Splawn Quick Rod Vs Splawn Nitro: Which One Splanws HARDER?! | HEAD TO HEAD

[@slavirachev6016]

I have a Nitro, it's my favorite amp. Yes, channel 3 has a lot of gain and low end, but that's because channel 3 is for solos

[@Logan21063]

Hey Kyle, great Vid as usual, thx! i also have a Nitro (built 2010) with heyboer Transformers and EL34 Tubes and made different shootouts to a newer Quickrod - to get the Nitro as tight as possible i can urgently recommend this configuration with EL34 and stay away from any KT88 configuration, because otherwise your speakers can get overwhelmed by horrofic low end. Different preamp tubes have also big impact on the sound. The stock tubes from Scott sounded best for sure. The other thing is, that on the Nitro the typical „GoTo EQ Settings“ do not work. Bass not over 09:00 o‘clock is mandatory, everything beyond that makes it get flubby and not tight anymore. I made best results when i‘m not dailing over 09:00. right on this edge is some kind of sweetspot. I saw in your vid, that you had bass right at around 10:30 and later on in the vid right at 13:00 - that's the main reason for that blanket, flubby sound of the Nitro in your comparison to the QuickRod. Mids and treble i would suggest: dial it in to your likings. The more you give the more it will brighten up the sound and will add to some more tigtness. You can vary a lot by pushing the mids or leave it down at 09:00 to 10:00. Resonance is the other „subtle Wizard“ on the Nitro - at first you think it does not do anything big to the sound - but beware - if you want it tight for metal stay down low with the resonance (i have it almost completely dialed out) - it is the other critical aspect beside the bass Presence i would try from 10:00 upwards /depending on cab and speaker it can be needed to go up to 15:30 o‘clock depending on your taste :-) so do not hesitate to give some overtones to it Resultwise we got pretty close with the Nitro and the Quick Rod - so if you want a Nitro to sound like a QR, you can do it - for sure / but if you want a QR to sound like a Nitro it‘s not possible because the Nitro is much more oversaturated (almost 5150ish) - maybe it‘s because of my EL34 tube configuration (it is still on Stock Tube configuration) - and the Chugs on the Nitro will completely shatter anything nearby :-) Afterall i think the tonal possibilites of the Nitro do not come out 100% in the Vid - for anybody who‘s interested i would recommend: try it out on your own / the „feel Thing“ of the amp is another big thing - QR is much more stiffer and cannot be as creamy as the Nitro

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Nitro reminds me a lot of my Bogner Uberschall Twinjet.

[@djabthrash]

Thanks for all the tips. Love my Nitro

[@RyRyTheBassGuy]

The tone you got out the Quick Rod is your best to date. Worked really well with that cab.

[@JinxRemoving]

I think the Quickrod is my preferred choice because of the more kerrang-y sort of sound but both are really killer.

[@richard66754]

About eight years ago, I took a Splawn quick rod and gb loaded 4x12 to a mega church for appropriate type music. The band and myself melted their faces. Afterwards, everyone asked how I was able to get that sound. I humbly told them that sometimes, the Jesus likes to rock out.😊

[@derek_d]

This definitely solidifies my opinions on these two amps over the years. I had a KT-88 Nitro back when they came out and it was a cool amp, but wow did it have a ton of low-end and I never really liked how the mids sat, either. Friend of mine had a Quickrod and I never got to A/B them but always thought I'd prefer the QR and I was definitely right. The mids on that thing cut like a knife and it sounds so aggressive with that upper-mid snarl. Nice!

[@djabthrash]

16:50 Buried Alive :) I can hear Scott Vogel's pissed af vocals here :)

[@ryanpullin]

Kinda wanted to get both but after this video, I think I’ll be fine with the Quickrod. I’ve also got the mid cut switch on the Quickrod so I guess that could help get it closer to Nitro territory already

[@jaredriley4071]

You'll end up with both.

[@ryanpullin]

@@jaredriley4071 I do, but it’s not either of the physical amps and it’s the models in the axe fx 😎

[@metalgear74]

I really wish I would have known more about Splawn a decade back when I was in my big gear spending period. I had heard of them but was just not willing to take the chance. So many smaller brands come and go and at that time it seemed there were so many horror stories with small builders and custom-shop stuff, especially on the guitar side much more than with amps.

[@stevestevens1457]

Actually Splawns go for reasonable price nowadays

[@babydaddy1930]

@@stevestevens1457 I completely agree I bought mine 2 years ago it was $1,100 at guitar center in Phoenix Arizona and it was orange so nobody really knew what it was or wanted it

[@stevestevens1457]

@@babydaddy1930 wow, nice catch! Quickrod?

