nikki-k
Experienced
Well, sadly, I must report that I am returning the Ultra.
It is a great unit. Cliff really knows his stuff, and I wish I could afford to have all the toys I want. Fractal and everyone have been so very helpful, and it truly made trying the Ultra out a much easier experience.
The bottom line for me was based on several things. I am hoping this first one really is understood. I did not try to make the Ultra sound like a specific amp or effects unit. When I started playing guitar almost 28 years ago, I wished I could play like Ted.. or Randy.. or Eddie.. or Schenker.. or.. well, all of them! And many more. A couple years later, the drummer of my first real "play gigs outside of the basement" band's drummer was making some food, and came into the room where I was jamming with some albums. He said, "Ya know, I can always tell when it is you playing. You have not ever learned one song note for note; but, in a way, I like it more, cause it is you. All the other kids are trying to sound like someone else, and most of them do. I really like that you don't" And then he simply walked back to the kitchen, and it was never mentioned again. So what?
Well, I treat all my gear like that, as well as my own playing. How I wish I could play like Steve Vai, or Dicky Betts.. or a multitude of others. But, while hands being reattached and broken fingers have halted becoming the next shred queen, I am still me, and my playing is me. I am prouder of that than "technical prowess in excess." I still wish tho! And with gear, it is the same thing. I will sit down and play a Marshall, and wish it would have that "Jake E Lee in Badlands" sound, or an EVH sound, or whatever. And then I realize, DUH! It has been done, and done to death. Look for something unique. Something YOU can wear, and be comfy in and with. I could care less if it said Peavey.. Matchless... or "Jane's Box of Tubes." Tell what is in it (basically), and I am willing to try it on. I may get a decent feel, but the fit might be off a little... and changing some tubes, or simply wearing it for awhile will bring it to that, "Damn, this feels good!" place. I have played guitars and basses that were exceptional instruments, but they simply were not something I was comfy with. I might wish I could slap the neck on a different body, with different pickups.. or.. something.
I know how to build computers, have done it for years. I came up with the de facto standard PC build for Pro Tools TDM systems when they went XP compatible (seems like a decade ago now...). But, I would not be comfortable screwing with what is inside the Ultra. It would be like repainting the Mona Lisa's hair or some other little piece. A tube amp I can dig into (well, not these new PCB infested worm cages). Even a vintage Les Paul I have no problems playing doctor.. or re-animator with. It is like the new cars (well, post '80 or so..lol) too. And therein lies the rub: The Ultra is damn sweet, and I am in awe. But, it does not fit well enough at that price point for ME, and even though I can do some things to "hot rod" it a bit, it is not enough. Maybe if I spent months I could find enough of it to be comfy with to validate the expense. But right now, I really need some basics to be there, and fit well for me. I am so very, very grateful to Cliff for offering people like me that are so finicky a chance to audition it. I have lost sleep for a few nights now trying to come to terms with a simple fact: for now, only a tube amp will work for me, and for some reason (I am an old dog who simply has a psychological block?) I need certain pedals to be able to mold a "front line." Load/speaker line out, or parallel line effected.. Ultra, all the way, no if's and or but's for me. If I find I am ever able to afford it, I would want one. But, the foundation must come first, and this has abeen a lesson for me in just what I am able to wear.. psychologically, or whatever it is that simply makes it fit. IOW, this is no failing on the Ultra's side, per se. It just is not enough of a perfect fit for me at this point in time.
Sorry to go on and on. I am so damn long winded. I guess short blurbs do not fit me either (hahaha..). I feel bad on one hand, but on the other, I am so happy I got to try it out. It has afforded me the ability to feel (confident that) I have found the direction I need to go. Thanks again to all who helped out. One aspect of this that has blown me away is how tight everyone is here, and how much it is a community, and how everyone helps and contributes. I envy those who found such an incredible fit. I truly do.
Thanks again!
It is a great unit. Cliff really knows his stuff, and I wish I could afford to have all the toys I want. Fractal and everyone have been so very helpful, and it truly made trying the Ultra out a much easier experience.
The bottom line for me was based on several things. I am hoping this first one really is understood. I did not try to make the Ultra sound like a specific amp or effects unit. When I started playing guitar almost 28 years ago, I wished I could play like Ted.. or Randy.. or Eddie.. or Schenker.. or.. well, all of them! And many more. A couple years later, the drummer of my first real "play gigs outside of the basement" band's drummer was making some food, and came into the room where I was jamming with some albums. He said, "Ya know, I can always tell when it is you playing. You have not ever learned one song note for note; but, in a way, I like it more, cause it is you. All the other kids are trying to sound like someone else, and most of them do. I really like that you don't" And then he simply walked back to the kitchen, and it was never mentioned again. So what?
Well, I treat all my gear like that, as well as my own playing. How I wish I could play like Steve Vai, or Dicky Betts.. or a multitude of others. But, while hands being reattached and broken fingers have halted becoming the next shred queen, I am still me, and my playing is me. I am prouder of that than "technical prowess in excess." I still wish tho! And with gear, it is the same thing. I will sit down and play a Marshall, and wish it would have that "Jake E Lee in Badlands" sound, or an EVH sound, or whatever. And then I realize, DUH! It has been done, and done to death. Look for something unique. Something YOU can wear, and be comfy in and with. I could care less if it said Peavey.. Matchless... or "Jane's Box of Tubes." Tell what is in it (basically), and I am willing to try it on. I may get a decent feel, but the fit might be off a little... and changing some tubes, or simply wearing it for awhile will bring it to that, "Damn, this feels good!" place. I have played guitars and basses that were exceptional instruments, but they simply were not something I was comfy with. I might wish I could slap the neck on a different body, with different pickups.. or.. something.
I know how to build computers, have done it for years. I came up with the de facto standard PC build for Pro Tools TDM systems when they went XP compatible (seems like a decade ago now...). But, I would not be comfortable screwing with what is inside the Ultra. It would be like repainting the Mona Lisa's hair or some other little piece. A tube amp I can dig into (well, not these new PCB infested worm cages). Even a vintage Les Paul I have no problems playing doctor.. or re-animator with. It is like the new cars (well, post '80 or so..lol) too. And therein lies the rub: The Ultra is damn sweet, and I am in awe. But, it does not fit well enough at that price point for ME, and even though I can do some things to "hot rod" it a bit, it is not enough. Maybe if I spent months I could find enough of it to be comfy with to validate the expense. But right now, I really need some basics to be there, and fit well for me. I am so very, very grateful to Cliff for offering people like me that are so finicky a chance to audition it. I have lost sleep for a few nights now trying to come to terms with a simple fact: for now, only a tube amp will work for me, and for some reason (I am an old dog who simply has a psychological block?) I need certain pedals to be able to mold a "front line." Load/speaker line out, or parallel line effected.. Ultra, all the way, no if's and or but's for me. If I find I am ever able to afford it, I would want one. But, the foundation must come first, and this has abeen a lesson for me in just what I am able to wear.. psychologically, or whatever it is that simply makes it fit. IOW, this is no failing on the Ultra's side, per se. It just is not enough of a perfect fit for me at this point in time.
Sorry to go on and on. I am so damn long winded. I guess short blurbs do not fit me either (hahaha..). I feel bad on one hand, but on the other, I am so happy I got to try it out. It has afforded me the ability to feel (confident that) I have found the direction I need to go. Thanks again to all who helped out. One aspect of this that has blown me away is how tight everyone is here, and how much it is a community, and how everyone helps and contributes. I envy those who found such an incredible fit. I truly do.
Thanks again!
