it;s 10.00 to 6 ot 7.00 daily, and 10 to 4 on Saturdays, etc....I'm getting old :( |
| Hard_Tail |
Hey Andy. I'm primarily a Fender guy who likes it loud and clean (with the Fender reverb) But... I'd also like some Marshall type crunch once in awhile. Do you have an amp in your inventory that kind of has all or most of these qualities? |
| mdrs |
LOL...join the club, Andy!! |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
Well, that's cool. The new ODS HRM is an alternate version of the existing ODS with a more agressive Marshall like overdrive. It has it's own internal tone controls for the overdrive, which are accessable through a hatch in the top of the cabinet, unlike other similar designs. It has the headroom of 100 or 150 watts (we don't make the HRM in less than 100 watts), a great reverb, and the overdrive can be gnarly !! |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
That could combine Fender clean and Marshally overdrive fairly well. |
| mdrs |
Follow up, Keith? |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
Some guys use a regular ODS with something like an MI crunch box or a Fuchs Cream pedal to get Marsahlly. |
| Hard_Tail |
is this available in a combo or just an amp/cab config? |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
Head, 112 or 212 combos. |
| Hard_Tail |
are the combos closed or open back? |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
ported actually. I never liked Fenders and Marshalls that threw away 40% of the backwave out an open back. We have a football shaped port on the back panel, which gives a very full bass and a nice projection in our combos. Not completely closed, but closed enough. Took a bunch of time to tune things, but we're very pleased with that. Our early combos were open back, but we soon realized a better way. |
| mdrs |
btw.......I'll attest to the fact that the on board overdrive in the ODS amps is fantastic. I've got two ODS amps that I use all the time. The overdrive in the standard ODS is really nice, if a bit less knarly than a Marshall. But, the ODS seems to love every guitar I've put thru it....very versatile. |
| mdrs |
any more Keith? |
| Hard_Tail |
thanks. i'm done |
| mdrs |
O.K., Caevan, you are ON!! |
| mdrs |
Lee will be on again, after Caevan |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
Thanks. They are very clear and articulate. Joe Bonamassa told me he has friends who "both love and hate their ODS". SOmetimes if you play bad, an ODS will deliver it on a silver platter. I told Joe that's like a guy complaining a Ferrari is a bad car, AFTER they crash it by driving bad....Go practice or buy a forgiving amp.... ;) |
| mdrs |
LOL..........true! |
| Millo |
I have a question... or two or three or ten ;) |
| Caevan_O'Shite |
I'v got a bunch (5 or 6); following will be th first... |
| mdrs |
ok, gotcha Millo |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
I truly think my ODS' made me think about choosing my notes better, playing less and more important notes, and making them clear and each one count. |
| Caevan_O'Shite |
Several of the amps in your line are said to be influenced by the amps of Mr. Dumble; many of us have never encountered a Dumble or similar amp before. Could you elaborate on what is different about the character of sound and feel of Dumbles and "Dumble-style" amps, like some of your own, compared to other more commonly found amps? And, why? |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
Think of a Dumble (or our derivatives) to be extremely carefully voiced Fender style circuit. Alot of attention to what each stages does in terms of tonality, the power supply is tuned to "bounce" appropriately, like detailing an already great engine. Dumble really never designed anything particularly new, neither did Mesa Boogie. They started with Fender topology and refined it to their own taste. The differences between a Dumble and Boogie or the Fender circuits they started with is clear by how each is different in many ways:feel, tone, overload etc. |
| Dr._Ellwood |
Doc put Millo ahead of me: |
| mdrs |
ok |
| mdrs |
Caevan...go ahead with followups |
| Caevan_O'Shite |
OK- I will be getting a Fuchs 2x12 cab to go with my Lucky 7 head; could you elaborate on what differences to expect between your closed-backed and ported-backed 2x12 cabs? |
| mdrs |
Millo will be after Caevan |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
We took that further by not only making it repeatable on PC boards, but adding our own unique attributes like the DC tube filaments. I was scoffed-at by a few amp builders I respected, telling me it was "a waste of time". Our amps are the quietest amps I've ever heard...on purpose...that shows all the detail and clarity, even if you don't totally hear the noise to begin with....like painting on a truly white canvas. |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
Closed back is more bassy, but projects a bit more. Open back is more room filling, with less focus and bass. Ported combines both: nice full bottom, good projection, and reasonable back fill (for drummers and to fill out the room a little). |