[@babydaddy1930]

@@stevestevens1457 yeah ....it's nice.,need a different 4 by 12 ....thinking 2 green backs n two vintage 30s..like Friedman runs ...

[@benjaminshackelford35]

Great video! I love my 2014 Quick Rod. Never selling it. Not ever! I was curious about the Nitro but after hearing it A/B'd against the QR I have absolutely no doubt I made the right choice! Thank you for satisfying my curiosity! ⚡

[@greg.2071]

I have a 2014 Quick Rod as well. I love mine too!

[@Harrysound]

I have an axe fx and I went for the Nitro first but then gravitated to the Quick Rod. if you push it a lot its just gorgeous

[@MetalKillsRap2]

I had a Splawn Nitro and sold it soon after. I tried to like it but my 5150 II (my main amp) just blew it away.

[@michaelking4501]

I was looking at the splawn site last night hoping you'd make this video. Thank you for answering my questions before I get to ask them.

[@belligerentamateur]

Wild timing!

[@drewsandefer2894]

I owned both. Sold my KT88 nitro, as I couldn't ever get used to the low end. I absolutely love my quickrod. Splawn makes absolutely sick amps.

[@smeemusic]

Right off the bat, the difference in these amps sounds very similar to the difference between evh stealth and el34 amps. But all I've heard so far is the intro.

[@onepathforme]

I currently have a Splawn Quickrod and Splawn Pro Stock. I go between the two for shows/recordings. If I found a Nitro for a good deal I would grab it, tho would probably always have some sort of overdrive in front to tighten it up.

[@BradRocker]

Likin the Quick Rod on your channel. But over with Jarrod at TW he makes his Nitro smoke.

[@heathd6199]

I own one of the older Splawn cabs back when they did Eminence in an X pattern. Great sounding cab to this day!

[@bjstein4242]

awesome shootout.. btw.. i did give your amp tech a shout to give my QR an oil change and lube.. thanks for hooking me up.. I find with proper "tweaking" you can really get all kinds of tones.. I use the treble at ZERO as well.. as advertised.. i am still scratching my head.. must be the tone stack.. I will bring my baby up north soon for a visit.. cheers Kyle!!

[@belligerentamateur]

Awesome! Mike will totally take care of you.

[@kevinbilodeau4123]

I'd go for the Quickod. The Nitro isn't bad by any stretch, but the Quickrod suits my ear

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Awesome. I like the Quickrod better by far. Would love to see you demo a Wizard MC II and Wizard MTL amp.

[@belligerentamateur]

man, me too! lol

[@hootowl6354]

For the price of one Wizard you could buy a Nitro AND a QR.

[@cajun3197]

I don’t know anything about splawn amps. I do love every sound clip I’ve heard of them though 🤘🏽

[@christophermyers4965]

They both sound really good but the nitro sounds very brutal love it

[@relentlessvomit4361]

Are we going to see a quickrod against an EVH stealth one day maybe?

[@belligerentamateur]

Maybe, not really a highly requested one.

[@tombuford5480]

I would definitely want to hear this

[@colebengston3963]

I wish I had money for that sale you did! Looked absolutely killer!

[@metalgear74]

With the EMGs I definitely liked the Quick Rod more due to the mids.

[@Absolute_Hatred_Metal]

Quick Rod is very nice one. How about Hiwatt Review?

[@belligerentamateur]

I reviewed the Super-Hi 50!

[@jeffburmester1390]

Absolutely love my Nitro, the low end for me is absolutely amazing and very welcomed.

[@Mike_HuntizWet]

EL34 or KT88?

[@jeffburmester1390]

KT88'S

[@Mike_HuntizWet]

@@jeffburmester1390 Nice! That’s the version of Nitro I wanted. But the way stars aligned I ended up with a el34 version

[@Boogieplex]

I’d like to know Kyles live settings for his QR. any videos show his settings?

[@danielgoepferich9548]

I'd love to see the quickrod vs the molecular

[@JohnSmith-zk7un]

I would love to see you now order a brand new Nitro with the front panel voicing switches and el34 Whole different Amp

[@djabthrash]

If you wanna hear what the Nitro is capable of, check out youtube videos by : - MAGH8 : www.youtube.com/@magh8 - FastRedPonyCar : www.youtube.com/@FastRedPonyCar/videos

[@duck2587]

Have a 2010 quick rod with KT88. It’s the Amp that Marshall wish they made. The nitro should only come with EL 34 or 6L6. The KT88 in a nitro has this weird frequency in the high mids or high-end that you can’t take out and it’s very unpleasant. A nitro with EL 34, is fantastic.

