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The average car cost what - $30-40k? Nobody shames or second guesses that. $5000 on something that brings you a lifetime of joy and inspiration is an absolute bargain in my mind. You’d have it as long as you live. If it makes you a better listener, player and writer it’s an investment in yourself. Send them a cheque and keep it.
Yep, that’s correct. I’ve always tries to attain the highest quality in all my gear. It’s been worth it. Last amp bought was a fuchs ODSII and it’s amazing...still 3 years later. No change in opinion. 4K worth it easy. To me...
Everything is relative. This amp is the automotive equivalent of a Ferrari, Lamborghini or a McLaren. High-end, hand built, high performance items meant to perform at world class levels. Last time I checked, those brands were selling a ton of cars. And just like the cars, a Two Rock will expose the flaws in your playing just like a McLaren will expose the flaws in your driving, just with deadly consequences.
Nobody shames on that because a car is much more complex and inherently expensive to manfacture... Oh and an amp can't transport you comfortably (with navigation, music, climate control) from A to B. Don't get me wrong, I don't find $5000 for an amp outrageous at all. Your comparison is just a bit misplaced...
She's going to have one within two years watch. It will be worth every penny because it is so unforgiving it will force her playing to go to the next level. Her style needs a glorious clean.
billville111 i would prefer her to stick with orange, kind of makes her unique since few others uses orange for those kind of tones or relate orange with that.
This is a great vid! I worked hard and saved for my Two-Rock, I have zero buyers remorse for it. They really are the best amps and I think you’ve explained it wonderfully.
I'm sure that Two Rock would be very happy for you to join their artist stable. I know those guys and have owned almost every model of Two Rock. I live 10 minutes from where they are made. The guys at Two Rock would love this video. Let them know that you're using their amps.
I work in a French music store, and I can relate everything you say in this video, everytime I get my hands on an expensive (the word isn't the best to describe this) I feel very inspired because the instrument/gear transcribe directly what I have in my mind and have this insane depth. But this is completely subjective. Again I love your channel, you content and story is so inspiring ! Thank you
So glad you had this opportunity! It is an amazing amp. I love everything you say here. you’ve obviously thought so deeply about this and you say it so eloquently. Just I thought on your closing line: you hope to deserve one of these amps one day. I totally get what you mean. But also, I think it’s really useful to have better gear than one “deserves,” than one’s “level” because it allows you expose where you can improve AND leave to coax the nuances out of your playing. It’s hard to coax out those nuances if your gear is hiding them or covering them up. I’ve had the privilege of having a Two Rock custom for many years and I am undoubtedly a better player for it, even though I have still so much to learn. So yes, I am trying to convince you to buy one. Lol!
You sound great through it! I’ve run sound for Joey a couple times, and The Brothers Landreth played at my venue a few months ago. Classy gentlemen, and I think it’s so cool they brought you out with them!
I love that, "lyrics are nonsense right now". I do the same thing when finding a vocal Melody. Whatever words come to mind and it's just for finding the right vocal notes and vocal rhythm with syllables.
I remember my first time playing through a tube amp instead of solid state and just feeling like the world opened up! Something tells me I would feel like that again, 15+ years later, if I ever got to play through an amp like this. And kudos as always, Mary, for your mature, grounded, and beautiful-without-being-flowery perspective on the sheer cost and perceived value of gear like this. Actually made me shift my own perspective slightly, I think. Keep up the great work! ❤️
That amp sounds amazing and really suits your playing style. An aspirational amp for sure. I know how it felt when I finally got my Marshall JVM410H and how enthralled I was by the sound I was able to get from it, and it's only half the price of the Two Rock!
Hi Mary - one of the Bay Area's favorite guitar players, Barry Sless uses a Two Rock. First time I ever heard one on stage. It sounds beautiful. I hope you get one of your own. Actually I'd like to see you end up with this one. Thanks for the great video.
I half expected this to be an ongoing series where you decide you're going to keep the amp, begin skipping work and then bar your doors and windows so they can't come take it back. 😆 But glad you chose the (sad to say) healthy option. Great video.
Nice enough amp...works well in a studio...on stage it might as well be a marshall...no matter how 'handmade' it is..& to suggest you have to be of a particular caliber or standing to have one..is just silly & using it a status symbol. If you like the amp..just save up & buy one.
@@BillDerBerg I don’t know about all that, all of those things are overpriced but there is definitely something special about all that gear not that I’ve played any of it, I’ve just listened to a lot of demos and such.
I agree it will definitely expose your weaknesses and also your strengths. In my opinion it’s the best clean sound you can get I have one and it is worth it if you love guitar.
Don't get me wrong, I love that amp and for what it is and the experience ...it's worth it. The bulk of that price is absolutely in the cosmetics and the craftmanship toward those cosmetics. As an amp builder myself, magic circuits are replica-table it's science. That suede lends no tonal difference (not that you're saying it does), but too many ascribe to a mojo hand economy where a vintage filter capacitor should be untouched in the name of history of a horrendously noisy amp....to me that's beyond silly.
@@BillDerBerg Well no John, many great players play this amp. It's worth it when you play 300 days a year around the world and you get paid the price of this amp everyday (yes, Justin Bieber's musicians earn 5K each, and they're monsters btw, as a jazzman myself).
