Swart STR-Tweed -- TONE!

[vikingred]

Been needin' to do it.  So.... I did it.  From all my research the Swart STR an incredible amp, with a very unique and old-school tone.  Got this baby coming tomorrow (got the dark tweed option):

Super excited.  :cool01:

 

[fdesalvo]

I roll my own out of principal - BUT if I were to buy a new amp, it would be one of these.  I love everything about them.  Congrats on what is arguably one of the coolest amps out there from one of the most clever builders around :cool01:.

 

[vikingred]

I roll my own out of principal - BUT if I were to buy a new amp, it would be one of these.  I love everything about them.  Congrats on what is arguably one of the coolest amps out there from one of the most clever builders around :cool01:.

Yeah, I'd love to build my own.  I used to build all kinds of Heathkit stuff back in the day, even stereo amps, ham radios, etc.  There are also lots of kits online/ebay.  Someday when I have the time I'm gonna get around to that.  For now this amp will do, and it will allow me to get rid of this P.O.S. solid state junk.

Can't wait to get on it.  Tuned my new ZoSo guitar to DADGAD and first thing I'm gonna play along to with the amp is Led Zeppelin Kashmir.  Ya know.

 

[Great Ape]

You are gonna LOVE that Swart!! It's been my #1 amp for years, and every single time I play someone (usually another guitarist) remarks on the tone. It's a real gem.

 

[vikingred]

You are gonna LOVE that Swart!! It's been my #1 amp for years, and every single time I play someone (usually another guitarist) remarks on the tone. It's a real gem.

Yep, just plug straight in, no pedals needed.  Those tubes!  He's got a new one out, the "MOD 84" which is based on EL-84 tubes, and I almost got it instead but I wasn't sure I'd like it as much as this one.  Here are some pictures of it:

And, the Alligator look:

It was a close call.  I'm glad I got the STR, but check out these specs on that MOD 84:

    All Tube circuit ~15w twin EL-84 High Class A Bias AB
    Swart's first EL-84 amp ~ Push-Pull EL-84 Power!
    Cathode "AUTO" Bias (no need to bias)
    12AX7(2) - 12DW7(1)- EL-84(2) - GZ34 or 5Y3(1)
    Tube Rectification ~ GZ-34/5Y3 for compression/earlier breakup
    Top Mounted Controls for Front/Back Access
    3-Way Interactive EQ Switch
    Tube Reverb via 12DW7 with Spring Tank
    Tube Tremolo with Custom Speed Sweep/Depth
    Hi/Lo Inputs for better PU Output matching
    Hand wired point to point ~ Made in USA
    Standby Switch ~ Warm-up up extends tube life
    Carbon Comp Resistors for BEST TONE
    Teflon covered High Purity Copper Wire
    Mallory, Sprague & JJ Caps, selected for Application
    8ohm Custom Wired Heavy Duty Output Transformer
    Dedicated 2 button foot switch
    Extra Large Rubber Feet for Vibration/Protection
    Solid, finger-jointed Pine Cabinet ~ Vintage Inspired Coverings
    1x12 & 2x10 cab ~ Creamback/Gold/Blue/Options Available
    Dimensions: 26 x 15.5 x 10.5  39lbs

Can't wait for the UPS MAN TO GET HERE!!

 

[fdesalvo]

I wish I never saw that Alligator combo  .  SO cool!!

Zep is gonna crush through that thing!  Smash a whiskey bottle and make yo'sef a slide!

I had a chance to own one a few months ago.  Guy wanted to trade me straight across for my last scratch build head/cab.  I didn't know enough about SWART at the time.  CouldaWouldaShoulda.

 

[vikingred]

Just played for 3 hours straight.  I love it.  Big price tag, but I love it.  Tone is brilliant.  Can't wait to get the Korina Strat back from Cagey, it's going to sound like a train through the STR. 

If you've never tried one, and have the chance to, do.  They are amazing pieces of work.  "Tone machine".

 

[fdesalvo]

Man, I am beyond stoked for you!  Some things are worth saving for.

 

[vikingred]

Man, the Canary Strat and this Swart STR are a crazy sweet combo.  TONE!  I am really curious to hear what the Korina Strat sounds like through the Swart.  It should be incredible with that EMG 57 pickup.  I'm a tone junky.  Spend the mortgage money on gear!  Nah, not really.  :redflag:

 

[fdesalvo]

Man, I know the feeling!  That's such a sweet rig!

 

[vikingred]

Man, I know the feeling!  That's such a sweet rig!

When you dial it in just right, you hear this sweet glassy smooth oldish sounding crazy tone.  It's worth every penny.  I'm thrilled.  Definitely inspires.

 

[fdesalvo]

Aw yeah.  ccasion14: