Rocket vs Express

[leadfootdriver]

How much gain/distortion does the Rocket have compared to the Express.

[M Fowler]

The Rocket is a sweet lil pussy cat compared to the roar of the Express.

[leadfootdriver]

Okay, then what about a Liverpool vs the Express?

[ckpop]

The gain is around the same for a Liverpool and Express in my opinion. To me I prefer the Liverpool for classic hard rock to heavy sound and it screams in a different way because of a mid shift and el84's. I find the sound overall tighter.
Anyone care to jump in

[bcmatt]

The preamps are basically the same as each other, so it's about the character of the EL34s (Express) and the EL84s (Liverpool).

The Express has more headroom (being more powerful), but it also can get maybe a bit more distorted/heavy. Because of the way EL34s compress when driven, the clean to mean effect within a short volume range is more effective with the Express. But I still prefer the Liverpool personally. Love them both, but it comes down to me more often using single-coils and I find the Liverpool is a little sweeter and better matched to them in general. I like EL84s and prefer their type of breakup with my main guitar more.

[leadfootdriver]

What speakers are you guys running?

[ckpop]

I own about 4 different types of celestions and it all depends what you are after. I can get good results with all of them.
What are you after in your tone and what music do you play mainly.

[leadfootdriver]

I really don't like G12H's. I think they're to pinched in the mids. I suppose a greenback type, but with more lows and a tighter overall response.

[bcmatt]

I think I am quite different than most in my speaker preference. I don't like speakers that break up. I like them to sound strong and clear the whole way through, and to smooth out any possible fizz too. So, I don't like Alnico blues, greenbacks or even G12Hs with mine (although the G12H was almost tolerable). I like the WGS Veteran 30 alright (haven't had a Celestion version of that one though). However, my favourate speaker for my Liverpool is a WGS Retro 30.
But I run mine in a 2x12 with an ET65 as well.

[M Fowler]

I prefer the Liverpool over the Express because the EL84's have such a nice character to them when pushed.

For speakers with the Rocket and Liverpool I like Celestion Alnico Blue or Gold and paired with G12H in an open back 212 cab.

For the Express I'm using 412 Celestion Vintage 30's but want to get some 25w green backs.

Also, all the TW models sound great through a 212 slant Lopo Line cab with Scumback H75-16HP-LHDC speakers.

Mark

[Gibsonman63]

Definitely use the Greenbacks with the Express. I preferred the Liverpool also when I was running through V30s. With the Greenbacks, the cleans are still there but you can get a lot more mean out of the Express. For the Liverpool, it may be a bit too much. I mainly use the Liverpool for gigs and have it paired with a 2x12 cabinet with Heritage 30s. Seems just right for that amp to my ears.

[leadfootdriver]

Cool. I have an itch for Vox tones. I had a Mesa TA-15 and really liked the V channel a lot.

[leadfootdriver]

Wow, I surprised it's only been a year since I posted this... Back from the dead.

I think I'll build a Rocket next for chimey Vox tones.

[leadfootdriver]

Could I expect a Rocket to have a bit more distortion compared to an AC30? It should have some nice compression with the rectifier tube..