Tech 21 Trademark Club 10, 30, 60 +

Hey folks

I gigged my TM10 last night with a drummer!

Which prompted me to start a club. Love these little amps!

Ok, I guess Tech 21 guys are too :cool: to join a club...

I'd used the bass side of things exclusively for about 5 years: RBI preamp, Landmark 300 head, Bass Driver DI box. The LM300's parametric mids killed the RBI & Bass Driver for me, but it was a little underpowered @ 300w. If I'd been able to find a Landmark 600 I'd have kept it until one of us were dead ;)

I've only heard great things about the Trademark amps, and one is certainly on the agenda. I've been using a Para Driver DI for bass distortion (and emergency rig) on my last tour, and it's great for direct recording acoustic & electric guitar.

c-

OK, I'll bite... Among other amps I have a Tech 21 Trademark 60, which until recently was my main working amp. Newcomers to the TM60 sometimes have problems dialling in the sound they want, as the controls are very sensitive. But once the optimal settings are established, it's a very satisfying amp to use and has more than adequate clean headroom for gigging purposes if that's what you need.

Caveat here: in my view and experience, the best sounds are to be found in channel 1. The second channel, aimed more at heavily overdriven Marshall or Boogie approximations, does its thing well enough but the sounds are pretty compressed, lack a certain amount of definition (I find) and according to some reports tend to get lost in a mix.

The TM60 is nicely made and importantly the factory seems to have a great reputation for customer service. I have the original 1 x 12 version in which I've upgraded the speaker to a Celestion G12K-100, adding a couple of pounds in weight and a little bit more smoothness and low-end response. But the OE G12P-80 (the "Seventy-80") is a pretty decent speaker to begin with.

The TM60's moderate weight, quality of sound and build, together with its inbuilt facilities, make it a good choice as a versatile working amp.

I have the TM 10, and I've actually used it on gigs where the PA did the heavy lifting. I've never managed to convince a soundman to use the built in DI though.

I'd love to find a TM30 in the hardwood.

I have the TM 10, and I've actually used it on gigs where the PA did the heavy lifting. I've never managed to convince a soundman to use the built in DI though.

I'd love to find a TM30 in the hardwood.

Me too. And its surprising how those little amps are just enough for on stage volume, in some circumstances at least.

I played a hardwood TM30 at a local store in the western suburbs of Chicago. I had been looking forward to trying a Trademark amp in person after seeing some great YouTube clips, so I was shocked when this one sounded awful.

Now, I don't know what the problem was. Could be that I had no idea how to dial anything in on the amp. I had the EQ knobs set to noon, and tried some further fiddling, but the thing always sounded like it was wrapped in a particularly heavy blanket. Maybe the speaker needed to be broken in, I don't know.

Of course, the selection of (to put it kindly) sub-par quality guitars in the store that I was using it with, as well as the heaviest death metal I've ever heard (and granted, I haven't heard much) playing fairly loud over the store's radio may also have played a role. Its power cord was missing, too, so the grizzled employee yanked one off of a Line 6 amp and plugged it into the Tech 21, so maybe there was some sort of electricity miss-match.

I had been all ready to buy it, especially since I thought I was only going to try out a non-hardwood version, but given what I was hearing come out of it, I just couldn't do it.

Hopefully I'll find one in a different shop someday, because I refuse to believe that these amps typically sound like that one, with all the praise they get.

I have a TM60. Very satisfied with it.
Also use the TRI-AC preamp pedal.

I've the TM60.

Older version with the Tech21 speaker in it.

Sounds good and for sure, it does require some tweaking with the very very dynamic interactive knobs.

But when you find that sound, it's a bloody good one!!

Make that two Wellington region TM'ers. Early TM60 here too.

Long time fan of the TM60. I've been gigging it for 10+ years.

When I was gigging with an amp (I use a Boss GT-6 now) I used a TM60 for about 5 years.
Had some problems with the speaker, footswitch... but it was a great sounding amp.

I love my little TM30le. Bought it back in 2004. It sounds great and the oak cab looks great too. Has a nice satin finish. Changed the power supply once. The folks over at Tech 21 are really nice to deal with. Lloyd is a cool guy.

Tech 21 Trademark 30 Limited Edition.

http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww240/the_best_of_fools/tm30le_002.jpg

more pics...

http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww240/the_best_of_fools/TM30_01.jpg

http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww240/the_best_of_fools/TM30_02.jpg



tbof

I have the TM 60. PE 60 and TM 10.

Just picked up a TM 10.

Very nice little amp that really does push out some great tones!!

The 52 RI Tele sounds fab!!

Thats a sweet cabinet the_best_of_fools!

New member, long time Tele player. I finally picked up a TM-60 last year and its just great in so many situations.

dez
nyc

I'm not a joiner usually, but I recently purchased a used TM30, and I'm extremely happy with it.

I bought a TM30 last year off of eBay. I *love* it. Back in the day, a few years after I started playing, I bought a 100 watt Marshall thinking that it was the be-all-end-all. My TM30 gets the tones I was shooting for but could never get with the 100 watt Marshall.

Just got a TM10 for $100 a few weeks back and am amazed at the tone for a solid state amp. This coming from a real valve/tube snob!!

Thaus, if you have one around, try that tm10 throuh an 8ohm speaker cab with a 12 or bigger. It sounds huge through an efficient 12 or even 15" speaker!

This looks like a great amp for home and I'm seriously considering gettting one. Is one model better then the others? Is the 2X12 worth the extra cost over the 1X12?

I can't speak for the TM60, but the TM30 is plenty enough for home use.

New #1 amp for me. Trademark 60.

I've been through the ringer, looking for good tone but also utility. Got a Peavey Classic 30. Nice tone but there ended up being a bad connection somewhere and I sent it back. Tried a BJr. Nice but not really as clean as I wanted. Owned a Laney VC30. Great cleans but just too loud and way to big to be hauling around.

So I went to the dark side and now have a Trademark 60 and I'm amazed. Both channels are incredibly useful. I keep the gain on channel 2 at about 9:00 and it gives a nice warm breakup. Channel 1 is just beautiful and both channels accept pedals perfectly.

One major thing that I love about it is the way my Line 6 M13 interacts with the effects loop. Literally zero additional noise when connected in the 4 cable method (and no noise in front either).

