Recently picked up "Lori 1985"+ Hard Rock Cafe gig

[geetarpicker]

I just recently acquired a 2nd original Trainwreck Express, this one being an early Stancor model "Lori 1985". Original TWs don't come up for sale often, let alone these earlier examples...

It has a sweeter and fatter tone than my '89 Pacific model, and is a tad bit less aggressive but a little bit more responsive. This amp is my new favorite, which is something after owning my '89 since new. It was serviced by Ken not long before he passed away, and Ken replaced the two small board electrolytics, one of the main 40uf filter caps, and the volume pot. This amp has been played alot and is very very broken in. Note the logo is slightly different, but I've seen these before on others and also on Keith Urban's very similar '86 Express.

Quite interesting this amp simply has a different sweet spot of operation than my '89 and overall it's more user friendly. On my '89 the full bright position has long been my choice for the widest range of clean to mean, plus often two cords in series to tone it back down a tad. That said this '85 seems is a little clearer and more articulate, and works just fine with the bright switch off and simply using one 18' cable.

Just last night I used it on the gig for the first time at the Hard Rock Cafe here in town. I put togther a wet/dry rig for the setup. I ran 3 pedals "post amplifier" which worked great and I pluged straight in to control all the clean to dirty from the guitar as usual. That said TC Electronics has some new pedals with the option to turn off the dry signal 100% with internal dip switches which make them excellent for a compact wet/dry rig. I modded my Boss DD5 for the same. I used a small Mackie mixer to blend the 3 effects (Reverb, Delay, Chorus) and used a QSC powered monitor. Oh, also my Faustine attenuator was used to drop the amp 6db before it hit the 4x12 cab, plus the attenutator's speaker emulated out worked well for the "wet" side of the rig.

Anyway, "Lori 1985" is truly a beautiful sounding amplifier. I plan to use this amp quite a bit on my 2nd CD which is in the works, plus I'll be making a Youtube video soon comparing the two different eras of original Ken Fischer built Express amplifiers.

GK

Pics attached>

[geetarpicker]

More pics

[redshark]

Congratulations Glen!! Very interesting what you write about Lori but it doesn't surprise me. I think it has a lot to do with transformer windings and preamp tubes the fact that in Orphan Annie you needed to use the double cable and bright switch on full to get the chime and clarity on your cleans but with Lori you prefer to have the bright switch off with just a regular 18" cable. If you use same setting on this amp that you used with Orphan Annie I'm sure it would be very bright.
I think probably Lori is a little bit more representative of the average express. I can't wait to hear the demos!!!!

[ckpop]

Glenn, Very awesome score with the your new trainwreck. What I like about the a real TW's being in your hands is we all get a chance to hear and experience the true TW and your amazing playing. Even if Paisley or Urban uses them on a record because of the production you never get to real hear the amp as a focal point like in your vids and cd's Thanks You.

[cbass]

Congrats.Can't wait to here it.

[dayn]

Congrats Glen, if she deserves to be in anyone's hands, it is yours.

Looking forward to the new CD!

[Bob S]

Wow Glen - great score.
Can't wait to hear it.
Thanks for the comparison to Annie.
Congrats - well deserved.

[rooster]

Heck yeah, that is really cool! Congrats Glen! I really dig your short review - and also like the idea that your guitar cable has gotten shorter! And the bright switch is off, too! Man, I never thought I'd see the day.

[Colossal]

Dear God help us all. That. is. awesome.

[guitarsnguns04]

Congrats Glenn...so when can we expect a true stereo live setup....I'd like to hear you give that a go....what a wall of sound it would be...probably wouldn't be able to wipe a smile of your face or kens if he were able to witness it

[M Fowler]

Congrats!

I surprised you didn't get another Liverpool since most of the Nashville guys are wanting that type of amp these days.

Mark

[racerx23]

Congrats Glen
Also can't wait to hear it!!!

[MCK]

Wow! So happy for you and for us as well. Its one more wreck which will get the much deserved spotlight thanks to your excellent work. Congratulations!!!

[LeftyStrat]

This is pretty awesome. Glenn, you are the ambassador of the Trainwreck. Loved the last CD I bought from you, and can't wait for the next. I think your ability on guitar and your relationship with the amps makes you the biggest tribute to the art of the late great Ken Fischer.

Somewhere Kenny is smiling.

[RJ Guitars]

Congratulations Glen, it's great that you have the chance to play through another Express and share your stories about the differences you hear between the two. Looking forward to the new CD. I loved the clean tones on "Santa Fe" on that last recording and overall enjoyed the variety of styles and tones that you put together. rj