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Thread: Two Rock Studio Pro 35 - 1x12 combo review

  1. #1
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    Default Two Rock Studio Pro 35 - 1x12 combo review

    Attention – long intro – bring time to read :-)

    I'd like to give you a hands on review of my Two Rock Studio Pro 35 combo. There's quite a bunch of speculation on the web that proofs to be wrong once you have played or own this beautiful masterpiece.

    First of all – I was the proud owner of an excellent sounding Marshall JTM 45 Reissue, equipped with Russian KT-66 tubes, tweaked a little bit to sound warmer. This amp was my best buddy throghout 150+ shows, studio sessions etc, but it came the time where I felt like the sound I was getting from the JTM was blowing away others, but left me untouched in the recent time. Something was missing, my style changed from being heavily Hendrix influenced to finding my own voice, not to mention I was no longer willing to carry a 4x12. In the first instance I borrowed an original 1964 Fender Bassman 2x12 cab from our bassplayer, but the JTM wasn't capable of satisfying me anymore. I sold it to a very talented young musiscian who will take full advantage of this amph!

    Back to the TR SP 35. My search for the perfect amph was a long one! In April 2014 I was in Seattle and played some Blues sessions. One of the guitarists had an old Fender DLX Reverb and it did not only sound pretty cool, the grab and go easyness was just to cool to be true. Back in Germany I started checking old and new DLX Reverbs – nothing for me, sorry. Next was some Dr Z models, followed by the Toneking Imperials and some Suhr amps. All of them being great, but not matching my soundly desires. Then I played some Morgan Amps – all of them were great, but they were either very Marshally or Voxy and still I had the feeling with them not to be able to find my own voice. Then I stumbled over several Two Rock clips and caught myself coming back over and over again. No no no, this had nothing to do with John Mayer, although liking his music and respecting him as a goocd guitar player. I knew it was a lot of dough I had to spend and believe me, in Germany you pay even more than in the States and here you do not find dealers everywhere! To be exact – we have 2 dealers and both of them are far from where I live. Fortunately, one guy on ebay had one amph for sale close to where I live and so I had the chance to check it out. It was the Studio Pro 35 head...played a couple of notes and was blown away. Anyways, I was looking for a combo so I ordered it brand new!

    Here's the milestone data and ever occuring questions:

    1. Quality: Oh yes, this is what I call quality! Every screw sits in perfect, the material is well chosen. Nothing else to expect from the Premier Builders Guild.
    2. Construction: Some people said that 35 watts in a 1x12 will sound boxy and not sufficient to keep up in a band situation. Hahahaha, this makes me laugh, sorry. The excellent construction and the toothing of the wood parts is an excellent example of how it makes a difference when dedicated people really invest time in making up their minds on their products. Let me tell you this – the amph is loud – very, very f****** loud! You look at that little guy and think „ohhh how tiny and sweet“ and then it kills you and your 4x12 in the split of a second.
    3. EQ: It is the first amplifier where every little knob does its job perfectly. Turn the treble by 2 cents and....you will hear a big difference. The whole EQ section interacts and offers a wide range of sounds. Plus you have push pull options on treble, middle and bass.
    4. Sound: This amp is the epitome of 3-dimensional sound. Never before in my live have I heard an amph delivering such deep and defined basses. Every nuance, every eq has enough room to expand in the sound. There is this magic connection between every note you play and the sound that comes out of the amph. The sound is warm, but doesn't lack any clarity, it's just that every note you play, even the high notes do never ever sound harsh or give you the urge to re-regulate. Every note has that kind of „hair“ and „sag“, and let you even play difficult lines with a certain kind of ease. On the backside of the amp you have a master/master volume that gives you quite a bunch of options to dial in your „overdriven“ sound. Anyways, to be honest, this amph sounds awesome when you push it a little bit. Reminds me of these perfect old Marhsall 50w Super Leads, but in a way more articulated manner. It's really unbelievable what you can get out of this little amph. Pulling the mid boost brings you directly into overdriven creamy sounds, although I prefer the amph set with just a tip of break up. No matter what sound you dial in, it cut through the mix easily. The most important aspect to me is that it is a very inspiring piece of gear that let me play new licks and sound structured and I think this is the most attractive part. The Two Rock is more an instrument itself than just an amplifier. It's not well suited for super twangy sounds or Metal, but other than that you can cover a lot of ground with it. So comfortable to get a good sound out of it. The built in reverb sounds gorgeous, the cleans of this amph just take you away to some other place.
    5. Pedals: Perfect pedal platform! I play it with a Fulltone Clyde Wah and OCD and a TC Spark Mini Booster. There's a Free The Tone SOV-2 Overdrive on the way to me and so far the Two Rock takes all pedals extremely well. For the first time, I have the impression that all pedals show their real character and the Two Rock makes them all sound beautiful and smooth.
    6. Bottom line: Perfect platform to find your personal sound. The best amp I have ever owned and played! It's so addictive, you won't believe! Best price & efficiency relation. I am no friend of price discussions and discussions about what else you can get for the money and that Joe and his neighbour can build this amph for half the money....Sorry, I am a well experienced musician and only very very few pieces of equipment have blown me away in such a manner since I started playing the guitar!
    7. Cons: NONE