@@jas_bataille The main question would be: could you tell this amp apart from a similar voiced amp in a double blind test? Unfortunately, the vast majority of music gear marketing tends to be based off bias, preconceptions and overall subjectiveness, as opposed to facts and logic. Since we don't know the BOM (Bill of Materials) and building costs of the amp, it's hard to gauge if the amp is worth that much in price alone, especially giving the boutique trend of selling a penny's worth of features for a premium.
@@BrunodeSouzaLino It's essentially a $5000 clone of an amp that will cost you over $100k. What they have is a never ending amount of headroom and as such they are absolutely effortless in situations that bring most mass produced amps to their knees. Personally, I don't like them as much as my Carr Rambler - but they are well and truly a cut above the dross Fender and Marshall currently produce.
I own a two rock signature 100w. Very proud - I gig in blues in the UK and alway get compliments on my tone! They are awesome and professional peices of kit
It really does sound great for your playing style -- and it seems to have inspired you. I just hope it doesn't make you feel dissatisfied with your current gear, which is already quite solid.
Mary: No judgements and I generally agree with much of what you said, especially about great amp's tendencies to expose one's playing. And while indeed Two-Rock makes incredible amps, this begs the question: what did players do before Two-Rock? Before Dumble's? Before "Golden Plexis"? Get my drift? I think it would be incredibly informative if you were to do a true blind test comparison between similar wattage/headroom/features amps running through the exact same cab/guitar/pedals - have someone adjust each amp's settings while you play to dial in the tone/sounds you want in real time. Then try to blindly guess which is which...for science's sake. You know, a la Anderton's blind tests. Besides, I think we'd all love to see you in a pair of Mary Spender googles :D lol Hell, even throw in a Boss Katana MK II head and some top tier modeler's for good measure. Of course, if you're just dead set on that Ferrari, then more power to ya! :)
@@greggoso600 Patronizing in what way exactly? Please do elaborate and enlighten me as my intention could not have been more opposite - I would hate to go through life unintentionally patronizing people with comments on youtube.
Anderton's tests are not the best benchmark for comparisons. Single blind tests are full of external biases that can an will influence results. Plus they test stuff that cannot be replicated exact due to variances beyond one's control, which corrupts the whole test and violates one of the rules of scientific testing, which is "you only change the one thing being tested and nothing else". You'll often see that guitarists are often afraid of real double blind tests, because the results will go against their beliefs and conceptions and...People don't like to admit they've been fooled or misled.
@@BrunodeSouzaLino Indeed, all excellent points. In fairness, I only mentioned Anderton's tests as an example of what I was suggesting. For sure, true double-blind testing methodologies are the great equalizer against confirmation biases and predispositions. An example that comes to mind is the "golden ears" phenomenon when people discuss their ability to distinguish between FLAC audio files and high quality LAME mps files - while objective research has shown that only a miniscule fraction of the population actually possesses the ears to accurately and consistently distinguish between those two formats, the number of people who still claim to be able to do so is incredibly amusing. All mostly due to what you note in your last sentence. :) Us guitar players are no exception and we can often be among the most guilty culprits. Cheers!
It's a Dumble clone variation. Not to discredit Two Rock, as their parts, quality and schem are really great. And they change it up enough to make them 'original' imho. But the tone (mostly feel) you seem to love is the Dumble tone, cheaper options are the Fuchs Casino series, Ceriatone ODS/HRM/SSS/JM, Hook Silverstar etc. I really like how you explain it doesn't make everything sound 'amazing', but it does manage to really xapture your guitar and what you're doing. I'm a big Dumble fan and I own the Ceriatone HMR. It's a really amazing amp.
The classic reverb isn’t a dumble circuit…. The only dumble circuit two rocks are the Sterling and the TS1. And they’re still not “dumble clones” there just inspired by those circuits.
I picked up my Two Rock Emerald Pro when they were a new company around 2000. I was in a studio in NYC with the amp guy randomly switching me from one boutique amp after another. Diezel, VHT, Tony Bruno, Boogie, Bogner, etc. Then I felt this one just had something different, much more nuance and touch sensitivity. I was like what amp is this? I never hear of Two Rock at the time. I hear there only about 80 made of the model I have so I'm holding on to that. Done over 1000 gigs with it. Great amp and company.
It makes you feel inadequate??? You are an amazing player. I listen to you in awe. Of course I am 52 and have just started this guitar journey last December 2020. My mantra is, "am I better than I was a month ago? A year ago etc.?" I can only do the most basic of stuff on a Guitar but I am immensely enjoying the ride. And musicians like yourself have been key in that. Love the channel. Thank you for your inspiration. Never feel inadequate. 😉👍
One of my favorite amps. I’ve got a Studio Signature Combo. No one is building amplifiers like Two-Rock. The attention to detail is unbelievable. I highly recommend snagging one of you can!
This amp is based on the clean channel of a Dumble Overdrive Special. Voicing is a "Low Plate Skyliner" I believe. Reverb is a 3 tube affair with quite a few controls. Uses the equivalent of Fender Twin Reverb iron. Build quality on the Two Rocks is decent. The amp nerds online reverse engineered the Sterling model (similar to this amp) and I've personally built a handful of clones based around this amp. It really does sound fantastic. Circuit is very forgiving of parts quality - you could build it with used pinball machine parts and it would still sound great. Would argue that it's probably the best modded Twin Reverb type amp around!
I used to find them expensive. Then I bought my Two-Rock Studio Pro, and still find them expensive. (jokes apart, this is the best clean amp I've ever had)
Always appreciate these videos. What's funny is that there are so many people who can afford these $8,000+ custom shop Gibson Murphy Lab R9 Les Paul's but they never seem to care about their amps, which would make the biggest difference in tone. I'd rather have a $5,000 Two Rock and then I could still have a $3,000 guitar.
