Trace Elliot?

[rsm]

My main gear for many years was an ADA bass rig, but I also had Trace Elliot. I still have a Trace Elliot MP11 and I run an SMX Dual Compressor in the loop, reminds me of and close to a GP12SMX preamp I used to have.

I heard Peavey or someone bought them out years ago. Any one using the newer Peavey-owned Trace Elliot amps or cabs? How are they? How do they compare to the old gear? What's good, bad and ugly? Thanks.

FWIW, I'd like to see a new power amp (no preamp stage) released.

[SGD Lutherie]

I have an old Trace Elliot BLX SMC combo. In 1992 the company was bought by Kaman, who makes Ovation. This was to be able to increase sales to the US. Then Kaman restructured and sold it to Gibson in 1998, who immediately killed off every amp except the acoustic guitar amps, and made some cheap practice amps with the Trace name. Gibson closed the plant in 2002.

In 2005, Peavy acquired the brand name and were involving several key staff who had worked for Trace Elliot throughout the previous twenty years.

So the new amps are closer to the originals than they have been in a long time. I haven't tried one yet, but they look really nice.

[rsm]

Thanks for the info, SGD! I was noticing how good the latest gear looked as well, but I haven't heard or tried it, and I heard about the new ownership. Now that you mention it, I remember Gibson owning it vaguely.

I'd like to see the separate preamps and power amps again. I'd go for a new GP12SMX preamp again, most of the vintage ones are inexpensive, but they seem tired. Sorry I let mine go now.