I have the 4CM where FX unit 1 gives me dirt (which is routed to the input) and FX units 2, 3 & 4 all go in the loop. Like I said. Zero noise which is not the case with the Peavey et. al.

So now, by having the effects loop, my modulation and time based effects are where they "should" be (for my purposes). Biggest thing is that if I have the effects going and I want to shut them off quickly, I just torn off the loop by hitting the T60 footswitch.

As you all can tell, I'm pleased. Plus, this amp screams and I'm hard pressed if I can decipher whether or not there are tubes in there.

Light enough and controllable enough for church I'm sure. Plus the XLR out will be nice.

Joe,

Does it give the Pathfinder a run for its money? The Pathfinder is still my #1 favorite SS amp, even though I've heard great things about the Trademark for years now. Also, I like Vox tone, so I'd be interested to see if the Tech21 can get in that realm.

I plug my Vox Tonelab LE straight into the Return of my TM30 to bypass the preamp/equalizer. The Tonelab sounds awesome like this. It's kinda like having a Tech 21 Power Engine, but 30 watts instead of 60. :wink:

tbof

Joe,

Does it give the Pathfinder a run for its money? The Pathfinder is still my #1 favorite SS amp, even though I've heard great things about the Trademark for years now. Also, I like Vox tone, so I'd be interested to see if the Tech21 can get in that realm.

I'm not Joe, but I've got both amps and it's an apples and oranges comparison. Both are good but in different ways.

The Pathfiner 15r doesn't do high gain well at all but really excels at moderate to low gain tones and has chime in spades. However, I really don't ever feel that it's pristinely clean and can always feel a little bit of compression on the lows while the TM60 can be set completely clean with a more transparent response.

The TM60 can do high gain to varying degrees of success based on individual taste, and has a "clean" channel which is extremely Fendery with the bright switch engaged or capable of some Jazz Chorus (without the chorus) tones with the bright switch disengaged and a low end warmth which the 15r just can't match (likely due to the larger speaker).

While the TM60 can get plenty bright, the peak is in a different place and just can't match the "chime" of the 15r. The active mid range control makes it capable of a wide variety of tones which the 15r isn't capable of and the TM60 breaks up in a "nicer" and more compressed (at extreme settings) fashion than the 15r but is more abrupt in the transition to breakup.

If you really, really like the 15r don't expect to immediately love the TM60 as they sound radically different. So much so, that switching back and forth can be a little jarring and require your ears to adjust for a a minute or so before "accepting" the tone of the other amp. There goes the theory that all ss amps sound the same!

Hey Alex,

I'm going to say they're completely different classes of amp so it's a tough call.

While I love my Pathfinder for a lot of reasons, it's got a fairly unique tone. The T60 does the Vox thing very well but also does an extremely convincing Fender blackface and tweed. It also gives the ability to route effects in a number of ways and honestly, sounds tremendous. If I had to choose one amp it would be the T60 hands down (and it's 5x the price of the PF so there's a major item as well) :)

It's a really solid amp and it has lots of power. It's interesting because while it can do great Fender sounds, it doesn't go from silent to blasting with one notch on the knob. (LOL!)

Seriously though, it absolutely cranks and the Celestion Seventy 80 driver is so perfect for this amp.

Like I said, I love my PF and the thought of not having it isn't even an option. It's a great amp with a mic in front of it.

On the T60, some may scoff at the fact that spending $600 on a SS amp is crazy, but IMO, it's one of the best available and for me right now, it's going to serve a lot of purposes.

I'm not Joe, but I've got both amps and it's an apples and oranges comparison. Both are good but in different ways.

The Pathfiner 15r doesn't do high gain well at all but really excels at moderate to low gain tones and has chime in spades. However, I really don't ever feel that it's pristinely clean and can always feel a little bit of compression on the lows while the TM60 can be set completely clean with a more transparent response.

The TM60 can do high gain to varying degrees of success based on individual taste, and has a "clean" channel which is extremely Fendery with the bright switch engaged or capable of some Jazz Chorus (without the chorus) tones with the bright switch disengaged and a low end warmth which the 15r just can't match (likely due to the larger speaker).

While the TM60 can get plenty bright, the peak is in a different place and just can't match the "chime" of the 15r. The active mid range control makes it capable of a wide variety of tones which the 15r isn't capable of and the TM60 breaks up in a "nicer" and more compressed (at extreme settings) fashion than the 15r but is more abrupt in the transition to breakup.

If you really, really like the 15r don't expect to immediately love the TM60 as they sound radically different. So much so, that switching back and forth can be a little jarring and require your ears to adjust for a a minute or so before "accepting" the tone of the other amp. There goes the theory that all ss amps sound the same!


Well said, Will. Now I know why you've had a TM60 for so long.

Only thing I'm GASsing for now is a completely unnecessary (at this point) PowerEngine. 120W of this would make me walk on air.

...and yes, on CH1 with the drive just past noon, the punch at about 9:30 and the bite switch engaged, totally BF or JC vibe. (And I DID use it with chorus!)

Note: Lloyd over at Tech21 spent an hour on the line with me talking about routing options, the NY/NJ music scene and about the PSA 1.1 rack unit (which sounds amazing). Cool guy.

Thanks for the responses guys. If you already had the Vox sound covered by an amp and you wanted something Fender-y (not trying to nail classic Fender, but just get in that realm), would you go for the trademark or would you save up for a princeton reverb RI?

Sorry if that sounds like an odd question ;)

@ Joe - You think it gets a Vox-ish tone? I don't know. To me the vox sound when overdriven has a slightly rude and crispy edge which the TM60 just doesn't capture and I don't think it captures the verge of breakup vox tone as nicely as the 15r. Have you used the boost feature live yet? I'm so spoiled by it. Every amp should have a clean boost like the TM60!

@alexpigment - That's the type of question only you can answer for yourself. I would strongly recommend playing both amps first before making a decision. Keep in mind that the TM60 on the used market has gone for as little as $215 on ebay recently (and as high as $400) making it the more affordable alternative by a vast margin. Also something to consider between the 2 amps. The 15r sounds incredibly consistent over the volume of the amplifier. The TM60 sounds good at any volume but IMHO sounds slightly better played loud. At louder levels, the eq levels out a bit for a smoother all around tone and you can use less gain on channel 2 but achieve the same level of sustain.