The Classic Reverb, in suede, for the 50watt head & 2x12 cabinet together are running $6290. You rounded down quite a bit ;-) I recently traded my Two Rock(a Traditional Clean w/ cab) for a PRS Modern Eagle II a couple of months ago but I'm DEFINITELY getting a Two Rock Bloomfield by the end of this year because, well, you only live once.
Hi Mary. Isn't it great when we get a new (or special) piece of gear that inspires us so much? You could tell how excited you were just by your smile!😊. Also enjoyed the slightly different video style. You wearing white also gave it a new life. A small change that made a big difference. Great start for 2020! 👏👏👏
Hey Mary, you're really stepping up the quality of editing on your videos! Great content as always, but there's something about the quality of the video that grabbed my attention through all of it. Loved the outro ending. Keep up the awesome work!
Nice clean tones! I just this week finished a valve amp, possibly at the other end of the tone spectrum: a 20Watt version of an Orange OR120. It sounds awesome for stoner doom stuff and takes pedals well when I run it clean.
Love your new video format! The content is always good. Like amp, sounds great and if you can afford it go for it because you make many people happy, yourself, the people who made it and all the fans who hear it!!
Sounds incredible Mary! I can sympathize as 5 years ago I couldn’t imagine being able to own a Friedman which was my dream amp. Now after working my ass off I run a wet dry wet setup that features 2 Friedman’s & a Morgan!
I’m a drummer who loves to play guitar. Having said that, I bet I could make that amp sound like it costs $150. LOL! People, come on. Of course there are amp makers who create superior products. But 99 out of 100 times, when you hear someone sounding amazing on guitar, it’s THE PERSON PLAYING the guitar, not the amp.
Megadeth's Kiko Loureiro tells a story of a magazine article thing he had to do in a hotel with one of those mini amps that was described by him as "one of those traps you usually fall into". After he did his part, Andy Timmons was next and he describes Andy taking his guitar, plugging into the amp and it sounding exactly like his record. Frank Zappa's favorite studio amp was a Pignose 7-100, which is essentially a fuzz pedal with a speaker attached to it. Making that amp sound good is not something most people know how to do, but Zappa could.
This amp in particular can actually sound quite awful in the wrong hands. And absolutely stunning in the right hands. Btw, I'm a guitarist who's currently obsessed with drums!
Mary, I enjoy your vids for many reasons but a big part of that is that you speak directly to the viewer (facing the camera). Your stuff is great. Please tell us about the Silver Sky. If possible, get close to one of those brothers Landreth and become Canadian. Thanks.
On 4th Avenue South, in Edmonds, Washington, USA Acoustic used to have their amplifier company and we saw all the rock-n-roll groups come there and rock out the neighborhood. What treat from the early 70's bands and Rick Derribgers brother was in my 2nd grade class too.
I'll never need one - my inexpensive amps already do a fine job of showing me my shortcomings as a guitarist. For you, Mary, it comes down to a phrase you've already done a video about: "discipline = success." Practice, indeed…
First time watching this channel, absolutely fantastic review! I have a whole new respect for these amps and the guitarists that play them thanks to you. Really well done, stoked to subscribe to your channel and see what else you’ve got going on.
Great video Mary. I've put down a deposit on a two rock studio signature (the classic reverb's baby brother). I honestly can't wait and know it will inspire me beyond my wildest dreams.
Hey Mary, I just discovered the channel and I really like the videos. I am a songwriter myself and its nice to see someone in their home studio (I'm currently in mine) with a similar passion for music and gear. Anyway keep up the good work. Stay well.
For those criticizing the price, it's important to take the cost of running a business in CA, USA in consideration. The odds are, that the boutique builder is merely marking it up at the most, 100% of his overhead and what is likely a 40 man hour build per amp. In the US (like in most Western Countries) the inflation rate is deceptively rated by the products that we regularly buy. The American CPI references appliance and energy costs. i.e. in 1985 a washing machine averaged about $300. Today the CPI averages it at about $600. This is deceptive because today's washer parts are not USA made (only USA assembled if you're lucky). In 1985, they were USA made. In reality to make that 1985 washer with all US parts today, it would have to cost thousands. Real inflation is what things cost to make, not to buy, and the average American has no concept of what it takes to make physical things of tangible value.
@@BrunodeSouzaLino If it were half of the equation, we haven't even accounted for advertising costs and taking a hit on distribution. 3 to 5 k is a modest price for boutique items such as these made in the United States. I know so because I own a custom guitar company in NY. For 40 man hours it would be impossible for me to get by without profiting at the very least, $1,800 after overhead, after parts and vendor costs etc... I would have to shut the business down otherwise.
@@api9mm It doesn't matter the exact percentage. Any product has a material cost, which is the total cost of all parts that are necessary to build it. With that, you can determine how much profit the rest of the chain is making, as the manufacturer has to pay for the materials before any amp is sold. That and labor costs are what determines everything else.
Episode #2: Two-Rock contacts Mary and gives her an amp. Better plug than any commercial, and all for the cost of $6000. Hard to beat, Two-Rock! ;-) I have to be honest, Mary... I have a DW Custom Lacquer kit that I purchased in 2001. Just the shell pack was almost $3000 19 years ago. They are still some of the best drums that I've ever played, and were worth every penny for the inspiration they provide. People who will spend $50,000 on a classic car may not understand this, but they have a different vice.
