Soldano SLO-100

The Soldano SLO-100, known as the Super Lead Overdrive, is a legendary guitar amplifier that has significantly influenced the high-gain sound in rock and metal music.

History of the Soldano SLO-100

• Introduction (1987): The Soldano SLO-100 was officially released in 1987 by Michael Soldano, who founded Soldano Custom Amplification in 1986. Initially, Soldano modified existing amplifiers before creating his own designs. The SLO-100 was inspired by his modifications of Fender and Mesa/Boogie amplifiers, particularly the Mesa/Boogie Mark II.
• Design Features: The SLO-100 is a 100-watt all-tube amplifier powered by four 5881 or EL34 tubes, featuring two channels—Clean and Lead. Each channel has independent controls for Gain, Volume, Treble, Mid, Bass, and Presence. Notably, the amp includes a Bright switch and a Depth control that enhances low-end response. The SLO-100 is known for its high gain and tight touch response, making it ideal for lead guitarists.
• Tonal Characteristics: The SLO-100 is celebrated for its rich harmonic content and dynamic responsiveness. It can produce everything from pristine cleans to thick, saturated overdrive. The amp's design allows for extensive tonal shaping, appealing to guitarists seeking both classic rock tones and modern high-gain sounds.
• Legacy: Since its introduction, the SLO-100 has become one of the most sought-after amplifiers in the industry. Its reputation was solidified when notable musicians began using it extensively in their rigs. Over the years, it has been praised for its craftsmanship and quality.
• Cultural Impact: The SLO-100 has been embraced by numerous high-profile guitarists across genres, further establishing its reputation as an essential tool for serious players. In 1991, Eddie Van Halen notably used an SLO-100 on the album For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, which influenced his signature Peavey 5150 model.

Popular Settings

• Clean Tones:
  • Set Gain around 4-5 for warm, clear sounds.
  • Adjust Treble to about 6-7 and Bass at 4-5 for balanced clarity.
  • Ideal for jazz or classic rock styles.
• Crunch Tones:
  • Use the Lead channel with Gain set to 6-7 for a classic rock crunch.
  • Set Treble around 6-8 to enhance brightness while keeping Mid at 5.
  • Great for blues-rock or classic rock tones.
• High-Gain Tones:
  • Increase Gain on the Lead channel to around 8-10 for rich saturation.
  • Engage the Depth control to enhance low-end response.
  • Perfect for modern rock or metal styles requiring aggressive sound.
• Dynamic Playability:
  • The amp responds well to guitar volume adjustments; rolling back on the guitar can yield cleaner tones while pushing it forward brings out overdrive.
  • Players often find that subtle changes in picking dynamics result in significant tonal shifts.

Notable Players

• Eric Clapton: Clapton was one of the first notable users of the SLO-100, appreciating its tonal versatility.
• Joe Satriani: Satriani has utilized the SLO-100 extensively in his recordings and live performances.
• Steve Vai: Vai is known for his use of Soldano amplifiers, including the SLO-100, which contributes to his signature sound.
• Eddie Van Halen: Van Halen famously used an SLO-100 during the recording of For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, influencing his later amp designs.
• Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits): Knopfler has employed the SLO-100 for its rich tones that complement his playing style.

Summary

The Soldano SLO-100 remains an iconic amplifier celebrated for its exceptional tonal capabilities and influence on modern music. Its legacy continues to inspire guitarists seeking powerful sounds from a reliable platform that blends classic influences with contemporary performance standards.