@ Joe - You think it gets a Vox-ish tone? I don't know. To me the vox sound when overdriven has a slightly rude and crispy edge which the TM60 just doesn't capture and I don't think it captures the verge of breakup vox tone as nicely as the 15r. Have you used the boost feature live yet? I'm so spoiled by it. Every amp should have a clean boost like the TM60!

@alexpigment - That's the type of question only you can answer for yourself. I would strongly recommend playing both amps first before making a decision. Keep in mind that the TM60 on the used market has gone for as little as $215 on ebay recently (and as high as $400) making it the more affordable alternative by a vast margin. Also something to consider between the 2 amps. The 15r sounds incredibly consistent over the volume of the amplifier. The TM60 sounds good at any volume but IMHO sounds slightly better played loud. At louder levels, the eq levels out a bit for a smoother all around tone and you can use less gain on channel 2 but achieve the same level of sustain.

Will, the Vox-ish tone I'm getting is more AC30 than anything. And it's not dead on but it does give the chime (though not exactly the way a true Vox would).

On CH2, I have the drive at about 9:00, the growl at about 3:30 and the weep on. The main thing that I've found (and yes, I was jamming this morning at about 6:30!) is having the master low at 12:00 and the high at 2:30. With my strat it sounds pretty convincing (plus, pick attack helps).

One thing I did notice is that the M13 Boost Comp also sounds great with this setting (very U2).

Only thing I wish it had would be two EQ's. However, on both channels, the "money" is in the punch/growl knob.

I can totally see myself using CH2 quite a bit.

If I get time tonight, I'm going to try recording out of the XLR into my Apogee ONE.

Edit: and yes, the boost is extremely useful. They really thought out things with this amp.

Trademark 30 here, I only use it with my Boss GT-8 using a 4 cable method of hook up and it does sound good and loud.
I've tried plugging straight into it and was completly underwhelmed it didn't matter what I did with controls it just sounded lifeless, dull or buzzy was all I could get.
I have not used it as recording amp and plugged straight into mixer, the guy I bought mine from said that where this thing shines.

Excuse me for asking, but what do you guys mean when you say "4 cable method of hookup"? Am I missing something here?

Thanks,
tbof

Excuse me for asking, but what do you guys mean when you say "4 cable method of hookup"? Am I missing something here?

Thanks,
tbof

The 4CM basically allows you to assign which effects are sent to the amp input and which ones go to the effects loop.

Some players want their modulation and time-based effects in the loop so that the signal is affected after the preamp.

This is a diagram I had made which (kind of) explains it:

http://faraldi.com/tdpri/M13_4CM.jpg

I like using it this way.

Thank you so much for posting this, Faraldi. I'll most certainly give it a try.

tbof

Go Habs!

my back up rig for the last 5 years has been a Trademark 60. i love the tone for recording. it sounds good at lower levels.

my only complaint is the footswitch doesn't always switch channels. it chooses the worst times to fail. new ones cost way too much.

the customer service at Tech 21 is top notch.

my back up rig for the last 5 years has been a Trademark 60. i love the tone for recording. it sounds good at lower levels.

my only complaint is the footswitch doesn't always switch channels. it chooses the worst times to fail. new ones cost way too much.

the customer service at Tech 21 is top notch.

Long time, no post. but,

If you only use the footswitch to change channels and don't need the boost and loop switching you can use any normal latching footswitch for the job. I use a Boss FS5L.

@alexpigment, my TM60 replaced a silverface Vibrolux Reverb because they'd never let me turn the VR up to the sweet spot. No one complained about the lack of valves.

Go Habs!

LOL! Thanks. :lol:

Long time, no post. but,

If you only use the footswitch to change channels and don't need the boost and loop switching you can use any normal latching footswitch for the job. I use a Boss FS5L.

@alexpigment, my TM60 replaced a silverface Vibrolux Reverb because they'd never let me turn the VR up to the sweet spot. No one complained about the lack of valves.

Now THAT says a lot. It does sound great at low volumes but I like when that Celestion breathes.

Man, now you guys really have me thinking. Can anyone tell me how the 30 and 60 compare? Also, I own a JC-120 so another option is to get the Sansam GT-2. Any of you compared these? If so, how do you think this going into my 120 would compare?

...If I get time tonight, I'm going to try recording out of the XLR into my Apogee ONE...

Joe,

You're going to be shocked at how similar the direct feed sounds to the amp. It's really impressive how close they sound. No other amp di I've tried comes close by comparison.

I'll have to try out those ch2 settings with the weep engaged. I've pretty much written it off but maybe I've just not tried it in the right way...

Man, now you guys really have me thinking. Can anyone tell me how the 30 and 60 compare? Also, I own a JC-120 so another option is to get the Sansam GT-2. Any of you compared these? If so, how do you think this going into my 120 would compare?

The 30 and 60 are completely different amps. The 30 is a GT2 pedal wired to a power amp while the 60 is kinda like an early revision of their PSA 1 rack unit. I played the very rig you're considering, GT2 into JC120, for many years. I went to the TM60 in order to get a more portable package. While I miss that JC120 every day, the TM60 is much more practical from both a portability and low volume usage point of view. The GT2 doesn't sound much like the TM60. The British setting is close to channel 2 but channel 1 is way better than the GT2 Tweed setting and the amp overall has a tighter low end than the California setting. It really is a unique amp in the Tech 21/Sansamp line. I'm quite shocked they never revised it...

hey, markinlondon

i guess i never tried a different footswitch. thanks for the heads up!!

i come here everyday, i don't post unless i have something to add.....usually enough is said before i join anyway.....LOL

Another Trademark 60 here. There are lots of things to like about this amp. A veteran guitar player unfamiliar with Tech 21 even asked what kind of tubes were in mine.

I love the boost pedal and the channel switching is a plus. The only problem I have is when there are other guitar players on stage with tube amps. A big Victoria or a Deluxe can muscle the Tech 21 out of the way. I often take my Deluxe Reverb when I'm playing with other guitarists.

The TM 60 is a keeper, though.

Joe,

You're going to be shocked at how similar the direct feed sounds to the amp. It's really impressive how close they sound. No other amp di I've tried comes close by comparison.

