Express or Komet ?

[MKflo84]

Hello guys,

I'll soon start a new build and I still can't decide which amp to build. I build a Soldano SLO100 some months ago and I had to deal with the strong midrange this amp have. I would like to get a great crunch sound, birght and with tons of low end. I would say "Knopfler like". I know that he uses Komets now but I've heard tha KF himself had to make some changes to suit MK's taste.

So which amp do you prefer ? Any idea concerning the Express schematic I should use (I know that many versions exist) if decided to build one ? What would be the killer HP combination ?
I know that MK uses EV speakers. Does anybody know how do they sound ?
Thanks
Flo

BTW, could someone explain the full history behind the magic word "Francesca" I find on every page here ?

[vaia10]

Howdy Flo,

MK uses Celestion speakers with his Komet amps (in that old red Marshall 4x12 cabinet), not EV. I think they're Vintage 30s (I read this on some Celestion news website), but I'm not sure. Guy Fletcher says they're Celestions for sure though.

[pureoldsound]

Hello guys,


BTW, could someone explain the full history behind the magic word "Francesca" I find on every page here ?

Hey Flo,

Francesca is a 1985 Trainwreck express. It helped to fill all those gaps with the early designs. There are pix on the files as well as layouts and schematics. If you plan on building an Express use the Francesca's layout and schems.. I've never tried the early schems but my F' clone sounds great....

Are you refering to a Komet 60?

[MKflo84]

Thanks you both for your complete answers.
I knew that MK used EV in the past. I didn't know he changed them for the last tours. Celestion are easier to find I think (and more afforable ?).

I'm talking about the Komet 60.

I don't know which is better for crunchy to overdriven sounds. I know that for both amps I would need a good attenuator to keep my ears safe (I know that even MK uses an Airbrake live).
I like bright amps (like the bright channel of the Bassman clone I built for my borther), and amps that do not have too much mids.
How does your F clone sound compared to a Komet 60 ?
Thanks again,
Florian

[pureoldsound]

Thanks you both for your complete answers.
I knew that MK used EV in the past. I didn't know he changed them for the last tours. Celestion are easier to find I think (and more afforable ?).

I'm talking about the Komet 60.

I don't know which is better for crunchy to overdriven sounds. I know that for both amps I would need a good attenuator to keep my ears safe (I know that even MK uses an Airbrake live).
I like bright amps (like the bright channel of the Bassman clone I built for my borther), and amps that do not have too much mids.
How does your F clone sound compared to a Komet 60 ?
Thanks again,
Florian

Hi Florian:

I've not played a Komet 60 but I've heard them plenty (I don't like to play much on stores. The 99.9% of metal heads and shredders seems to unite every time I go and it is almost impossible to appreciate an amp). There are some similarities on the design with the Express. Both are loud, and obviously you have the 60W vs 34W issue. Both are relative bright amps, I don't think you will get that huge bottom end form either one. The Concorde is the ticket for that (if you are into Komets or TWs that is) A superbass will be another option…Anyway, the express is a lead amp, no questions. Yes it can do rhythm but it is not its specialty. I have a 1968 plexi clone that I use for rhythm parts and some lead and if I want to get that singing sustain then I switch to the Express….

Mids, the express have plenty…..OD and crunch both have it but it comes at a price of high volumes…..I kind of prefer the Express over the 60 though. Komet has some good clips on the 60. Check the gear page forum as well for some clips on the 60. I know there is a post that has a link to plenty of 60 clips. The 60 is a good amp but IMHO it did not wake my curiosity to actually pay any attention to it…. The Concorde seems to be more to what I like….

[strat57]

I'm going to agree with "pureoldsound" here..... Komet Concorde as opposed to the K-60.

[robertmcrae]

Was wondering if I could get a copy of the Komet 60 schematic? Thanks! rmcrae@stmichaelschurch.net