Wow, your video framing makes your videos look so great, color balance and everything. I feel It's an important part to your whole approach to guitar content, so close and personal. That super close-up to your face almost made me blush 😳
Mary, John Mayer is using a Milkman these days. You clearly need a Creamer, but the waiting list is forever. You have the work ethic and talent. Talk to Lee Anderton and order it now. You will be at the level for it when yours is delivered.
You play beautifully. Dont assume you are not accomplished. You are more than on your way. One day, you will own at least one of those amps. Cant wait to hear the song in its entirety
Not trashing this amp but my b52 at-212 has all the same features and more . it sounds just as good as a lot of higher end amps . and its cheep . I think a lot of times its in our heads . I would be curious to see people pick it out of a blind line up . it is a beautiful amp looks and sound . but not £5000 beautiful. I do live in the states so I'm sure I can get it cheaper but not cheap enough. Besides I love the way your tone is already :)
People complain about paying 6k for an amp are the same people that have no problem dropping 6k for an R9 Les Paul. I will be buying this or the Silver Sterling in the near future! Great review Mary! I really enjoyed watching this and i loved your playing!
I still want one, for me to play in my room,just for me to hear to become great in my journey for the sound nobody else is playing, that’s all I’m asking for
Clean IS ridiculous, i have a home brew 80s verion of 124 I wired mine for more of a twin clean, n it has a grt plexi OD side, i use a EJ fuzz into a TS-10 into FET for lead, and its ab GLORIOUS.......HAD was GENIUS, PERIOD, n 2 rock knows it..
Beautiful amp. The styling clearly references a Dumble, and the sound is derived from (not limited to) a loud Fender Twin, as the Dumble was. Try playing your guitar straight into one of those at real volume. No pedals, no distortion. Can be formative on your playing. Good video.
All Dumble amps were custom built for whoever was ordering them after a series of questions Alexander Dumble asked the customer, each having a drastically different sound from each other. There's no "reference" Dumble amp anywhere. Also, there was a "loud" (I'd ask any to take any 92W Twin and put the gain on '4' and tell me that's not loud enough) Twin, which was the Fender Showman, with some of the models reaching 200W. That was Dick Dale's amp of choice.
Your demo reviews are so much more enjoyable. Because you’re not over the top shredding we can hear the natural sound of the amp. Everyone else cranks gain abc wanks about shredding, this demo showed thr amp in w way that everyday normal people would use. Great vid as always! Though a bit more playing would’ve been nice ;)
Great Video and I agree with your description of these types of amp. I have a Welagen SSS, absolutely fantastic amp but very unforgiving. Makes me play better and inspires me to play more often.
🎸My BEGINNER Guitar Course! maryspendermasterclass.teachable.com/
🎥Support my work and get EXCLUSIVE videos/music: patreon.com/maryspender
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The average car cost what - $30-40k? Nobody shames or second guesses that.
$5000 on something that brings you a lifetime of joy and inspiration is an absolute bargain in my mind. You’d have it as long as you live. If it makes you a better listener, player and writer it’s an investment in yourself. Send them a cheque and keep it.
honestly many car guys I know would easily spend $100k just to enjoy himself, the price doesn't matter as long as you get enjoyment
Yep, that’s correct. I’ve always tries to attain the highest quality in all my gear. It’s been worth it. Last amp bought was a fuchs ODSII and it’s amazing...still 3 years later. No change in opinion. 4K worth it easy. To me...
Everything is relative. This amp is the automotive equivalent of a Ferrari, Lamborghini or a McLaren. High-end, hand built, high performance items meant to perform at world class levels. Last time I checked, those brands were selling a ton of cars. And just like the cars, a Two Rock will expose the flaws in your playing just like a McLaren will expose the flaws in your driving, just with deadly consequences.
Exactly.
Nobody shames on that because a car is much more complex and inherently expensive to manfacture... Oh and an amp can't transport you comfortably (with navigation, music, climate control) from A to B.
Don't get me wrong, I don't find $5000 for an amp outrageous at all. Your comparison is just a bit misplaced...
Mary, you really would have to live up to your name to buy this amp!
Solid
@John Martin Cantorne haha
Her middle name is Saver.
The price doesn't seem that high when you look at what gear prices have done over the last 30 years.
Thank you.
She's going to have one within two years watch. It will be worth every penny because it is so unforgiving it will force her playing to go to the next level. Her style needs a glorious clean.
billville111 i would prefer her to stick with orange, kind of makes her unique since few others uses orange for those kind of tones or relate orange with that.
This is a great vid! I worked hard and saved for my Two-Rock, I have zero buyers remorse for it. They really are the best amps and I think you’ve explained it wonderfully.
Congrats! I hope you are loving it.
I'm sure that Two Rock would be very happy for you to join their artist stable. I know those guys and have owned almost every model of Two Rock. I live 10 minutes from where they are made. The guys at Two Rock would love this video. Let them know that you're using their amps.
We should do a crowd fund and buy her one! It will be the gift that keeps giving!
The Silver Sky and Two Rock together plus your fingers sounds amazing. Go on... sell a kidney.
Agreed, the PRS with this amp is a beautiful sonic assault on my senses.
Yes.... with that ugly headstock and tuners :)
@@ilgrilluss oh please
@@SteveHubbardGuitar Its a matter of opinion, I really do not like the headstock and tuning keys. But I believe it is an amazing guitar.