I'll have to try out those ch2 settings with the weep engaged. I've pretty much written it off but maybe I've just not tried it in the right way...



The 30 and 60 are completely different amps. The 30 is a GT2 pedal wired to a power amp while the 60 is kinda like an early revision of their PSA 1 rack unit. I played the very rig you're considering, GT2 into JC120, for many years. I went to the TM60 in order to get a more portable package. While I miss that JC120 every day, the TM60 is much more practical from both a portability and low volume usage point of view. The GT2 doesn't sound much like the TM60. The British setting is close to channel 2 but channel 1 is way better than the GT2 Tweed setting and the amp overall has a tighter low end than the California setting. It really is a unique amp in the Tech 21/Sansamp line. I'm quite shocked they never revised it...

Exactly the feedback I was hoping for. Thanks so much. I'm going to do a little more research, but I think the 60 is in my future. Maybe if I find a used GT-2 on the cheap I'l put one of them in front of my 120 in the interim, but I'm trying to sale that amp and am looking to downsize myself. Hope I don't regret getting rid of it. :lol:

Exactly the feedback I was hoping for. Thanks so much. I'm going to do a little more research, but I think the 60 is in my future. Maybe if I find a used GT-2 on the cheap I'l put one of them in front of my 120 in the interim, but I'm trying to sale that amp and am looking to downsize myself. Hope I don't regret getting rid of it. :lol:

Make sure you try it before jumping in. Tech 21 products have their own unique tone which some love and others hate. I'm not kidding when I say I regret selling my JC120 even though I made a nice profit on it. I'm always on the hunt for a great deal on a JC77. With the quality of pedals available today, I probably wouldn't have sold mine off and simply purchased a secondary smaller amp.

My friend picked up a used TM-60 so I got to spend some time with it was floored. It wasn't so much that this amp sounds like tube, which it does, but it also had the feel. I couldn't believe how incredibly close it was. Long story short, I ordered the 2X12 today. I currently have 3 amps to replace them all with this one.

BTW, I do love my JC-120, but it's a different animal from the 60. I also used to own a 77 and that's the one I really miss. I'm also on the fence with letting my Rottweiler go, but I really do need to downsize and get off this amp merry go round. :0)

Just picked up a used Trademark 10. I am such a wimp - decided that carrying a little 5F2A, mic and stand was too much effort. This thing is going to cover that very well, it looks like, and allow even lower stage volume from the amp, which is the other desire. Fun little box.

hey, markinlondon

i guess i never tried a different footswitch. thanks for the heads up!!

i come here everyday, i don't post unless i have something to add.....usually enough is said before i join anyway.....LOL

I had the same exact problem with the footswitch.
I tried to change the springs on the switches but didn't got it right.
So I found out that the problem was the little button on the PCB:
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/6568/21052010715.jpg

I just e-mailed Tech 21 support and they send me two of this buttons for free (remember that I'm in Portugal!).
I just changed the button and now it works like a charm.

Props to the great Tech 21 support.

Guys, I got my TM-60 2X12 in last week and took it back the next day. I don't know if it was the speakers or what, but it just didn't sound like the one my friend had. Anyhow, I wasn't happy with it so I took her back.

Guys, I got my TM-60 2X12 in last week and took it back the next day. I don't know if it was the speakers or what, but it just didn't sound like the one my friend had. Anyhow, I wasn't happy with it so I took her back.

Sorry to hear it. The originals had OEM custom labeled speakers and at some point they switched to Celestion 70/80 speakers. Perhaps your buddy had the original speakers? Mine's an old one with the original speakers. Haven't player any of the newer ones but some who have like the older speaker better...

Actually as I write there are three, but this one:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Tech-21-Trademark-60-guitar-amp-/220616068517?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_MusicalInstr_Amplifiers_RL&hash=item335dbe0da5

...has only been bid up to £41.00 with seven hours to go. Complete with footswitch and Roqsolid cover (excellent), looks in good nick, too; has one odd control knob, very easily replaced if desired.

I won't be bidding as I already have a TM60, but this looks like being a bargain for some lucky punter.

Edit: Disclaimer - This isn't my amp being sold and I have no connection with the seller; I just spotted it while browsing and thought I'd spread the good news.

Guys, I got my TM-60 2X12 in last week and took it back the next day. I don't know if it was the speakers or what, but it just didn't sound like the one my friend had. Anyhow, I wasn't happy with it so I took her back.

I too am sorry to hear of your disappointment. Maybe the 2 x 12 sounds different from the 1 x 12 for some reason, or more likely, being a brand new amp, its speakers had not had time to break in. The Seventy/80 is a decent enough speaker; perhaps just a tiny tad harsh in the upper mids but not enough to be a deal-breaker, other things being equal.

Still, the decision was yours and yours alone to make; we must respect that and hope you find an amp that suits your needs.

can i daisy chain trademark 30 into another amp? like plugging into T30's send and another amp's return?

can i daisy chain trademark 30 into another amp? like plugging into T30's send and another amp's return?

That would be very easy - take a feed from the XLR out socket and plug it into the power-amp input or effects return socket of the second amp. You can also use this method to connect your TM30 to a recording device or, on a gig, to the PA system.

Trademark 60 owners......have any of you tried using a multi-effects unit with this amp ?

If so, how did that work out for you? I'm considering a Boss Me-70 and I'll be playing it through either my Trademark 60 or my Pathfinder.............

Trademark 60 owners......have any of you tried using a multi-effects unit with this amp ?

If so, how did that work out for you? I'm considering a Boss Me-70 and I'll be playing it through either my Trademark 60 or my Pathfinder.............

Absolutely no problems at all in this regard - I routinely plug either my pedalboard or my ancient and honourable Zoom 2020 multi-effects into the TM60 and away I go. Obviously it's best to set the amp itself for as clean a sound as possible when using this configuration (I'd advise keeping the amp's own reverb low or off - use your ears to set to taste), but the TM60 takes external effects very well indeed and the whole plot works a treat.

That would be very easy - take a feed from the XLR out socket and plug it into the power-amp input or effects return socket of the second amp. You can also use this method to connect your TM30 to a recording device or, on a gig, to the PA system.

whoa thanks, anyway if i'm using the xlr out how about the 10" speaker? is it still on?

whoa thanks, anyway if i'm using the xlr out how about the 10" speaker? is it still on?

Yes, it is - the XLR line out socket doesn't mute the amp's internal speaker.

Hello everyone, first time poster here. I found this thread via Google because I picked up a Trademark 10 via trade today and am really enjoying playing around with it and learning all the stuff it can do.

Les Paul Forum member (halouis) was kind enough to share some settings (for the TM10 and TM30). It's pretty useful. Here's the link.

http://www.cstone.net/~halouis/tm10/index.html?all

Have fun!

tbof

Many thanks to Halouis - his tones are great! The "Clapton's Layla Champ" Strat tone is really good.

about to join the club with a Trademark 10 off C/L for 80 bones...I'm like a little kid on Christmas eve...picking it up tomorrow...I had wanted to keep it at work but the more I read about this little sucker I doubt it's going to stay at the office very long..

http://www.digital-web.com/images/articles/trademark.jpg

about to join the club with a Trademark 10 off C/L for 80 bones...I'm like a little kid on Christmas eve...picking it up tomorrow...I had wanted to keep it at work but the more I read about this little sucker I doubt it's going to stay at the office very long..



Nice! Have fun with your new toy. :grin:

Bought a Trademark 60 about 6 months ago, and it's my first solid state amp aside form a minicube Roland.

I like the Trademark 60 more every time I use it. It's changed my mind about ss amps.

Another Tech 21 owner, picked one up used a few months ago.

So far the feature I like most is the headphone jack, keeps the spousal unit from throwing things into the music room... :lol:

about to join the club with a Trademark 10 off C/L for 80 bones...I'm like a little kid on Christmas eve...picking it up tomorrow...I had wanted to keep it at work but the more I read about this little sucker I doubt it's going to stay at the office very long..



You and I are in roughly the same boat. Got a used 10 for cheap. Good sounding little amp; super for practice and recording.

You and I are in roughly the same boat. Got a used 10 for cheap. Good sounding little amp; super for practice and recording.

here's some presets for ya.....

http://www.cstone.net/~halouis/tm10/index.html?all

Well since this whole crazy shooting match began Ive been through two tm10's, a trademark 60 which i swiftly broke and im now on my second 30 and staying put. Great tones, light, just enough power for my low volume 'walk to' gigs with some PA help. For me its indispensable.

How did you break the TM60, Steve?

Well actually I didnt quite break it. If you remember i got it for a low price because it had issues. The sound would cut out occasionally and i bought it in the hope this was the age old dirt on the FX loop problem that besets many amps but in particular Tech 21. I cleaned the input and output with switch cleaner on a jack and all seemed to be well for a while but the problem came back. I sold it as a fixer upper for the same price i paid and if id buy another again if it was in good order.

Ah so... After having used my Cube 60 almost exclusively for ages, I've been treating my TM60 (upgraded with the G12K-100 speaker) to a few outings lately. Makes a nice occasional change from the Cube (with which there's not a thing wrong) and if anything it has more clean headroom and perhaps just a little less directionality. Good for noisy, crowded pub gigs such as Ganley's in Morden, Surrey. It's a keeper.

Yes the cubes are directional. if its a noisy night i can hardly hear it but i know the audience can. can be useful at times though.

Yes the cubes are directional...can be useful at times though.

Certainly can, especially with our lady bandleader/singer. But that's another story...

New member of the club, but long-time user: I've had a TM10 since 2000 or 2001 and it's the perfect complement for my other amp (pro jr.) I recently obtained a Vox VT30 for those times I need something a little louder, but the TM10 is in a class by itself for living room gymnastics! I've yet to find the tone I can't squeeze out of it, and that's pretty amazing to me.

Trademark 60 just purchased 2 weeks ago and so far I'm quite happy. The clean Fender like channel is wonderful and I'm still working with the British side. It sounds pretty good all alone, but as soon as it is put into some other sound it seems to get lost. I'm continuing to try and work out something a little more useable. Mine did not come with the triple function footswitch, I've been using a single latching footswitch that just change the channels. It works good with most of my pedal board and with my Boss GT-8 I am a owner of a Trademark 30 as well.

Update:
Just received Triple Function Foot switch from Tech 21, Holy Crap am I glad I made the purchase. Being able to use the Boost\Reverb feature is outstanding, along with channel switching and the on\off for the loop. Up until now I've been only using channel switching which is good ,but so much better now with the Boost/Reverb function. Next I will be putting some Overdrive pedals in front of the amp and Delay, Tremolo or a Vibe pedal in the loop and see what happens. This amp keeps surprising me with how well it works with what ever I connect.
Scott

I had a Peavey Classic 50 410 combo for about 15 years, but I never played out enough or anywhere large enough to need something like that. I HATED lugging that thing around too. Well, I got a wild hair and decided to trade it off. I ended up trading it for a TM60 upgraded with an Eminence Red, White, and Blues speaker, a BBE Sonic Maximizer stomp, an ART tube preamp, and a wireless mic setup. I ended up selling the mic and preamp for enough to buy another guitar, and I love my new amp. My strat has never sounded as good as it does on it, and I don't have to worry about wearing myself out when taking it to practice. Great, versatile amp!

Hey, maybe someone in the club can give me some advice.

I'm tempted by the TM30. I like the idea of all-analogue and it weighs only 14lbs!
The only downside, it seems is it's single channel, so I wouldn't be able to switch from clean to distorted.

Now, it needs to be loud enough to rehearse with a drummer, and even for small gigs. I've read somewhere else that these TM30 are quieter than most 30W amps. Is this true?
Also, has anyone tried it with a Boss ME70 fx board?

I could consider getting the 60W version (1x12 speaker), but it is much more expensive and fairly heavier. My other alternative is the zt lunchbox or zt club.

any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

I have a Trademark 30 that I sometimes use with a drummer, guitars bass and sometimes keyboard player. I don't plug into the the front end I use the 4 cable method where I only use the power amp. All the pre-amp is from a Boss GT-8 and it's plenty loud. I'm sure going into the front end of this with your Boss pedal will be loud enough unless your drummer is just banging. The 10" speaker really cuts through, but it doesn't have that low end stands out it kind of disappears.

