my first amp... the stunning carmen ghia... « Thread Started on Nov 7, 2009, 4:52pm »
Here is my brag photo... I found my Carmen Ghia second hand here in Grand Rapids, Mich at the local Guitar Center store. I had been looking for the right amp to play my 'cello through for quite a while and was looking at Fender Blues Jr & Blues Deluxe amps when I tried out the Carmen..... The rest is history.
I play my 'cello through a Shadow SH 955 NFX setup of transducer pads beneath the feet of the bridge through its own pre-amp then into the Carmen Ghia. I tend to run the Carmen vol between 11 - 3 o'clock and the tone over betw 1 - 4 o'clock. With the Shadow preamp at a very low output and the Shadow tone at about 3/10 (pretty low). I also play a Taylor 312-CE with its own electronics straight into the Carmen Ghia.
The 1 x 12 cab has the Alnico Blue speaker. I can't speak to the differences available with speaker options since this is the only Carmen Ghia setup that I've heard, but I am head over heels for the warm, even, loose yet focused tone I'm getting from my 'cello through this setup. After playing through a lot of different amps belonging to others I have to say that this is simply what I've been looking for.
Thank you all for your posts. You gave me a lot of confidence to go ahead and make the investment...
Re: my first amp... the stunning carmen ghia... « Reply #3 on Nov 8, 2009, 11:15am »
there are other speakers that would work with the Ghia, but the Blue is a perfect speaker for the amp. Lots of us use that combination, and love it. It will do all kinds of electric guitar tones, and now cello! Great to hear someone doing something unique. With your lower input, and higher amp volume, I bet it sounds rich and blooming, yet not overdriven. There are lots of tube choices out there that can change up the parameters of the ghia, in time you will need tubes, talk to someone that sells NOS tubes and can taylor to your needs. GC has tubes, but it's like buying shoes without knowing what's in the box.
Joined: Jan 2009 Gender: Male Posts: 174 Location: Bossier City, La.
Re: my first amp... the stunning carmen ghia... « Reply #4 on Nov 8, 2009, 11:33am »
Howdy,
I've got a nearly identical rig, Nathanb. Mine has a Weber AlNico Silver Bell speaker, as I coudn't find a blonde Dr. Z 1-12 cab with a 'Blue. The Cello is a beautiful sounding instrument. I played Viola in Jr. High and High School and regretted not chosing the Cello, it's tone being so similar to the human voice. You've got the best sounding amp/speaker combination offered by Dr. Z. Enjoy!
Joined: Jul 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 1,052 Location: USA
Re: my first amp... the stunning Carmen ghia... « Reply #5 on Nov 10, 2009, 12:44pm »
If I had the opportunity to play a stringed instrument it would have been the cello. I love the tone and range of it. To me, its one of the most expressive instruments there is. Please post some sound clips of you playing through the Ghia. I can't wait to hear it. Welcome to the forum and congrats on your new Ghia. I love mine so much that my next Z will be another Ghia in a head/cab combination (I have a combo that I love). Once again, welcome.
Joined: Nov 2005 Gender: Male Posts: 1,683 Location: Big Rapids, MI
Re: my first amp... the stunning carmen ghia... « Reply #7 on Nov 11, 2009, 5:58pm »
Glad you bought it! I am the proud owner of a Ghia with a Celestion Blue 112 cab as well, not to mention from Michigan! Big Rapids. I saw that amp at GC and was hoping someone who can appreciate tone would pick it up. Great price too by the way. Best of luck!
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