FUCHS ODS Classic 50w Head

Pedronis

I bought myself one these last year, had it imported from the EU to the UK because there were no UK dealers (at that time- Coda Music are now though).  I would say it is a complex amp to balance out - still really getting to grips with it, playing around with different guitars and finding the best settings................sometimes, I think Oh wow, that's lovely, and then tweak it a teeny weeny bit more and it is totally different.

A great amp for sure, and to my ears - it shines particularly well with a Strat - fantastic harmonic content and range of tones, but it is without doubt a hard amp to gig with unless you are the the only guitar in the band.  It can be overly touch sensitive for fast chord work when working with another guitarist, but really comes alive for solos.  

I have learned that you really have to polish your playing, or it will expose all of your poorly executed moves.......there is absolutely no hiding place

Has anybody else tried one out?  If so, what are your thoughts?

G4pei

Hi, I’m a newbie. I’m looking at importing exactly the same amp from Germany. Still no opportunity to buy from Coda. I’m interested to hear how you are finding the amp now? To be honest I’m a little anxious to spend on something I’ve not actually tried out.

Pedronis

very sorry for the overly long delay in responding.  yes, it has been a while.  I got diagnosed with Cancer and have been a little under the weather for a bit and have not logged on.  

The Amp is just fabulous........however, it is not an easy amp to use.  If you are the main guitar, then it is great.  You will have an outstanding command of controlled feedback, violin type overdrive and magical harmonic response. But if you have to fit in with another guitar changing from lead solos to rhythm playing and sharing the workload at a gig, it is a bit tougher to get the right settings.  very touch sensitive.........you must turn down the presence for rhythm work.

It is a lot of cash yes, but it is a very addictive Amp.

Guv

Pedronis said:

very sorry for the overly long delay in responding.  yes, it has been a while.  I got diagnosed with Cancer and have been a little under the weather for a bit and have not logged on.  

The Amp is just fabulous........however, it is not an easy amp to use.  If you are the main guitar, then it is great.  You will have an outstanding command of controlled feedback, violin type overdrive and magical harmonic response. But if you have to fit in with another guitar changing from lead solos to rhythm playing and sharing the workload at a gig, it is a bit tougher to get the right settings.  very touch sensitive.........you must turn down the presence for rhythm work.

It is a lot of cash yes, but it is a very addictive Amp.

Hey Pedronis - I realise this is a 4+yr old thread, but I just bought an ODS II and there's not much on these, and ch B on mine shares lots of DNA with what you have.

First - hope you are OK from your cancer. Do post an update, I hate hearing people get that.

You're right on the touch sensitivity, and also dialing it in. I have only had mine for a few days now, and am playing around with getting the best gain setting... normally I can dial any amp in within a minute but this... there are nuances that need to be accounted for. It can sound great on multiple settings and the traditional method I've used to dial these in only works to a certain extent.

Now you've had yours for 4 years or so - if you still have it - how has your experience been?

Pedronis

Yeah, stil kicking and grinning thanks.  The amp is still great too. Still the best with a Strat for me. Have been using it a lot with my 2013 Tokai TST50 fitted with SD SSL1s,  I think it has an Alder body but whatever it is, that combination seems to make the amp sing at very low volume.  P90's sound pretty good too.  I don't gig anymore, but play with mates every couple of months or so for laughs.   The amp has been played most days and has never let me down.  I re-valved it with Tung-Sol preamp valves and put the JJ High gain stock ones in a drawer.  They have been in a good three years without any issues.  6L6's are stock.

Pedronis

Just checking in.  Have been using my ODS with a Tele recently.  Very mellow singing tone on the neck PU.  

Guv

Pedronis said:

Yeah, stil kicking and grinning thanks.  The amp is still great too. Still the best with a Strat for me. Have been using it a lot with my 2013 Tokai TST50 fitted with SD SSL1s,  I think it has an Alder body but whatever it is, that combination seems to make the amp sing at very low volume.  P90's sound pretty good too.  I don't gig anymore, but play with mates every couple of months or so for laughs.   The amp has been played most days and has never let me down.  I re-valved it with Tung-Sol preamp valves and put the JJ High gain stock ones in a drawer.  They have been in a good three years without any issues.  6L6's are stock.

Good to hear brother. I've not even plugged my strat into mine ;-) Although thats because I had it dissembled for the last few months. Its back together now so will give it a shot. I've recorded a bunch of stuff with mine. If you're interested there's a link to an improvisation I did last night. Really great amp.

https://soundcloud.com/modifiermusic/improvisation-3-bm?si=b0f82156ff944a33922f1fd2f0325794&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Pedronis

I like that.  Some great tones and sustain there.  Try the same piece with a strat, you might be surprised.