I have a Trademark 30 that I sometimes use with a drummer, guitars bass and sometimes keyboard player. I don't plug into the the front end I use the 4 cable method where I only use the power amp. All the pre-amp is from a Boss GT-8 and it's plenty loud. I'm sure going into the front end of this with your Boss pedal will be loud enough unless your drummer is just banging. The 10" speaker really cuts through, but it doesn't have that low end stands out it kind of disappears.

Thanks titaniumslide
Do you mean that the tone coming from the 10" speaker is like the direct output minus the low end? It doesn't seem like a very good thing to me.
I was hoping I could dial my tone at home using the headphones and use the poweramp+speaker for the rehearsal.

Question: why do you do the 4 cable wiring if only using the poweramp? Isn't the purpose of this wiring to send the right effects to the preamp (frontend)?

Hey, maybe someone in the club can give me some advice.

I'm tempted by the TM30. I like the idea of all-analogue and it weighs only 14lbs!
The only downside, it seems is it's single channel, so I wouldn't be able to switch from clean to distorted.

Now, it needs to be loud enough to rehearse with a drummer, and even for small gigs. I've read somewhere else that these TM30 are quieter than most 30W amps. Is this true?
Also, has anyone tried it with a Boss ME70 fx board?

I could consider getting the 60W version (1x12 speaker), but it is much more expensive and fairly heavier. My other alternative is the zt lunchbox or zt club.

any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

I don't have any direct experience of the TM30 (I think Steve G might be your man for that), but I can tell you with great confidence that on its Channel 1 the TM60 is well capable of just about any rehearsal or gig you can throw at it. I'm not so confident of the second channel in that respect, but the first can go from squeaky clean to well overdriven depending on settings. It responds very well indeed to pedals or multi-effects devices so the ME70 should suit it fine.

Regarding your comment about channel-switching, both of the ZT amps are single-channel anyway. I've played them both and good as the Lunchbox is, the TM60 just blows it away completely for clean headroom and overall volume. The Club 12 is a lot louder than the Lunchbox, as you'd expect, but it has a somewhat dark tonality and my money would just about be on the TM60 to sound better and clearer in a full band situation. Close-run thing, though.

Thanks for your comments Tony

The TM30 and TM60 are very different amps. It's not just the power rating, but also the circuitry. However it's good to know the TM60 is a viable option.

ZT amps built their reputation on their loudness. In particular, many owners of the Lunchbox have commented that it was loud enough for small gigs with a full band. I knew they were single channel but I liked the idea of a lot of volume in a very small package.

Our Trademark 30 was designed to be a versatile amp for home, studio or stage. You still have to keep in mind that you have to pick the appropriate tool for your situation. If you're playing in a loud situation with a hard hitting drummer that 1 10" speaker in an open back enclosure will not keep up. If you run it into an extension cab it may provide enough volume but you will probably be pushing it.

Tech21NYC can you tell me when the T30 is going to be available for sale in Canada? I wanted to buy one last year , but was told they can't sell them new here.

Our Trademark 30 was designed to be a versatile amp for home, studio or stage. You still have to keep in mind that you have to pick the appropriate tool for your situation. If you're playing in a loud situation with a hard hitting drummer that 1 10" speaker in an open back enclosure will not keep up. If you run it into an extension cab it may provide enough volume but you will probably be pushing it.

Great to have the manufacturer in the discussion!
Perhaps you can tell us the specs for the 10" speaker? The Tech21 website only says it is a special design (model #2110-T). What is the sensitivity in dB.
For comparison, the Celestion Seventy80 in the TM60 is rated at 98 dB.
Thanks.

...the Celestion Seventy80 in the TM60 is rated at 98 dB.

And it's a very reasonable speaker too. However, I replaced the one in my TM60 with a G12K100 - a smidge more efficient at a quoted 99dB/1W/1m, a bit fuller in the bass and smoother in the upper mids. Also a couple of pounds heavier, but it works for me.

Don't know whether Celestion's efficiency figures are directly comparable with those of other makers such as Eminence, since they all have their individual testing methods and parameters, so the metaphorical playing field may or may not be completely level.

Mine just blew up yesterday... Oh well.... Time for servicing. :roll:

Our Trademark 30 was designed to be a versatile amp for home, studio or stage. You still have to keep in mind that you have to pick the appropriate tool for your situation. If you're playing in a loud situation with a hard hitting drummer that 1 10" speaker in an open back enclosure will not keep up. If you run it into an extension cab it may provide enough volume but you will probably be pushing it.

I have a Trademark 10 and I absolutely love it! I did some recording with it and got a lot of compliments on what a great little amp it was! Thanks for making such great stuff!

Can you hook the TM10 up to an external cab? I'm really interested in these amps.

Little FYI, Hellomusic.com has the Trademark 60 for $450 today.

Can you hook the TM10 up to an external cab? I'm really interested in these amps.

yeah, 8 ohms. I never did it though.

I think that I recall that SS amps are much more fragile when it comes to speaker load matching - but I'm no expert.

I bought the TM30.

There is a lot to love about that amp but it is important to remember it is only 30 watts. My Deville was in the shop and I tried using the TM30 for a corporate party that was outdoors in a courtyard. It just didn't even come close to keeping up. It was a very frustrating situation. I should have plugged it into the PA.

On the flip side it is loud enough for a rehearsal if the band is reasonable about volume.

I was thinking about getting the 60 watt 4x10 power engine as front end to my GP-8. I use the GP-8 for home recording mostly but I have an electronic drum kit, bass going direct out of an amp and same with keys. I am usually recording without headphone unless doing vocal overdubs and I'm thinking that amp wil be perfect for that application.

I first heard the TM30 when a band called Kentucky Thunder played in a local bar. The guitarist cooked and sounded awesome. He was using one of those run into the PA. Somehow I can't sem to cop the same tone he was getting but I stil like the amp. I like it's size and especially like it's weight!

Late to the party, but an early adopter of Tech 21 TM amps; I've had a TM10 since 2000, and last year I got a too-good-to-be-true deal on a mint used TM60 ($275 w/stand). I love both of these amps. I find I'm using the 60 more these days because I just sort of like to feel that big speaker, even at lower volumes, but the TM10 does such an incredible job of replicating those old Fender Champ tones that I'll probably never give it up. FYI, in the 11 years I've been using TM amps I've had two problems: First with the power light and then a couple of years ago with the effects loop on the TM10. Each time I emailed Tech 21 and the service was fast and incredible. I guess MIA still counts for something!