[@TexAgsArmyVet]

Splawn Nitro and Quickrod? Kyle has 2 of my bucket list amps!! 🤘🤘🤘

[@ELGATOLANCASTER]

Rippin a little LOA. 🤘🏻. They both sound great in my opinion it just depends on your personal taste. I'd be happy with either one

[@robertmayer2071]

what is a splawn super comp? is it based on an 1959 cuircut or 800 cuircut im confused can anyone explain

[@joeylizotte7537]

Hey, Kyle. What are your thoughts on the Balaguer "Hypernova" pickups? Also, did you get my tip on the EVH Stealth?

[@belligerentamateur]

Hypernove are very modern, tight, mid forward and clear. VERY good if you're tuning down more than a step, retaining mids and clarity.

[@joeylizotte7537]

@@belligerentamateur Well, I tune down 2.25 steps (on my 6 string), so they might be perfect for me. Thanks for the info!

[@Thomas.Ericsson]

I own a Splawn Quick Rod 2014 and always thought I'd get the Nitro as well. Now I won't. Too modern sounding for me. Thx for the comparison.

[@Mike_HuntizWet]

I owned both. Got rid of the Nitro

[@nickharper8145]

Great video! Also way to make me want a Quickrod even more now lol.

[@belligerentamateur]

You need one, bro!

[@heythere6983]

I like the quick rods sound, I have a jvm js, I feel like this would maybe give more clarity and tightness . The jvm js still has a somewhat unpleasant top end, admittedly that cuts well, that top end brashness in a mix , I still found I had to boost its mids to get it as defined as I wanted though with other musicians . I just dk if the quick rod will be too dense and dark . It’s like eminence speakers vs celestion, eminecence are way thicker and have more midrange but in person it lacks high end like a Celestion . Too much midrange can also weigh down the sound too much , I find celestions more punchy with that top end smack, I wonder if this is the case vs a regular marshal vs splawn

[@belligerentamateur]

Quick rod absolutely smashes through the mix. You can dial it to dominate the mix, or to sit right where it needs to. I agree on the JVM. The top end has always felt "digital" and the compression on that amp really seems to squash the famous Marshall mids that sit where they need to in a mix. The Quick Rod is much more open and broad. Just be aware, it's a very dry and unforgiving amp. Your playing will be exposed if at all sloppy

[@heythere6983]

Tbh I’m fine with the a tighter sound. I found myself gravitating towards dog eared p90 sg’s with some blackstar Amps that are a bit drier than my marshall. I play a bit of distorted riffs and arpeggios and percussive rythm so I find that tighter vibe is welcomed , my satriani jvm has its own charm, it’s just unruly and hairy which is cool but I feel like a tighter and thicker midrange (but not too thick) benefits my style , thicker midrange feels more satisfying with single notes too, i really despise a super thin sound , oddly didn’t like eminence speakers , felt too stiff for me

[@jeremythesurfingalien3013]

Does the Quick Rod have a lot of harmonics and articulation?

[@metalgear74]

Every time Kyle plays No More Mr. Nice Guy I hear Dave Mustaine's snarling voice.

[@belligerentamateur]

And picture him in an electric chair

[@bags5150]

I have (2) quick rods loud ASF . Nitro is hard but I’m a quick rod guy.

[@Mike_HuntizWet]

Maybe I missed it but which power sections are these amps?

[@thetribalist6923]

Thanks for doing this video Kyle. I liked them both about equally. The Quickrod has a bit more bite and is tighter, but the Nitro is thicker and heavier. Both have similar tones, but the sounds like a Marshall, and the Nitro sounds like a 5150, even though it doesn’t have the cutting mids that a 5150 or Marshall have.

[@marianobrascich]

Hi Kyle, Happy New Year 2024! I have a question about Splawn amplifiers. I've been watching several videos, including reviews you did on the Splawn QuickRoad, Nitro, and Competition. I'm looking for a sound that hits the Yngwie Malmsteen, Ritchie Blackmore point, also giving me a Hendrix vibe, and even a bit of Van Halen. I know you play High Gain, more on the Metallica and chugging side. However, I'm seeking your opinion for a Middle Gain option that can handle good leads, similar to Yngwie or John Petrucci. What can you tell me about finding the exact Splawn model for this? I appreciate your insights. Thanks!

