Webb Amps

[Boo Bernstein]

Most people I have spoken to who use Webb amps like the sound better without the graphic equalizer turned on. When the GE is not on, are the tone controls active -- do they enhance frequencies (like a current Peavey) or just roll them off (like a Twin)? Thanks in advance. Boo

[Brad Sarno]

Boo, the basic 3-band EQ on the Webb is passive, but it's not a typical tonestack design as in a Fender or many amps. It's a passive network set up in a "baxandall" configuration. This is where the center point of the bass and treble bands are way out to the edges of the audio spectrum so you experience the EQ more like high and low shelves plus a mid control that's centered near 1k. Real wide bells so there's nothing sharp or surgical about the EQ. With this you can get boosting and cutting of the bands. Keep in mind that the 3-way tone selector in the Webb also creates some very severe fixed-EQ voicing as well. The "steel" or "2" position has a big bass boost and a huge dip at 550Hz, sort of like an exaggerated Twin. I would argue that this is at the heart of what most consider the "Webb" sound. #1 has a dip at 375Hz and Jim Webb said that's best for fiddle. #3 is pretty flat and sounds too midrangy for many steel players.

Brad Sarno

[Boo Bernstein]

Thanks, Brad. What is the set-up for the Evans amps -- are they also "passive?" Thanks, Boo

[David L. Donald]

An interesting EQ design for sure.
The 1k would be good for dipping relative to the vocal range.
And then the others for body and presence around vocal range, but in the range of acompanying instruments.

This might go a long way to explaining it's popularity.

One question for Webb owners; do you use it more for backing a singer than for doing a solo steel album, or instrumental work?

[Brad Sarno]

David, I think you're right. The Webb is very, very mid-scooped, and in the right places. I think that does help it mix well with music around it, and especially vocals. It has a huge sound but not offensively so.

Brad Sarno