@@ilgrilluss Of course! To each their own, but why bother leave a comment like that? Just don't buy one
I work in a French music store, and I can relate everything you say in this video, everytime I get my hands on an expensive (the word isn't the best to describe this) I feel very inspired because the instrument/gear transcribe directly what I have in my mind and have this insane depth. But this is completely subjective.
Again I love your channel, you content and story is so inspiring ! Thank you
What does it sound like with a Boss Metal Zone?
😭🤪😂😂😂😂🍔🍔
You’ll sound the same as you always do thru that pedal....I have no doubt.
True Gooner absolutely!
I laughed so hard hahahahaha
GET OUT.
So glad you had this opportunity! It is an amazing amp. I love everything you say here. you’ve obviously thought so deeply about this and you say it so eloquently.
Just I thought on your closing line: you hope to deserve one of these amps one day. I totally get what you mean. But also, I think it’s really useful to have better gear than one “deserves,” than one’s “level” because it allows you expose where you can improve AND leave to coax the nuances out of your playing. It’s hard to coax out those nuances if your gear is hiding them or covering them up. I’ve had the privilege of having a Two Rock custom for many years and I am undoubtedly a better player for it, even though I have still so much to learn. So yes, I am trying to convince you to buy one. Lol!
You sound great through it! I’ve run sound for Joey a couple times, and The Brothers Landreth played at my venue a few months ago. Classy gentlemen, and I think it’s so cool they brought you out with them!
It's a new series, Thoisday Thoights!
I feel like you need to be Australian to get away with that.
I love that, "lyrics are nonsense right now". I do the same thing when finding a vocal Melody. Whatever words come to mind and it's just for finding the right vocal notes and vocal rhythm with syllables.
I remember my first time playing through a tube amp instead of solid state and just feeling like the world opened up! Something tells me I would feel like that again, 15+ years later, if I ever got to play through an amp like this.
And kudos as always, Mary, for your mature, grounded, and beautiful-without-being-flowery perspective on the sheer cost and perceived value of gear like this. Actually made me shift my own perspective slightly, I think. Keep up the great work! ❤️
That amp sounds amazing and really suits your playing style. An aspirational amp for sure. I know how it felt when I finally got my Marshall JVM410H and how enthralled I was by the sound I was able to get from it, and it's only half the price of the Two Rock!
Hi Mary - one of the Bay Area's favorite guitar players, Barry Sless uses a Two Rock. First time I ever heard one on stage. It sounds beautiful. I hope you get one of your own. Actually I'd like to see you end up with this one. Thanks for the great video.
I half expected this to be an ongoing series where you decide you're going to keep the amp, begin skipping work and then bar your doors and windows so they can't come take it back. 😆
But glad you chose the (sad to say) healthy option. Great video.
Nice enough amp...works well in a studio...on stage it might as well be a marshall...no matter how 'handmade' it is..& to suggest you have to be of a particular caliber or standing to have one..is just silly & using it a status symbol. If you like the amp..just save up & buy one.
To each his/her own. Too many critics......
“If it makes you happy
It can't be that bad.”
It's an expensive sounding piece of crap amp like the Dumble and that Klon centaur pedal are. ... Emperor's new clothes with all of them.
@@BillDerBerg I don’t know about all that, all of those things are overpriced but there is definitely something special about all that gear not that I’ve played any of it, I’ve just listened to a lot of demos and such.
I agree it will definitely expose your weaknesses and also your strengths. In my opinion it’s the best clean sound you can get I have one and it is worth it if you love guitar.
Don't get me wrong, I love that amp and for what it is and the experience ...it's worth it. The bulk of that price is absolutely in the cosmetics and the craftmanship toward those cosmetics. As an amp builder myself, magic circuits are replica-table it's science. That suede lends no tonal difference (not that you're saying it does), but too many ascribe to a mojo hand economy where a vintage filter capacitor should be untouched in the name of history of a horrendously noisy amp....to me that's beyond silly.
It's a complete joke for wealthy guitar players with mediocre "talent"...
@@BillDerBerg Well no John, many great players play this amp. It's worth it when you play 300 days a year around the world and you get paid the price of this amp everyday (yes, Justin Bieber's musicians earn 5K each, and they're monsters btw, as a jazzman myself).
@@jas_bataille The main question would be: could you tell this amp apart from a similar voiced amp in a double blind test? Unfortunately, the vast majority of music gear marketing tends to be based off bias, preconceptions and overall subjectiveness, as opposed to facts and logic. Since we don't know the BOM (Bill of Materials) and building costs of the amp, it's hard to gauge if the amp is worth that much in price alone, especially giving the boutique trend of selling a penny's worth of features for a premium.
@@BrunodeSouzaLino It's essentially a $5000 clone of an amp that will cost you over $100k. What they have is a never ending amount of headroom and as such they are absolutely effortless in situations that bring most mass produced amps to their knees. Personally, I don't like them as much as my Carr Rambler - but they are well and truly a cut above the dross Fender and Marshall currently produce.
I own a two rock signature 100w. Very proud - I gig in blues in the UK and alway get compliments on my tone! They are awesome and professional peices of kit
My friends make these amps in Two Rock , CA. Best amps ever! I used to play with Matt and he introduced me to them. The coolest dudes ever.
It really does sound great for your playing style -- and it seems to have inspired you. I just hope it doesn't make you feel dissatisfied with your current gear, which is already quite solid.
There no better way to exploit you than a great guitar amp 2 rock, it’s the learning process that ends up being the most satisfying journey
Mary: No judgements and I generally agree with much of what you said, especially about great amp's tendencies to expose one's playing. And while indeed Two-Rock makes incredible amps, this begs the question: what did players do before Two-Rock? Before Dumble's? Before "Golden Plexis"? Get my drift?
I think it would be incredibly informative if you were to do a true blind test comparison between similar wattage/headroom/features amps running through the exact same cab/guitar/pedals - have someone adjust each amp's settings while you play to dial in the tone/sounds you want in real time.
Then try to blindly guess which is which...for science's sake. You know, a la Anderton's blind tests. Besides, I think we'd all love to see you in a pair of Mary Spender googles :D lol Hell, even throw in a Boss Katana MK II head and some top tier modeler's for good measure.
Of course, if you're just dead set on that Ferrari, then more power to ya! :)
This sounds so patronizing, especially for the start
She does what she wants lol
No need to blindfold anyone
@@greggoso600 Patronizing in what way exactly? Please do elaborate and enlighten me as my intention could not have been more opposite - I would hate to go through life unintentionally patronizing people with comments on youtube.
Anderton's tests are not the best benchmark for comparisons. Single blind tests are full of external biases that can an will influence results. Plus they test stuff that cannot be replicated exact due to variances beyond one's control, which corrupts the whole test and violates one of the rules of scientific testing, which is "you only change the one thing being tested and nothing else". You'll often see that guitarists are often afraid of real double blind tests, because the results will go against their beliefs and conceptions and...People don't like to admit they've been fooled or misled.
@@BrunodeSouzaLino Indeed, all excellent points. In fairness, I only mentioned Anderton's tests as an example of what I was suggesting. For sure, true double-blind testing methodologies are the great equalizer against confirmation biases and predispositions. An example that comes to mind is the "golden ears" phenomenon when people discuss their ability to distinguish between FLAC audio files and high quality LAME mps files - while objective research has shown that only a miniscule fraction of the population actually possesses the ears to accurately and consistently distinguish between those two formats, the number of people who still claim to be able to do so is incredibly amusing. All mostly due to what you note in your last sentence. :) Us guitar players are no exception and we can often be among the most guilty culprits. Cheers!
I liked this immediately just cause your intro playing...
Stumbled on this vid whilst searching for the TR Burnside. Terrific vid- you're delightful!
It's a Dumble clone variation.
Not to discredit Two Rock, as their parts, quality and schem are really great. And they change it up enough to make them 'original' imho.
But the tone (mostly feel) you seem to love is the Dumble tone, cheaper options are the Fuchs Casino series, Ceriatone ODS/HRM/SSS/JM, Hook Silverstar etc. I really like how you explain it doesn't make everything sound 'amazing', but it does manage to really xapture your guitar and what you're doing.
I'm a big Dumble fan and I own the Ceriatone HMR. It's a really amazing amp.
The classic reverb isn’t a dumble circuit…. The only dumble circuit two rocks are the Sterling and the TS1. And they’re still not “dumble clones” there just inspired by those circuits.
I picked up my Two Rock Emerald Pro when they were a new company around 2000. I was in a studio in NYC with the amp guy randomly switching me from one boutique amp after another. Diezel, VHT, Tony Bruno, Boogie, Bogner, etc. Then I felt this one just had something different, much more nuance and touch sensitivity. I was like what amp is this? I never hear of Two Rock at the time. I hear there only about 80 made of the model I have so I'm holding on to that. Done over 1000 gigs with it. Great amp and company.
"Blunders"! This is the second time today this word pops up! And it hasn't actually been in my vocabulary yet! (English is my Second Language) :-))
sounds lush and fits Mary's style well
You should never say that you’re inadequate you are so amazing,you are a great musician and I look forward to your post
Great video Mary! Congrats on getting to play such a beautiful amp, you deserve it
I looooooove that wink to Inglourious Basterds
It makes you feel inadequate??? You are an amazing player. I listen to you in awe. Of course I am 52 and have just started this guitar journey last December 2020. My mantra is, "am I better than I was a month ago? A year ago etc.?" I can only do the most basic of stuff on a Guitar but I am immensely enjoying the ride. And musicians like yourself have been key in that. Love the channel. Thank you for your inspiration. Never feel inadequate. 😉👍
My aspirational amp is a Friedman. Not sure yet which one is right for me, but I will have one one day...
One of my favorite amps. I’ve got a Studio Signature Combo. No one is building amplifiers like Two-Rock. The attention to detail is unbelievable. I highly recommend snagging one of you can!
This amp is based on the clean channel of a Dumble Overdrive Special. Voicing is a "Low Plate Skyliner" I believe. Reverb is a 3 tube affair with quite a few controls. Uses the equivalent of Fender Twin Reverb iron. Build quality on the Two Rocks is decent. The amp nerds online reverse engineered the Sterling model (similar to this amp) and I've personally built a handful of clones based around this amp. It really does sound fantastic. Circuit is very forgiving of parts quality - you could build it with used pinball machine parts and it would still sound great. Would argue that it's probably the best modded Twin Reverb type amp around!
I really appreciate your reviews because they feel genuine. Just wanted to say this and hope you have a wonderful day!
THANK YOU!!! Great Honest Review!!
I have been following you for a couple of years. You are a very talented young Lady. Your guitar playing has improved exponentially.