Anyway -- I've got a query I don't know if anyone can answer: I've got a guitar up for trade/sale on the HECG spam thread (DeArmond M-75) and someone wants to trade a Weber Michigan Alnico speaker + cash for it. Anybody know if that'll fit in the TM60 cab? From the descriptions I read of the Michigan speakers, it sounds like it would be a good match for the TM60, but I don't want it if it's going to be a big hassle to install...

I used the TM30 for a while, until I started going direct with tech21 character series pedals.
These things blow the TM30 away sound wise! The TM30 is good, and very loud for its size, but these days if I use it, it's with a character series pedal straight into to poweramp. The TM30 is basically a GT-2, and playing it feels like playing through a stomp box; good sounds, but not the right feel or dynamics, and a kinda scooped sound I find. The character stuff sounds and feels like a good tube amp.

I used the TM30 for a while, until I started going direct with tech21 character series pedals.
These things blow the TM30 away sound wise! The TM30 is good, and very loud for its size, but these days if I use it, it's with a character series pedal straight into to poweramp. The TM30 is basically a GT-2, and playing it feels like playing through a stomp box; good sounds, but not the right feel or dynamics, and a kinda scooped sound I find. The character stuff sounds and feels like a good tube amp.

I always trot out the same statement about this- Search for a member named "Halouis" settings for the TM10 (which is the same as the 30) and try afew of those settings - IMO he's got some pretty great sounds right out of the amp.

I always trot out the same statement about this- Search for a member named "Halouis" settings for the TM10 (which is the same as the 30) and try afew of those settings - IMO he's got some pretty great sounds right out of the amp.


There ya go...

http://www.cstone.net/~halouis/tm10/index.html?all

Thinking of selling both my 60 and 10 to finance another tube amp. I really like them, but wife says 6 amps is too many... She has a point.

Thinking of selling both my 60 and 10 to finance another tube amp. I really like them, but wife says 6 amps is too many... She has a point.

10 is great lil practice amp though - just fip the switch and go - no tube warm up period! and what could you sell it for anyway? $100? hardly worth it!

10 is great lil practice amp though - just fip the switch and go - no tube warm up period! and what could you sell it for anyway? $100? hardly worth it!

True. Just hardly use it.

Thinking of selling both my 60 and 10 to finance another tube amp. I really like them, but wife says 6 amps is too many... She has a point.

Your amps, your choice. But I suspect that you may well miss the TM60 when it's gone.

I have had problems with a new Fender Deluxe Reissue, and I just don't think I can bond with this amp are trust it. When it come's back from the shop,I might trade it for a TM60. I have played tube amps most of my 35,40 yrs. My big deal about TM60 are they dependable, and I like good reverb. Reverb is one thing I like about the Fender amps. How is the reverb on the TM60 and compare it to the Fender is it close

How is the reverb on the TM60 and compare it to the Fender is it close

It's been a while since I used a Blues Deluxe, so I can't compare directly. But the spring reverb on the TM60 is very good indeed, and there's plenty of it - you don't have to wind the control too far unless you really want to. In fact the TM60's a terrific amp all round.

Just got a TM 60...what a great amp....i love this thing...so versatile.

Time to revive this thread, I just got a new Trademark 30 today:

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/amp-central-station/326300-nad.html

Time to revive this thread, I just got a new Trademark 30 today:

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/amp-central-station/326300-nad.html

nice. for home, or are you jamming or playing out?

Has anyone ever had trouble with the slider switch on the TM30?
The 'hot' mod setting doesn't seem to work anymore on mine.

I've had my TM-60 for about 10 years. I almost replaced it with a Carvin Vintage 16, went down stairs plugged in my TM and realized I wouldn't be able to get the sounds out of any other amp at volumes that would let me keep my wife too. It amazes me the sound that comes out of that 1 speaker cab. I love the spring reverb too, I don't think I ever put it past 1 o'clock. The controls do take some getting used too. I wil say, I don't find much use for the weep button. For home use or out gigging I don't see any reason to look any further.
Theres tubes in there somewhere

There's tubes in there somewhere

The only tubes you need with a TM60 are the ones your toothpaste comes in - 'cos you're grinnin' all the time you're playin' through it.

The only tubes you need with a TM60 are the ones your toothpaste comes in - 'cos you're grinnin' all the time you're playin' through it.

:mrgreen:
+1

How about replacement speakers for the TM 30? I bought the amp used and it is starting to flap on high volume clean. Sounds great through a Neo Jensen 12", but the 10" Jensens won't fit the cab. Any solutions other than toting along an extention cab?

TM10 owner here. Very reliable, good sounding amp. My reverb has crapped out on me though.

I used to own an original TM60 I bought back in the '90s- great clean channel, but never got a good sound out of the distortion/ overdrive channel- too muddy. I wrote to the factory and suggested they put a seperate EQ on that channel, as it would have turned it into a killer amp, I would still consider buying another one if they added that EQ.

TM10 owner here. Very reliable, good sounding amp. My reverb has crapped out on me though.

Try talking to the guys at the factory, I once had the reverb stop working, and they guided med through fixing it myself (was an easy fix.

How about replacement speakers for the TM 30? I bought the amp used and it is starting to flap on high volume clean. Sounds great through a Neo Jensen 12", but the 10" Jensens won't fit the cab. Any solutions other than toting along an extention cab?

I'm a Celestion fan myself, and I'm pretty sure something from their range or Eminence's would fit. I don't know what the current equivalent is of the no-longer-made Celestion G10S-50, but that's the one I'd go for if I could. Tech 21 has a great reputation for customer service, so why not contact Lloyd there and see what advice he can offer?

I own a Trademark 60 and a Power Engine 60. Purchased the TM 60 maybe 7 or 8 years back, and purchased the PE 60 about two years ago.

I take my TM 60 to rehearsals & small gigs, and I'm even using it to record a jazz session at the end of the month. The PE 60 is used with the TM 60 when I have to work gigs with loud bands. The two units combined have enough power to make the loudest drummer sweat, if needed. (I only utilize it to keep from being drowned out on stage).

The only other gigging amp I own is a Mesa Boogie mk III. While I love everything it does, it is rather heavy and harder to lug everywhere. It only leaves the house for certain gigs.

