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Author Topic: Isn't Ceriatone a Boutique manufacturer?  (Read 17533 times)
Tone Control
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« on: August 09, 2011, 07:08:10 AM »
We've all seen the occasionally attack on Ceriatone, but thinking about it today, I am trying to think in what way Ceriatone is not a boutique maker
It has a range of hand-wired amps, built by hand, and offers custom options by negotiation on each model

The things I can think of are:
They are in Malaysia (and I suspect some people think that only USA builders can make nice amps)
There are few non-clone designs (although Victoria did OK when they stuck to Leo's diagrams)
You can buy kits (Victoria did that too, amongst others)
The cases are not as flashy - no padded tolex in different colours
They don't use American-made transformers

Obviously none of these stop the amps being good enough.
Ceriatone fits in with the definition on wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boutique_amplifier

So, my request is:
Nik, can we have a few more options on the cases? Any chance of some more hybrid designg (like the EF86 36w, the Prinzetone)
Owners - can we start pointing out to people that these are just as much boutique as any amps
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Dr Tone Control, Strats mostly, prefer saturated clean tones, a little OD sometimes
BM50, JTM45, 36w EF86, DZ30, Expression, + non-Ceriatones (Matchless, Victoria, Wienbrock)
Just started with pedals a little after a 10 year purist spell, but usually just delay
plasticvonaband
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« Reply #1 on: August 09, 2011, 08:56:38 AM »
I'd say Ceriatone definitely fits in the Boutique Category, just not the pretentious Boutique category. In other words, while the haters look down their noses at Nik's work, most of us Ceriatone users can appreciate and admire all of the boutique builders, if you catch my drift. I think most of the hating does come from here in the USA. I think hatred and ignorance are two of our chief exports, unfortunately.

I look at it this way, if Nik can build an amp using the same quality parts, is willing to do custom work, sell his amps at reasonable prices that working musicians can afford, then more power to him. There are a couple of boutique builders like Nik here in Florida who build reasonably priced quality clones and are awesome to deal with, too, but it seems like they are few and far between here.
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Tone Control
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« Reply #2 on: August 09, 2011, 09:47:00 AM »
Quote from: plasticvonaband on August 09, 2011, 08:56:38 AM
I'd say Ceriatone definitely fits in the Boutique Category, just not the pretentious Boutique category. In other words, while the haters look down their noses at Nik's work, most of us Ceriatone users can appreciate and admire all of the boutique builders, if you catch my drift. I think most of the hating does come from here in the USA. I think hatred and ignorance are two of our chief exports, unfortunately.

I look at it this way, if Nik can build an amp using the same quality parts, is willing to do custom work, sell his amps at reasonable prices that working musicians can afford, then more power to him. There are a couple of boutique builders like Nik here in Florida who build reasonably priced quality clones and are awesome to deal with, too, but it seems like they are few and far between here.


Yes, as a CT-owner, I still appreciate and buy the USA boutique amps

To be fair, the Steel-strung acoustic, Electric guitar and guitar amps were invented in the USA, so I could understand if there were some resentful people who think that no-one else should build them, but like with every other invention, the idea becomes universal eventually.

We have a few small boutique amp builders in England here, some of whom make very good value boutique amps (I have bought quite a few), but nothing large scale AFAIK (i.e. never more than 2-4 people, usually one man operations). The one nearest to me does a few very good (mostly Fender-derived) designs, at quite similar prices to CT (once shipping and 23% UK Tax is paid), with more of a boutique-cosmetic finish.

I suppose my post has 2 points:
(1) The haters have no case - CT are a boutique maker
(2) I wish Nik would offer some cosmetic custom options, some of the amps look fine (OTS, HRM), some look not quite pretty enough to resemble the USA and UK boutique amps that they match in quality (e.g. the Tweed twin faceplate, amongst others, and plain black cases are not always appealing). If Nik could source prettier Tolex, and perhaps some Tweed cases, I would be so pleased. I've had 2 hardwood cases made for my Express and DZ, and although they look great, it took too much time to arrange and get it done. My favourite UK builder took a lot of time to source the best Tolex, hardware and handles, worked on the visual vibe, and the effort put in was worth it. I apologise for sounding whiny, but I have 5 Ceriatone amps, I will buy more, and the prettier they are, the better a customer I will be

The unique thing about Nik is that he doesn't just have a line of just 5-6 amps, with some mods available, it's at least 50, and the expertise is unmatched AFAIK. This is the world's largest "Custom shop" for amps, and yet some people deride it
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Dr Tone Control, Strats mostly, prefer saturated clean tones, a little OD sometimes
BM50, JTM45, 36w EF86, DZ30, Expression, + non-Ceriatones (Matchless, Victoria, Wienbrock)
Just started with pedals a little after a 10 year purist spell, but usually just delay
T Wilcox
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« Reply #3 on: August 09, 2011, 01:09:23 PM »
The amps Nik sells are affordable therefore not Boutique Cool


Todd
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Tone Control
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« Reply #4 on: August 09, 2011, 07:18:27 PM »
Quote from: T Wilcox on August 09, 2011, 01:09:23 PM
The amps Nik sells are affordable therefore not Boutique Cool


Todd

shhhhhhh!
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Dr Tone Control, Strats mostly, prefer saturated clean tones, a little OD sometimes
BM50, JTM45, 36w EF86, DZ30, Expression, + non-Ceriatones (Matchless, Victoria, Wienbrock)
Just started with pedals a little after a 10 year purist spell, but usually just delay
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« Reply #5 on: August 11, 2011, 11:00:40 AM »
Quote from: Tone Control on August 09, 2011, 07:08:10 AM
There are few non-clone designs (although Victoria did OK when they stuck to Leo's diagrams)

Jim Marshall did alright for himself copying Fender's Bassman circuit as well....
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Tone Control
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« Reply #6 on: August 11, 2011, 11:49:52 AM »
Quote from: AdrianJ on August 11, 2011, 11:00:40 AM
Quote from: Tone Control on August 09, 2011, 07:08:10 AM
There are few non-clone designs (although Victoria did OK when they stuck to Leo's diagrams)

Jim Marshall did alright for himself copying Fender's Bassman circuit as well....

