NICE TONE MAN!!! Wizards are in my gas list for a long time, but almost impossible to buy one in these parts.
Thanks! I had wanted one for 25 years, and a few weeks ago the stars finally aligned. Mine is an older one so it doesn't have as many bells and whistles, but it's a ripper of an amp.
Both in Brazil and Mexico is really hard to find one. maybe when the pandemic is over I might grab one and happily pay excess luggage in the way home. Comparing it with a 2203, what are your thoughts?
Ah man that was refreshing! I indulge in some heavy stuff from time to time and that was some tasty tone with some refreshing riffs, if not one of the best metal tones I've ever heard. Lots of gain yet sharp as a razor's edge, very clear note separation in the chords... I'm very impressed. Congrats! That is a killer amp and I actually look forward to the next video!
The Wizard is interesting. It has plenty of top end on tap, but it's never fizzy or harsh. It has a ton of low end on tap, but even on '10' it isn't muddy or flubby. It has a really unique clarity and grind to the top end. I think a 2203 paired with the right boost, with the right cabinet, with just the right settings and mic placement...you could probably get pretty close to the way the Wizard sounds in this clip. They're not worlds apart, but the Wizard is just refined to the point that every single setting is not only usable, but sounds great. It's not an amp/tone that I'll use for everything, but for that thing, it's pretty incredible.
Thanks! It definitely keeps you on your toes. There's no hiding with this thing. What comes out of your hands is what you hear. Which...can be a good or a bad thing depending on what kind of day you're having as a player.
So we’re hearing a direct signal from the Reactive Load. Are you hearing that signal as you play, or do have a cab attenuated in the room?
I was just listening through my studio monitors. That's how I mostly tend to record these days. The impedance curve of the Suhr Reactive Load is identical to the curve of a Greenback loaded 4x12, so the amp can't tell the difference between it or a real cab. I already have some high frequency hearing loss from years of playing through loud amps on stage, so the Reactive Load has been one of the best purchases I've ever made. I can still crank my amps, but can play/record and low volumes. Especially being stuck at home with the pandemic, it's been a lifesaver.
I wanted one of these since Garage Inc came out. I still think the Wizard was the best tone Metallica ever got. I heard reload was a blend of the Wizard and the Boogies and tons of other odd amps thrown in at different times.
Same. I heard the tone on that record and almost fell over. Then when I heard James using it live on that tour, it basically became the benchmark tone that I compared everything else to. As much as I would like a more recent model with an effects loop and pull-boost on the lead channel, having the same era model as James' is pretty cool.
So jealous. This and the SLO are the last 2 on my list. Someday. Killer tone and crazy down picking skills my man—enjoyed watching that
Not having a loop sucks but I would be hesitant to touch anything on that amp. I seem to remember James getting his modded to add a loop but who knows how true that is.
If you need a loop there are options out there that don’t involve butchering that amp—TAE, Fryette, Two Notes...I think Fractal too?
For sure. The amp is staying stock. The only person I'd let stick a loop in it would be Rick himself.