| Caevan_O'Shite |
Of the speakers that come standard or are offered as options, could you expound a bit on what characteristics and differences one could expect from some of them? Are some better suited to different amps, cabs, or even musical/playing styles? I'm thinking that I'd like to go with Celestion G12H30s to go with my Lucky 7... |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
Well, our stock speakers are the Eminence Red,White and Blues, which are great, but we offer other upgrades. The G12H30 may be one of the best guitar speakers out there ! The L-7 likes them a bunch. The Lead-80, EV-12-L, and so forth, all have their attributes, depending on the tone you want, and what you have to push them amp-wise.... |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
We're planning on adding some new Jensen models and Tone Tubbys to the list of available options too. |
| mdrs |
Any more, Caevan? |
| Caevan_O'Shite |
I also am thinking that I'd really like to get a hold of a Valve Job pedal, as well, as I expect that it'd be an excellent match with my Lucky 7. Does the Valve Job respond dramatically to different tubes like many amps do, or, does it matter little what tubes are used, like some other brands of tube-driven overdrive/distortion pedals? |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
Sorry, but the current Valve Job has the tube soldered-in...sorry.... |
| Caevan_O'Shite |
Oh!Speaking of tubes and the Luky 7... any favorite combinations of tubes for tailoring and steering the Lucky 7 into various differing personalities? |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
The circuit is really tuned to a particular (RUBY) Chinese 12AX7, which we like. We're looking at maybe socketing it in the future, as lots of guys wanted to play with tubes.... |
| mdrs |
Andy, I play my Lucky 7 thru a Cornford 2x12 loaded with Vin 30's. The Cornford is made of heavy pine, and the bass response is wicked good. That little Lucky 7 sounds HUGE thru the Cornford!! |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
The Lucky-7 likes TUng-Sol reissue 12AX7s or the EH 12AX7 in V-1, the second slot a Ruby is fine, and power tube wise the JJ or Winged-C EL-34 is good as are the JJ 6V6's for lower power. |
| Caevan_O'Shite |
Any possibilities that, in the future, you just might need to hire another person with good soldering skills and a serious quality ethic? (Relax, don't feel too put on the spot, I can take "no" or "who knows" for an answer!) |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
The Vintage 30 a great gnarly rock speaker. As much as the ODS hates it, the Blackjack and L-7 love it ! lol. |
| mdrs |
It makes that little amp sound like a Plexi!! |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
We're always open to hires, when the sales and work flow allow. Last summer we hit 12 people on payroll, now it's half that...it varys. You local to us ? |
| mdrs |
Great question, Caevan!! LOL |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
There's a youtube video of a guy playing a Lucky-7 on a gig with a drummer and real band, and it sounds just sick !! |
| Caevan_O'Shite |
I live in upstate NY right now. Hah! Yeah, I can see that the ODS wouldn't get along with the V30, and that the L7 and BlJk21 would go great with it... |
| mdrs |
Yes, I've seen that video, and it's GREAT |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
I was amazed myself.... |
| Dr._Ellwood |
Andy, Caevan really knows his amp technology! |
| mdrs |
O.K., if you are done, Caevan, Millo, you are ON! |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
He should put you down as a reference on his resume B) |
| Caevan_O'Shite |
I auditioned the L7 through both Budda and Orange 2x12s before I bought it, the Orange having V30s... |
| Caevan_O'Shite |
Wops, sorry! |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
lol, np |
| Millo |
Thanks. Regarding the introduction of HRM-style circuits: is it safe to assume if HRM's are based 90's Dumble-style circuits, then the other ODS and TDS are based on 80's circuits? Are you planning to use the your HRM-style design on the TDS? |
| Caevan_O'Shite |
I meant, woops! |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
Yes, eventually that will happen. Maybe by NAMM 2009. The ODS's share motherboards, so it's not impossible to add that. I based the non HRM's on 70's , then 80's style Dumble voicings (the SLX at 0300 s/n was the switchover), now the HRM is 90's style yes. |
| Millo |
Cool. I get the impression the 2nd channel on the TDS is "stringier" than its 3rd channel. How would you describe the sonic differences? I like "stringy", which is what I would call the classic cleanish cranked Marshall sound heard on AC/DC's Back in Black. The 3rd channel seems to be voiced more for single-note lead work. Is this how you envisioned these two? Would it be safe to call the 2nd channel "Marshallier" than the 3rd? |
| Millo |
...or is the difference simply the amount of gain/OD available? |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