Yeah, I am sure that Matchless are a boutique firm, and I heard a rumour that the DC30 was inspired by some other amp
(well to be fair, they do admit it, and they have tweaked and many feel improved it - unless you're a traditionalist)

Just keep making new models Nik, I'll buy them, but I'll buy more if you make them prettier
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Dr Tone Control, Strats mostly, prefer saturated clean tones, a little OD sometimes
BM50, JTM45, 36w EF86, DZ30, Expression, + non-Ceriatones (Matchless, Victoria, Wienbrock)
Just started with pedals a little after a 10 year purist spell, but usually just delay
T Wilcox
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« Reply #7 on: August 11, 2011, 01:20:51 PM »
Why dont you get the amp chassis only then get cab locally. Then you can customize it however you like. There are many cabinet builders that are reasonably priced and need work!
 
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Plexi bass 1986 ( build #6 )
Ceriatone Ultra Champ ( build #5 )
TW Express clone ( build #4 )
Ceriatone HRM MK2 ( build #3 )
Ceriatone 2550  ( Build #2 )
Ceriatone OTS FM50 Modern Eagle Mod (Build #1)
EBMM Steve Morse original
50th anniv American Strat
Tone Control
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« Reply #8 on: August 11, 2011, 02:42:27 PM »
Quote from: T Wilcox on August 11, 2011, 01:20:51 PM
Why dont you get the amp chassis only then get cab locally. Then you can customize it however you like. There are many cabinet builders that are reasonably priced and need work!
 

I did that for 2 amps
To be honest, it took a lot more time and money than I thought (extra journeys chassis being a little larger than expected, etc), three other Ceriatones I've bought used had custom cabs. Some are good, some not so good.
I just thought Nik might be able to offer more options on cabs now he has cut down the kit options.
To be honest, I am not as concerned about custom cabs usually, just getting a little more variety in factory-fitted Tolex and hardware, and faceplates would be enough for me
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Dr Tone Control, Strats mostly, prefer saturated clean tones, a little OD sometimes
BM50, JTM45, 36w EF86, DZ30, Expression, + non-Ceriatones (Matchless, Victoria, Wienbrock)
Just started with pedals a little after a 10 year purist spell, but usually just delay
T Wilcox
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« Reply #9 on: August 11, 2011, 03:36:55 PM »
I understand where you are coming from
I am pretty lucky to have found a good guy on this forum that does custom cabs and will pretty much beat any one else prices and quality.
Unfortunately you are across the pond and the shipping would kill you or I would send you his way.
Does Nik even do the cabs in house?

Todd
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Plexi bass 1986 ( build #6 )
Ceriatone Ultra Champ ( build #5 )
TW Express clone ( build #4 )
Ceriatone HRM MK2 ( build #3 )
Ceriatone 2550  ( Build #2 )
Ceriatone OTS FM50 Modern Eagle Mod (Build #1)
EBMM Steve Morse original
50th anniv American Strat
Tone Control
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« Reply #10 on: August 11, 2011, 03:49:29 PM »
Quote from: T Wilcox on August 11, 2011, 03:36:55 PM
I understand where you are coming from
I am pretty lucky to have found a good guy on this forum that does custom cabs and will pretty much beat any one else prices and quality.
Unfortunately you are across the pond and the shipping would kill you or I would send you his way.
Does Nik even do the cabs in house?

Todd

I asked him if he could do a different colour last year, he said that they are all made elsewhere, with black Tolex.
I think the tolex has improved, since I had an older OTS for a while, which had less attractive tolex than my 2010 BM50
The good guy I found to build hardwood cabs is 2 hours drive away. Not sure if I want figured hardwood or tolex next time

Cheers!
Tone
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Dr Tone Control, Strats mostly, prefer saturated clean tones, a little OD sometimes
BM50, JTM45, 36w EF86, DZ30, Expression, + non-Ceriatones (Matchless, Victoria, Wienbrock)
Just started with pedals a little after a 10 year purist spell, but usually just delay
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« Reply #11 on: February 21, 2012, 03:41:07 AM »
I am glad this came up.  I love the OTS and Nik is top notch builder.  I tried to start a thread about a month ago and it didn't get any replies.  Please let me know what you think.  It said:

"I just ran in to this old thread and HAD to join the forum just to reply and bring this to everyone's attention.  This guy is on to something.  The only competitors for Ceriatone charge a ton of money because they have recognizable brands, familiar logos, etc.  This is by far the most attractive logo I have seen for an amp manufacturer/builder.  A top notch logo/symbol attached to Nik's craftsmanship would be a winning combination that could afford Nik to design more amps and/or gain much deserved recognition.

This will turn Ceriatone into Two Rock, Dr. Z, Van Weelden, etc. as far as brand recognition and his quality would put him one step above.  Does anyone agree with me?  We are all tone kings here but sweet looks aint a bad addition.  Let me know your thoughts because I would pay this guy for his head cabs and he should work for/with Nik to make this a standardization.  Here is the old thread"

http://ceriatoneforum.com/index.php?topic=1869.0

 Chair Dance
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IndySouthPaw
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« Reply #12 on: February 29, 2012, 08:36:41 PM »
BUMP.  No comments on the logo still?  Maybe I am crazy but I loved it
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