I used to find them expensive. Then I bought my Two-Rock Studio Pro, and still find them expensive. (jokes apart, this is the best clean amp I've ever had)
Always appreciate these videos. What's funny is that there are so many people who can afford these $8,000+ custom shop Gibson Murphy Lab R9 Les Paul's but they never seem to care about their amps, which would make the biggest difference in tone. I'd rather have a $5,000 Two Rock and then I could still have a $3,000 guitar.
The PRS had a great sound.
The Classic Reverb, in suede, for the 50watt head & 2x12 cabinet together are running $6290. You rounded down quite a bit ;-)
I recently traded my Two Rock(a Traditional Clean w/ cab) for a PRS Modern Eagle II a couple of months ago but I'm DEFINITELY getting a Two Rock Bloomfield by the end of this year because, well, you only live once.
3:25 this is wonderful to hear any musician say.
Great playing and wonderful tone ...
Awesome as always MS. I found a used Bloomfield and LOVE it so much!
Hi Mary. Isn't it great when we get a new (or special) piece of gear that inspires us so much? You could tell how excited you were just by your smile!😊. Also enjoyed the slightly different video style. You wearing white also gave it a new life. A small change that made a big difference. Great start for 2020! 👏👏👏
Hey Mary, you're really stepping up the quality of editing on your videos! Great content as always, but there's something about the quality of the video that grabbed my attention through all of it. Loved the outro ending. Keep up the awesome work!
Talented, personable, kind and beautiful. You are simply fantastic.
Oh yes, someday it will be mine. Really like the suede head with matching 2x12 cab. Hey, you only live once.
"This amp is not vegan!"
Mary Spender 2020
that's why i have a fender hot rod iv :D
If only I'd known that before I had one for lunch.
Nice clean tones! I just this week finished a valve amp, possibly at the other end of the tone spectrum: a 20Watt version of an Orange OR120. It sounds awesome for stoner doom stuff and takes pedals well when I run it clean.
Agree, Mary. If you get the best gear there’s no excuses for sounding bad (apart from yourself)
Love your new video format! The content is always good. Like amp, sounds great and if you can afford it go for it because you make many people happy, yourself, the people who made it and all the fans who hear it!!
Thanks Mary ⚓️
Sounds incredible Mary! I can sympathize as 5 years ago I couldn’t imagine being able to own a Friedman which was my dream amp. Now after working my ass off I run a wet dry wet setup that features 2 Friedman’s & a Morgan!
Cool sounding amplifier, Mary is a great guitar player and absolutely a wonderful person as well, I never met her but I can tell she’s amazing
Fender Mustang III. Covers virtually every need of mine. That's £250 brand new.
i feel guilty for listening to this on $5 headphones
😉
LOL
I’m a drummer who loves to play guitar. Having said that, I bet I could make that amp sound like it costs $150. LOL! People, come on. Of course there are amp makers who create superior products. But 99 out of 100 times, when you hear someone sounding amazing on guitar, it’s THE PERSON PLAYING the guitar, not the amp.
Megadeth's Kiko Loureiro tells a story of a magazine article thing he had to do in a hotel with one of those mini amps that was described by him as "one of those traps you usually fall into". After he did his part, Andy Timmons was next and he describes Andy taking his guitar, plugging into the amp and it sounding exactly like his record. Frank Zappa's favorite studio amp was a Pignose 7-100, which is essentially a fuzz pedal with a speaker attached to it. Making that amp sound good is not something most people know how to do, but Zappa could.
This amp in particular can actually sound quite awful in the wrong hands. And absolutely stunning in the right hands.
Btw, I'm a guitarist who's currently obsessed with drums!
Great video Mary, Matt is a friend of mine and he is just a beast of a guitar player and that amp well you already said it. Have a great day. Cheers.
Thank you Mary for pushing me along!
Self examination is key!!!
Mary, I enjoy your vids for many reasons but a big part of that is that you speak directly to the viewer (facing the camera). Your stuff is great. Please tell us about the Silver Sky. If possible, get close to one of those brothers Landreth and become Canadian. Thanks.
On 4th Avenue South, in Edmonds, Washington, USA Acoustic used to have their amplifier company and we saw all the rock-n-roll groups come there and rock out the neighborhood. What treat from the early 70's bands and Rick Derribgers brother was in my 2nd grade class too.
I'll never need one - my inexpensive amps already do a fine job of showing me my shortcomings as a guitarist. For you, Mary, it comes down to a phrase you've already done a video about: "discipline = success." Practice, indeed…
First time watching this channel, absolutely fantastic review! I have a whole new respect for these amps and the guitarists that play them thanks to you. Really well done, stoked to subscribe to your channel and see what else you’ve got going on.
Great video Mary. I've put down a deposit on a two rock studio signature (the classic reverb's baby brother). I honestly can't wait and know it will inspire me beyond my wildest dreams.
Hey Mary, I just discovered the channel and I really like the videos. I am a songwriter myself and its nice to see someone in their home studio (I'm currently in mine) with a similar passion for music and gear. Anyway keep up the good work. Stay well.
For those criticizing the price, it's important to take the cost of running a business in CA, USA in consideration. The odds are, that the boutique builder is merely marking it up at the most, 100% of his overhead and what is likely a 40 man hour build per amp. In the US (like in most Western Countries) the inflation rate is deceptively rated by the products that we regularly buy. The American CPI references appliance and energy costs. i.e. in 1985 a washing machine averaged about $300. Today the CPI averages it at about $600. This is deceptive because today's washer parts are not USA made (only USA assembled if you're lucky). In 1985, they were USA made. In reality to make that 1985 washer with all US parts today, it would have to cost thousands. Real inflation is what things cost to make, not to buy, and the average American has no concept of what it takes to make physical things of tangible value.