    8. Technical specification:
    Output Power: 35W
    Tubes: 6L6
    Reverb: Tube Driven, Analog Spring w/Send and Return Controls
    Dimensions: 15-5/8" wide x 18 3/8" tall x 10 1/2" deep
    Speakers: 1x12 - Celestion G12-65
    Weight: 39 Pounds
    Features: Pull Bright/Mid/Deep Controls, Half Buffered Effects Loop (on the Return), Contour, Pickup Loading
    "A lot of people in the industry want to blame downloading for the state of the business. But I think if most music wasn't shit to begin with people wouldn't be downloading it for free," - Corey Taylor (Slipknot)

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  3. #2
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    Wow, Jimi - sounds pretty fabulous! We need to hear it now - when will you post some clips!
    "GAS never sleeps" - Gil Janus

    "Now you got to pay your dues. Get that axe and play the blues." - Spudman

    Gear: Epiphone Sheraton II, Epiphone Wildkat, Epiphone Emperor Joe Pass, Fender MIM Strat, Tacoma DR-14, Johnson JR-200 resonator; Fender Super Champ XD amp

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    Great review. Love my Mesa Lone Star but this sounds like a whole new level of sound and quality. Congrats on having it.
    helliott in Hamilton
    Guitars -- 2 PRS CE 24s 85/15 pups, PRS semi-hollow CE 22, Fender Baja Telecaster; Gibson Les Paul Standard; 80s Strat updated with custom 69 pups, Anniversary Strat with Fat 50s, Epiphone Sheraton re-issue; Yamaha 5-string bass; Yamaha TBS 6 and 12 string acoustics,Takamine acoustic, Fender nylon string acoustic
    Amps -- Mesa Boogie Lone Star; Boss Katana 100, Peavey Blueamaster 2x10, Line 6 Helix
    Pedals etc: Mosfet Full Drive 2; Ibanez Tube Screamer; Fairfield Barbershop OD, Diamond Compressor; Voodo Sparkledrive, Boss Digital Delay DD7; Boss TU2 Chromatic Tuner; Cry Baby wah

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    Nice review, Jimi. I'm happy you found your sound.

  6. #5
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    Congrats!


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    The Law of Gravity is nonsense. No such law exists. If I think I float, and you think I float, then it happens.
    Master Guitar Academy - I also teach via SKYPE.

  7. #6
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    Sounds pretty cool! I'd like to hear some clips too. It's great to find that tone in your head.

    I'd never worry in particular about an amph not being good for metal. Slap a metal distortion pedal in front of it and let 'er rip!
    Axen: Jackson DK2M, Fender Deluxe Nashville Telecaster, Reverend Warhawk 390, Taylor 914ce, ESP LTD Surveyor-414
    Amphen: Jet City JCA22H and JCA12S cab, Carvin X-60 combo, Acoustic B20
    Effecten: "Thesis 96" Overdrive/Boost (aka DVM OD2), Hardwire DL-8 Digital Delay/Looper, DigiTech Polara Reverb, DigiTech EX-7 Expression Factory and CF-7 Chorus Factory, Danelectro CF-1 Cool Cat Fuzz
    "I don't need no instructions to know how to rock!"--Carl Brutananadilewski

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    I always wished they made Bass amps after hearing the gear at the LA AMP SHOW great product too bad its not attainable for everyone.
    Maxi...................

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    I pledge allegiance to the funk, the whole funk, and nothing but the funk, so help me James, Sly and George, Amen!!

    Guitars: 2010 American Special HSS Strat, 2010 CIC Squire CV ThinLine Tele, & 2006 MIM FSR Strat.

    Basses: 1979 Peavey T-40, 2007 Ibanez SR 500, 2013 Ibanez SR375F, 2013 CIJ Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass, 2014 Sadowsky Will Lee VI, & 2014 Sadowsky Will Lee Metro V

    Amps: Mesa Boogie BASS STRATEGY:Eight:88, Aguliar DB 4X12, Augilar DB 751, Genz Benz CTR500-210T/Focus 1X15 CAB, Fender Hot Rod Deville 410, VHT Deliverance 60/VHT 2X12 fat Bottom Cab, & VOX DA20

    Effects: Boss ME-25, MXR Custom Baddass 78, MXR Custom Baddass modified O.D., Vox Joe Satriani Satchurator, MXR Phase 90, MXR Bass Chorus Deluxe/Octave Deluxe/Bass Compressor/Envelope Filter/, Way Huge Pork Loin

