There is a lot of talk about using amp emulators for guitars with the L1 to eliminate the need for a stage amp. Does anyone have any experience with vintage keyboards? If I want to use my Rhodes 73 Mark I with the Bose L1, any suggestions on an amp emulator or tube pre-amp I should try to get that classic warm tube sound out of the L1?

What is the Rhodes preset actually for--a mic'ed Fender Rhodes tube amp or a direct line in from the piano?

Hi Scott,

This is one of the original Presets and if the others in that group are any indication then the Rhodes preset is direct in. Otherwise it would probably mention a microphone in the description.

Here is an illustration I did way back then showing the connection.

Hi KV_Rielly,

The Rhodes preset was designed for a direct line from the instrument. Let me know if you need any additional info.

Craig

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Craig-at-Bose,

Thanks, you guys. I'll be trying this when I get my Bose system over the next few weeks and will let you know if I have any more questions.

Hi, i've recently purchased a mk1 stage 73. I've running it through my L1 Mk2+ T1 (also been using a Fender DeVille for comparison) I think overall i prefer the sound from the bose, although the tube fender is more authentic, all i'm missing on the L1 is that valve distortion.

I have two questions, if anyone can offer advice. First, i am running it with a lot of gain so it distorts at appropriate times, is this going to be a problem for the T1's pre-amp, running the channel distoring repeatedly for long periods. Second, does anyone have suggestions for achieving that valve distortion sound (without a hefty valve pre-amp in the line.

Constantly finding new uses for my L1, lovely. I'm looking forward to putting a hammond XK1 through it next week.

Cheers. James.

Hi jpr_musicman,

Do you know any electric guitarists?

In your shoes I would try to find someone who uses tube distortion pedals OR try an inexpensive tube preamp.


I doubt you can do any permanent damage to the T1® by running it in distortion but I'll see what I can find out for you.

jpr_musicman,

Try a Mesa Boogie V-Twin tube pre-amp pedal. They are discontinued but you can pick them up for about $200-$300 on the online auction houses and classifieds.

The "Blues" setting gives a nice amount of control for dialing in the perfect amount of tube (12AX7) warmth and crunch along with three-band EQ and presence control.

There's no reverb on it but you can use your T1 for that.

A cheaper solution is to buy an old Line6 POD (the red kidney-bean shaped guitar effects processor). With many amp and cabinet emulations, you should be able to find a sound that works for you. These sell for about $100. (In fact I have one if you're interested! Send me a PM).

Best of luck!

Hi James,

The L1 system electronics aren't really designed to produce "good" distortion like guitar amps and preamps.

That said, we try to design the electronics so when they are really being driven hard they don't ever sound bad.

There's nothing that I can think of that's going to be damaged in the L1 systems by overdriving them.

But I agree with the others that have responded that I think you'd be MUCH better off getting the distortion you describe with devices that go before the L1 system and are designed for that purpose (i.e. good distortion).

Ken