Why do so many people hate the Krankenstein?

[mightywarlock]

I've never even considered buying a Krank amp before, always figured they were some cheap crap amp with a bad reputation, trying to make their money off a short term Dime sponsorship from long ago.

But yesterday, I just discovered a couple of albums I have been trying to figure out the tones for (which I thought were recorded using Rivera's) was actually Krankenstein amps.
(tone like this...Austrian Death Machine, and Dethklok)

I really thought these guys were using Rivera's, and couldn't understand why I couldn't get the right tones when I bought KR7 awhile back. So I sold the amp and just ruled it out to studio magic.

Now that I've discovered this weekend that this was a Krankenstein, I feel like I want to try one of them, but they still seem very negatively viewed.

Supposedly the Austrian Death Machine was just a Les Paul Studio with an EMG, straight into a Krankenstein into a Mesa 4x12. That's it.

So are these amps really that bad, or is it just bad rap from years ago?

 

[glpg80]

In stock form they do "OK" but ask Juggernaut about his opinion on Krankenstein amplifiers and the story that comes with it

I really enjoyed licklighter's modification that was done to that particular Krank - it made a mediocre amplifier at best into a full on metal machine. Sounded killer.

 

[mightywarlock]

So do you think the recordings above represent a stock Krankenstein, or modified ones?

The tone is very similar...

 

[glpg80]

I believe the krank series of amplifiers is one that needs to be played before purchased. I have played a krank 1980 before and it was a less than stellar experience - I could take a marshall and with a few tweaks make it sound much better and more balanced.

 

[blackba]

A Krankenstein doesn't carry enough Rig Talk Street Cred to be a cool amp.

 

[killertone]

Couldn't give a shit about street cred, amps have to sound good for me to like them. The Krankenstein sounds terrible so I don't like it. Pretty basic theory there.

 

[rlord1974]

Couldn't give a shit about street cred, amps have to sound good for me to like them. The Krankenstein sounds terrible so I don't like it. Pretty basic theory there.

I love where your head is at.

 

[dwizted]

I have the lickliter moded Krankenstien + on a loan from from my homeboy Corpse. This thing is killer after the mod espeacialy when placing a MXR eq in the loop. This particular amp sounded like total shit before even Juggy and we all know Juggy and Corpse can dial in an amp.
And everyone knows the story of the Krank toilet paper holder during last years Dallas ampfest. This is the very same one. Lickliter did a fantastic job with the mods and made it look sick as hell with the mean green LEDs.

 

[killertone]

No doubt in my mind that Mike could make that amp sound good. Good to know he made it into something you dig.

 

[mightywarlock]

So were Dethklock and Tim Lambesis (As I lay dying and Austrian Death Machine) using modified amps, you think?
Or stock amps?

Because I like the Aggressive tone they got on those albums, and wonder about it...

 

[LickliterAmps]

Here is the amp in question. These clips were after mod.
Amp took a trip with Warbeast to Phil Anselmos' studio- "Nodferatu's Lair"
I heard that the guitars tracks sound absolutely incredible!

 

[fluff191]

WOW! NICE work on the mods, sir.

 

[mightywarlock]

I guess I have my answer.

I sent an email to Tim Lambesis's studio in San Diego and got this email back...

Hey dude, Yeah for those records I believe they were all just the normal krankenstein, we have never been able to get the same bite out of the plus. None of the amps we have are mod-ed, but all the death machine stuff we had a maxxon 808 in the chain.

Pretty cool...

I'd still be willing to give this thing a chance...

 

[rottingcorpse]

i really think the stock stien+ sounded like total ass. so much treble....i mean, seriously....so much treble. i had the presence, treble and mid sweep all below 3, and it was still and icepick to the ears. i have several friends with krankensteins that love them, but i really disliked it.

i tried to dump it several times on craigslist, but wouldn't sell it to my friends.

now with the lickliter mod, it is freaking crushing. he worked a long time to get it to where it is now. i do like running the power section maxed out, and turning the channel volume up slowly. he added a depth knob that really brings the power section to life. the presence and treble is useful now, as is the sweepable midrange, though i am running the sweep kinda low. it now has a unique sound that is very modern...and useful. different than anything else i have in the amp room. a keeper for sure.

i have a zoom q3hd coming next week and will try to get good clips of it up soon.