I'm a Celestion fan myself, and I'm pretty sure something from their range or Eminence's would fit. I don't know what the current equivalent is of the no-longer-made Celestion G10S-50, but that's the one I'd go for if I could. Tech 21 has a great reputation for customer service, so why not contact Lloyd there and see what advice he can offer?


I finally ran my TM 10 into an old Marshall 1960A with some Greenbacks, and I have to say it was pretty impressive. I was a bit worried - I was under the impression that SS amps were more sensitive to Ohm mismatches, but for a short session it was fine. Sounded huge. I think a nice Scumback or G12M would be a great choice - especially if you are using the drivey tones.
It was great as a clean Tele platform too, but it was roaring with a touch of drive.

I've got a TM10 that I really loved when I first acquired it, but over time, it became very unsatisfying. I can get good medium to hi-gain Marshall sounds and Mesa Boogie sounds, but the Fenders are too clean and too flat-sounding to me. The speaker doesn't really seem to be the best match. I've hooked it up to other speakers and had much better results. The other thing is that there's something about the distortion that's just a little buzzy and artificial. After I got a tube amp, I pretty much stopped playing the TM10 with any regularity.

Recently, I was thinking how the grill cover would lend itself better to a brown cabinet instead of black, so I repainted this thing, as well as the knobs, which turned out better than I thought it might. Ideally one would get new tolex, but I don't mind the look; just not that excited by the sound of the amp anymore. At the time, I think I probably should have gone with the Pathfinder 15R instead.

http://www.unitedcreditrecovery.com/pics/tech21_01.png

http://www.unitedcreditrecovery.com/pics/tech21_02.png

I was under the impression that SS amps were more sensitive to Ohm mismatches...

Only if they're in the wrong direction. A solid state amp designed to work into a minimum of, say, 4 ohms will be quite happy driving any impedance higher than that. Power will be lower and the amp will run cooler too, but it won't do any harm. It's only when you try to drive a lower impedance than the amp is designed for that a solid state power stage will try to pass too much current and tend to overheat.

It's for this reason that, unlike with a valve (tube) amp, no damage is caused if there's nothing connected to a solid state amp's output. In this case impedance is infinite.

I know about the Tech 21 tendency towards buzzy distortion, but it is a solid state amp after all. I really wanted something that could get some grind going without having to use pedals, and I don't like 99% of most master volume low watt hi-gain tube amps out there. If I get something like that, I'll be too tempted to spend stupid $$ on NOS glass and I'm trying to get away from that for just a practice amp. I'm giving lessons to my nephew, and if he shows any promise and after he gets pretty good, he might be gifted the Tech 21. I haven't shown him the amp yet, don't want him to get any ideas. I also want to be merciful to my brother and SIL.

I finally found a Tech 21 Trademark 10 (thanks, Michael) recently and have been enjoying it. It is what it is, I'm using it for more of a rock thing than a clean country-ish thing. Fits the bill perfectly for me.

New member, long time Tele player. I finally picked up a TM-60 last year and its just great in so many situations.

dez
nyc

So now its May 2013 and I've been gigging with the TM 60 going on 4 years. As been said the sound is sometimes tough to dial in. It never sounds bad but when its dialed right, it is great. Channel 1 mostly, with the crunch turned up a bit so I can roll it off on the guitar somewhat.
Channel 2 is over the top usually, undefined and the results aren't always satisfying.
What I've found about the foot switch is that there are springs between the metal button and the PC board switch. When one of the three switches stopped working I heard rattling inside and opened it up expecting to find a broken plastic POS switch. It was just the Spring floating around after coming dislodged. Maybe some rough handling loading or unloading. Easily fixed. I may have placed a tiny spot of silicone on the button side to keep things in place. Maybe not. I'm not going to look unless needed.
While I'm at it, I wish Tech 21 had put the pedal jack on the RIGHT hand side of the box as opposed to the left. Personal preference to my right handedness and stage set up. I can drill and solder and parallel jack in NP.

That is all.


Not its not... As an edit: When its spot on, I get asked what kind of amp it is. I mention the name (blank stare) and then say that its a SS rig. Jaw drops and eyes buggle. "That's a solid state amp?"
I built a Brown Note D'lite this winter thinking it would be my holy grail go to amp. It turned out great and its just very satisfying but wouldn't you know it, the next time I took the TM 60 combo out it was awesome.

Of all the amps I own, I chose to take my TM60 last weekend to a heavy-duty rock'n'roll gig with a hard-hitting drummer and a big PA. First job with that band. My reasoning was that if push came to shove I could slave the amp up through the FOH system.

I needn't have worried. The TM60 (with a Celestion G12K-100 speaker upgrade) was easily up to the job without external assistance and it wasn't even turned up anywhere near maximum level. The overall volume of the band was enough to make my ears ring for a day or two, but the amp performed faultlessly and I was gratified to receive many compliments after the gig.

Of all the amps I own, I chose to take my TM60 last weekend to a heavy-duty rock'n'roll gig with a hard-hitting drummer and a big PA. First job with that band. My reasoning was that if push came to shove I could slave the amp up through the FOH system.

I needn't have worried. The TM60 (with a Celestion G12K-100 speaker upgrade) was easily up to the job without external assistance and it wasn't even turned up anywhere near maximum level. The overall volume of the band was enough to make my ears ring for a day or two, but the amp performed faultlessly and I was gratified to receive many compliments after the gig.


Just curious as to what you would hae otherwise taken to a gig like that? I am expecting that the TM60 is a bit easier to transport...

Hey - thanks for the info on the Ohms on the TM10. I have to say it's a different amp through 4 good 12's :grin:

Just curious as to what you would hae otherwise taken to a gig like that? I am expecting that the TM60 is a bit easier to transport...

Maybe my Music Man 112RP-100 with the EV speaker, or just possibly my custom Peavey Classic 50 2x10. But I knew space was limited and they're both a bit bigger than the TM60, and heavier too, considerably so in the case of the MM.

I could also have used one of the other amps I possess, but it was the TM60's line out facility that swung my choice, although, as it turned out, it wasn't necessary to use it.

Now waiting to get my TM30. I read a bunch of stuff about it, watched all the demos and thought about it, and finally just said, "Okay Tech21... impress me!"

Plus, only 14lbs? That's even lighter than my Pathfinder 15r!