Swart advice

[Blue-moon]

I have a phaez corona, 22 watts of fantastic blackface-like tone. Takes pedals really well. Great amp. It is my primary amp.

I would like to get a Swart. My plan is to plug in my tele and LP and have fun. No pedals. More of a practice/noodling amp. I think it will be a nice compliment to my Corona.

I have my eye on either the Atomic Jr. or the Space Tone with the 12 inch speaker. My understanding is that the 8 inch speaker has some limitations, especially with humbuckers. But I generally either play clean or with slight crunch. And I have two 12 inch cabs I can plug into if need be--though I will need to get a weber Z matcher. So, it is worth just sucking it up and getting the space tone with the 12 inch.

I have played the space tone. But not the Atomic Jr.


Second, I was offered an Atom Jr. Is the circuit on the Atom Jr the same as the new Atomic Jr.? Was it just a name change or was the circuit changed at the same time.

Thanks!

 

[myke232]

When you say "Space Tone with the 12 inch speaker" do you mean the STR-Tweed?

I believe the STR-Tweed has an extra gain stage, so for more cleans maybe the Jr.? I am looking at both as well... Kind of wish they offered a 10" speaker...

 

[gatornavy]

I can't answer most of your questions, but yes, the Atom Jr and Atomic Jr are the same. There was some silly legal issue with the original name. The AST is a nice compliment to my DRRI, so I think you'll be happy in that regard.

 

[Peppy]

Complement.

 

[JefeMaximo]

The Atomic Jr (aka Atom) sounds remarkably full for such a tiny amp. If you play only at home, and plan to use pedals, this might be your best bet.

The STR Tweed (and the Tremolo version), are IMO more-versatile amps. They sound great at lower volume, have reverb, and - as someone mentioned - there is the gain switch. BTW, these amps can get remarkably loud if you want them to.

As you've probably surmised, you can't go wrong with a Swart.

 

[Ronnie J]

An 8" speaker has limitations? Every speaker has limitations. But the 8 incher in my little Valco clone positively thumps. Since you're after a relatively brighter Fenderish tone then I won't recommend the maker of my amp since this line is comparatively warmer and darker, I just wanted to state that an 8 inch speaker made right, in the right amp, can sound like a bigger speaker. I don't think you should shy away from an 8" combo, especially if it's supposed to be a practicing amp.

 

[MSS]

I've owned and gigged with my little Swart 6V6SE and used a 2-12 cab with it.........great tones. (used the nightlight from Swart). I never found the 8" speaker that 'small' but I agree, I prefer a 12". My Blackface 65 Champ has a little speaker and sounds HUGE!!

 

[myke232]

The Atomic Jr (aka Atom) sounds remarkably full for such a tiny amp. If you play only at home, and plan to use pedals, this might be your best bet.

Why? Doesn't it get nice distortion on it's own?

 

[gatornavy]

Complement.

Thanks!!

 

[Richard P]

I own a 6V6SE and an Atomic Jr. Both great amps. I used to own the STR (v. 2, with the gain switch). It just didn't have the warmth I wanted, although it could sound really mean.

The one thing I'd say about the 2 amps I own is that the Atomic Jr. definitely has a lot more mids. To me, that makes it less Fender-y, which is too bad. When it runs wide open onstage, it's too midd-y even with the tone control all the way open.

Once I started running a Shape EQ, all my problems were solved. But I don't think I'd need the EQ if I were just running the 6V6SE.

 

[myke232]

I own a 6V6SE and an Atomic Jr. Both great amps. I used to own the STR (v. 2, with the gain switch). It just didn't have the warmth I wanted, although it could sound really mean.

The one thing I'd say about the 2 amps I own is that the Atomic Jr. definitely has a lot more mids. To me, that makes it less Fender-y, which is too bad. When it runs wide open onstage, it's too midd-y even with the tone control all the way open.

Once I started running a Shape EQ, all my problems were solved. But I don't think I'd need the EQ if I were just running the 6V6SE.

Which of these two has more tube overdrive on tap?

Also, when you say the atomic jr. is less fender-y, do you mean as far as blackface clean or tweed champ dirty?

Thanks!

 

[PotterPicker]

I have an AST and I had an Atom Jr. for a while. I kept wanting to like the Atom Jr., but for me it just sounded too small... and I mostly play at home. I don't believe the issue was the wattage, but the size of the speaker as it was SERIOUSLY lacking in bass. I never tried it through a 12" speaker, but I think I would love either a STR-Tweed or Tremolo.

 

[Richard P]

I don't live with the various generations of Fenders enough to talk intelligently about Blackface vs. Tweed, but I can say this: the amount of breakup on the 6V6se and Atom are comparable. Both really rip when dimed. Each has a little switch that gives you slightly different circuits. The 6V6se has a switch that brings some negative feedback in and out; I pretty much always liked it out. The Atom's switch gives you a brighter (I'll say "Fender-y" again) and cleaner sound or a louder, hotter, more midd-y sound. That hotter position might give you a bit more drive than you can get out of the 6V6se.

I like both the sounds on the Atom a lot, but the cleaner position is more reminiscent of the wonderful, sweet sound of the 6V6se. I have to remind myself once in awhile that with a good clean boost pedal, I can get the volume and dirt I want from either position.

Hope that helps!