  9. #8
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    I heard lots of great comments on Two Rock amps on the french Fender Forum, they apparently are very solid and a pleasure for the ears so I'm not surprized that you dig it Jimi. Would be great to have a little demo if ever you have a bit of time
    Guitars:
    1978 Fender Telecaster Thinline Custom USA, New Nash TL-72 Thinline Telecaster, 1965 Harmony Meteor, H71, 1986 Fender Telecaster Esquire MIJ, New Martin J-41 Special, 1933 National Duolian, 1941, New Eastwood Mandocaster 12 strings

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    Tweed Vibrolux Custom Denis Manlay, 1976 Fender Deluxe Reverb Silverface

  10. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jipes View Post
    I heard lots of great comments on Two Rock amps on the french Fender Forum, they apparently are very solid and a pleasure for the ears so I'm not surprized that you dig it Jimi. Would be great to have a little demo if ever you have a bit of time
    Thanks my friend. They sound beautiful and I mean beautiful, because this is what comes to mind if you hear them. Such a cleaned up sound, really. But don't mix up cleaned up with sterile or not rocking. I'll be in the rehearsal room tonight, and if I find a minute I'll try to shoot a little video and upload it on youtube.
    "A lot of people in the industry want to blame downloading for the state of the business. But I think if most music wasn't shit to begin with people wouldn't be downloading it for free," - Corey Taylor (Slipknot)

  11. #10
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    Great Jimi, I saw that someone is selling one close to my hometown will see...
    Guitars:
    1978 Fender Telecaster Thinline Custom USA, New Nash TL-72 Thinline Telecaster, 1965 Harmony Meteor, H71, 1986 Fender Telecaster Esquire MIJ, New Martin J-41 Special, 1933 National Duolian, 1941, New Eastwood Mandocaster 12 strings

    Amps:
    Tweed Vibrolux Custom Denis Manlay, 1976 Fender Deluxe Reverb Silverface

  12. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jipes View Post
    Great Jimi, I saw that someone is selling one close to my hometown will see...
    Let me know when you plan to go, so I can give you some tips on dialing in a good sound :-)
    "A lot of people in the industry want to blame downloading for the state of the business. But I think if most music wasn't shit to begin with people wouldn't be downloading it for free," - Corey Taylor (Slipknot)

  13. #12
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    Very cool. I've often wondered what those higher-end amps sound like, or what their kind of home base is. It seems like you gave a pretty good description though.
    Quote Originally Posted by Spudman
    Does anyone read the original post?
    Guitars: Gibson LP Studio, MIA Fender Precision, Carvin C350
    Amps: Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 + Avatar B212 / Genzler 12-3, Acoustic B20
    Pedals: Pod HD500X, Diamond Compressor, Tech 21 VT Bass, Sonic Research Turbo Tuner

  14. #13
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    Hey folks,

    I thought I'd give you a quick update here on how things are with the amph. We all know the typical honeymoon phase and the many sales that followed such phases.
    I still have a big grin on my face when I turn on my Two Rock...just can't get enough of this amph. This is all I ever wanted soundwise. After almost 8 month I have of course long dialed in my personal settings and found the right pedals.
    The Two Rock became a real source of inspiration to me. The top end of the notes and the overtones let me immerse deep into the sound. Unfortunately, I still had ot many occasions to play it live, due to the bass player dilemma we currently undergo, but in the band situation it proves to be an outstanding soundtool. It just doesn't steel any frequencies or sounds from the other instruments, but it cuts clearly and adds beautifully to the global sound of the band. I hope you understand what I want to express - the sound is almighty present but it just adds...difficult to describe. However, I think this is gonna be a long lasting love affair.
    "A lot of people in the industry want to blame downloading for the state of the business. But I think if most music wasn't shit to begin with people wouldn't be downloading it for free," - Corey Taylor (Slipknot)

  15. #14
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    Great to hear, it's a long lasting marriage!

    I'd like to try one of those amps sometime. I've not ever seen one around here where I live.
    The Law of Gravity is nonsense. No such law exists. If I think I float, and you think I float, then it happens.
    Master Guitar Academy - I also teach via SKYPE.

  16. #15
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    Hi Jimi,
    How goes it with this amp? What are your favourite settings? I just bought the 50 watt combo and am trying to learn its secrets.


    Quote Originally Posted by Jimi75 View Post
    Hey folks,

    I thought I'd give you a quick update here on how things are with the amph. We all know the typical honeymoon phase and the many sales that followed such phases.
    I still have a big grin on my face when I turn on my Two Rock...just can't get enough of this amph. This is all I ever wanted soundwise. After almost 8 month I have of course long dialed in my personal settings and found the right pedals.
    The Two Rock became a real source of inspiration to me. The top end of the notes and the overtones let me immerse deep into the sound. Unfortunately, I still had ot many occasions to play it live, due to the bass player dilemma we currently undergo, but in the band situation it proves to be an outstanding soundtool. It just doesn't steel any frequencies or sounds from the other instruments, but it cuts clearly and adds beautifully to the global sound of the band. I hope you understand what I want to express - the sound is almighty present but it just adds...difficult to describe. However, I think this is gonna be a long lasting love affair.

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