[@Mike_HuntizWet]

Quick Rod el34

[@Johnsormani]

quick rod all the way. the Nitro sound like an amp with a blanket over it in all settings

[@Mike_HuntizWet]

Yeah. I had an el34 Nitro and could never get it where I liked it. At all

[@Turbo-D]

..by the way try bass up, mids up, presence up and treble all the way down, thats how all that remains using the quickrod and also the 5150, most impressive guitar sound ever IMO, you can here the quickr on this darkened heart album, cheers 🎸

[@thetribalist6923]

Good suggestion. What albums should people check out to for 5150 tones? I have a 6505+ and would like to hear a similar amp dialed that way.

[@SamaelAzazel131]

5150s are phenomenal for metal...Holy hell. I had one and the other guitarist in our bands did as well. We would EQ them slightly different...but it was a crushing wall of sound live. We always got compliments after gigs.

[@SamaelAzazel131]

@@thetribalist6923 Carcass - Heartwork ..if I remember correctly. Love the tones on that album. Totally Monstrous. I think there may be other amps blended in but it's mainly a 5150. Watch Ola Englund's vid on it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eajbhp9viq96ZpI

[@thetribalist6923]

@@SamaelAzazel131 love that album and knew the tone was a 5150 with a Frankenstein-cab to keep it from being too bright. Really cool story about the recording process to get that tone. They also used a Marshall blues breaker pedal if memory serves me. It wasn’t your typical green box OD to boost the tone. If you have any more 5150 or Splawn recorded tones to check out I’d love to hear them!

[@Uprizer76]

Nice Life of Agony lick there at the end!

[@belligerentamateur]

Classic album!

[@Uprizer76]

@@belligerentamateur still have it in rotation!! That's where I learned about Power Groove!!!

[@jrtme]

Cool Compare Vid. I prefer the quickrod. But then again Marshall mids are my thing.

[@thomasb3668]

A Splawn Quick Rod 100 at "volume" will blow you away. The Quick Rod stopped all gas for any other amp(s). It sounds great at lower volumes, but at "volume" it kills. I run a JB, RTM, and Fluence Classics pickups, on different guitars. Gear 1, on the QR is just glorious. My QR sounds much more Organic than this video presents, (at least on my speakers) with my guitars/pickups and cabinet. The Splawn QR is my dessert Island Amp.

[@mchankerhoff853]

I’ve got both in my kemper🤗

[@thanovee5999]

What year is the QR?

[@calebneff5777]

Switching to the Quick Rod from the Nitro gives me the feeling of when you're in traffic and you finally break free of the pack and just have open road ahead of you. I don't think I'd have an issue with the Nitro on its own, but in comparison to the Quick Rod, it kinda sucks, haha.

[@belligerentamateur]

Never could get into the Nitro, as badly as I wanted to

[@SapperRJMorgan]

Hey Kyle. What’s the black guitar in the last riff of the video?

[@Gonboo]

The Nitro has this weird saturated dryness to it? I kinda dig it but I'd rather have a Quick Rod fitted with some 6550s or KT77s to get the best of both worlds.

[@jeffparsons7449]

I just ordered a quickrod with all the MODS I’m hoping it has the bottom end & tightness I’m looking for

[@belligerentamateur]

It definitely has heaps of both!

[@billyvarga3738]

I have to run my 2017 QR bass almost off. Stupid amounts of low end! And I love thump.

[@TheJMan1K]

Hey Kyle can you use the Hot Rod V2 with any of these Splawns?

[@gabeus9170]

Did you ever find out?

[@metalgear74]

I like both of these, but that Competition 50 or 60 whatever it was, really was my thing even more than these.

[@Jephesus]

Quick rod is the clear winner for me, much more clarity and the mids have that “roar” for lack of a better term. Nitro sounds think in comparison but I’m sure it’s relative.

[@David-y8s3e]

Does anyone shred? Left hand riffs?

[@dangiampietro6606]

Quickrod, all day long. Absolutely killer.

[@clintn6677]

I think I'm going to order a Splawn this week. I just sold my monomyth and I feel naked without a hotrodded Marshall.

[@belligerentamateur]

DO IT

[@gral9440]

Today I was about to buy an Engl Artist and I saw your video. I wrongly thought that it was impossible to grab a Splawn in Europe. But after your video I visited Splawn website and I learned that there's an official European retailer in Italy with some good stuffs. So instead of the Engl I purchased a Red standard QR 100 for about 1600€ (same price than a 2203 here in Europe). It's the second amp you made me buy 🤣(first was the skill 30)

[@belligerentamateur]

OOPS. Lol, hope you love it man!

[@gral9440]

@@belligerentamateur I plugged it for the first time one hour ago and honestly I have a bunch of amps (Mezzabarba, Marshall, PRS, Redseven, Engl...) and I almost don't want to play them anymore so much this amp is a monster

[@alexlogan124]

Hey Kyle would you ever do a video on a Peavey butcher? There is not a lot of good videos out there and I would love to see you make one thrash 🤘

[@belligerentamateur]

Absolutely, will do one soon!

