LearnGospelMusic.com Community
Gospel Instruments => Gospel Guitar => Topic started by: trackman on May 19, 2014, 10:11:39 PM
-
Hey guys. I have run into what I think is a very good deal and I need your opinions. I have found a Crate Palomino V32 for $260. Have any of you played these and what did you think of it? I have never owned a tube amp so any maintenance issues or upkeep issues would be valuable info as well...
-
The title should have said "Palomino"... Stupid autocorrect...
::)
-
Sorry I haven't visited in a while...but for future reference, the Crate Palomino is pretty decent amp.
The Crate Palomino replaced the Crate Vintage Club series which also were nice enough units.
You'll probably need to know a trustworthy amp tech to keep these Crate amps for years because they need regular service. They tend to rattle themselves into inoperability .
Basically, this Crate electronic design (on paper) is solid....BUT Crate cuts corners on part quality to keep the price point low. So, it uses potentiometers (pots) that vibrate apart in time. The whole pressboard cabinet tends to shake the screws out if you don't check them every several months. The spring-style screw retainers in the metal amp housing fall out when the retaining screws get loose (then they short out IN the amp causing serious damage). LOTS of little problems.
If you get one of these amps, consider a speaker upgrade also. Really can make a difference.
SO....it can be a toneful little amp if you're handy working on and servicing your own equipment. Keep a screwdriver handy to re-tighten loose screws as they occur. If it starts behaving at all strangely, STOP using it immediately and consult an amplifier tech.
I hate to sound kinda negative, but it was an amp that got you a usable tube tone at a low price point. But it is an amp that you can expect to service regularly if you gig it at full volume and transport. Vibration was not this amp's friend.