Amp sag?

[Robert]

I have heard the term "sag" now and then when people speak of great tube amps. What the heck is that? I never quite understood this term in relation to a guitar amp.

 

[SuperSwede]

For example, if you crank up a Bassman amp and strike hard with the pick you´ll hear that the note "sags" and then opens up.

 

[Spudman]

For example, if you crank up a Bassman amp and strike hard with the pick you´ll hear that the note "sags" and then opens up.

That's good to know. Kind of the compression factor?

I was all set to get cosmetic surgery for my Hot Rod Deluxe.

 

[Robert]

I don't get it. I have played Bassmans and I have heard about the famous "sag" but I still don't understand what it is. People say the Valvetronix emulates this well but I can't tell apples from oranges here.

 

[Tone2TheBone]

Rob - think of it like a very slight delay on compression. Imagine the 80's metal rhythmic crunching.....chunk chunk chunk chunk. You feel the air move from the saturation...sorta like a dip in output. Thats sag. I would get killer sag on the Vox by compressing the Boutique Clean slightly. It would produce a tube like sag on clean tones that sounded really sweet. It was very expressive...depending on your pick attacks. The harder you picked the more prevalent the sag.

 

[duhvoodooman]

Here's a fairly good description of sag that I came across:

http://www.aikenamps.com/Sag.html

It's most often associated with amps containing a tube rectifier. Because of their tendency to sag--and the resulting compression/sustain effect that it engenders--tube rectifiers are often employed specifically for the purpose of producing sag.

 

[SuperSwede]

Yes, what T2TB and DVM says is true. It "feels" like the amp is getting more input than it can handle and kneels a bit (hmm bad explanation perhaps: try this one). Much like when my wife tells me to do various chores. First I "sag" and then I sigh and do what I am told.

 

[Spudman]

Much like when my wife tells me to do various chores. First I "sag" and then I sigh and do what I am told.

Oh man you need a modification. Might I suggest Heineken.

 

[Robert]

SS, your chores rectifier needs an upgrade!

 

[duhvoodooman]

Oh man you need a modification. Might I suggest Heineken.

Geez, Spuds, at least recommend a Swedish beer, not a Dutch one!

SS, your chores rectifier needs an upgrade!

Yes, a solid state chores rectifier will eliminate spousal wish compliance sag and promote matrimonial harmony!

 

[Tone2TheBone]

LMAO. You guys crack me up.....

 

[Spudman]

Geez, Spuds, at least recommend a Swedish beer, not a Dutch one!


Yes, a solid state chores rectifier will eliminate spousal wish compliance sag and promote matrimonial harmony!

Is there really a Swedish beer that can do the kind of modification that we are talking about?

If that harmony is in 3rds then there is going to be some major disharmony.

 

[tot_Ou_tard]

Rob - think of it like a very slight delay on compression. Imagine the 80's metal rhythmic crunching.....chunk chunk chunk chunk. You feel the air move from the saturation...sorta like a dip in output. Thats sag. I would get killer sag on the Vox by compressing the Boutique Clean slightly. It would produce a tube like sag on clean tones that sounded really sweet. It was very expressive...depending on your pick attacks. The harder you picked the more prevalent the sag.

I really love the boutique clean with the gain above 12 O'clock and/or a slight bit of compression. On my Godin Radiator with the neck volume at oh say 8 and the bridge at 3 and the tone rolled back ever so slightly. Fingerpick & I'd swear that angels are flying outta' the amp.

Do angels sag?...hmmm I dunno. But it sounds incredibly sweet & expressive with plently of bloom & responsiveness.

 

[SuperSwede]

Is there really a Swedish beer that can do the kind of modification that we are talking about?

No, I might have to move on to a Solid State power amph,