[@alexlogan124]

@@belligerentamateur 🤘

[@Boogieplex]

Both amps crush.They both excell at Marshall crunch and are both amazing amplifiers.

[@belligerentamateur]

YES

[@zombies418]

To my ear, the QuickRod definitely has that modded JCM800 sound and I would say the Nitro is more like a JVM. If you’re more into vintage rock/ metal like Ozzy, GNR, AC/DC them I’d say the QR. If you’re more into Megadeth, Metallica or other more modern sounding bands then the Nitro would be good if you can manage the bass

[@petercallear9535]

I think the algorythm is messing with you Kyle. I'm subscribed with the bell icon ticked and I thought you'd deactivated your account. Not sure if it's just me, but you aren't showing on my feed when new vids hit. Great video.

[@belligerentamateur]

That happens with channels I follow as well. I think it just sucks sometimes. Lol

[@nathanweinstein2766]

The Nitro sounds like a G12H30 55Hz... the QR sounds like a G12m25 75Hz

[@Turbo-D]

both amps are just 50% off right now @ splawn amps! i would just buy one right now but i live in ger,many and its just too much effort to import sadly. i have the nitro but a always wanted to have the quickrod because all that remains are using the quicky and i just love that sound.., i was never too impressed with the nitro and the resonance pot just does nothing, known problem here sadly...but hard to get here in germany. 😒

[@bengirard1984]

I went to the website and the amps are not 50%...you pay 50% of the total price when you order and the other when it's done. Too good to be true I guess hahaha

[@Turbo-D]

@@bengirard1984 😂😂 thanks for that man 👍🙏

[@bengirard1984]

@@Turbo-D No problem there my man! Haha If Splawn amps really had that mega deal, I would’ve ordered a Quick Rod on the spot!! Haha

[@Turbo-D]

@@bengirard1984 same here 🤤🙏

[@cross_carrasco]

Cool amps man 😎👍 (🤫 You misspelled the 3rd Splawn in the title)

[@belligerentamateur]

I'm dumb

[@adamagapie1298]

Thanks for finally getting the Archon 50ii up! oh... wait... you didn't../ Just busting your balls. Cmon already!!! lol

[@mhoff7722]

Quickrod for the win for me 🤘🤘🤘

[@iwannarockon2010]

Both untamed beasts! 🤘

[@prasanthselvadurai3450]

I may also need a quickrod in my life. :P

[@johnnybgoodies2147]

I rather have an 80's Gorrilla amp, with a ds 1.

[@theophany1770]

My first amp but with Metalzone!😂

[@OUTTATIMEMTL]

Quick Rod all the way for me.

[@Mike_HuntizWet]

I have an el34 Quick Rod,🤔2015 I believe, that will be buried with me🤘

[@FlightSimDude]

I had a Splawn QR and it didn't sound like yours. Your QR sounds pretty good, not remarkable but not bad. Mine was a toneless piece of s**t. It had a lot of Mid grind. The management did nothing to help me. I give the amp I had, and the company, 👎👎👎👎👎

[@miketaylor4705]

I'm hearing the same thing in a 2018 Quickrod. It has some weird mid spike that is impossible to dial out. Man, it is so close to being a lifetime amp, but the tone circuit in it is just off in a strange way. The thing is, it has top end components. My local amp tech was super happy to see it when I took it in for a bias and tube job, but I am less enthusiastic about actually playing it :( If it would breath a little more it'd be perfect!

[@kalisilot6010]

Hey Kyle I play in an s thrash band I was just wondering what's your opinion on the iconic or any good '80s thrash tone and I play through a dual wreck right now but it's old and I would like to retire it have any good recommendations

[@SplawnQROD]

Splawn quickrod is the answer. I have one and it’s instant peace sells era Megadeth in a convenient box

[@TheJMan1K]

@@SplawnQRODcan it do exodus?

[@dnadeau819]

Quick rod owns🤘🤘

[@hugowelti6784]

Honestly, open and mid-forward are kinda like two completely opposite things.

[@belligerentamateur]

I don't agree with that statement at all

[@jaychen2000metal]

Quick Rod

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

One of ur best sounding videos 🤟

[@garettoverstreet]

NO PEDALS IN FRONT!!

[@belligerentamateur]

extra pedals in front

[@jeffparsons7449]

QuickRod

[@rossauce12]

They all kinda sound the same click. Click click. Clity. Click

[@massttrshrdrharmonicminor2002]

Moshy