Actually, they share the same circuits, with some subtle tuning differences. A few different potentiometer values between the B and C channels. Yes, the B is more stringy (cool adjective), and the C channel is more solo-oriented.... The B gain is variable inside with a trimmer in place of the C channel having OD-in and OD-out's. The gain is about the same, but the tonality changes due to the voicing of certain components. The original TDS had a one tube overdrive on B and a two tube on C, but that changed after a while. |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
A single tube overdrive ahs too many third order harmonics I didn't care for |
| Millo |
What would be your favorite speaker match for a TDS 50? Let's say, in a 2x12 cab? Ported? |
| Millo |
sorry... I can wait after Lee for other follow-up questions, my bad. O:-D |
| mdrs |
you are fine, Millo |
| mdrs |
finish up |
| Dr._Ellwood |
go ahead Millo!! no problem |
| mdrs |
I have a quick one, and then Lee will be the final "formal" question. |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
That depends on what you like as a player. I like the EV-12-Ls, the 212 with G12H30's is really nice. One of our dealers did an EV-12-L and a Lead-80 in a 212 that was amazingly good, albeit heavy. I think the 12-L is well balanced tonewise, although some guys hate the weight. Haven't yet heard a Neo I can live with , sorry ! |
| mdrs |
Any more, Millo? |
| Millo |
Do you think the HRM is "just difference" from your previous design, or "better"? |
| Millo |
sorry, meant "just different" |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
Not better or worse, different. I personally prefer the original ODS circuit, which has a HF trimmer on the OD output. That being said, I certainly think the HRM has a great voice for some players. It's like Larry Carlton or Santana vs Robben Ford. If, as a paley, you prefer to work with that tonal pallette, go for it. I played it for a friend in the shop Saturday who said "it might be the best amp you've ever made", but he's a Marshally kinda guy..... |
| mdrs |
Andy, can you comment about PC boards in an era when the hype is that it "must be point to point" wiring? |
| mdrs |
Lee with the final question is next |
| Millo |
Have you tried the Celestion G12-65 Heritage speaker w/ your ODS or TDS amps? |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
I could make an HRM work for me, and have, but I'm a simple player myself, when it comes to gear. I couldn't handle a Boogie Road king for example, too much going on....too deep for me to get into trouble..! lol |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
1265's are very nice as well, not in my top 3 or 5, but good. Seems the 1265 likes HRM's more than other amps imho. |
| Millo |
Thanks, done! |
| Dr._Ellwood |
Andy do you ever got tired of the reference to Dumble and Marshall when talking about your amps personality? for many of us it's the only frame of reference we have. |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
I think we did a great job of fighting the tide of PCB vs hard wired. I would make an amp any way it had to be made to sound good. I feel, from a scientific point of view, a PC board is accurate to tens of thousands of inches, and you can control everything tighter than any point to point executed amp. I revise a typical board ten or 12 times to get it to behave as I want it to: low noise, good tone, no crosstalk or leakage between channels etc. I compare to hard wired prototypes often, until the board exceed the performance...lol. |
| mdrs |
Right!!! LOL |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
I do get frustrated in that we're trying to distance ourselves from the whole "dumble thing" with new models and designs, but I do think you need a point of comparison. It's like wine or food, someone always needs perspective. Our Clean Machine was described as sounding like " the greatest Twin Reverb Fender never made..." at the LA amp show. That kind of comparison I can live with any day. |
| mdrs |
Andy, I want to thank you on behalf of Craig, Lee, myself, and all of The String Network members. We will have a “Ask Andy Fuchs” thread posted on the Guitar Forum portion of our site, where members can post questions for you that they didn’t get to post tonight. If you can, please visit us, and often!! |
| Dr._Ellwood |
transcript Doc |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
I'll add you guys to the bookmarks of the forums I pass by and will poke-in from time to time !! Thanks for the opportunity to chat ! |
| mdrs |
If you are busy, please feel free to check out. We will gladly hang for a while, and you are welcomed to do so as well. We appreciate your time |
| Caevan_O'Shite |
The Chef is always the most ingredient in the recipe! (Relating to PCB vs PTP/HW and Dumble/Marshall/Fender/etc.) |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
Have a great night guys ! |
| mdrs |
Thanks, Andy. |
| mdrs |
And |
| Dr._Ellwood |
thanks so much Andy!!!! |
| Millo |
Have a great night, thanks! |
| FUCHSAUDIO |
:) |