We don't know the component cost of the amp, so justifying the price on taxes and inflation is not enough.
@@BrunodeSouzaLino The labor far exceeds component costs, even on the most high end electronics and materials.
@@api9mm Still. Knowing that labor costs and taxes increase price is only one half of the equation.
@@BrunodeSouzaLino If it were half of the equation, we haven't even accounted for advertising costs and taking a hit on distribution. 3 to 5 k is a modest price for boutique items such as these made in the United States. I know so because I own a custom guitar company in NY. For 40 man hours it would be impossible for me to get by without profiting at the very least, $1,800 after overhead, after parts and vendor costs etc... I would have to shut the business down otherwise.
@@api9mm It doesn't matter the exact percentage. Any product has a material cost, which is the total cost of all parts that are necessary to build it. With that, you can determine how much profit the rest of the chain is making, as the manufacturer has to pay for the materials before any amp is sold. That and labor costs are what determines everything else.
Great playing; elaborating, and video/audio work, Mary.
Your pretty cool. 🙂
Love your guitar plays, Mary, great work!
I love my crystal 40. Savage amps!
Episode #2: Two-Rock contacts Mary and gives her an amp. Better plug than any commercial, and all for the cost of $6000. Hard to beat, Two-Rock! ;-)
I have to be honest, Mary... I have a DW Custom Lacquer kit that I purchased in 2001. Just the shell pack was almost $3000 19 years ago. They are still some of the best drums that I've ever played, and were worth every penny for the inspiration they provide. People who will spend $50,000 on a classic car may not understand this, but they have a different vice.
Speaking of tone, I LOVE yours! it is so Smooth!!!!
Your smooth playing sounded great thru that amplifier.
Wow, your video framing makes your videos look so great, color balance and everything. I feel It's an important part to your whole approach to guitar content, so close and personal. That super close-up to your face almost made me blush 😳
Just picked up a 1959 Supro 1600 - nothing like the old gear.
100% Agree.
Mary, John Mayer is using a Milkman these days. You clearly need a Creamer, but the waiting list is forever. You have the work ethic and talent. Talk to Lee Anderton and order it now. You will be at the level for it when yours is delivered.
You can definitely find one on the gear page for half that
I sorta feel the same way when I look at the guitars behind the glass at Guitar Center.
The starting bass tune was seduction to my ears!
I tend to prefer the mid point between a Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb & 2 Rock, & that would be a Tone King.
Have you heard of Ceriatone amps Mary? They basically have the clone for this and JM's signature two rock. Its brilliant. Shipping is an issue though
You play beautifully. Dont assume you are not accomplished. You are more than on your way.
One day, you will own at least one of those amps.
Cant wait to hear the song in its entirety
Not trashing this amp but my b52 at-212 has all the same features and more . it sounds just as good as a lot of higher end amps . and its cheep . I think a lot of times its in our heads . I would be curious to see people pick it out of a blind line up . it is a beautiful amp looks and sound . but not £5000 beautiful. I do live in the states so I'm sure I can get it cheaper but not cheap enough. Besides I love the way your tone is already :)
People complain about paying 6k for an amp are the same people that have no problem dropping 6k for an R9 Les Paul. I will be buying this or the Silver Sterling in the near future!
Great review Mary! I really enjoyed watching this and i loved your playing!
I still want one, for me to play in my room,just for me to hear to become great in my journey for the sound nobody else is playing, that’s all I’m asking for
John Mayer’s signature PRS amp is at my local guitar shop $20, 000 Australian wtf 😲
Clean IS ridiculous, i have a home brew 80s verion of 124 I wired mine for more of a twin clean, n it has a grt plexi OD side, i use a EJ fuzz into a TS-10 into FET for lead, and its ab GLORIOUS.......HAD was GENIUS, PERIOD, n 2 rock knows it..
We all have les Paul reissues. $5k is nothing for a quality product. Just enjoy it. No reason to be nervous
Nice. I have 200 bucks in my Randall ,and I put vintage tubes in and a Celestion. No clean channel, but why would want one?
Beautiful amp. The styling clearly references a Dumble, and the sound is derived from (not limited to) a loud Fender Twin, as the Dumble was. Try playing your guitar straight into one of those at real volume. No pedals, no distortion. Can be formative on your playing. Good video.
All Dumble amps were custom built for whoever was ordering them after a series of questions Alexander Dumble asked the customer, each having a drastically different sound from each other. There's no "reference" Dumble amp anywhere. Also, there was a "loud" (I'd ask any to take any 92W Twin and put the gain on '4' and tell me that's not loud enough) Twin, which was the Fender Showman, with some of the models reaching 200W. That was Dick Dale's amp of choice.
Your demo reviews are so much more enjoyable. Because you’re not over the top shredding we can hear the natural sound of the amp. Everyone else cranks gain abc wanks about shredding, this demo showed thr amp in w way that everyday normal people would use. Great vid as always!
Though a bit more playing would’ve been nice ;)
Great Video and I agree with your description of these types of amp. I have a Welagen SSS, absolutely fantastic amp but very unforgiving. Makes me play better and inspires me to play more often.